Casper Ridge to Holey Moley Loop

The Casper Ridge to Holey Moley Loop is a strenuous 4.3 mile hike originating from the top of the Bridger Gondola at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in the Teton Mountains. While the hike can be done clockwise or counterclockwise, most will appreciate going clockwise to avoid climbing up the Holey Moley Trail, which can be brutally strenuous. The ascent back up uses the Wildflower Trail to climb back up to the Bridger Gondola.

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Casper Ridge to Holey Moley Loop Trail Description

From the top of the Bridger Gondola, walk to the south side of the restaurant and look for a trail to continue behind the building. The relatively steep ascent will quickly bring you to a junction with the Cirque Trail. Continue right to continue ascending up switchbacks with stunning views down into the valley below.

Casper Ridge

As you climb up a few switchbacks, you’ll enter into the woods where you quickly reach a junction for the Casper Ridge Loop. While there’s technically no right or wrong way to go, heading left will yield the most impressive views. As you head left, you’ll continue climbing up through a thick fir forest.

The forest will give way to an open and exposed hillside with a big view looking up the valley of Jackson Hole. Passing through another forest grove on the opposite side of the clearing, you’ll then gently ascend up another exposed hillside providing more stunning views. Beyond the views, you’ll then snake along the top of a ridgeline through whitebark pine as you pass along the ski boundary for the resort. Just as the firs are beginning to thicken, you’ll emerge at a jaw-dropping view of Granite Canyon, crowned by the Grand Teton in the distance. From the incredible overlook, you’ll loop back around to the junction with the Holey Moley Trail at 0.9 miles in. Head left to begin the descent.

Holey Moley

Through exposed rocks and scree, you’ll descend easily, though route-finding skills could come in useful for some. As you continue downward, you’ll come to a steep descent where steel cables provide assistance if needed. Scrambling down boulders, the descent drops at a rapid rate. Along the way you’re treated to extensive views of Jackson Hole and beyond.

The forest will start to thicken as the trail becomes slightly less rocky. Switchbacks guide you steeply down as you then cross a ski run followed by a service road. Look for grand views of Rendezvous Mountain along the way.

Maintaining a steep descent, you’ll soon pass a massive house-sized boulder, dropping down alongside the large chunk of granite. Switchbacks continue descending steeply through sporadic firs as the breathtaking views of Jackson Hole encourage a break.

Cutting across lightly forested terrain, even more switchbacks will descend through sparse vegetation. You’ll cross an adjacent ski run before crossing through a portion of a boulder field, the trail then descending alongside the sprawling rock pile. The steep switchbacks continue downward, bringing you to a steep ski run crossing. On the other end you’ll pass through meadows and woods where, after more descending, you’ll reach the junction with the Wildflower Trail at 2.3 miles in. Head right to begin back up toward the top of the gondola.

Wildflower Trail

Continuing through somewhat rocky terrain, you’ll wind around and begin ascending switchbacks up above the Casper Lift. Passing through a thin forest grove, you’ll cross a service road before climbing more switchbacks up a thin forest and ski runs. After another service road crossing, you’ll ascend steadily through an old forest.

As you emerge from the forest, you emerge into a large clearing just below the Bridger Gondola. Wind around the base and the trail will guide you gently back up to the restaurant, closing out the loop.

Getting There

From the base of the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Tram, head up the hill a short distance to the Bridger Gondola and take that up to the top.