The Ann’s Ridge Trail is a strenuous 2.1 mile hike in the northern Wyoming Range. Passing Ann’s Pond along the way, it offers peace and solitude along with gorgeous views of the surrounding terrain.
Ann’s Ridge Trail Description
From the Willow Creek Trailhead, head up the grassy hill to a large aspen grove. After passing through, you’ll quickly reach a fork marking the way to Ann’s Pond. Follow that straight through and begin climbing steadily through calming aspen trees and beautiful meadows.
As a few sparse evergreens begin to make their way into the landscape, the forest will thicken as you meander through what quickly became a thick mature woods. Reaching another junction, you’ll want to steer left to continue up through the mixed forest.
The trail will level out and you’ll emerge into a large meadow. Continuing into the meadow, you’ll notice you’ve reached Ann’s Pond, a serene wetlands pond tucked away below the surrounding hills and forests. You’ll wind around to the other side of the pond where you’ll wander back into the dense forest.
You’ll ascend steadily through the old forest without any significant landmarks or features to break up the climb. After a lengthy ascent, you’ll pop out into a meadow below a ridgeline. You’ll parallel the ridgeline as you climb up to its elevation. Once on the ridgeline, another junction awaits where you’ll want to head right to begin up Ann’s Ridge.
A steep climb ensues up the exposed hillside as you straddle your way up the ridge. Along the way, increasingly dramatic and panoramic views unfold. As you reach the top, you’re treated to expansive views southward of the infrequently visited Wyoming Range.
When ready, head back out the same way you came in.
Getting There
From downtown Jackson, head west on Broadway Avenue. This will turn into Highway 89 as it begins heading southward. Follow that for 13.3 miles to the roundabout at Hoback Junction. Head east toward Pinedale for 4.5 miles and turn right onto S. Bryan Flats Road, marked with a large moose sculpture next to the road. Follow that road for 1.6 miles, avoiding and respecting the private property, and look for the large trailhead just past the Willow Creek Trail Rides outfitters.