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On Two Feet: Running Your Way Through Teton Trails by Shannon Sollitt
50 BEST OF JACKSON HOLE 2020 On Two Feet: Running Your Way Through Teton Trails
By Shannon Sollitt
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Photo: Dutch Simpson
Trail running is one of the more grueling and rewarding activities you can do on two feet. The destinations are gratifying, yes, but they are just the cherry on top of a beautiful, blooming relationship with distance running.
Whether you’re training for a race or just trying to go further in the mountains, the process is demanding, it is painful, but it is oh-so-satisfying. And there’s no better place to explore it than Jackson Hole.
Its abundant alpine trails offer endless options for scenery, elevation gain, and distance. Of course, you’ll need the right shoes. Skinny Skis (Silver-Best Gear Shop) in downtown Jackson carries some of the top brands in the industry, from Hoka One One to Brooks to Asics and more.
Once you’re appropriately laced up, the options for trail runs are limitless. Here are some local favorite trail runs to work into your schedule:
GT NP FOR SHORTER RUNS TAGGART LAKE This is the perfect run to get your legs back under you after a long, snowy winter. The 3.8-mile round-trip trail takes you to an alpine lake with stunning views of the Teton Range. Climb 413 feet on the way up and run through lush forest and alpine meadows until you reach the lake, then cruise back to the trailhead after a quick dip (if you’re brave), photo-op and snack. FERRINS SK The Cache Creek (Silver-Best Biking) trail system offers plenty of choose-your-ownadventure routes, but Ferrins is the most bang for your buck. It’s a 2.2-mile out-and-back with roughly 800 feet of elevation gain, or you can continue on into Wilson Canyon or to the Snow King summit via Skyline Trail. We recommend starting at Sink or Swim to add a little more distance and a fun, rolling traverse. It is a shared trail, so while hikers and runners technically have the right of way, always be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye out for mountain bikers.
BT NF MUNGER MOUNTAIN Munger Mountain is one of the valley’s most colorful spots if you time it right! In spring and early summer, wildflowers dominate the landscape. Fall colors are equally as aweinspiring. But it’s a great run no matter when you do it. Be sure to stop and take in the views at the top of Wally’s World. FOR ELEVATION BT NF WILDFLOWER TRAIL Hard work with a high reward. The Wildflower Trail at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort climbs from the base of JHMR to the top of the Bridger Gondola. It’s only 4 miles if you do
it one way, but climbs roughly 2,700 feet. You can, of course, run back down, or you could grab a beverage at Piste at the top of the gondola and enjoy a leisurely ride back down. BT NF PHILLIP’S RIDGE Most people do this trail from the Ski Lake trailhead on Teton Pass, and for good reason. But we’re training for toughness here! Start at the Phillips Canyon trailhead on Fish Creek Road and climb roughly 3,100 feet over 6 miles through lush forest and wildflowers. If you can coordinate, leave a car at the Ski Lake trailhead and shuttle back down. Or turn around and run it the other way! JOSIE’S RIDGE
SK Just south of the Snow King summit sits Josie’s Ridge. Get to the top and back down in just 3.4 miles, or continue on to the Snow King summit for some cool ridgeline running. What the trail lacks in distance it makes up for in elevation. You’ll climb just over 1,200 feet and feel it every step of the way. FOR DISTANCE
CACHE TO GAME
SK This route hosts a popular local trail race in the summer, so it’s no surprise that it also makes a perfect training run. As with most trails in this system, you’ll be sharing with mountain bikers, so be mindful. It’s also a pretty popular predator hangout, so bear spray is advised. Start at the Cache Creek trailhead and take your pick of Sidewalk or Hagen’s Trail, or just follow the double-track about 5 miles up to a little wooden bridge. From there, head right toward Game Creek and follow the beautiful, flowy singletrack down the ridgeline between Cache Creek and Game Creek drainages. You’ll come out at Game Creek south of town, so coordinate a shuttle. Toast your 10-mile run with a drink and burger at The Bird (Gold-Best Burger, Gold-Best Wings)!
HERMITAGE POINT This run is perfect for days when you need to put in the GT NP miles, but could also use a rest. The approximate 10-mile loop carries you along Jackson Lake past swan ponds, waterfalls, and likely abundant wildlife in the heart of Grand Teton National Park. Take your time, enjoy the scenery, and cool down with a dip in the lake. This is one of the park’s more underrated trails.
