July Trail Report
The United States of America recently celebrated the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th. While our nation is shaped by many different histories, backgrounds, and perspectives, one of the ideas that continues to be most unifying is our system of public lands, a uniquely American legacy.
In Jackson Hole and Teton Valley we are especially fortunate to have extraordinary public lands right outside our doors. These landscapes are more than places to visit, they are places to move, explore, reflect, and connect with the natural world in whatever way is meaningful to us. Whether you hike, bike, run, paddle, roll, stroll, or simply pause to take in the view, our public lands offer opportunities for all.
With good fortune comes a shared responsibility. By caring for and protecting our public lands, we help ensure they remain healthy, welcoming, and accessible for future generations of Americans and visitors from around the world.
This month, as always, we encourage you to get outside, celebrate movement in the way that suits you best, and take a moment to appreciate the remarkable landscapes that make our community so special.
At a Glance
• So many things to do, what will you choose?
• Member Spotlight: Ellen Brunker
• Partner Spotlight: JH EcoTour Adventures
• Cool People Doing Cool Things: KHOL’s One Small Step Program
Where will you go and how will you move?…
July in Jackson Hole and Teton Valley is an invitation to get outside. Whether your perfect day means chasing miles on your mountain bike, linking together your favorite trail run, hiking to an alpine lake, taking an evening walk with your dog, or cooling off with a swim, our public lands offer endless opportunities to move, explore, and recharge.
Go Hike!
Find summer hiking and running trails on the searchable Nordic trails map.
Go to jhnordic.com/trails, click on the “summer hiking” and/or the “trail running” icon, plus any other icons relevant to your search, like dog-friendly. If you would like to search within a specific distance, you can specify that too. And if you pull the trail up on your phone, and click to “Allow this site to access your location” the blue GPS locator will show you where you are on (or in relation to) the trail.
Head over to Friends of the Bridger-Teton or the GTNP Foundation for summer-specific trail habits. Recreating responsibly is a year-round good idea.
Go Bike!
From mountain bike trails to gravel rides, the Tetons serve up excellent summer biking.
Cross-country and downhill biking are lots of fun at Grand Targhee and JHMR. New to biking or looking for a guided biking experience? Head over to Teton Mountain Bike Tours to find half-day, full-day or multi-day options.
Bike Events & Rides
Check out all the fun ways you can get out on bikes in groups at Velo22!
Follow them on social media or go to the website to find bikepacking, mountain bike, and road/gravel routes as well as information for local bike organizations in Teton Counties, WY and ID.
Rentals, Shops & Demos
These guys don’t just like fat biking in winter… they love biking all year round!
If you need a rental, some wrench work, a guided tour or want to demo the next bike to fall in love with, these shops are happy to help!
Member Spotlight: Ellen Brunker
The JH Nordic Alliance is pleased to introduce another board member, Ellen Brunker. She answered some questions and shared some fun photos so that the JH Nordic community can get to know her better, and be inspired!
What is your involvement with cross country skiing? I am a passionate recreationalist! I love all the JHNA events as a way to connect with different groups in the community.
What got you involved in the sport? And what keeps your enthusiasm for it alive? I started Nordic skiing a couple years ago during a bad snow year. I got asked to join the triple ski at the local Trail Creek race with a couple of friends, and I’ve been exploring trails across the valley ever since! I love that it’s a great way to get outside in the winter, get fresh air, get a good workout, and explore beautiful places!
What is one of your favorite xc ski trails that you like to visit in the summer to walk/run/hike/bike? I love the ski out to Phelps Lake in the winter, and running around Phelps in the summer!
What’s one Nordic tip that you’ve learned along the way that makes you think “wow… glad I learned that…”? Skiing without poles really helped me get the hang of gliding when I was first learning to skate ski. Find a flat place and give it a try!
Partner Spotlight: JH EcoTour Adventures
Last September, EcoTour Adventures founder Taylor Phillips testified before the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources during a field hearing at Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park. The hearing focused on the future of the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), landmark legislation that has helped address long-standing maintenance needs across America’s public lands.
During his testimony, Taylor shared a simple truth: our public lands are more than beautiful places to visit—they are the foundation of local communities and economies. Every year, tens of thousands of visitors join guided experiences in Grand Teton National Park, supporting local businesses, jobs, and gateway communities throughout the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Those opportunities depend on healthy parks, functioning infrastructure, and protected wildlife habitat.
The views from Jenny Lake, the wildlife of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, and the memories made on our public lands are part of America’s story. Ensuring their future is a responsibility we all share.
Cool People Doing Cool Things
You are invited to participate in KHOL’s One Small Step program!
Now in its fourth year, One Small Step is currently bringing together individuals running for elected office in Teton County with constituents of differing political beliefs for a meaningful conversation. Not to discuss or debate politics, but to get to know each other as people.
The goal is to help mend division in our country and in our community. One Small Step was created by StoryCorps, the national nonprofit dedicated to recording, preserving, and sharing the stories of Americans of all backgrounds and beliefs.
Each facilitated, 50-minute conversation focuses on getting to know one another as people, helping to build understanding and strengthen our community. Participation is limited, and matches will be made based on compatibility and availability.
Sign up by filling out a short questionnaire by Aug. 25. The aim is to match people who will enjoy connecting. Selected conversations may be featured on KHOL and, with participants’ permission, archived at the Library of Congress as part of StoryCorps’ national One Small Step initiative.
Go have fun outside!
Connecting people and trails with community support.
