3 Hikes to See Wildflowers in Jackson Hole

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Wildflowers in Jackson HoleOne of our favorite parts of early summer in Jackson Hole is the abundance of wildflowers. Wildflower lovers who venture just a few miles into the Teton Range can expect rich rewards: fields of yellow, white, blue and red flowers draping the backcountry. The Northern Rockies boast plenty of beautiful and iconic wildflowers, everything from arrowleaf balsamroot to Indian paintbrush to fireweed. Head out on a hike in the late spring or summer, and just about any trail you choose in Jackson Hole is choked with color.

Below, we’ve picked a few of our favorite wildflower hikes. While these trails aren’t considered technically difficult, they do wander through wild, high elevation bear habitat. Knowledge of the outdoors and proper equipment are essential. Hikers should strongly consider carrying bear spray.

Wildflowers in Jackson Hole1) Ski Lake Trail—The Ski Lake Trail starts halfway up Teton Pass at the Phillips Pass Trail and climbs through forests and open meadows 3 miles to Ski Lake. The views are as spectacular as the wildflowers. People sometimes swim in the lake, but early in the year, the water temperature hovers just above freezing.

2) Alaska Basin Trail—For wildflower lovers willing make the drive, the Alaska Basin Trail is a must see. The trailhead starts at the end of Teton Canyon, which is accessed from the Idaho side of Teton Pass. From there, the Alaska Basin trail wanders along the bottom of the drainage through the Jedediah Smith Wilderness. After 2.7 miles, hikers can continue forward or opt to climb the Devil’s Stairs to a bench just above the valley.

wildflowers in jackson hole3) Old Pass Road—Old Pass Road is a pathway that runs from the Trail Creek Trailhead at the bottom of Teton Pass to the parking lot at the top of the pass. The pathway is paved, but still fairly steep and hikers should keep an eye out for cyclists entering from any number of mountain bike trails in the vicinity. A lake halfway up the path provides a good spot for lunch. The area also includes unpaved trails that are off limits to cyclists such as the History Trail.

One final note: Our friends at Hole Hiking Experience offer great options for those people who prefer a guided tour.

Jackson Hole Wildlife: Our Toughest, Coolest Critters

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Jackson Hole, Wyoming is located right in the middle of one of the wildest places in the lower 48-states. Nearly every animal that existed here when European settlers first explored the west still lives here today.

What’s amazing about these animals is that they manage to thrive in a high elevation habitat with heavy snow and sub-zero temperatures.

Below is a countdown of Jackson Hole’s top four toughest, most amazing critters. Be sure to take a hike to check them out after a rafting trip with us!

Jackson Hole Wildlife

Number 4: Pikas—These members of the rabbit family hide out in high elevation rock fields. Not only are pikas some of the cutest creatures you’ll find in the Teton Range, they’re also some of the best at enduring cold temperatures. What pikas don’t like is heat. Sustained temperatures higher than 80 degrees can be deadly.

Number 3: Pronghorn—Clocking in at speeds of more than 55 miles per hour, these turbo-charged ungulates evolved to outrun a now-extinct North American cheetah. Each year the Grand Teton National Park pronghorn herd migrates roughly 100 miles to Sublette County and back over the rugged Gros Ventre Mountains. Recently, federal and state agencies joined forces to protect the Path of the Pronghorn from manmade disturbances that hinder that migration, such as housing developments and fences.

Jackson Hole WildlifeNumber 2: Teton Range Bighorn Sheep—Scientists are constantly astounded that this isolated bighorn sheep herd continues to survive on the high elevation peaks of the Teton Range. In winter, they hang out on wind-scoured slopes and eat whatever they can find. Several agencies have set aside important winter range for the sheep to protect them for disturbance by backcountry travelers. 

Number 1: Wolverines—These ultra-tough members of the weasel family have been known to kill bears and chew through logs. They can travel hundreds of miles in a single push and generally favor climbing straight over whatever mountains happen to block their path. Researchers say only few wolverines live in the Teton Range, where they give birth to their young in high elevation snow dens.