DEATH CANYON TO TETON CANYON If you’re ready to truly push your running abilities in the GT NP mountains, Death Canyon to Teton Canyon is a classic Teton through-trail. It’s burly — 20 miles, 4,000-foot ascent and descent — but there are countless rewards to keep you going. Start at Death Canyon trailhead, ascend through Death Canyon, climb to Static Peak Divide (take a detour fo Static Peak summit for an extra peak bag), take Buck Mountain Pass and finally take Teton Trail 027 all the way down to the Teton Canyon trailhead. Prepare for high-alpine exposure, weather, and potential wildlife encounters. Leave a car at the Teton Canyon trailhead, and leave a celebratory beer or treat in it!
BEST HAIR SALON
BEST MASSAGE THERAPIST
Champú Salon JACKSON’S BEST HAIR SALON ChampuSalonJH.com Frost Salon HIGH-END HAIR SALON (307) 734-0804 Greta and Haakon Salon BOUTIQUE SALON IN WILSON (307) 734-4411 Dan Hady PROVIDING PROFESSIONAL MASSAGE THERAPY (484) 888-6712 Oliver Tripp ABHYASA MASSAGE THERAPY AbhyasaMassage.com Rena Trail MASSAGE PROFESSIONALS OF JACKSON HOLE MassageProfessionalsJacksonHole.com
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As a popular destination wedding location, boutique hair salons stay busy all year-round with brides and bridal parties preparing for the big day. Be sure to book your appointment well in advance to nail down your favorite stylists.
BEST HAIR STYLIST
GOLD
Hannah Poindexter CHAMPÚ SALON
(307) 699-9909 | ChampuSalonJH.com
Stylist and color specialist Hannah Poindexter joined the Champú team in 2015. Born and raised in Jackson, Hannah went to beauty school in San Luis Obispo, California. There she obtained her cosmetology license in 2010. Hannah’s favorite part about being a stylist is helping clients achieve the hair color they’ve always desired. Hannah enjoys working with a great team at Champú salon.
Photo: Hannah Poindexter
Bernadette Gwilliam BEAUTY WITH BERNADETTE (307) 734-0804 BernadetteGwilliam@gmail.com Kelly René HAIR BY KELLY RENÉ (307) 203-0040 | HairByKellyRene.com
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Photo: Four Seasons Resort
Rusty Parrot Lodge Body Sage Spa LUXURY SPA AT THE RUSTY PARROT LODGE
175 N Jackson St, Jackson, WY (307) 733-4455 | RustyParrot.com/Spa Spa at Four Seasons Resort ULTIMATE MOUNTAIN RELAXATION 7680 Granite Loop Rd, Teton Village, WY (307) 732-5120 FourSeasons.com/JacksonHole/Spa
After a long day zipping around Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, treat yourself to a luxurious spa experience at the Four Seasons spa. The spa offers a well-rounded menu of treatments including massages, facial skin care, salon services, and body rituals, as well as a salon, fitness center, pool, and sauna.
SpaTerre at Teton Mountain Lodge RELAXING DAY SPA IN TETON MOUNTAIN
3385 Cody Ln, Teton Village, WY (307) 732-6865 | TetonLodge.com/Teton-Village-Spa
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Chances are, some of our favorite hikes will be leaving your muscles sore! A massage is a great way to help your body adjust to the altitude or intense activities. Many local spas also incorporate mountain botanicals into treatments so you can really soak up the alpine goodness.
BEST YOGA STUDIO
Inversion Yoga HEARTFELT MOVEMENT COMMUNITY InversionYoga.com Akasha Yoga Studio YOGA & MEDITATION AkashaYogaJH.com Pursue BOUTIQUE FITNESS STUDIO PursueJH.com BEST YOGA INSTRUCTOR
Ariel Mann INVERSION YOGA InversionYoga.com Niki Sue Mueller INVERSION YOGA, TETON YOGA SHALA, & VIM NikiSueYoga.com Kira Brazinski INVERSION YOGA InversionYoga.com
Mountain Character & Alpine Living
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Stio MOUNTAIN-INSPIRED OUTDOOR CLOTHING
10 E Broadway, Jackson, WY (307) 201-1890 | Stio.com
Stio is dedicated to creating clothing with an emphasis on technical performance and versatility. Stio designs beautiful, functional products made sustainably for everyday mountain life in Jackson Hole and beyond.
