Distance: 1.6 miles (one way)
Type: Out and back
Difficulty: Moderate
Kid-friendly: Yes
Dog-friendly: Yes
Water: Yes
The Crater Trail is a moderate 1.6 mile (one way) hike up to a small secluded glacial lake in the southern Teton Mountains. It’s a popular destination with locals thanks to its easy accessibility from Wilson, Wyoming, as well its connection to the larger, Old Pass Road trail network.
View more images available as prints from the Teton Mountains
Crater Trail Description
From the parking area, look for the Crater Trail to begin on the southern end of the lot. The trail will immediately fork right. As the trail climbs up through the old forest, you’ll notice you’re paralleling Old Pass Road, the primary trail in the area. After making a quick connection with Old Pass Road before veering off again, you’ll begin to hear the sound of the rushing creek below.
As the trail continues to gradually climb, it becomes easy to forget that Old Pass Road, as well as Highway 22, is just above. You’ll pass through small meadows and dense woods as you maintain a steady climb. After gaining some elevation, the trail will level out for a bit as it moves away from the dominant trail above. Strong conifer smells overtake the Crater Trail as you cross a large meadow with Mount Glory rising high above.
Once you’ve passed through more meadows and woods, the Crater Trail reaches a creek crossing from the North Fork of Trail Creek. Two consecutive footbridges will safely get you over if you’re there early in the season. Just beyond the second bridge is a trail junction. Continue up the Crater Trail by heading right.
You’ll climb through the mature woods as the sound of the creek fades into the background. Just up the trail you’ll pass through a clearing for large power lines suspended above, where another junction awaits on the other side. Head right once again to head to Crater Lake.
From here you’ll notice the trail widens for a bit where it will pass yet another junction, where you’ll want to stick to the right once more. You’ll hike a bit farther where you’ll connect with Old Pass Road, where Crater Lake is nestled just below in a large hillside. Head down to Crater Lake to enjoy the tranquil view.
When ready, head out the same way you came, or follow Old Pass Road down for a slightly shorter route back.
Elevation and route courtesy of Route Scout
Getting There
From downtown Wilson, head west on Highway 22 for 1.1 miles. Turn left onto Old Pass Road and follow that until it dead-ends at the parking area.