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Easy Hikes and Scenic Drives

Jackson, WY

Vary by location, but most commonly dawn until dusk.

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local-highlights

Kid-Friendly, Family Hikes and Drives in Jackson Hole.

Here are some of the best hikes and drives to consider if you have smaller children or the grandparents are in town!  Each of these activities are less aggressive than most of the alternatives without sacrificing any of the magic!  
 

Hikes 

  1. Jenny Lake: Take the shuttle across the lake to make this hike way more accessible.  It’s busy and popular but for good reason!  A few options when you get off the boat.  You can hike as far as you’d like before turning back.  Jenny Lake Ferry>>Hidden Falls>>Inspiration Point.

  1. Leigh Lake: 7 miles (out and back) with minimal elevation gain(111 ft).  There is a viewpoint at String Lake portage .9 miles in.  The hike continues a couple more miles traversing the Lake until you get to Bearpaw and Trapper Lake.  There are a ton of beautiful beaches along the way that you can stop at a picnic or take photos.  When my parents came to town we packed tubes and snorkels and hung out at one of the beaches for a while.  The further you hike the fewer people you’ll see.  It’s my personal favorite place to take guests on a leisurely, stunning hike and swim away from the crowds.  

  1. Phelps Lake: From the Rockefeller Preserve it’s about a 3-mile round trip, low elevation gain hike to a popular jumping rock and pristine lake.  High trafficked area, the parking lot is one in one out and usually fills up by 9 AM.

  1. String Lake Loop (3.7 miles with 300 ft elevation gain) Popular swimming hole in GTNP with awesome views.  Well frequented trail.  

  1. Bradley/Taggart Lakes Loop: 6-mile loop (761 ft elevation gain) with the option to hike as a ‘there and back’ when you get to the lake.  Well trafficked area.

  1. Ski Lake: (4 miles of travel out and back and 800 ft elevation gain) A hike on the pass closer to Wilson.  Here is a map.

  1. Cache Creek: Located in town, the walk from the Nelson Trailhead up to the bench is a casual uphill walk to beautiful views of Jackson - a great place to watch the sunset. If you’re looking for less elevation gain and a walk along a river in a mostly shaded area, park at the Cache trailhead and walk along Hagen. Pop-out at the road or sidewalk trail to get back to your car.  Here is a map.

Drives:

  1. Mormon Row: Iconic Teton views with a neat history.  Learn about the early Mormon settlers on this self-guided walk.  Drive out on Antelope Flats for a scenic drive.  Stop at Kelly Warm Springs and learn about the Giant Goldfish epidemic on the way and grab deli sandwiches in the tiny town of Kelly.

  1. Granite Hot Springs: Drive through the beautiful Hoback and then Granite Canyon to this cool little hot spring oasis right over the river.  

  1. Yellowstone Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Springs: Long day of driving.  Plan to leave incredibly early if you want to be able to relax and do some of the hike/walks to see things.  Or plan on staying the night in Yellowstone.  

  1. Jackson Hole Eco Tour Adventure: Sunset and Sunrise wildlife safari tour.  You’ll learn a ton about Jackson in general and the wildlife in the area.  Pretty cool experience. 

  2. Signal Mountain Summit Road: Might be closed so call ahead first. Stunning views from the top. 

Features

Good for All Ages Scenic Views Mountain Views Nature
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The happyly team

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