Jackson Hole Mountain Biking

If you’re a first time visitor to the Jackson Hole Valley, you’ll be amazed by the size and beauty of the surrounding mountains. As dauntingly steep as the mountains look, there are a number of mountain bike trails ranging from fairly easy to experts only. Detailed trail information and rental mountain bikes are available at local bike shops throughout the valley. Remember off-road biking is not allowed in Grand Teton National Park or Yellowstone National Park. Also as a trail user, you will be sharing the trails with fellow mountain bikers, hikers and equestrians. Here’s a sampling of some of the local favorites:

Cache Creek (Easy)

The Cache Creek trail is located just east of the town of Jackson. The mild grade, yet instant solitude make this an ideal ride for beginner riders or for those travelers getting acclimated. The trail is less than a mile out of town, so you can easily just bike to the trailhead. The main trail is a forest road that follows Cache Creek up the canyon. Ride this trail up to the Game Creek Trail (just over 4 miles) for a solid out and back. If you’re up to it, try some nice singletrack trails that link off the main trail.

Teton Village – Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (Easy to Intermediate)

There are a variety of trails at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Our favorite route is to take the Bridger Loop beneath the Teewinot Lift, to the North Spur Loop, to the Saratoga Loop. Then catch the Lower Face Loop, just above the Eagles Rest Loop. This will take you along the face of the mountain back to the south. Take the upper trail where the trails branch just past the union pass lift. You’ll then loop back on the lower portion of this trail. If you accidentally take the wrong trail, you’ll get dumped out in a residential area. Just take the paved road downhill to get back to the Teton Village Base.

Jackson Hole Summer Trail Map

Teton Pass Trails (Advanced)

Take Wyoming Highway 22 west from Jackson across the Snake River and into Wilson. The trails on Teton Pass can be ridden as loops or shuttled. Most of the rides in this area end with an après bike at the Stagecoach Bar, so if you can park in the lot and ride up the pass from there… or thumb a ride if you’d like to shuttle it. Check with Wilson Backcountry Sports, across the street from the post office in Wilson for detailed routes and maps of the Teton Pass Area.

Black Canyon

The Black Canyon Trail is a must ride for any mountain bike trip to Jackson Hole. The trail follows the ridgeline of Teton pass. You’ll get a spectacular view of Jackson Hole and pass through broad meadows, teeming with wildflowers. You can ride the entire loop up the old Teton pass road, or shuttle up to the top of the pass. Be aware that you may encounter hikers and equestrians, so watch your speed on the downhill, because you can really let it rip.

Philips Canyon

The Arrow Trail was recently added to the Philips Canyon area by the Boy Scouts of America Order of the Arrow and other local volunteers. This new trail now has three miles of sweet singletrack that weaves through thick pine forests and high alpine meadows. Over 1000 Boy Scouts got together and build the trail in a week!

Teton Pass Freeride Trails

The Freeride trails on Teton Pass are truly epic. You’ll find big banked turns and lots of features like logs, rocks and gap jumps. Each feature was required to have a “safe” line around it by the Forest Service, so if you’re not up for big air, you can still enjoy the trails. Most riders shuttle these trails from the base of the pass in Wilson. Check with Wilson Backcountry Sports for trail information and conditions. They also offer Mountain Bike Rentals.