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🗓️ Last Update: June 10, 2025
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.
Paintbrush Canyon - Lower to Holly Lake: 6/1/2025 - Mostly snow free/patchy snow for first half mile of camping zone, five sites clear, three still partially covered in snow. Some larger stream crossings and running water on trail in several spots after entering lower Paintbrush camping zone. Some downed trees on trail. Snow becomes consistent and deep at about 8,200 feet (or 1.5 miles) before Holly Lake but is hard packed.
Paintbrush Canyon - Upper: 5/30/2025 - Still deep snow with no sign of camping zone signs.
Cascade Canyon - Lower: 6/2/2025 - 95% snow free to the forks. There are a few trees down melting out of heavy debris.
Cascade Canyon - North Fork: 6/2/2025 - All snow past the forks.
Cascade Canyon - South Fork: 6/7/2025 - Patches of snow begin 1/4 mile in, some steeper snow banks near the first footbridge. Patchy near group campsite. All snow beyond.
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.
5/30/2025 - Clear of snow, more snow may remain in shaded areas.
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.
Via Lupine Meadows Trailhead: 5/30/2025 - Solid snow past the 3 mile junction, micro spikes needed/poles would help. No discernable trail. Lakes are covered and frozen. Postholing 12-16" at the lakes.
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.
5/30/2025 - Phelps Lake Loop is pretty much snow free and downed trees have been cleared.
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.
June 4, 2025 Report: Trail is good shape with some mud by the lake area. Not overwhelemd with people
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.
6. Moose Ponds Trail
- Distance: ~3.2 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Easy
5/30/2025 - Clear of snow. Bear sightings are frequent in this area.
Moose Ponds Trail: Easy, Breezy, and Wildlife-Approved
Looking for a low-effort, high-reward kind of hike? The 3.2-mile Moose Ponds loop near Jackson is your jam. With just 150 feet of elevation gain and a one-hour-ish finish time, this is the kind of trail that lets you soak in nature without questioning your life choices halfway through.
It’s a hotspot for birders, hikers, and runners, so don’t be surprised if you see more people than moose. That said, the wildlife came out strong in recent visitor reports — on May 7, 2025, hikers spotted a mama bear and her cubs climbing a tree, while another visitor saw a moose near the trailhead and geese and ducks enjoying the pond. Talk about a full safari lineup.
Conditions can be a little snowy or icy in early spring (yep, even into May), but the trail is generally well-maintained. And while you’ll need to leave the dogs at home (sorry, Rover), you can bring your camera — you’ll want it.
Best season to visit? March through October. Best plan? Go early, go prepared, and keep your eyes peeled; the views (and the animal encounters) are worth every step.
7. Lakeshore Trail
- Distance: ~2.6 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Easy
May 25, 2025 Report: Trail is in great shape with a few patches of snow. Some tree's are down, but easily passed.
Lakeshore Trail: Big Views, Low Effort.
If you’re looking for maximum scenery with minimal sweat, the 2.6-mile Lakeshore Trail near Moran, Wyoming is your golden ticket. Clocking in at around 50 minutes, it’s an easy loop that serves up front-row views of Jackson Lake, all framed by the jaw-dropping majesty of the Tetons. You will get those postcard-perfect photo ops. This trail is family-friendly and perfect for anyone short on time but big on nature.
The path is mostly level, though you’ll need to watch your step over a few roots and rocks along the way. It winds through shaded forests and sunny lakeside stretches, keeping things varied and Insta-worthy.
While the trail is generally easy, recent reviews noted significant snow coverage on some sections as of early May. If you’re hiking the loop counterclockwise, expect snowy patches that may obscure parts of the trail. Visitors recommend parking closer to the visitor center for better access to the clearer, more scenic portion of the loop.
Best months to visit? June through September. Dog lovers, take note, pups have to sit this one out. But with views this good, you won’t even hear them whining from home.
8. Granite Canyon Trail
- Distance: ~13 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Hard
Granite Canyon - Lower (below fork): 6/4/2025 - Trail clear of snow. Campsites including group site are free of snow. 200m of standing water on trail before reaching group site, 2-3 feet deep.
Granite Canyon - North Fork/Upper/Marion Lake: 6/4/2025 - Upper Granite Canyon clear of snow until Mount Hunt Divide Junction, then snow fields and many thin snow bridges over creeks. Deep, deep snow about 0.5 miles from Marion Lake Junction. Upper Granite group site still snow covered.
Granite Canyon South/Middle Fork/Tram Trail: 6/4/2025 - Mostly snow covered, trail hard to follow.
Granite Canyon offers a stunning 13-mile out-and-back adventure just outside Teton Village. Known for its alpine views and peaceful surroundings, this trail is considered challenging and takes most hikers around 5 hours and 45 minutes to complete.
You can start your hike from the Granite Canyon Trailhead, or for a more scenic descent, ride the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram to the top of Rendezvous Mountain and hike down past Marion Lake into the canyon. Either route rewards you with wildflower-filled meadows, cool forest shade, and a true backcountry feel—without the extreme elevation gain of other Teton canyons.
This trail is a favorite for backpackers, birders, and campers. While it sees steady use, especially in summer, there are still plenty of quiet moments to enjoy nature in solitude. Best hiked from March through September. Note: dogs are not allowed on this trail.
🌲 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.
June 8, 2025 Report from AllTrails: Awesome trail! Not too crowded. Views at the top are magical. At about .5 mi in, be sure to hang a left when the trail splits. Snow is melted, still bit muddy.
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.
