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Elk Ridge Loop

The Elk Ridge Trail winding along the crest of the ridge as the Teton Mountains rise in the distance. Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming

The Elk Ridge Loop is a moderate 5.6 mile hike in the northern Wyoming Range south of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The hike features stunning scenery of the surrounding mountains as well as beautiful forests along the way. The loop can be done either clockwise or counterclockwise, and this post was written going clockwise.

Elk Ridge Loop Trail Description

From the trailhead, wind up the grassy hill up to the aspen grove above. Passing through the grove, you’ll quickly reach a fork for Ann’s Pond, where you’ll want to head straight. Climb steadily through the peaceful aspens and meadows, where you’ll begin to see a few sparse evergreens. As the forest begins to thicken, you’ll meander through the thick old forest before reaching a junction. Head left to continue up the trail.

Continuing up through the mixed forest, you’ll level out for a bit as you emerge into a large meadow. At this point, you’ll pass along Ann’s Pond, a scenic respite from the forest. Along the pond, you’ll quickly head back into the dense woods on the opposite side.

Anns Pond Below Forest
Anns Pond stretching out in a meadow breaking up the forest. Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming

Ascending steadily, you’ll make a consistent climb through the forest. Eventually, you’ll pop out into a meadow below the ridgeline, visible above. You’ll parallel the ridgeline for a bit and climb onto it where you’ll reach a junction at 1.8 miles in. Head left to begin up Elk Ridge.

Though not as steep as the previous climb, the trail continues ascending at a more gradual rate. Along the way, you’re treated to increasingly panoramic views. The more you climb along the one-mile stretch of ridgeline, the more stunning the scenery becomes. You’ll finally top out at the high point of the trail with unparalleled 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding terrain, the Teton Mountains rising far in the distance to the north. Take it in, and when ready, continue by heading down the small summit.

The Elk Ridge Trail descending into a canyon below the Wyoming Mountains. Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming

Dropping down along the south side of the ridge, sporadic aspen groves provide a bit of shade along the descent. Through the serene hills, you reach a 4-way junction at 3.2 miles in. Left will follow the old road and will rejoin the trail, but most prefer to hike the shortcut trail that was put in once the road wasn’t needed anymore by heading straight.

Heading straight through the junction, you’ll drop down into thick old woods, providing a calm and peaceful stretch of trail. Steadily descending, the evergreens will eventually give way to aspens and small meadows. The trail will soon make a sharp bend to accommodate for an old fence.

The mixed forest will open up more as the trail widens, descending more gradually. Maintaining a steady descent through the aspens, the views will begin to open up more. At an unsigned junction, stay right to continue through a conifer grove where more aspen then await along the easy descent.

Arbor Peak rising in the distance beyond the Rimrock Trail. Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming

A big northern view opens up along the trail with Arbor Peak rising straight ahead. Below you’ll notice private homes on the left. You’ll reach another unsigned junction, where you’ll want to head left to descend through a large open meadow. On the opposite end of the meadow, you’ll enter into an aspen grove filled with thick brush. Not far after, the trail will merge with the road just short of the trailhead. Follow the quick stretch back to the trailhead along the road.

Getting There

From downtown Jackson, head west along Broadway Ave., continuing south along Highway 89 for 13.3 miles. At the roundabout, head southeast toward Pinedale. After 4.5 miles, make a right turn onto S. Bryan Flats Road, marked by a large moose sculpture. Follow that road for 1.5 miles and look for the large spacious trailhead on the right, just past the trail rides outfitters.

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