Snow King Summit Trail

The Snow King Summit Trail is a strenuous 2 mile (one way) hike that ascends to the top of the mountain, providing stunning views of Jackson Hole. Affectionately referred to as The Town Hill, Snow King receives a lot of local traffic thanks to its steep ascent, great views, and close proximity to town. In the winter, it also becomes a beloved ski resort where most of the summit trail is still open for skinning, making it a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

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Snow King Summit Trail Description

Walk up the hill toward the gondola and you’ll see the trail ascending to a large junction at the base of the mountain. Head left to begin heading into the trees after going under the gondola and Cougar Lift. The trail starts off on a steep incline up the hill and doesn’t give you much of a rest any time soon; it gains over 1,500 feet during its two mile trek up to the top.

The first switchback is deep in the trees low on the hill and winds back around on its way up the mountain. Once through the trees, it pops out into a large ski area, skimming the treeline for a little while, then climbing steadily up to another switchback across the open area. You’ll connect with a maintenance road for a quick bend and continue ascending up the wide trail. At 0.6 miles in, you’ll connect with the Sink or Swim Trail, a lengthy trail that traverses the lower elevations of Snow King Mountain. Continue climbing past, quickly ascening higher above the Sink or Swim Trail.

After another switchback, a steady ascent continues as you approach the Cougar Lift, passing just under the top of it. The steep and steady ascent persists up the hill, heading up one switchback after another in the trees, until finally emerging at the last switchback in an open clearing with a great view over Jackson, the National Elk Refuge, and most of the Jackson Hole valley.

The last leg remains on its steady upward trajectory, ultimately reaching the saddle. Once at the saddle, it’s an easy climb up to the top of the Summit Lift and the Panorama House, offering fantastic views to the north and west.

Have a little more time on your hands? Follow the trail west from the Panorama House and head over to Josie’s Ridge, a popular alternative to Snow King with some tremendous views of its own. The connecting trail is rarely used so in addition to sharing the trail with a limited number of people, you’ll also be able to get away from the road noise of Jackson.

Getting There

From Town Square in Jackson, Wyoming, drive (or walk) south on Cache Street for .5 miles. There will be a baseball diamond past a 4-way stop sign on the left with a parking area just beyond the field that you can pull into and park. The trail begins just up the hill after crossing below both ski lifts. In winter, make a left at the stop sign on to Snow King Avenue and turn right at the next parking area.