The Ten Best Hikes Near Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Grand Teton National Park and the Teton Range are just minutes from Jackson Hole, making the greater Teton area one of best places to go hiking. From picturesque vistas to abundant wildlife sightings, nearly every hike in the Tetons is an unforgettable adventure. With a great selection of trails, here are the ten best hikes near Jackson Hole in the Tetons.
#1 Hike in Jackson Hole
Jenny Lake
The hike around the perimeter of Jenny Lake is a 7.9 mile loop. Sitting at the base of the Teton range, Jenny Lake is a beautiful destination for a hike. This hike is fairly easy and can easily be done as a group or family. The trail gets frequent use during the spring and summer months. As this hike is in the Tetons near water, expect to spot various types of wildlife.
#2 Hike in Jackson Hole
Taggart Lake
Also known as the Taggart and Bradley Lakes hike, this hike is considered easy to moderate is just 5.5 miles, round trip. As the name suggests, there are two lakes - Bradley Lake, and Taggart Lake - both with unmatched views of the Teton mountain range. The trail is typically very well maintained.
Due to the shorter length and difficulty of this hike, it is one of the more popular hikes in Grand Teton National Park. To visit both lakes, start at the trailhead and head to Bradley lake first, then on your way back, take the trail to Taggart Lake.
#3 Hike in Jackson Hole
Josie’s Ridge
A popular and well-known hike, Josie’s ridge is a total of 3.4 miles in and out and features some good gains in elevation. Located just outside of downtown Jackson, this hike is known for a rewarding view of Jackson unlike any other hike offers. For those looking for even more elevation and spanning views, the Josie’s Ridge trail does connect to the Snow King trail as well.
#4 Hike in Jackson Hole
Cache Creek
The Cache Creek trailhead provides a treasure trove of options for those looking to hike, horseback ride, or mountain bike near Jackson Hole. Located close to downtown Jackson and the Snow King area, the trailhead for Cache Creek is located in the expansive Bridger-Teton National Forest. This hiking area is regularly visited, so the trails are maintained well. Once you’ve arrived at the Cache Creek trailhead, you’ll be able to choose which hike you want from the information kiosk located at the trailhead. Similar to most hikes around the area, be prepared to see wildlife, and when you do, be respectful and enjoy from afar.
#5 Hike in Jackson Hole
Delta Lake
The round trip hike to Delta Lake is approximately 7.4 miles and takes around 4-5 hours to complete. The hike is known to be more of a challenging hike, but is still a well-known and popular hike, so you’ll likely find fellow hikers on this trail. This particular hike is popular for wildlife sightings, great vistas, and for those brave enough, an opportunity for a dip in a cold mountain lake once you reach the end of your climb.
#6 Hike in Jackson Hole
Hidden Falls
If you are visiting Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park for the first time, this hike is strongly recommended, if not required. Once you arrive at Jenny Lake, take the Jenny Lake boat shuttle across Jenny Lake, then begin the short two mile hike. The elevation gain for this hike is under 500 feet, and oftentimes you’ll see toddlers on this trail due to its relative easiness. Due to the high amount of traffic on this trail, it is well-maintained. Keep an eye out for black bears along the lake.
#7 Hike in Jackson Hole
Black Canyon
This short hike, just under four miles, is slightly different from others in that you start at a high elevation (around 8,500 feet) on Teton Pass, so the elevation gain is already taken care of. Once you drive through Wilson and to the summit of Teton Pass, look for a parking spot on the South side of the road in the large lot. The hike starts at the west end of the parking lot at the access road. After following that for about a half mile (and a short switchback), the trail will leave the road to the right near the electrical tower. After a slight climb over the next 1.5 miles through breathtaking alpine meadows, you’ll arrive at the head of Black Canyon.
#8 Hike in Jackson Hole
Phelps Lake
This hike is very well known for having one of the best lake views throughout the entirety of Grand Teton National Park. The hike is short - around just two miles - and has a small elevation gain under 500 feet, making this hike a great option for a short hike or family hike with younger kids. The hike starts at the Death Canyon Trailhead, and the road to get there is known to be a bit rough at times, so an SUV with adequate 4WD is advised.
#9 Hike in Jackson Hole
Granite Canyon
The trailhead for this hike can be found by driving north on Teton Village Road. Once you pass the turnoff to Teton Village, you’ll arrive at a National Park entrance station. About a half mile past that entrance is the Granite Creek trailhead. Once you reach the junction in the trail, just over a mile into the hike, go right until the next junction, then go left. This takes you into Granite Canyon, where you can hike as far into the canyon as you please, and can return to the trailhead via the same route.
#10 Hike in Jackson Hole
Two Ocean Lake
This hike, while well-known, is not often as populated with hikers. As it is located in the northeast portion of Grand Teton National Park, the views of the Teton Range are from further away and provide a better idea of just how big the range and peaks are. To reach the trailhead, drive to the Moran entrance of Grand Teton National Park, then turn right onto Pacific Creek Road, and head down that road approximately four miles to the trailhead. The hike to Two Ocean Lake is roughly six miles. This hike is located in an area with frequent Grizzly Bear sightings, so carry pepper spray, and stay alert during this hike. If you do encounter a bear, keep your distance and view from afar.
Final Thoughts
Each of these great hikes in the Tetons is special in its own way. Whichever hikes you choose to take, be sure to pack everything you need for a successful hike, leave any area as you found it, pack out what you pack in, and be considerate of other hikers on the trail.