The Wildflower to Hoback Trail Loop is a moderate 6.7 mile hike that shows off some of the best features of the lower elevations of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. There’s even an option to make the loop a bit shorter if you’re limited on time or any other reason.
Wildflower to Hoback Loop Trail Description
Look for the Wildflower Trail to begin between the Bridger and Sweetwater Gondolas. Signs will direct you toward the trail. You’ll parallel a dirt service road for a short distance before climbing steeply up a ski run. A short distance later and you’ll make switchbacks through an aspen grove. Here, you’ll connect with the Seven Bridges Trail, where you’ll want to head left. The trail is shared for only a few steps, as the Wildflower Trail quickly branches off to the right.
Continue up the Wildflower Trail where you’re treated to great views of Jackson Hole. Along the way you’ll notice a familiar pattern as you switchback up through aspen groves, popping in and out of them to also ascend up ski runs. Through this stretch, depending on when in the season you’re hiking, the Wildflower Trail will fully live up to its name.
As you ascend higher, the aspens will yield to a more mixed forest with increasing evergreen trees. The switchbacks will remain consistent as elderly evergreens become more prominent.
In the middle of a ski run, you’ll make your first junction with the Hoback Trail at 1.7 miles in. If you’d like to head back early, this is your junction. Otherwise, continue heading up the Wildflower Trail.
Those who remain on the trail will be quickly rewarded as a large tree swing awaits above breathtaking views of Jackson Hole. Feel free to enjoy the inviting swing as long as you’d like.
Beyond the swing, the Wildflower Trail winds around and below the Bridger Gondola through a sparsely populated forest. Just ahead, you’ll emerge into a large ski run. From here, you’ll wind around below the Casper Lift where you’ll then ascend up to the restaurant, which is closed for the season. Just above the restaurant, you’ll reach the junction with the Hoback Trail at 2.1 miles in.
The Hoback Trail
Heading down the Hoback Trail, you’ll cut back and briefly parallel a service road above the Wildflower Trail before crossing the road. You’ll easily meander through the thin forest where easy switchbacks guide you downward. Crossing a ski run, you’ll continue descending along the pleasant trail conditions through different ski runs. After descending a bit, you’ll reach the original junction with the Wildflower Trail. Stay right to remain on the Hoback Trail.
Beyond the junction, you’ll wind into a drainage where you’ll cross a rushing creek. The easy hiking trail guides you from evergreens and into a more aspen-filled forest, ripe with ground brush as well. In time, the trail will get rockier as it passes through large meadows.
Over occasional creek crossings, you’re also treated to consistently gorgeous views of the valley, getting more exposed as you near a prominent switchback. You’ll briefly wind back into the forest to make the U-turn, continuing to cut through mostly meadows and aspen trees.
You’ll maintain the meander through mixed forests where you’ll connect with the Lower Face Loop. Continue straight through forests and meadows. Not far after, you’ll connect with the Tramline Trail at 5.75 miles. Continue straight where you’ll immediately reach another fork with the Seven Bridges Trail. Veer right to stay on the Tramline Trail.
The Tramline Trail is briefly shared with a service road before cutting back into the forest on the left. Through thick brush, you’ll pop out along another service road, following switchbacks down alongside the dirt road. You’ll pass by maintenance sheds before emerging at a service road junction. Pick up the Wildflower Trail once again on the opposite side and continue heading back down to the trailhead.
Getting There
From the Tram, head up the hill and look for the trail between the Sweetwater and Bridger Gondolas.