The Gros Ventre Slide Interpretive Trail is an easy 0.6 mile lollipop loop through one of the largest landslides on Earth. Found in the foothills of the Gros Ventre Mountains, it’s sure to delight anyone with even a mild interest in geology.
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Gros Ventre Slide Interpretive Trail Description
The trail descends from the large sign into the thick forest below. You’ll soon reach the start of the loop where you’ll want to head right. It doesn’t take long before you begin to see a massive wall of debris through the trees.
The trail snakes through the woods before reaching the wall, and subsequently climbing up the immense debris field. Carved out of the mountain above is the Gros Ventre Slide, the original home to all the land you’re standing on.
With a stunning, naturally altered landscape alongside you, the trail begins to wrap around and back into the forest. A short distance later and you reach a scenic overlook of Slide Lake, the lake created from the natural damming of the Gros Ventre River.
From the overlook, the trail cuts back deeper into the woods. You’ll make a quick climb up a snack hill where you’ll pass some rather large boulders, also moved by the slide. Beyond the boulders the trail drops back down to reconnect with the original trail. From here, take a right and head back up to the parking area.
Getting There
From Jackson, head north on Highway 89 for 6.8 miles. At the roundabout head right onto Gros Ventre Road. Continue for 8 miles, passing both the Gros Ventre Campground and the town of Kelly. After crossing a small stream, turn right. Follow that road for 4.5 miles, crossing into the Bridger-Teton National Forest. The large signed parking area will be on your right.