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This is just the beginning.....
🏞️ Iconic & Must-Do Hikes
1. Paintbrush-Cascade Canyon Loop
- Distance: ~19 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Highlights: Traverse alpine meadows, visit Lake Solitude, and cross Paintbrush Divide at 10,700 feet. This loop offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in Grand Teton National Park.
Adventure Level: Expert Mode Activated.
If you’re thinking about tackling this 19-mile loop near Moran, Wyoming, make sure your hiking resume is up to snuff; this trail doesn’t mess around. It’s a tough one, beloved by backpackers, campers, and hikers who like their adventures with a side of “Are we sure about this?”
You’ll kick things off at String Lake, winding your way up Paintbrush Canyon and coasting back down Cascade Canyon, with star-studded stops at Holly Lake, Lake Solitude, Inspiration Point, and Hidden Falls. Sounds dreamy, right? Well, not so fast, snow loves to crash the party, sometimes lingering well into June (and sometimes July), especially on the pass and those steep, rocky slopes.
Keep a sharp eye on trail conditions, and don’t forget your snow gear and mountaineering swagger if you’re headed out early in the season. Oh, and leave your four-legged hiking buddy at home as dogs aren’t allowed, no matter how cute they look in a backpack.
Prime hiking season: May through September. Bring snacks, a camera, and a can-do attitude… you’re gonna need all three.
2. Hidden Falls & Inspiration Point
- Distance: ~2 miles round trip (via boat shuttle)
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Highlights: A classic hike featuring a 100-foot waterfall and panoramic views over Jenny Lake. Accessible by hiking around the lake or taking a shuttle boat across.
Short, Sweet, and Packed With Views.
Ready for a quick adventure? This 1.8-mile out-and-back trail near Moose, Wyoming is calling your name, and it’s bringing the whole crowd with it. It’s moderately challenging (translation: enough uphill to feel like you earned your views) and usually takes about 57 minutes if you don’t stop for 37 photos of Jenny Lake… which you absolutely will.
Best hiking months? May through October. Dog lovers, brace yourselves: your furry sidekicks have to sit this one out, no pups allowed.
Parking at South Jenny Lake in summer? Think Black Friday, but with hiking boots. To snag a spot, roll in before 9:00 AM or after 4:00 PM, otherwise, your most scenic view might just be the back of someone’s Subaru.
3. Surprise Lake – Amphitheater Lake
- Distance: ~10 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Highlights: Ascend nearly 3,000 feet to reach a serene alpine lake nestled beneath towering peaks. A favorite among seasoned hikers.
Lakes, Scrambles, and a Side of Bragging Rights.
Got about 10 miles of energy to burn? Perfect. This out-and-back adventure near Moose, Wyoming is ready to humble you, in the best way. It’s a tough trail (no sugarcoating here) that rewards your sweat with not one, not two, but three gorgeous lakes.
You’ll probably bump into fellow hikers, bird nerds, and hopeful anglers along the way, so if you’re looking for complete solitude, maybe try a Tuesday during a snowstorm. Also, Fido has to stay home; no dogs allowed on this route, even if they’re wearing a tiny hiking backpack.
The trail can get a little sneaky with its markings, so downloading an offline map is a solid move. Expect some rocky scrambles too, so sturdy boots and trekking poles aren’t just a good idea, they’re practically your new best friends. Bonus: wildlife sightings are common, so keep your eyes peeled (but maybe not too peeled if it’s a bear).
4. Phelps Lake Loop
- Distance: ~6.6 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: A scenic loop around Phelps Lake, offering opportunities for wildlife sightings and a popular “jump rock” for swimming.
Scenic, Social, and Slightly Sweaty.
Looking for a hike that’s just the right amount of effort with a whole lot of scenery payoff? This 6.6-mile loop near Moose, Wyoming checks all the boxes. Clocking in at around 2.5 hours (or longer if you’re a serial photo-taker), it’s moderately challenging and popular.
Sorry, dog parents, no pups allowed on this one.
The trail cruises along a creek and circles Phelps Lake, with most of it being blissfully flat (your knees will thank you). It’s super well-marked, so getting lost would require real effort. Keep your eyes peeled for epic photo ops at Huckleberry Point and that iconic giant rock across the lake, yes, the one everyone scrambles to like it’s the summit of Everest.
Best hiking months? May through September. Bring snacks, bring a sense of wonder… maybe leave the picnic basket unless you’re looking to make new bear friends.
5. Taggart & Bradley Lakes
- Distance: ~6 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Highlights: Traverse glacial moraines and enjoy stunning views of the Teton Range reflected in pristine alpine lakes.
A Little Loop With a Lot to Love.
Ready to stretch your legs (and maybe your patience with crowds)? This 6.0-mile loop near Moose, Wyoming is a fan favorite, and for good reason. Clocking in at about 2.5 hours, it’s moderately challenging, meaning you’ll break a sweat but still have energy left for victory snacks afterward.
As with many trails in the area, dogs have to sit this one out. No pups allowed, no matter how much they practice their sad “take me with you” face.
The best time to hit this trail is May through September, when the weather’s friendly and the vibes are high. Lace up, grab some water, and prepare for a loop that’s as photogenic as it is fun, bonus points if you can spot some wildlife while you’re at it.
🌲 Hidden Gems & Lesser-Known Trails
1. Sacred Rim (Pinedale – 77 miles south of Jackson Hole)
- Distance: ~3.3 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Easy
- Highlights: Though a bit farther afield, this trail offers stunning vistas and a peaceful setting away from the crowds.
Short Hike, Giant Payoff.
Looking for big views without a weeklong trek? The 3.3-mile out-and-back Sacred Rim Trail near Pinedale, Wyoming delivers, and then some. It’s moderately challenging (your legs will feel it, but they won’t file a formal complaint).
Bonus: Dogs are welcome and can even roam off-leash in some areas… cue the happy tail wags!
You’ll start at Trails End Campground, complete with parking and bathroom facilities (luxuries you’ll definitely appreciate before and after).
Heads up: there’s a sneaky, unmarked turnoff from the Pole Creek Trail that can be easy to miss, so keep your map handy and your “Where the heck am I?” instincts sharp.
The trail winds through shady Bridger Wilderness woods before popping you out at one of the most jaw-dropping overlooks in the country. Sacred Rim Overlook = certified “wow” moment. Bring your camera and maybe a backup battery, because you’re going to want all the photos.
Best time to go? June through October. Best time to brag about it? Immediately after.
🚨🚨🚨 More Hidden Gems Will Be Posted Soon.
🧭 Planning Tips
- Wildlife Safety: Carry bear spray and know how to use it; wildlife such as moose and bears are common in the area.
- Weather Preparedness: Mountain weather can change rapidly; dress in layers and check forecasts before heading out.
- Trail Conditions: Stop by local visitor centers for current trail conditions and maps.
- Leave No Trace: Practice responsible hiking by packing out all trash and minimizing impact on natural areas.
