Biking the Best

From Snowking Mountain in the town of Jackson all the way to the Big Holes in Idaho, there are over 200 miles of bike-friendly trails to choose from. Riders get to choose from flowy intermediate trails, technical single-track or loose, chunky downhill at numerous trail networks throughout the region. Comparatively, this area offers more technical riding than others, but not without its rewards. Cross-country rides yield sweeping views of the surrounding mountain ranges, while adrenaline junkies can access downhill off of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Grand Targhee, or Teton Pass. 

“You have a little bit of everything… you’re never bored,” laughs Crislynne Warden, 8-year resident and local legend of Jackson. “I think that’s the best part about riding here; the Tetons have so much variance.” Not to mention the views.

While Jackson Hole is known for its high-adrenaline, demanding recreational stage, the region offers a mountain bike community to back users of all skill levels. Visitors and locals alike can visit numerous bike shops (check out the sidebar for our favorites!) to ask for the latest on trail conditions, check out the latest gear, or get their bike tuned. “It’s all individuals who love bikes, who create playgrounds for themselves, which we get to capitalize on,” says Crislynne. You’re likely to catch the same bike mechanic who spent all morning dialing in your suspension lapping the Pass later, or slapping dirt at a community dig day. 

Crislynne, who is slated to attend an invite-only women’s freeride event later this summer, emphasizes the supportive mountain bike community surrounding Jackson. “It’s the coolest folks just trying to lift you up and show you the trails and how to do things,” says Crislynne of getting into the sport. “And Mountain Bike the Tetons is huge for small events, group rides, that sort of thing.” 

Mountain Bike the Tetons (MBT) is a local non-profit dedicated to all things mountain biking in the Teton region. “We have three pillars,” says Claire Brandhorst, Program Coordinator for the organization.  “We do trail maintenance, community and youth education, and stewardship for the trails.” Non-profits like MBT, which employs ten full-time seasonal workers in the summer months, are essential for keeping up with trail use and weather degradation. The team maintains roughly 100 miles of trails on both sides of Teton Pass, while Friends of Pathways and various trail crews cover the remaining 100 miles. 

Community remains the backbone of mountain biking in the greater Jackson area. MBT plays host to fundraising events, group rides and small events for community connection throughout the year. “Come out on volunteer days and learn what we’re doing. There’s a lot of different ways to be involved,” says Claire. Many locals volunteer on Dig Days, hands-on community trail maintenance days that give locals the chance to work on the trails they ride, or attend early season bike swaps to give everyone a chance to get on a bike. “Don’t get bogged down in all the equipment,” encourages Claire, “You can go ride in your sneakers. Just wear a helmet”. 

Whether it’s your first time out on the trails, or you’re a seasoned rider visiting for the first time, it’s easy to be intimidated by mountain biking in the Tetons. At the end of the day however, the people who are out there building trails, blowing up your tire, and handing out rental equipment are those who love riding bikes the most. The Tetons may be riddled with talented professionals but they will all end their day the same as the next person; with a beer and a smile at the Stagecoach.

Saddle Up!

Mountain Biking is a great way to check out the local terrain and explore everything the Tetons have to offer. There are trails in and around the town of Jackson, at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, downhill trails off of Teton Pass (best for expert riders only) and family-friendly spots in Teton Valley. Many shops that offer rentals also offer guide services, so be sure to ask!

Where to rent or pick up gear:

Jackson Hole, WY: Wheel Wranglers Bike Shop | wheelwranglers.com
Teton Village, WY: Jackson Hole Sports | jacksonhole.com/jh-sports
Teton Valley, ID: Peaked Sports | peakedsports.com

Where to hit the trail:

Easy: Cache Creek
Medium: Philips Canyon
Hard: Teton Pass
Family Friendly: Mike Harris Trailhead
Most Instagrammable: Shadow Mountain (Teton Views for days!)