Distance: 1 mile (one way)
Type: Out and back
Difficulty: Moderate
Kid-friendly: Yes
Dog-friendly: Yes
Water: No
The KC Trail is a moderate 1 mile (one way) trail running along the base of Snow King Mountain, adding a major artery to the overall trail network. It can be hiked as an out and back hike, or included in a loop for more mileage.
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KC Trail Description
The KC Trail begins at the Flat Creek Trailhead, opposite the Josie’s Ridge Trail. The trail begins ascending along the base of Snow King Mountain at a fairly easy pace as it passes through a large meadow. Aspen groves begin to decorate the trail as increasing views of Flat Creek and its riparian landscape offer a serene foreground against the town of Jackson just beyond.
You’ll follow the trail as it meanders through small drainages. These offer a beautiful bit of shade while also ascending small gains in elevation.
At 0.5 miles in, you’ll reach a junction with Linda’s Trail. Continue straight to continue up the KC Trail. You’ll once again enter into a peaceful aspen grove as you continue to gently climb. You’ll pass through another meadow before entering into the old forest for the remainder of the trail. At this point the KC Trail begins to gain more elevation as you approach the Sink or Swim Trail at its terminus.
Along the way, at 0.9 miles in, you’ll reach a junction with the Champa Trail. If you’re looking to extend your mileage, this makes for a great alternate route up to the Sink or Swim Trail, which can bring you farther east along the base of Snow King Mountain. Otherwise, continue to the right to remain on the KC Trail.
In just another 0.1 miles, you’ll climb up through the old forest and reach the terminus at a junction with the Sink or Swim Trail. From this point, you can either head right to loop back around, head left to add more miles, or turn around and head back out the same way you came in.
Elevation and route courtesy of Route Scout
Getting There
From Jackson’s Town Square, head west on Broadway for 1.2 miles. Turn left onto Scott Lane, turning right onto Maple Way after 0.3 miles. Turn left onto the second left, which is Elk Run Lane. As the road begins to turn, look for a parking space on the right side of the road, where the bike trail should be on your left under a large wooden archway. Walk along the bike path for 0.4 miles, and find the trailhead immediately after crossing Flat Creek.