Are you a parent and want to get out on the snow with your little one in tow? We’ve asked other parents and they’ve shared some of their favorite trailheads. Before you go out on the snow we ask ourselves many questions. We wanted to make it as easy as possible for you to get the fresh air and access the Best trails in Jackson Hole for Parents with Kids in Tow in order to make it convenient for you and your family. Here is what we gathered;
What to consider before you go:
- Weather conditions
- Grooming schedule
- Place to change a diaper/clothes easily (in your car is the most reliable)
- Get warm, stay warm easily (dress for the weather -See list below; close proximity to car or shelter)
- Easy access to trails
- Dog-friendly – if you’ve lived in Jackson a while, the odds are you had a dog (or two) before starting your human family. So it’s likely you want to bring Fido too.
Best Jackson Hole & Teton Valley Trails for Parents with Kids in Tow:
Stilson Loop (Wilson)
– Easy access to trails
– Plenty of free parking
– Beautiful views
– Bathroom nearby
– Dog-friendly
Cache Creek (East Jackson)
– Dogs-friendly (on leash)
– Easy access to trails
– Groomed
– Multi-use pathway
Garaman Pathway
– Family-friendly pathway
– Multi-use pathway
– Packed down/plowed to asphalt
– Dog-friendly (on leash)
Trail Creek Nordic (8.7 miles)
– No dogs allowed
– Groomed classic cross country and skate ski trails
– Beautiful views
– So many fun trails!
R Park – “Paw Print” Loop (Wilson)
– Sled hill
– Easy parking on R Park drive
– Dogs not allowed in R Park (unless on pathway)
Taggart to Jenny Lake (Grand Teton National Park)
– Dogs allowed on leash, on Teton Park groomed trail only
– Easy access to trailhead
– Multi-use pathway
– Amazing views of the Teton Range
Emily’s Pond (4.5 miles)
– Easy access to trailhead
– Multi-use pathway
– Great views along the Snake River and on a clear day the Grand Teton Range
– Dogs allowed (pick-up after them with provided bags by trailhead)
– Out and back
* Local favorite
Sherman Park (Teton Valley)
– Playground
– Dog Park
– Dogs allowed (on leash/controlled by vocal command)
Teton Canyon (Teton Valley) (8.9 miles)
– Beautiful views
– Easy access to trails
– Multi-use pathway
– Dogs allowed (dogs on-leash for first 100 yards)
– Amazing views of the Tetons
Turpin Meadow Ranch (Togwotee Pass) (12.4 miles)
– Easy access to trailhead
– Dogs allowed on leash
– Family-friendly trails
– Beautiful views
– Access to lodge to get warm
Gear for Parents and their Kids
We’ve asked parents what they typically take with them when the hit the trail with their kids. Here are some items for babies and kids of all ages that will be a good general rule of thumb. In order for all involved to have a good time, we need to make sure needs are met. So between good trip planning, packing snacks, water, layers, and much more, the probability of fun all the way around is pretty darn good.
We invite you to join our JH Nordic Daily Trail Report emails, they give you information on all things Nordic skiing, fat biking and snowshoeing in the Valley. These reports are perfect for trip planning as they layout the conditions, grooming schedule and forecast projected for the day. You can pick the days you want to receive our emails.
Recreate Responsibly & Nordic-ly
The winter season is a chance for us to all enjoy outdoor recreation. Let’s take a moment to be mindful of one another, respect the land we share, the wildlife, clean up after your dog, greet one another with a smile, and leave no trace.
