Jackson Hole Biking - Take it on the Road or on the Trail
Jackson Hole biking is a terrific way to condition your body as you feed your soul. The residents here like their bikes in summer and the 28 miles of paved paths that wind through the valley, connecting communities, attest to that. There is something for everyone here, from flats that seem to go on forever, to climbs, descents and varied mountain trail terrain.
Jackson Hole Biking Via Road Rides-
The Antelope Flats Loop -
Easy to moderate ride, accessible April to October. This ride loops through a section of the eastern side of Grand Teton National Park and offers incredible Teton Mountain views since you're at a short distance from the base of the mountains. Since the land is open, you'll likely spot wildlife here too, such as bison, elk, moose and coyote. From Jackson, follow the highway north past the airport and turn right onto Antelope Flats Road, just pass the Moose turn-off. The road will take you to what is known as Mormon Row. Be sure to stop and see the historic barns here. Do NOT approach the bison!! Antelope Flats Road will make a sharp right and take you to the small town of Kelly. From Kelly, catch the Gros Venre Road back to the main highway, where you will turn left to return to Jackson. The loop is 34 miles and should take 1.5 to 2.5 hours to complete.
Signal Mountain -
Moderate to strenuous ride, accessible May to October, includes an entrance fee to Grand Teton National Park ($10/biker or $20/family). This ride is well within the heavily-visited portion of the park and could be trafficky. But such scenery! The ride up Signal Mountain makes it strenuous, but much of the ride is pretty flat. From Jackson, ride north on the highway, turn left at Moose Junction to enter the Park. Continue on the scenic highway that runs along the base of the Tetons, to the Signal Mountain turn-off on your right. After climbing Signal Mountain, and stopping to enjoy the valley and mountain view, head back to Jackson the way you came. Turn right at North Jenny Lake Junction for a gorgeous side trip that will take you along that lake's shoreline. The round trip from Jackson to the summit of Signal Mountain is a whopping 67 miles, but the vast majority of the ride is flat. Allow 4 to 6 hours.
Teton Village and Fall Creek -
Moderate to strenuous ride, accessible April to November, and good in dubious weather because there are many options for getting indoors along the way. Start off in Jackson and follow Highway 22 to the right turn towards Teton Village. The paved bike that runs parallel to the highway begins about 100 yards after this turn. This will take you to Teton Village, at the base of the Jackson Hole Ski Resort. You might want to stop for refreshments before turning back. At the intersection of Teton Village Road and Highway 22, this time turn right towards Wilson. At Wilson turn left onto the repaved Fall Creek Road, which is shady with aspen trees and quiet. Enjoy a ride down this road for 5 miles or so before returning to Jackson. The whole shebang is about 52 miles and should take from 3 to 5 hours.
Jackson Hole Biking Via Mountain Trail Rides-(note: mountain biking is prohibited on GTNP hiking trails)
Elk Refuge -
Easy to strenuous (in Curtis Canyon) aerobically and easy to intermediate technically. Lower route accessible April to November and Curtis Canyon accessible through October. Start at the town square in Jackson and take Broadway east until it turns into a dirt road. Look for the sign for the National Elk Refuge. You can stay on flat ground in the elk refuge for an easy ride or choose to make it more strenuous by riding up Curtis Canyon. For those seeking a little exercise variety, park your bike at the top of the canyon and hike up the trail there to see Goodwin Lake. Then return to town or take a spin through the northern section of the refuge, along Flat Creek Road. This trip is up to 30 miles and should take 1 to 4 hours.
Shadow Mountain Loop -
Moderate aerobically and intermediate (no singletrack) to advanced (singletrack) technically. Accessible May to October. Drive from Jackson north to the Gros Ventre turnoff and turn right to the town of Kelly. Continue on Antelope Flats Road, 5.2 miles until the road becomes a dirt road, go another 0.5 miles to a campground and park there. Get on your bike and take the road on the right (marked #30340). Get consistent Teton views (Cathedral Group) on this ride. You'll pass an old fire lookout, just off the road. Climb up for even better views. The ride is 10.5 miles and takes 3 to 4 hours.
Phillips Canyon Loop -
Moderate to strenuous aerobically and expert (singletrack) technically. From Late June to October. This ride is truly Jackson Hole mountain biking due to its location in the southern end of the Teton Range. Highway 22 out of Jackson takes you through Wilson and up Teton Pass. Just one mile past Wilson (across from the Heidelberg), turn left on Trail Creek Road. This goes to the parking lot for Old Pass Road. Take your bike through the metal gate and begin your ride of ascents, descents, switchbacks, rocks, creeks, logs and roots. About 1.7 miles in, at the start of the third switchback, there is a singletrack that runs into Hwy. 22. Cross the highway and uphill about 20 yards is the track you want. You will eventually descend through Phillips Canyon, back to the valley. Then, it's that one mile climb back up the pass to your car. Allow 2.5 to 3.5 hours for this 14.6 mile loop.
Jackson Hole Bike Shops-
Hoback Sports
520 W. Broadway
Jackson, WY 83001
(307) 733-5335
Wilson Backcountry Sports
1230 Ida Drive
Wilson, WY 83014
(307) 733-5228
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