Jackson Hole has emerged as a world-class mountain biking destination. An abundance of trails and bike shops makes it easy for bikers of all abilities to get on two wheels, off or on the pavement. Read on for all the essential information and suggestions you will need for cycling in the Tetons.
Best For:
Bikers of every age and level. It makes no difference whether you are a recreational weekend biker, an accomplished mountain biker or a long-distance racing cyclist, Jackson Hole has more than enough paved horizontal and vertical dirt-covered trails for all.
What Are My Options?
In three words, the answer is “There are multiple!” Jackson Hole biking offers something for everyone, from amazing dirt track courses to challenge the legs and a gentle Pathways system for the whole family. Jackson Hole and Grand Targhee mountain resorts boast amazing, high-adrenaline mountain bike parks. Snow King Mountain's network of cross-country bike trails winds through a series of sunny aspen groves as it crisscrosses the ski hill and stretches into nearby Cache Creek on the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Serious adventure junkies need to go only a few miles west to get their fix.
For those looking for a mellower ride, check out Jackson's popular Pathways. The nearly 70 miles of paved bike trails (e-bikes are not allowed) run between Jackson, Wilson and Teton Village and include a wildly scenic 15-mile stretch of multi-use trail that rests within the borders of Grand Teton National Park. The park boasts the most paved trails out of any national park and claims to have the best; the views from your handlebars are hands-down the most amazing in the West.
Find suggested itineraries for street biking here:
Click here to review maps.
Old Pass Road is a multi-use paved pathway that gradually climbs from the Town of Wilson to the summit of Teton Pass, gaining more than 2,000 vertical feet from beginning to end. The views from the top of the Pass are stunning. This ride suits road or mountain bikes, and Old Pass Road provides connections to a large network of more advanced downhill mountain-biking trails.
If an extended ride is what you’re after, head up the Cache Creek Road and onto the Game Creek Trail. This popular ride—appropriately dubbed "Cache to Game"—completes a fantastic 20-some-mile loop that can start and finish in town. The most extended and grueling ride is the “Around the Block” route: a 100-mile loop that extends west over Teton Pass, south on Pine Creek Pass and back north through the scenic Snake River Canyon.
During the winter months, fat biking is a terrific option. Teton Mountain Bike is the best place in Jackson Hole to rent fat bikes and obtain information on riding the local groomed fat bike singletrack trails.
When’s a Good Time To Go?
Whenever the spirit moves you. Myriad of opportunities abound during all four seasons to pedal in and around our highways and byways, including Grand Teton National Park.
Quick Facts
What: Street, mountain and fat biking
Where: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Grand Targhee and Snow King Mountain, and paved pathways in and around Jackson and Grand Teton National Park. The valley of Jackson Hole has more than 56 miles of paved pathways that link the town of Jackson to Teton Village and Grand Teton National Park and more than 115 miles of mountain bike trails.
How: Rent a bike if you haven’t brought your own; see the section below that lists bike shops and other rental choices.
Average Cost: $55 for adult pathways bikes; $45 for juniors/ $90 for mountain bikes; $65 for fat bikes
Highlights: The scenery. The scenery. The scenery.
Traveler Tip: Teton Mountain Bike Tours offers guided rides for all abilities.
What Should I Bring?
Make sure you have plenty of water along for the ride and take a swig of it often. The elevation in Jackson Hole is approximately 6,400 feet above sea level on the bike trails and pathways; if you are mountain biking, the elevation rises. Because of our elevation, you may also find that you are hungrier than usual so pack extra snacks. Additionally, you will need to apply sunscreen more frequently.
Don’t forget to bring your Grand Teton National Park pass. Bikers need passes at the Moran and Moose entry stations. The cost for cyclists to enter is $20.
Take stops along the way. If you are biking the 17-mile trip from town to Jenny Lake, Dornan’s in Moose is a great place to stop for lunch and cold drinks.
Where Can I Rent a Bike?
Equip yourself with the proper cycling supplies. If you forget to pack an item, you can purchase it at one of the many bike outfitters around Jackson Hole. Those businesses include TV Sports, JH Sports, Wilson Backcountry Rentals, Snow King Mountain Sports, Grand Targhee rentals, Teton Mountain Bike, Hoback Sports, Headwall Recycle, Adventure Sports (Dornans), Hoff’s Bikesmith, and Open Range Cycles.
If you’re looking for a company to drop off a bike close to you, check out E-Bike Rentals of Jackson Hole. Just reserve your bike online and choose your desired location to pick up your bike. They’ll pick it up for you too.
The Last Word
The most diverse fun you can have on two wheels is right here in the Tetons. We recommend you do your homework beforehand on where you’d like to ride and even make bicycle rental reservations before you arrive. And, please remember the following rules for biking:
• Wear a helmet
• Obey traffic laws
• Signal your intentions
• Be predictable
• Be visible