Biking in Jackson Hole
Jackson Hole is quickly becoming a summer and fall biking Mecca. The valley of Jackson Hole has over 56 miles of paved pathways that link the town of Jackson to Teton Village and Grand Teton National Park, and over 115 miles of mountain bike trails. Whatever style of riding – it is available – and often on un-crowded trails with breathtakingly scenic views. From flat, paved pathways to steep single track, the valley has an astonishing variety in the trail system. With the same type of variety in lodging options, dining, après bike activities and free outdoor concerts, Jackson Hole is truly the perfect biking destination.
Road Bike in the shadows of the Tetons
The Jackson Hole Community Pathway system allows visitors and locals alike to travel around the valley car free linking the town of Jackson, town of Wilson, Teton Village and Grand Teton National Park. GTNP has more miles of separated pathways for cycling and walking than any other national park in the United States.
The multi-use pathway in Grand Teton National Park opened to the public in 2009, and now has been expanded from Jenny Lake 30-some miles south back to the town of Jackson. These pathways link up with exisiting and future pathways in the Town of Jackson, all the way out to us here in Teton Village. An incredible bridge spanning the Snake River is dedicated solely as a pathway.
For the earnest road biker looking to gain some serious vertical and put in big mileage, try going “Around the Block.” This route which takes riders on a 100-plus mile loop west over Teton Pass, south on Pine Creek Pass and back around north through the Snake River Canyon. This grueling, yet beautiful ride is definitely a bucket list ride for any serious rider.
One-Way Rentals
Pathway and road bike rentals can include a complimentary one-way bus pass for the START bus and bike rentals can be returned to the town of Jackson at Hoback Sports or in Teton Village at TVS, depending on where you start your ride. This complimentary bus pass will provide you the opportunity to ride wherever you’d like along the pathways and return at your leisure. Inquire more with Hoback Sports or Teton Village Sports.
Cross Country Mountain Biking
With cross country biking trails all over the valley, the trail system allows for all day adventure rides or an easy short ride. The greater Snow King Area trails, including the Cache Creek drainage is home to many great mountain bike trails with the convenience of starting right in town. Test your legs and lungs as you ascend the Ferrin’s Trail (over 1,200 vertical feet in a shady switch back trail) to the summit of the ridge overlooking town and the entire Teton Range. Trails like Putt Putt, Hagen’s, and the Sidewalk are great rides, with less elevation change, that are easily accessed from town. For an extended ride – head up the Cache Creek road and onto the Game Creek trail. This popular ride “Cache to Game” completes a fantastic 20 some mile loop that can start and finish in town.
Head to Teton Pass and explore newer trails accessed from the Phillips trailhead, such as Snowtel, Arrow and Philips Ridge trail. If you feel like working hard, start from the bottom of Teton Pass, and peddle up Old Pass Road to the top of Teton Pass (over 2,200 elevation gain). Also, the drive south from Wilson to Munger Mountain is worth the trip, with over 15 rolling miles of new trails, you’ll be sure to enjoy breathtaking scenery and more wildlife than other bikers on the trails on most days.
Downhill Mountain Biking
Bridger-Teton National Forest, the local bike shops, clubs, and associations have been hard at work building and buffing out some stellar downhill runs on the epic terrain accessed from Teton Pass.
Bike Park
The new Jackson Hole Bike Park located at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Teton Village offers the only lift serviced riding in the valley. The Park features six impeccably designed downhill trails with features to suit every level of courage and skill. Absent are jaw-jarring rocky trails, replaced with smooth trail beds, banked corners, and buffed take offs and transitions on terrain ranked green to black for every level of rider—including total beginners. After you have exhausted yourself on the many trails offered in the park – try a taco and a beer from the Tin Can Cantina or take the free Gondola ride up to the Couloir and the Deck restaurants to relax, refuel and enjoy the scenery.
Biking by the numbers in Jackson Hole:
- The valley of Jackson Hole has over 56 miles of paved pathways that link the town of Jackson to Teton Village and Grand Teton National Park
- The valley has over 115 miles of mountain bike trails
Resource for Maps: http://www.friendsofpathways.org/maps/
