Horseshoe Trails - Big Hole Mtns
5.5mi
Access via: From Jackson, take WY Hwy 22 west over Teton Pass. Continue north on ID Hwy 33 to Driggs. Turn left at the light (west) onto Cedron Rd towards Bates. Drive 4 miles, then continue straight for 2 more miles. Turn right (north) onto N 7000 W for 1 mile. Turn left , drive 3 miles to Horseshoe Canyon.
Fee: $0.00 - donations appreciated
The Horseshoe winter trails wind through a 900 acre parcel of forested land at the head of Horseshoe Canyon, in the northern Big Hole Mountains, Teton Valley ID.
Only recently accessible to the public thanks to a gift from the Maytag family to the Caribou-Targhee USFS, the 6+ miles of winter trails and gladed forests are a quiet place to explore on classic cross-country skis, snowshoes, or even Alpine touring skis.
The trails are a network of interconnected loops that start from the summer trailhead for Horseshoe Canyon. The main loop trail can be accessed after skiing up the access trail (1.3 miles) to the site of the former ranch home, now a new yurt. The Horseshoe Yurt can be rented for overnight stays (sleeps up to 6). There is an outhouse for day users and overnight guests.
The main loop trail can be skied in either clock-wise or counter clockwise direction. There are other forest roads to explore, former mining roads, and nearby snowmobile trails to venture further. The terrain is relatively flat with some small up and downhills that contour around the northeast side of the Big Holes. We broke trail through soft snow, and the experience was like a winter wonderland.
The “Horseshoe Yurt” overnight stays must be reserved through Teton Valley Trails and Pathways. Reserve for a 2 night minimum at $200/night + fees and taxes, Thursday-Monday through February. To learn more or reserve your winter adventure, visit tvtap.org/horseshoe-yurt or email: info@tvtap.org.
The one room yurt has basic electric heat and a propane faux wood stove, a sink (no running water), propane cooktop, pots/ pans/ cooking utensils, and 2 bunk beds (double on bottom). With no running water or inside plumbing, grey water drains into a bucket under the sink. While the set-up is basic, the yurt is comfortable, very clean, and the expectation is to Leave No Trace and leave it even better for the next guests.
From the outside deck, the views of the Tetons across Teton Valley are magnificent. BYO sleeping bags, food /drinks, games, for a cozy, toasty warm adventure experience.
We recommend donating to TVTAP to support winter trails grooming and summer pathways in Teton Valley: tvtap.org