Favorite Local Walks in Jackson Hole

Sometimes a stroll down the trail is just what you need to get those legs moving after a tough day on the ski hill. And we all know that “they” say sitting is the new “cancer”…hence the movement towards standing desks. So here’s a list of some favorite local walks in Jackson Hole where you can unwind, enjoy the scenary, take that dog for a stroll or visit with friends.

A favorite walk among locals is the northeast side of the Snake River dyke called Emily’s Pond. There is a turn off about 1/8 of mile from the Snake River Bridge on the northeast side of HWY 22 and there is a large parking lot. The wide, large path follows the dyke for several miles, allows dogs under control and has gorgeous photo ops with the Snake and the Tetons throughout. In the winter, moose frequent this area so be sure to be on the lookout and to give them a really wide birth.

Another favorite place to go for a stroll in Jackson Hole is on one of the bike paths that connect at the Village Rd Transit Center (AKA Stilson)   . Sure, it doesn’t sound very exciting but this is a central hub of where HWY 22 connects with HWY 390 (Moose-Wilson Rd AKA Teton Village Rd). You can cross our beautiful Friends of Pathways’ Snake River Bridge to connect to Emily’s Pond, you can walk down the bike path of Moose Wilson Rd, or you can stroll out to Wilson from this central hub. Locals are most often found on the Stilson to Wilson Elementary School route because dogs are allowed and a groomed cross-country/skate ski trail parallels the bike path.

Cache Creek Trail is another popular walking spot in the winter. However, unless you are a dog owner, this spot can get a little overrun with canine friends. This trail is also a critical wildlife habitat, with several moose frequenting the area and you do have to be careful not to bother them. Still, you can go as far in to this beautiful spot as you want, making it the perfect place for a quick walk. This trail can be accessed in Jackson by following Redmond Street and turning on Cache Creek, following it all the way until it ends.

South of town, a favorite short but sweet walk is the old HWY 89. Headed south, you can turn onto Game Creek Rd and rather than head up that road (where another great walk exists before the road turns up the hill), you can pull straight in and park at the end of that road where the pile of snow stops you. Climb around the snow pile and walk along the old HWY 89. The views of the valley are fabulous and aside from seeing some deer on the hillside, you should be rather uninterupted.

There are a plethora of bike paths and trails that make for favorite local walks in Jackson Hole. It’s purely a matter of where you live and whether you are carting around kids, a dog and if you want to see other people.  For example, if you want to be away from dogs, try the Elk Refuge Road or the Inner Park Road. If you want to bring your kids, definitely go to Rendezvous Park on the north corner of HWY 22 and 390. Jackson Hole is all about it’s outside winter activities, and we love all these local walking spots!