2.1 miles
Gray Meadow Nordic Trail-Teton Village
Wilson
Fee: $0.00
Access:
Trail is accessed directly from the north-east corner of the Ranch Lot parking area in Teton Village (12 miles northwest of downtown Jackson via Hwy 22 and Hwy 390). Parking is free in the Ranch Lot after 1pm daily, or $18/$20 before 1pm (weekdays/weekends & holidays). Access is also easy from Teton Village, by walking 500 yards east or taking the free Ranch Lot shuttle van from the Tram drop off to the Ranch lot -runs continuously. START Buses run from Jackson and Stilson to Teton Village. Accessible access directly from the parking lot level onto the trail, however the first 30 feet are uphill.
Description:
Trail Description:
The Snake River Ranch, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and Jackson Hole Nordic Alliance teamed up to bring a free Nordic ski loop back to Teton Village. This easy, flat trail sits on the northeast side of Teton Village, and offers an out-and-back loop across Gray Meadow, just south of the Grand Teton National Park boundary. With wide open views of the southern Tetons, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort alpine ski trails, and the Jackson Hole valley, this trail runs through the northern part of the Snake River Ranch. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort generously provides regular wide grooming, open to both skate skiing and classic skiing (no classic track). The trail connects to the groomed pathway along Highway 390 in a few places, so one can make a longer or shorter loop.
From the corner of the Ranch Lot, after the first 50 feet, the trail spits into two trails. The first one runs north over the Gray Ranch Hill to the east side of Gray Meadow, close to the fence line along Highway 390, and it connects to the groomed pathway along the highway in a few places. The second trail runs east from the corner of the Ranch Lot and connects directly to the groomed pathway along the highway, providing a return loop.
NOTE: No dogs or fat bikes are allowed on the Nordic loop trail to minimize conflict with the dog sledding and horse-drawn sleigh rides. We ask that you stay on the Nordic trail and do not ski on the dog sled trail or sleigh ride trail that are in the western part of the Gray Ranch Meadow and in the area around the Gray Barn. These trails are reserved for the dog sleds and sleigh rides.
Skiing Experience:
The Gray Meadow Trail is the perfect place to cross country ski after a day of alpine skiing at JHMR, or to get in a gentle glide or workout with easy access from Teton Village. Perfect for beginners, and short enough for a quick XC ski, or make multiple loops to get a longer ski in. We enjoy skiing out to the big cottonwood tree, looking for a bald eagle, or sitting on one of the wooden benches to contemplate the winter splendor of the snowy Tetons.
Trail Directions:
Look for the “Nordic Loop” sign in the northeast corner of the Ranch lot (the corner farthest from Teton Village). After the initial 30-foot rise, the trail splits into two. We like to start off to the left, to ski the loop in a clock-wise direction, but either way will connect you to the main north-south trail out near the highway fence line.
Heading left, the trail passes through a wooded grove, then crosses a ranch road, bends right to follow the southern edge of the meadow and a line of cottonwoods. The trail crosses through a ranch fence opening then up onto the groomed pathway. Turn left (north) to ski on the pathway, then turn left at the next fence opening to head back into the edge of the meadow. There are several wooden benches along the pathway facing the Tetons, making a nice resting place to take in the big views of JHMR and the Teton peaks or have a snack. Continue north on the trail to reach the tall cottonwood tree, then head right following the trail back to the pathway. Turn right and ski south on the pathway approximately 2/3 mile, passing the earlier trail entrance. After crossing the ranch access road, ski a further 500 feet, then look for the groomed track to turn right through a grove of pine trees to return to the trailhead.
Extended Exploration:
Nearby Nordic ski trails including Shooting Star Nordic (groomed daily), and skier tracked (ungroomed) trails in Grand Teton National Park starting from Granite Canyon trailhead.
Grooming:
Perfect wide corduroy c/o Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Grooming as needed.
Dog and Bike access:
No dogs or fat bikes allowed, due to proximity to the dog sled operations.
Trail sponsorship:
Thanks to the Snake River Ranch for providing access to this beautiful meadow for Nordic skiing enjoyment, and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort for its grooming resources.