Photo: Nick Sulzer
Penny Lane Cooperative INNOVATIVE DESIGNS FROM LOCAL ARTISTS
35 S Glenwood St, Jackson, WY (307) 733-3080 | PennyLaneJH.com Nest WHIMSY & TOMBOY-CHIC BOUTIQUE 3445 N Pines Way, Wilson, WY (307) 201-5066 | NestJacksonHole.com
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Shop until you drop on Town Square. Best known by the four antler arches that frame the square, it is the perfect spot to grab a souvenir T-shirt, browse the many art galleries, or jump on a stagecoach ride.
BEST GIFT SHOP
BRONZE
Photo: Buckrail
MADE HANDMADE & ARTISAN GIFTS 125 N Cache St, Gaslight Alley, Jackson, WY (307) 690-7957 | MadeJacksonHole.com
Belle Cose
JACKSON’S LUXURY BOUTIQUE Multiple Locations (307) 733-2640 | BelleCose.com
This flagship boutique was founded in 1995 in the tradition of alpine hospitality and entertaining. With a carefully curated selection of fine jewelry, clothing, accessories, gifts, and home and kitchenware, Belle Cose strives to inspire its customers to live life beautifully. Most notably, Belle Cose includes over 60 international designers offering the finest selection of jewelry through their annual trunk show series.
Roam NEIGHBORHOOD SHOP & CREATIVE SPACE 40 S Glenwood St, Jackson, WY (307) 203-2091 | RoamJH.com
JC Jewelers
CUSTOM-DESIGNED JEWELRY
Photo: JC Jewelers
132 N Cache St, Jackson, WY (307) 733-5933 | JCJewelers.com
Family-owned and operated, JC Jewelers has been celebrating love and life with fine jewelry for over 30 years. Specializing in custom jewelry, JC Jewelers designs and crafts wedding rings and exceptional pieces in their Jackson Hole studio.
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Some of the locals’ favorite jewelry pieces include bold, Westerninspired turquoise pieces and rings or bracelets featuring an outline of the Teton Range. Just like everything else here, Jackson’s jewelry is one of a kind.
SILVER
BRONZE
Photo: Jackson Hole Jewelry Co.
Jackson Hole Jewelry Co. RARE STONES & ORIGINAL DESIGNS
60 E Broadway, Jackson, WY (307) 201-1722 | JacksonHoleJewelry.com
Jackson Hole Jewelry Company is a full-service jeweler, famous for its original Teton Stacking Rings and bespoke custom jewelry.
Photo: Nick Sulzer
MADE UNIQUE LOCAL ARTISAN JEWELRY, & MORE
125 N Cache St, Gaslight Alley, Jackson, WY (307) 690-7957 | MadeJacksonHole.com
MADE, a boutique store in Gaslight Alley has a curated collection of handmade items such as artisan jewelry, cards, Wyoming-inspired accessories and much more. MADE strives to support unique art from artisans locally and beyond.
BEST LOCALLY OWNED STORE
MADE HAND-CRAFTED & UNIQUE GIFTS MadeJacksonHole.com Creekside Market & Deli NEIGHBORHOOD MARKET & DELI CreeksideJacksonHole.com Skinny Skis NORDIC & BACKCOUNTRY GEAR SkinnySkis.com
OTHER LOCAL FAVORITES
New West Knifeworks (307) 733-4193
Browse ’N Buy COMMUNITY THRIFT STORE BrowseNBuyJH.org Headwall OUTDOOR & APPAREL CONSIGNMENT HeadwallSports.com Habitat for Humanity ReStore HOME IMPROVEMENT & DONATION CENTER TetonHabitat.org/ReStore
nili lotan mother veja apiece apart moussy vintage crown + brim lingua franca naadam
rylee + cru pink chicken oeuf donsje petit bateau feather baby native my little cozmo tata harper josh rosebrook coqui coqui kat burki ilia joanna vargas the organic pharmacy vintners daughter
