8.2 miles

Ditch Creek

Gros Ventre & Wyoming Ranges

Fee: $0.00 - donations appreciated

Access:

Access the trail via WY Hwy 189N, 6 miles north of Jackson to Gros Ventre Junction. Turn right on Gros Ventre-Kelly Road. Drive 9.2 miles northeast, past Kelly, to Teton Science School Rd. Turn right and drive in 1 mile.

Description:

The Ditch Creek trail is a hidden gem, rising into a wilderness valley of the Gros Ventre, with the meandering Ditch Creek to follow. The trail offers easy skiing thanks to a wide forest service road and gradual elevation rise across gently rolling terrain. Snowmobile tracks may provide a packed surface for the first mile, as access to a few homes along the route. Beyond this point, there may be snowmobile tracks or, at times, skier or no tracks. Early and late in the season, be prepared with bear spray due to frequent grizzly sightings in the area. Visit in small groups, stay alert, and carry bear spray.

Skiing Experience: The trail offers an easy level of difficulty, suitable for all skill levels, and provides a serene skiing or biking experience through picturesque wilderness.

Parking: Park in the first parking lot on the left, located 1/4 mile before Teton Science School (TSS). The trailhead is the road behind TSS, on the right.

Winter Grooming: The trail is not groomed; however, there is usually a snowmobile track to ski or bike over. In mid-winter, tracks may be soft and packed, while in spring, they may be firm or icy.

Fat Bikers: The trail is suitable for fat biking, especially when snowmobile tracks are present.

Dog Owners: Dogs are welcome on the trail; please keep them leashed and clean up after them.

Directions:

Beginnings: Access the groomed/packed road at the Teton Science School Kelly Campus, located to the right (south) of the main building. The forest service trail itself begins at the last driveway.

Views: Enjoy scenic views of the Gros Ventre wilderness and the meandering Ditch Creek.

Trail Options: Ski or bike out approximately 4+ miles until the trail narrows into a 6-foot-wide trail through aspens and conifers. Return via the same trail.

Return: Retrace your tracks back to the trailhead.