A Local’s Guide to Trail Running in Jackson Hole

Jackson’s not just a place to run, it’s a place where the scenery might make you forget you’re running at all (until the altitude reminds you). I’ve spent years chasing miles and chasing views here, and I’m letting you in on my go-to trails.

🏔️ Grand Teton National Park: The Big Leagues of Trail Running

Delta Lake – The Steep & Stunning Showstopper

7.5 miles out & back, 2,300 ft gain
Steep switchbacks, a bit of rock scrambling, and a crystal-blue lake with the Grand Teton looming overhead. The only downside? You’ll have to share it with a crowd of hikers who will be equally out of breath.

Surprise & Amphitheater Lakes – The Two-for-One Special

9.9 miles out & back, 2,900 ft gain
Skip Delta’s turn-off and keep climbing to two alpine lakes with fewer people and just as much “wow.” Bonus points if you link it with Delta for the three-lake jackpot.

Phelps Lake – The Jump Rock Classic

6.6-mile loop, 615 ft gain
Moderate effort, major views, and a perfect post-run plunge off the famous jump rock. A crowd favorite for both tourists and locals who know the best swim spots.

Jenny Lake – The Postcard Loop

7.1-mile loop, 450 ft gain
Flat, scenic, and a Teton view from every angle. Watch for wildlife and take the mid-run jump rock detour. My high school cross-country team swore by it every summer.

Garnet Canyon – The Instant Mountain Immersion

8 miles out & back, 2,311 ft gain
My personal all-time favorite. You’re in dramatic canyon country within four miles, surrounded by towering rock walls. Continue deeper if you want to feel like you’re running through a Teton mountaineer’s dream.

Static Peak – The Wildflower Summit Sprint (Kind Of)

16 miles out & back, 5,446 ft gain
From Death Canyon to the top, enjoy smooth switchbacks, fields of wildflowers, and sweeping views of the Grand and Buck Mountain. No sketchy scrambling required.

Teton Crest Trail – The Big Kahuna

40 miles point-to-point, ~9,000 ft gain
This is it — the ultimate bucket-list run. A full traverse of the Tetons with backcountry solitude, dreamlike singletrack, and bragging rights for years. Pack big: food, water filter, and bear spray are non-negotiable.

---

In the Valley: Where the Locals Log Their Miles

🌲 Cache Creek – Choose Your Own Adventure

No set route here — just a web of shaded trails alongside a creek, wildflowers in summer, and plenty of options to make a loop that fits your mood (or your quads).

Teton Pass: Big Climbs, Big Views, Small Crowds

⛰ Old Pass Road to Mt. Glory – The Quad Burner

2,600 ft climb to the pass + 1,700 ft in 0.6 miles to the summit
Climb to the pass, then dig deep for the Mt. Glory push — short, steep, and worth it for the panoramic payoff.

---

🏅 Quick Picks for Trail Runners

Best for Beginners:

• Phelps Lake Loop – Easy navigation, moderate climb, plenty of scenery.

Best for a Post-Run Swim:

• Phelps Lake & Jenny Lake – Both have jump rocks for the brave.

Best “Wow” Views for Minimum Miles:

• Garnet Canyon – Mountain immersion in just four miles (one way).

Best Big-Day Adventure:

• Teton Crest Trail – 40 miles of bucket-list running.

Best for Avoiding Crowds:

• Cache Creek – Shaded, quiet, and customizable.

Best Wildflower Show:

• Static Peak – Peak bloom in July/August.

Best Quad-Burner:

• Old Pass Road to Mt. Glory – Steep, short, and satisfying.

💡 Local Tip: No matter which trail you choose, bring water, snacks, and bear spray. And remember: in Jackson Hole, the views are free, but the climbs will make you pay.