Road Biking
Two wheels, countless options.
Pedal your way through Jackson Hole’s scenic pathway system.
Biking on roads and multi-use pathways in Jackson can be great exercise or an alternate way to explore the valley. Jackson Hole has more than 60 miles of multi-use pathways that connect downtown Jackson to Hoback Junction, Wilson, Teton Village, and Grand Teton National Park. During July and August, when Jackson is at its busiest, pathways allow you to bypass road traffic while pedaling past working ranches, sagebrush flats, meandering creeks, and community parks. Plus, cruising through town on a bicycle is a great excuse to slow down for an espresso, croissant, or ice cream on your way from point A to point B.
“Jackson Hole is an amazing place to ride a bike because we have options and routes suitable for all ages and abilities, with some of the most incredible scenery in the world. ”
Brian Schilling, Town of Jackson’s community pathways coordinator
Opportunities for scenic pathway rides include biking from town past the National Elk Refuge to the National Museum of Wildlife Art. This same pathway can take you all the way to Grand Teton National Park if you’re looking for a longer ride. Once in the park, bikers can continue on the paved pathway to the Jenny Lake Visitor Center (where you’ll be thrilled to not have to worry about parking a car in the crowded parking lot), or a different route will take you through Kelly to the iconic Mormon Row. Any local bike shop can point you in the right direction.
For the serious road cyclist looking for a blood-pumping ride, consider the 2,100-foot climb to the 8,432-foot summit of Teton Pass. This route takes you up Old Pass Road (rather than the main Highway 22), which was once the first road over the pass but is now closed to motorized vehicles and part of the paved pathway network. If you hear a local roadie talking about riding “Around the Block,” that’s a 100-plus-mile ride with about 6,000 feet of climbing through Jackson Hole, over Teton Pass, and into Swan Valley, Idaho. And then there’s riding “Around the Rock,” a 160-mile ride (about half of which is on gravel roads) with about 10,000 feet of climbing. The “rock” it encircles? The entire Teton range.
Live by the wild rules
How to have a great biking experience in Jackson Hole
Helmets are recommended and most local bike shops rent them along with traditional and electric bikes.
Watch the wind.
As with any activity here, check the weather for both the daily and hourly forecast. Don’t just look for a drop in temperature or coming rain, but also for wind. Generally speaking, it’s least windy in the morning and wind picks up throughout the day. The wind typically blows south to north, so consider the wind direction as you plan your ride.
Familiarize yourself with pathway etiquette and local laws.
On roads:
- Cyclists are required to obey all traffic laws, including stopping at stop signs.
On pathways:
- Obey the posted speed limit of 15 mph in the Town of Jackson.
- Be nice; say hi.
- Keep right, pass left.
- Ring your bell when passing.
Watch the below video for more trail etiquette info.
Questions about Biking in Jackson Hole
Local Tip
Spring Biking in Grand Teton National Park
For several weeks, the Inner Park Loop Road is closed to cars but open to cyclists, pedestrians, and other non-motorized vehicles. This 14-mile section of road opens to cyclists on a different date every year depending on how much snow the National Park Service has to clear. In a low-snow winter, it can open as early as mid-March; following a winter with a lot of snow, it might not open until mid-April. The Inner Park Loop Road opens to cars on May 1. Check the Grand Teton National Park road report for current conditions.