Best Fat Bike Trails in Jackson Hole
By JH Nordic 
Best Fat Bike Trails in Jackson Hole & Teton Valley
Fat biking is a fun way to explore snow-covered winter trails and pathways.
It is especially enjoyable when the snow is firm and packed. This outdoor sport has been all the hype and hasn’t lost any steam. With over 50 fat bike-friendly trails in Jackson Hole and Teton Valley, there are many opportunities to get to and explore beautiful snow-covered trails from easy, beginner (flat) trails to hilly singletrack.
What is Fat biking?
Fat biking (also known as snow biking) refers to a bike with very fat tires (4-inch wide) that grip on snow. Since the tires are so wide, the bike needs to have a frame that allows for the fat tires. Think of a mountain bike with a wide fork and frame. Some fat tire bikes have studded snow tires, to allow extra grip on very firm snow and ice. Fat bikes can be ridden year-round, on pavement, dirt, gravel and sand. The early versions were heavy, but now, there are aluminum and carbon framed fat bikes, as well as e-fat bikes.
Top fat bike trails in Jackson: from easy to more difficult
- Wilson Centennial Trail
- Emily’s Pond-Snake River Dike
- Teton Village Pathway
- Turpin Meadow Ranch
- Hwy 22 pathway – Stilson to Jackson
- Elk Refuge Road
- Gros Ventre Road (past Slide Lake)
- CD Trail
- North Fall Creek Road (off Red Top Meadow)
- Mosquito Creek
- Cache Creek
- Game Creek
- Togwotee Pass to Brooks Lake – via the summer road
- Shadow Mountain
- Hagen Trail -Off Cache Creek
Top fat bike trails in Teton Valley: from easy to more difficult
Take a Fat Biking Tour
Tap into local biking expert’s knowledge of the best fat bike trails and conditions, including a bike rental, by taking a Fat Bike tour.
Teton Mountain Bike Tours, on N. Cache St in Jackson hosts both group and private tours. If you prefer to find your own trail, demo, rent or buy a fat bike at Hoff BikeSmith, Fitzgerald Bicycles, The Hub Bikes.
Before You Go
How to dress/what to bring:
Dressing for fat biking is similar to dressing for Cross-country skiing, however, it is advised that you bring an extra wind-proof shell and warm mid-layer since you are moving faster than you would on skis. Be prepared for winter weather to change; even if the day starts out sunny, a blizzard can come in quickly.
Recommended clothing:
- Warm, snow proof boots with a grippy sole
- Wool knee socks
- Base layer: top and bottom
- Bottoms: Wind-proof, water-resistant pants with some stretch (some people going for a long ride may even wear their summer bike shorts for some extra padding on the seat)
- Top: dress in wool or synthetic layers
- Mid-layer: light puffy or fleece
- Outer shell: wind-proof & waterproof
- Warm hat
- Neck gaiter to keep your face or neck warm
- Warm mittens or gloves and hand-warmers
What else to bring:
- Helmet (ski or bike helmet) supplied by bike tour company or BYO
- Goggles or sunglasses
- Sun lotion
- Water
- Snack
- Small day pack or large waist pack to store food, drink, phone, a place for extra clothing layer
- Handlebar mitts
Have a plan:
- Let someone know where you’re going before you head out
- In case of an Emergency, download Teton County’s Backcountry SOS app before you go (it’s free and will send out your GPS location in case of an emergency)
Fat Biking Trail Etiquette
Bikes yield to all other users.
When a cyclist approaches another trail user, it is important to remember that other trail users have the right-of-way (nordic skiers, walkers, horses). If possible, say “hello” and let other users safely pass.
Slow down in congested areas.
Popular trailheads can get crowded. Cyclists should ride slowly or consider walking their bikes in congested areas when other users are present. While riding the trails, remember that nordic skiers often require a wide lane. Additionally, cyclists should signal to skiers before passing to prevent collisions.
Ride when the trail is firm.
Do not ride when the trail is soft or when you are leaving ruts 1″ or deeper. This damages the groomed trail for all users. Only bike tires 3.8″ or wider should be used and it may be necessary to drastically reduce tire air pressure to minimize ruts and increase traction. If you are on a shared Nordic trail, stay to the side. Don’t ride in the groomed classic skier track.
Consider turning around or riding alternate routes if wildlife is present.
Winter is extremely difficult on wildlife and there is no excuse for stressing animals just to ride our bikes. In Jackson Hole and Teton Valley, you may see moose, deer, wild sheep, and elk. Give them plenty of room to feel safe in their natural environment.
Know where you are riding and make sure fat bikes are allowed.
There are many country pathways and snow covered roads that are perfect for fat biking, however there are exceptions. Areas such as Trail Creek and Teton Pines are skier-only and off limits to fat bikes. Additionally, Grand Teton National Park does not allow winter use of fat bikes along the main groomed track between the Bradley/Taggart and Signal Mountain Lodge gates.
See JHNordic.com/trails/ and click the fat bike icon to see many excellent options for where fat biking is allowed.
Love our fat bike trails?
Support fat bike grooming: Friends of Pathways, Teton Valley Trails & Pathways.
Support Bridger-Teton US Forests: Friends of Bridger-Teton (our public lands where most fat biking is done)
Adventure starts here.
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