JHMR Summit Trail
View PhotosJHMR Summit Trail
Difficulty Rating:
The Summit Trail at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in the Grand Teton National Park is one of a few different options for hiking at the ski hill. Packed full of beautifully scenic vistas, the Summit Trail offers the most views per 0.6mi and the aerial tram ride to the top grants easy access to the alpine.
Getting there
To get to the start of JHMR Summit Trail from the town of Jackson, head west then turn north on Highway 22. After crossing the Snake River turn right onto Moose Wilson Road and continue along it until you reach Teton Village.
About
When to do | June through October |
Backcountry Campsites | No |
Toilets | Tram and Gondola |
Family friendly | Yes |
Route Signage | Average |
Crowd Levels | Moderate |
Route Type | One Way |
JHMR Summit Trail
Elevation Graph
Weather
JHMR Summit Trail Description
The wildly famous Jackson Hole Mountain Resort gives easy access to the south end of the Teton Range with its Aerial Tram to the top of Rendezvous Mountain. Information on the tram can be found on the jacksonhole.com website, and when you buy online, you can also save money on your ticket.
There is a large parking area at the base of Teton Village, however it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Try to get there early to be sure of your spot! If you haven’t already purchased a ticket online, go towards the tramway to buy your ticket. Ride the tram up the 4140ft to the top of Rendezvous Mountain, and enjoy the glorious scenery as you do.
At the top of the tram, continue up the two flights of stairs to the summit of Rendezvous Mountain and look around at the magnificent Teton Summits. To the northeast, you will be able to see Grand Teton above several other imposing peaks, and to the southwest, you’ll see another major summit, Cody Peak, just along the ridge.
There are two good trails that can be taken from the top of the tram: The Cirque Trail, which is narrow and not suitable for young children, and the Summit Trail, which follows a gravel road and is suitable for kids, although it can be steep at times. We prefer the Summit Trail when with the family, which is the map shown on the website.
Summit Trail
Looking down on the base of Jackson Hole Resort, head to your right to make your way down a ridge and away from the rest of Jackson Hole Ski Resort. The Summit Trail will take you down four long switchbacks, providing great areas for photos in the opposite direction from the resort to your west. On the fourth switchback you will be heading back towards the ski lifts and ski runs of Jackson Hole. This path follows the route of the ski run known as Laramie Traverse.
Continue on your journey towards the gondola and pass under the Sublette Quad Chair, before making your way up and under the Tram. Here, you will see the top station “Thunder Ski Lift” and from below the tram will appear enormous. The next part of the hike is wonderful, as you walk below the cliffs above and experience some truly real, raw, and wild scenery.
Continue along this route and head down hill – you will descend over 1640ft today. As you go along, your route back up to the gondola will be easy to navigate and laid out before you. Follow this and the last push to the gondola station just might justify the most expensive snack shop in all of the Tetons!
Cirque Trail
To get to the Cirque Trail, head back down to the tram and continue past the route to the right. There are signs for the Cirque Trail as it heads down the mountain. This hike is extremely steep in one or two sections, so if you have very small children, you may want to consider a different trail; however, this path is scenically dense, cramming in so many unbelievable views into just under 2.5mi.
As you hike down the trail, you will pass under the gondola and through several alpine meadows with beautiful wildflowers. Make sure to look out over the expansive plane beneath the Teton Range, and savor the views of the Jackson Hole in the distance. You will finish the hike at the gondola, where there is a small restaurant and cafe for some refreshements. Ride the gondola down and take time to explore the rest of the village.
Insider Hints
Buy your tickets online and save money!
Skip breakfast and grab a waffle at the Top of the World Waffles, located just below the summit of Rendezvous Mountain.
There are several other trails that explore the top of the mountain. If you have enough energy check out some of them – get the most out of your gondola ticket! Another option is to do the Granite Canyon hike, a 12.4mi downhill hike that goes into the park then returns to Teton Village. Although this is a classic hike, we found it to be quite boring.
Teton Village has tons of activities for families. There are ropes courses, rock climbing, a small playground. water jets and a large extra high trampoline. Let the kids expend some energy while you're at the bottom.
Similar hikes to the JHMR Summit Trail hike
South Landing Trail
Hiking the South Landing Trail is a pleasant experience. This lovely footpath traces the southeastern shore of Jackson Lake, boasting…
Cunningham Cabin Trail
The Cunningham Cabin Trail is less of a hike and more of a skip and jump from the parking lot.…
Christian Pond Trail
Those seeking an easy-going adventure that the whole family can enjoy should explore the Christian Pond Trail. This lovely hike…
Dahlia T. 4 years ago
Out of this world! For a short hike I was really impressed. The aerial tram ride was fantastic.
jamaieca 4 years ago
Spent a hot, late-afternoon doing the hike. Tram ride was awesome. Lots of awesome views/
Lou Sparks 5 years ago
Breathtaking views. I would always miss this place. Just gorgeous.
Benny Aster 5 years ago
Absolutely in love with the good weather. It made everything incredible. This is a nice memorable place for me.
Peter McGuiness 5 years ago
We started around 10am and there weren't many people. A good hike you can do if you just want to chill and explore.
hikingbunny 5 years ago
Stunning hike! Great views. We bought our tickets online for a fast and easy transaction. Highly recommended.
Jack Wellington 5 years ago
Terrific hike with various scenic views. It's very easy and accessible. Great for family outings.
SJ 6 years ago
Fun place to go in general as a family, and the Summit Trail was a great little hike after riding the tram.