The Wildflower Trail is a strenuous 4.3 mile hike at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort that climbs from the base of the resort, over 2,600 vertical feet to the top of the Bridger Gondola. From there, you have the option to hike some higher altitude trails, or take a ride back down on the gondola. Either way, the restaurant inside also has plenty of refreshments to replace energy.
Wildflower Trail Description
The Wildflower Trail begins between both the Bridger and Sweetwater Gondolas. Signs direct you along a service road as the trail becomes more clear, ascending alongside the road initially. Just a bit farther, it breaks away from the road to climb steeply through a ski run.
On the other side of the ski run, you’ll switchback through aspen trees, and back into the ski run. This will quickly become a familiar pattern as you waste no time gaining elevation. Along the way, gorgeous wildflower displays are scattered all over the clearings, providing a beautiful sample of the diversity in plant life.
At 0.6 miles in, you’ll connect with the Seven Bridges Trail, the two trails sharing terrain just briefly. Continue left, and after only a few steps, you’ll see the Wildflower Trail continuing to ascend as it veers off to the right. The switchbacks going in and out of the aspens and ski run resume as you maintain a steady ascent through the stunning scenery. Along the way, the views down Jackson Hole only improve as evergreens become more prominent over the aspens.
After a lengthy ascent up the increasingly sublime scenery, you’ll reach a junction with the Hoback Trail at 1.6 miles in. Stick to the right to continue up the Wildflower Trail. Just up the trail from the junction is a welcome treat for hikers: a large tree swing with a dramatic view in front of it. You won’t find a better opportunity to take a break if you’re looking for one!
Beyond the swing, you’ll enter into a more evergreen forest as you ascend around to a drainage to the north of where you’ve been hiking. This trail ultimately winds around to the top of the Casper Lift after emerging from the forest. It’s in this area that you’ll connect with the Hoback Trail once again at 2 miles in. Continue to the right to remain on the Wildflower Trail.
You’ll wind back into the evergreen forest before crossing over a small creek. Just beyond, you’ll enter a ski run as you cross a service road and head back into the woods. Ascending through these woods, you’ll reach a junction with the Holey Moley Trail at 2.3 miles in. Stay left to continue climbing up the trail.
For a short stretch, the trail gets rockier before winding back around and above the Casper Lift, now far below. You’ll begin to switchback up through the ski runs, passing through thin forest groves. You’ll make another service road crossing where you’ll then switchback up a thinning forest of firs and ski runs.
Crossing a service road once again, you’ll continue climbing up the switchbacks through an old forest, where you’l then pop out into a large meadow directly below the Bridger Gondola and adjacent restaurant. Follow the trail up just a bit farther to the Wildflower Trail’s terminus. You’re welcome to enjoy your own snacks, or something freshly cooked from inside, as the tables outside invite you to stop and admire the panoramic view of Jackson Hole below.
When ready, you have a number of options: you can continue up to the summit of Rendezvous Mountain, hike another trail in the area, head back down the same way you came up, or take a free ride back down the gondola.
Getting There
From the base of the Jackson Hole Tram, head up the hill to find the Wildflower Trail beginning between the Bridger and Sweetwater Gondolas.