Summer is here and Jackson Hole is buzzing.
We have been hiking the trails as a family every weekend and it truly is my happy place. I’m so grateful to share all of the amazing trails I’ve discovered around Jackson Hole with my daughter. But of course, we are starting with literal baby steps & snacks. So many snacks. We let her walk until she needs to hop in this carrier which is essential when taking baby/toddler on the trails.
I get asked a lot about what hikes to do in Jackson Hole and the choices really are endless. I thought I’d break it down to my favorite day hikes with notes if it’s child or dog friendly. And if you’re a local – don’t fret. I’m still keeping some of our hidden gems a secret.
A Few Trail Etiquette Reminders Before You Go:
Know Your Right of Way. Did you know that hikers going UPHILL have the right of way? Think of it this way….they are working harder, huffin’ and puffin’, so step aside so they can keep going. Unless of course they say to go-ahead.
🐻 Carry Bear Spray. Always. And know how to use it. It protects you and the bears. Watch a quick youtube video on it. You can rent or return it at several shops around town, or donate it at the airport when you leave in a designated bin.
🥾 Stay on the Trail. This should be basic knowledge but it’s remarkable to see people walking wherever they damn please. It disrupts the vegetation and can kill important plant species. This sounds nuts but your shoes from the east coast may very well have seedlings on them that could be invasive to our area. They can cause more damage than you think.
Leave no trace. This one should go without saying, but here we are. Pack it in, pack it out. That means everything, including wrappers, tissues, gear, and yes — even your 💩 (there are kits for that, by the way). Let’s keep our trails clean.
🦌 Respect wildlife. Seeing a moose or a bear is a magical part of being in Jackson — but they’re not here for your content. Please give them space, stay in your car if you’re roadside, and do not approach. Use that camera zoom and be the cool, respectful human.
Plan ahead. The best adventures start with a little prep. Hotel rooms, campsites, and rental gear book up fast, and cell service in the backcountry can be non-existent. Make your reservations, download your maps, and give yourself a buffer to avoid stress. And hitting the trails early is your best option.
Rent (don’t ship!) your gear locally. Need bear spray, a kid hiking carrier, or backcountry camping gear? You can rent it all right here in town — and support a local business while you’re at it. It’s cheaper, more convenient, and better for the planet. It’s not fun to spend $50+ on a can of bear spray only to dump it at the airport.
A Few Favorite Jackson Hole Day Hikes
*NOTE* In July and August, it really is best to get to the trails early to snag a parking spot and beat the crowds
Goodwin Lake
This one is located on the opposite side of the valley, up Curtis Canyon. It’s one of my favorites to take dogs and is a solid half-day hike. Once you get to the lake you can continue on up to the top of Jackson Peak but allocate enough time for that.
- 🐶 – Dog Friendly
- 👧🏻🧒🏼 – Kid Friendly for Ages 8+ (it’s a long day for little legs)
Taggart/Bradley
Perfect for families with little kids, older folks, or first-timers to altitude. Incredible views of the Tetons, mellow elevation gain, and a picture-perfect lake to picnic by.
- 🚫🐶 – No Dogs allowed in GTNP
- 👧🏻🧒🏼 – Kid Friendly
Phelps Lake
There are two ways to get here, one is way more flat but more populated than the other. Both are beautiful.
Route 1: If you want to go the easy route, park at Rockefeller Preserve. But make sure to go early to get a parking spot, it fills up fast.
- 🚫🐶 – No Dogs allowed in GTNP
- 👧🏻🧒🏼 – Kid Friendly – This is a great one to take little kids on!
Route 2: If you want to take the more challenging and less traveled route, you’ll want to start at Death Canyon. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2h+ to complete.
- 🚫🐶 – No Dogs allowed in GTNP
- 👧🏻🧒🏼 – Kid Friendly
There’s a Jumping Rock on the right side of the lake so bring a suit! This is a very popular area for hiking and running, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring, but still bring bear spray. I’ve seen many bears on this trail.
Delta Lake
One of the more challenging day hikes in the park but the beauty you encounter is worth every step. This used to be top secret but over the years it became known as “Instagram Lake” so now the word is out – and the trails are easier to find. There is a large section of rock to scramble up at the top so I recommend being in shape and bringing hiking poles for the way down.
- 🚫🐶 – No Dogs allowed in GTNP
- 🚫👧🏻🧒🏼 – Not Kid Friendly – Ages 10+ recommended
Bear Paw Lake
Another relatively flat but long hike in GTNP. I absolutely love doing this out and back hike which takes a good portion of the day. You pass gorgeous lakes and it’s relatively quite once you pass String Lake trailhead.
- 🚫🐶 – No Dogs allowed in GTNP
- 👧🏻🧒🏼 – Kid Friendly – Ages 8+ recommended or bring a carrier
Ski Lake
This one is located on Teton Pass in Wilson. It’s a great morning or afternoon hike and another great option for dogs. It’s moderately strenuous and starts at a higher elevation so take that into consideration.
- 🐶 – Dog Friendly
- 👧🏻🧒🏼 – Kid Friendly – Ages 8+ recommended or bring a carrier
Static Peak
For a more strenuous all dayer, Static Peak gets you high without any technical climbing needed. Despite the name, it’s stunning and worth every step. Wildflowers in mid-summer are unreal. You’ll need bear spray and some stamina for this one, but the views? Next level.
- 🚫🐶 – No Dogs allowed in GTNP
- 🚫👧🏻🧒🏼 – Not Kid Friendly – Ages 10+ recommended
Blue Miner Lake
This one is tough and all -day, so I would personally recommend camping for the night, or starting very early in the morning. It’s in the Gros Ventre Range so you can take dogs! It takes you to the back side of Sleeping Indian and isn’t heavily trafficked – you’ll be lucky if you see anyone. Lots of gorgeous meadows and vistas.
- 🐶 – Dogs allowed
- 🚫👧🏻🧒🏼 – Not Kid Friendly – Ages 10+ recommended