4.7 miles

Kelly Hayfields

Grand Teton National Park

Fee: $0.00

Access:

Access via Gros Ventre Road north past Kelly, to Kelly Warm Springs.

Description:

This trail in the western foothills of the Gros Ventre Range offers magnificent views of the Tetons and solitude in wide-open vistas.

Skiing Experience: Intermediate level due to the need for skiers to be comfortable breaking trail. It offers the experience of skiing in an open vista with a view.

Dog Owners: Since the trail lies just within the eastern boundary of Grand Teton National Park, dogs are not permitted.

Directions:

Beginnings: From the parking lot on the Gros Ventre Road, cross over the wooden fence at the west end of the parking lot. Follow a skier-tracked or untracked trail north, following a natural, sagebrush-sided gully.
Uphill Stretch: The trail rises gently, yet progressively, passing the occasional cottonwood. The trail passes several side gullies and continues north and upward until rising onto a wide plateau. At the far end (1/2 mile) are the golden Kelly hayfields, the site of earlier wheat and hay farming.
Views: On the distant ridge to the north, Coyote Rock can be seen and reached if one wishes to extend the easy outing into a longer route with more climbing. Elk often winter here, and signs of elk herds bedding down are identified by their tracks, scat, and snow disturbance.
Return: Return via the same route.