Grand Tetons MTB Tour

It is the striking visage of the Grand Tetons that sets it apart from the rest of the Rocky Mountains. First, in the highest, sky-scraping thrust—an abrupt 7000-ft jut above Jackson Hole—that peers over a no less impressive supporting cast. So sharply serrated, the sub-peaks evoke a Great White shark’s lower jaw stretched atop a high plateau. Only 40-miles long by ten-miles wide, this relatively small segment of the Rockies is also the youngest. Unlike other ranges in the Rockies, the Tetons have not been around long enough to acquire the foothills, or softer lines shaped by centuries of erosion. The Grand Teton National Park and adjoining National Forest protect this unique geographical feature, which peaks out at 13,770 feet; not to mention the wildlife, wildly lush subalpine meadows, and rich recreation opportunities we savor.

Our mountain bike tour hugs four distinct regions around cowboy-artsy Jackson Hole and the surrounding Teton Range. On the valley floor, in the “hole” surrounded by mountains, we ride the rolling prairie trails of Antelope Flats. To the east, we loop around through the Red Hills/Gros Ventre area on the Ditch Creek Trail. From here, directly across the valley and south of the Teton Mountains, we can see the Munger Trails. And to the west, on the Idaho side of the Tetons, we enjoy the 600-acre Grand Targhee Resort in Alta, Wyoming, descending purpose-built singletrack for an afternoon. The first DH-specific destination in the Tetons, the Grand Targhee’s 70-miles of multi-use trails spans gentle-banked cruising to tighter, XC singletrack to more challenging trails. Lift access delivers 2200-vertical feet of downhill riding.

Each glorious morning, set against the dramatic Tetons, we’ll traverse peaks, cirques, U-shaped canyons and glacial lakes. Sweeping through big mountain ecosystems, we’ll pass Ticklegrass to Tufted Hair Grasses; crossing moose, elk, Pika and Yellow Bellied Marmot habitat, among others. More experienced mountain bikers will thrill to the Tetons inspiring elevations and dynamic trails!