The Josie’s Ridge Trail is a strenuous 2.6 mile (one way) trail that ascends from Flat Creek to the summit of Snow King Mountain in the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Many people choose to hike up to the saddle halfway up, while far fewer complete the remainder of the trail. This allows for great moments of solitude and quiet.
Josie’s Ridge Trail Description
From the Flat Creek Trailhead, head right to begin heading up steeply up the base of the mountain. You’ll be surrounded by lush aspens and ground vegetation before entering into a large meadow covering the side of the mountain. You’re initially treated to some great lower views of Jackson beyond the tops of the trees. The trail continues gaining elevation where the views quickly become more interesting.
After 0.25 miles the Josie’s Ridge Trail will cut up into the mountain where the elevation gain noticeably increases. After climbing for a bit, you’ll enter into an old forest where the trail takes a short break from ascending. You’ll quickly emerge into a meadow with a great view over Jackson. Just as quickly, you’ll head back into the forest where you’ll reach another junction at 0.5 miles in. Head right where you’ll begin ascending steeply through the forest.
Short and steep switchbacks help you continue to climb as it enters into a steep meadow. Higher up more, you’ll reach a junction with the Sink or Swim Trail terminus. Head right to stay on the Josie’s Ridge Trail. Through the junction you’ll steadily climb up yet more steep switchbacks up the exposed hillside. The benefit, however, is that you’re treated to immense views of the town of Jackson and the Teton Mountains far in the distance. Soon the relentless climb begins going in and out of sparse evergreens. In just a short while, the trees become more consistent.
Upon emerging from the trees, you’ll make a quick scramble up rockier terrain where you then reach the saddle. It’s here you’ll notice an unmarked junction. Right optionally heads up an unmaintained trail, frequently mistaken as the Josie’s Ridge Trail. It’s a short out and back spur which can explored, if desired. Otherwise, head left to continue up the trail.
You’ll once again head in and out the forest, maintaining a steep ascent. Likewise, you’ll also notice as the switchbacks go from one side of the ridgeline to the other, the road noise from Jackson also going in and out.
At an exposed vantage point overlooking southern Jackson Hole, you’ll begin climbing up the south side of the ridge. Though steep, the scenery is pristine and silent. The largely exposed hillside provides fantastic views toward the southwest. You’ll continue through this type of terrain for nearly a mile. Toward the end of that mile, you’ll reach a relatively recent trail reroute, sticking to the south side of the mountain. It’s here that the Snow King Observatory comes into view up the hill to the left. Just beyond here, the trail wraps around the observatory and climbs up a short distance beyond to the summit of Snow King Mountain.
From here you have multiple options to return back to the trailhead. You can head back the way you came up, or you can also head down the Snow King Summit Trail and take the Sink or Swim Trail back, potentially combining it with other trails to return slightly differently.
Getting There
From downtown Jackson, head west on Broadway for 1.2 miles. Turn left onto Scott Lake and follow that for 0.3 miles, turning left onto Maple Way. The second left will be a short distance ahead, which is Elk Run Lane. Turn left onto that and park along the road as it begins to bend from the south to the west. You’ll see a bike path on the opposite side of the road, which you’ll need to walk or bike to access the trailhead.