Trip Report 7/6/26
Jackson, Wyoming
Action creates motivation. I am a firm believer in that concept, and I can feel that motivation develop every time I lace up my shoes and run out my front door. What is just a simple, standard fitness loop over Snow King Mountain in my mind is, in reality, a wildly scenic ridge run high above Jackson Hole with 360-degree views of Teton County, including the iconic Grand Tetons. Appreciation for what you have doesn’t come automatically; it’s an exercise you have to recognize and acknowledge regularly. In an effort to count my blessings, today’s trip report is a look at one of Jackson’s most accessible outdoor playgrounds and a write-up of two truly iconic town trails.
If you are lucky enough to live near here, consider this your reminder to get back out there and keep your weekly mileage up. For those visiting from elsewhere, this loop is the perfect chance to snag a quick, high-quality workout and sweeping views without the bustling crowds of the National Parks or the heavy logistics required for a big push in the high peaks. You just put your shoes on and go.
On the west end of Snow King sits the Josie’s Ridge trail. This classic, 1.5-mile leg burner is the definitive go-to workout for town residents. It is incredibly steep, serving up outstanding views of the valley floor below. It's a fantastic stretch of dirt, but it’s a pure grunt—even the fittest mountain athletes can barely sustain a jog as the tight switchbacks punch directly up toward the Snow King ridge line.
On the east end of the mountain is another classic town staple known as Ferrins. This heavily treed climb up the side of Snow King is a regular favorite for trail runners, hikers, and mountain bikers alike. By nature, Ferrins is a little longer and features a slightly milder, more uniform grade, winding through the timber to offer a shady, protected climb up the King.
Together, these two distinct trails can be flawlessly linked using the Sink or Swim trail, which traverses right across the front face of the Snow King ski area. While you can tackle this loop in either direction, my personal preference is to take the milder grade up Ferrins so I can actually sustain a climbing jog, and then soak in the massive, outward-facing valley views on the steep descent down Josie's. This directional flow treats you to a full tour of the mountain, including the summit, the town hill ski runs, the deep pine forests of Cache Creek, and the hot, dry sagebrush slopes of Josie’s.
I typically run this loop right from Pine Drive, but the beauty of this network is that you can start and end at various access points along Snow King Avenue. The three most popular spots to jump on the loop are the Josie’s Ridge Trailhead, Phil Baux Park at the base of the ski area, or the Cache Creek Trailhead.
All told, this ~8-mile loop packs roughly 1,800 vertical feet of climbing and is deceptively steep. There are endless variations, connector trails, and ways to modify your workout—including utilizing the main service roads or grinding straight up the front boot-pack lines under the lifts. Whatever variation you choose, enjoy the views, push your pace, and take a quick moment to count your blessings. Damn fine trail!
🗺️ Line of Travel:
Sink or Swim Trail ➔ Ferrins Trail ➔ Skyline Trail Westbound ➔ Josie's Ridge Trail ➔ Sink or Swim Trail
📍Beta:
Access this loop from either Josie's Ridge Trailhead, Bikepath, Phil Baux Park, or Cache Creek Trailhead.
📊 Route Stats:
- Distance: 7.71 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,850 feet
- Moving Time: 1:11:19
- Average Pace: 9:15 / mile
👟 Gear List:
- Shoes: Dynafit Ultra Pro 2
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