Dog freindly hikes around Jackson Hole ? help needed

[Elkhound Odin]

Mrs Elkhound and I decided on a last minite excursion to Jackson Hole/Grand Teton/Yellowstone area this weekend. We are bringing both dogs and staying at a pet friendly motel in Jackson. I know the natl parks do not allow dogs on hiking trails.

We have never been to the area and my web searches have not produced decent info. Can anyone recommend hiking trails in the Jackson area that are dog friendly? Looking for 5-8 miles either loop or out & back.

Much thanks for any assistance.

[ANON-505]

Teton pass. Not in GTNP, but on either side of the pass you can find tons of loops.

Up Cache creek and the associated drainages/ridges....From Snow King (the little resort in town) head to the Eastish...

Shorter loops, if you're driving from Jackson out toward Wilson and The Village, when you cross over the Snake River, park somewhere and walk either up or down the river.

I hope that helps. I haven't been up there since we moved away four years ago.

[frozenwater]

It has been snowing here for a bit, most loops that have elevation will be a mix of mud/slush.

It is snowing right now as well.

[StormRider]

^^^ That's true, but if you aren't afraid of mud...

Goodwin Lake / Jackson Peak
The “lake” is 3 miles one-way and the peak is 5.5 to 6.

Drive out the elk refuge road, turn right after end of county maintenance toward Curtis Canyon campground, head up a couple switchbacks, drive past Curtis Canyon Campground and overlook, up a couple more switchbacks, bare right at the fork, the road ends at a parking lot which is the trailhead.

It’s a great hike. The trail passes through a variety of terrain, and there are great valley and teton view along the way. Dogs love the lake.

[FreakofSnow]

Another consideration......wearing blaze orange. Hunting season opens this Sunday.

[Danno]

I did a hike that started at a switchback on the way to the pass, up to some lake. wasn't too long, very pretty. but like they say, snowy now. maybe someone can chime in with the name, since I know that wasn't very helpful.

[Black Market]

Goodwin lake is a great and usually uncrowded hike this time of year. However bring some mud boots because you'll need them before you get to the lake. Also watch out for bears and cougars up there this time of year. There are also some good trailheads up the gros ventre rd. up towards slide lake just north of kelly wyoming, about 15 min north of jackson, turn right at the Golf and tennis junction. They are also usually uncrowded and dog friendly.

[schwerty]

It's gonna be muddy at lower elevations and snowy/muddy at higher elevations.
I'd try heading southeast of town. Lots of trails around the Hoback river canyon, heading east toward Pinedale. If the trails are too sloopy, their are a shit-ton of forest roads to walk on. Look up Cliff Creek falls and Shoal Falls---both good walks for the dogs.
Wear Orange!

[Elkhound Odin]

mud boots - check
snowshoes - check
portable bath and lots of towels for dogs - check
bright colored clothes - check
leave elk suit at home - check

All good stuff, everyone. The Goodwin lake hike looks like good bet.

Maybe a stupid question, but I'll ask anyway........What is the consensus about letting the dogs off leash on these hikes? Is it allowed or just not a good idea?

[lhs]

....What is the consensus about letting the dogs off leash on these hikes? Is it allowed or just not a good idea?

Oh gosh, almost all dogs on the trails around jackson are unleashed. dogs pretty much have the run of the place actually. Whenever I walk up to Goodwin/Jackson Peak there are plenty of dogs running around free.
have fun!

[The Suit]

I did a hike that started at a switchback on the way to the pass, up to some lake. wasn't too long, very pretty. but like they say, snowy now. maybe someone can chime in with the name, since I know that wasn't very helpful.

I think you're talking about Ski Lake. If you're heading up the pass from Wilson, the turnout is on the right about 2/3 of the way up - it's the Phillips Canyon/Phillips Pass trailhead.

[schwerty]

Elk-o
I don't know if the rule is in place yet...but...it will be shortly...keep your dog on a leash for the first 1.5 miles or so if you're walking up either Cache Creek or Game Creek, (the 2 Recreation Areas). This rule goes into effect around late Oct to protect wintering wildlife in the lower sections of the canyons.
Otherwise, leashes aren't required.

[skiing-in-jackson]

Cache Creek right out of town is always a good option- lots of bike & foot traffic though. Walking up the forest service road (closed to vehicles past the parking lot) is nice, you can go for about 7 (?) miles before you reach the wilderness boundary.

Be careful walking the trails that shoot off Cache Creek drainage as they are popular with mountain bikers. Still, going up the road is an easy option for a hike right out of town.

Also wear orange and put something bright on the pooch- anywhere you go.

Climbing Snow King Ski Area just above town is also very popular. Lots of nice trails shoot off from the top. Try climbing the king on the switchbacks, then heading down to the west and decending Josie's Ridge, linking up with Sink or Swim Trail, which will bring you back to the base of the King.

[Danno]

I think you're talking about Ski Lake. If you're heading up the pass from Wilson, the turnout is on the right about 2/3 of the way up - it's the Phillips Canyon/Phillips Pass trailhead.

ski lake, yup, that's it. pretty hike.

[Black Market]

FYI winter wildlife closure/leash law goes into effect on DEC 1st. Cache creek is open for the 7 miles and so is the hagen trail year round as long as you have a leash with you, its the putt-putt area that requires the leash law. I always have my elkhound off leash going to goodwin lake, i usually carry a leash with me though just in case. As long as your dog is under verbal control and doesnt go around biting other dogs in the face for no reason, its generally accepted. Be wary of out of town hunters with hunting dogs.

BTNF Closure/leash law info
http://www.fs.fed.us/r4/btnf/conditions/index.shtml

[schwerty]

BM,
Thanks for correcting me. I should have checked the btnf site before I opened my mouth.

[rideit]

I did a hike that started at a switchback on the way to the pass, up to some lake. wasn't too long, very pretty. but like they say, snowy now. maybe someone can chime in with the name, since I know that wasn't very helpful.

Phillips pass to ski lake. Very good choice!
Hey, Odin, you want to take my elkie out with yours?
He knows all of the sick stashes, and could show your elkies the goods.

I am in some intensive classes, he is going STIR CRAZY.
Lemme know!
BTW, moose meadows on my side is fan-bloody tastic, and the pooches are more than welcome to come by. I live right across from Moose creek.

[Elkhound Odin]

Rideit,
Hey, thanks for the invite. I think I could take your elkie out with mine. I'll leaving Denver by 8am today, plan to roll into Jackson 'bout 5pm. I'll send you a pm with my cell #.