Snow King to Ferrin’s Loop

The Snow King to Ferrin’s Loop is a strenuous 6.25 mile hike that ascends up the summit of Snow King Mountain, and returns via the Ferrin’s Trail. Many people prefer to descend the Ferrin’s Trail thanks to its mild elevation change compared to the Snow King Summit Trail.

Why You Should Hike It

This beautifully challenging trail gives you the incredible views as only Snow King Mountain can, while also providing you with a gentler path down than the steep switchbacks of the Summit Trail. Along the way you’re treated to colorful wildflower displays, tranquil forests, and unparalleled views looking up the valley of Jackson Hole.

Notes of Interest

Snow King Ski Resort, where much of this hike wanders through, was started in 1936. It has the unique distinction of being Wyoming’s first ski resort. At the summit of the mountain, more recently conpleted, is a world-class planetarium and observatory for those who want to feed their inner astronomy geek while hiking.

Much of the Summit Trail was shared with the original service road to the summit. It was more recently replaced with a larger road that is only used briefly on the hike. As such, you’ll notice the trail is quite wide in some places, while in others the trail has begun to be restored to a more natural single-track.

Josiah David “Si” Ferrin, for whom the trail in the latter half of the hike is named, was a homesteader in the valley in the early 1900s. Settling on the northern end of the valley, he acquired over 3,500 acres of land by 1928. His reputation as a cattle rancher gave him the title, “the cattle baron of Jackson Hole.”

View more images available as prints from the Gros Ventre Mountains

Snow King to Ferrin’s Loop Description

From the main Snow King parking lot, ascend up the paved stretch to its terminus at the official Snow King Summit Trailhead. Look for the summit trail to head left from the trailhead. The trail begins climbing steeply toward the summit, and never lets up for the next 1.8 miles.

Snow King Summit Trail

Heading up, you’ll head into a forest where a switchback will bring you back out into the large ski run overlooking town. Another wide switchback will bring you back the other way, ultimately connecting with a dirt service road. Follow that as it bends around and continue uphill where you’ll soon intersect with the Sink or Swim Trail.

Continue up the summit trail, relentlessly climbing uphill toward another switchback. Turning through the next switchback, you’ll pass through forest groves and ski runs before passing underneath the Cougar Lift. Before reaching the next grove, look for the trail to cut back up into the woods on your left, passing above the Cougar Lift.

Passing through a forested switchback, you’ll reach a dirt service road, the trail using a short stretch of the road. Look to the left again as the trail will continue climbing through another forest grove. A switchback at the top of a ski run overlooks the valley of Jackson Hole, providing an inviting place to rest, if desired.

The next stretch continues upward, finally reaching a saddle where you’ll intersect with the Skyline Trail.

Skyline Trail

If you’re interested in seeing the summit of Snow King Mountain, head right for another 0.2 miles to finish the summit trail. Otherwise, head left to begin heading over to the Ferrin’s Trail.

Though still climbing upward, the trail isn’t quite as steep as the summit trail. A short distance up, the trail will split. Head right, avoiding the communications towers. You’ll reach the high point of the trail at an serene aspen grove with a widening in the trail encouraging a brief respite.

From the rest stop, the trail will begin descending through aspens and meadows as the noises of Jackson fade away. Treating you to gorgeous views into the Gros Ventre Mountains, the Skyline Trail winds easily downward toward another junction.

The large four-way junction connects the Skyline Trail to both the West Game Creek Trail as well as the Ferrin’s Trail, heading off to the left.

Ferrin’s Trail

Heading left from the junction, you’ll make a relaxing descent as stunning views of Jackson Hole unfold before you. The views are short-lived, however, as you wander into an old forest, which will become the dominant scenery for the next two miles.

At the same time, the descent through the forest is enjoyably peaceful and soothing, a nice contrast to the Snow King Summit Trail. You’ll make a few switchbacks down lengthy trail segments with an occasional glimpse of the surrounding terrain through the trees, before reaching a junction after a long winding descent. You’ll connect with the Sink or Swim Trail here, proceeding straight.

Sink or Swim Trail

The trail will trend upward, continuing straight through the next junction as well. Through the woods, proceed right at the following junction, then straight through another quickly after. Over some up and down along the hills, you’ll soon reach the Snow King ropes course. Follow the signs pointing out the Sink or Swim Trail as you pass under a lift while crossing a dirt service road.

Shortly after, you’ll share a quick stretch of the service road before forking off to the left, paralleling just above it. You’ll then pass through large ski runs where you’ll then connect with the Snow King Summit Trail once again. Head down the summit trail and you’ll quickly be back at the trailhead.

Getting There

From Town Square in Jackson, Wyoming, head south on S. Cache Street for 0.5 miles. Turn left onto Snow King Ave., then take the first right into the parking area at the base of Snow King Mountain.