Top Places for Snowshoeing Near Jackson Hole

With easy access to two national parks and three ski resorts, Jackson Hole is a snowshoeing paradise, regardless of your experience level.  From flat, family nature walks to epic backcountry adventures and everything in between, you’ll be hard-pressed to come up with an excuse not to strap on a pair of snowshoes and explore.

Here’s a list of my top picks for snowshoeing in and near Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Moose are crossing the icy Gros Ventre River near Antelope Flats and Mormon Row. Photo: Katie Hearsum

Snake River Dike

Along Highway 22 between the towns of Jackson and Wilson (on the way to Teton Village), there is an excellent recreational path along the scenic Snake River that offers beautiful forest and river views as well as ample wildlife such as moose, deer, and a variety of birds.

Although this path is groomed for skiers, other winter enthusiasts can enjoy this spot. With trail etiquette in mind, this path provides a flat, easy location for snowshoeing and is perfect for beginners and families with young children. There is a parking area nearby with facilities if needed.

Read More: Snowshoeing for Beginners: The First-Timer’s Guide

After Apres

After snowshoeing, head out Moose-Wilson Road to Roadhouse Brewing for a pint and an app, or continue on highway 22 to Nora’s Fish Creek Inn in Wilson to warm up by a pot-belly stove with a hearty portion of their award-winning Huevos Rancheros.

Hot and gooey Huevos Rancheros at Nora’s Fish Creek Inn. Photo: Katie Hearsum

Antelope Flats and Mormon Row

In the summer, Antelope Flats Road is a scenic drive along the Gros Ventre River that takes you to historic Mormon Row, a ghost town-like area of abandoned homesteads and barns. This road is often closed in the winter because it’s piled high with snow—perfect for snowshoeing!

Take Highway 26 north (US 191) out of Jackson Hole and turn right on Gros Venture Road. You’ll get a view of the nearby elk refuge, and also be sure to keep an eye out for moose, deer, antelope, bighorn sheep, eagles, and swans. Drive until you pass the town of Kelly, Wyoming.

You can park in Kelly, or, if the road is still open, look for the parking area at the flats. Don’t forget your phone or camera!

Read More: A New Found Passion: Wildlife Tracking and Identification

An abandoned homestead on Antelope Flats Road is one of the many sights on this drive. Photo: Katie Hearsum

After Apres

There’s not much in the way of bars and restaurants out here, so pulling off along the river on your way back for a tailgate picnic is your best bet.

Alternatively, you’ll pass the Bunnery Bakery and Restaurant on your way out of town. This restaurant has an excellent selection of homemade, all-natural soups, salads, sandwiches, and sweets that can be packed up to go. Or, check out the Snake River Brewery back in town to refuel with an après-snowshoe drink like a beer flight and a juicy burger or the sausage sampler.

Enjoy a delicious Snake River Brewery sampler flight after your snowshoeing. Photo: Katie Hearsum

Grand Teton National Park

Just 15 minutes past the snowshoe-friendly Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is an entrance to the majestic Grand Teton National Park, where you’ll find snowshoe-ready trails and hikes.  Try the options at Taggart Lake or snowshoe on the closed Teton Park Road between the Taggart Lake Trailhead and Signal Mountain Lodge.

Check the park’s winter page for visitor center hours, safety recommendations, and other tips for visiting in winter.

Read More: Autumn Snowshoeing at Taggart Lake, Wyoming

After Apres

After working up an appetite in Jackson Hole’s natural playground, swing by the Mangy Moose in Teton Village for a heaping pile of nachos and live music.

Bison chili nachos at the infamous Mangy Moose Saloon. Photo: Katie Hearsum

Togwotee Pass

This mountain road crosses the Continental Divide providing spectacular views of Jackson Hole Valley and beyond. A 45-minute drive from Jackson will get you to the top of the pass. At the top, you’ll see plenty of trailheads and plowed pull-off areas along the way.

This area is typically a popular spot for snowmobiling and backcountry skiing. However, there’s no reason you can’t take advantage of all that powder on snowshoes, too! But remember to keep to trail etiquette and expect these trails to be a little more on the steep and deep side.

Always check weather and avalanche conditions before attempting any backcountry hike. Becoming avalanche-aware can also help you stay safe and avoid dangerous areas.

Read More: Safety First: Snowshoeing Hazards and How To Avoid Them

After Apres

Swing by the Togwotee Mountain Lodge established initially as a place to feed crews breaking ground on the first road over the pass.  The lodge has two restaurants on-site and offers a boxed lunch service if you prefer to eat on the trail.

The powder in Jackson Hole is second to none! Photo: Katie Hearsum

Travel Tips

Now that you know all the best places for snowshoeing near Jackson Hole, here are a few additional tips for a successful journey on and off the trail.

• With more than 400 inches of annual snowfall, you’ll want to use snowshoes with the snowshoe features for deep snow. You may even want a size larger than you usually wear to handle all that powder.
• Adjustable trekking poles (like these options), sunscreen, breathable layers, snacks, and an ample water supply are advised, even for seemingly quick, easy jaunts.
• Keep your phone or camera handy for wildlife sightings, but always maintain a safe distance (especially from the moose).
• Remember that national parks and forests are meant to be pristine conservation areas. Always check domestic animal policy. Also, be sure that Leave No Trace policies are strictly enforced.
• Many of these trails are popular with cross-country skiers, so play nice and stay off the tracks.  Follow snowshoe etiquette, and always snowshoe parallel to ski tracks or break your own trail.

For more information on Jackson Hole, visit the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce.

What are your favorite snowshoeing areas near Jackson Hole, WY? Have you been or would you go to any of the areas above? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

This article was originally published on March 18, 2014. It was updated most recently on January 17, 2023.

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