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Josie's Ridge
Hiking Trail
Hard
2.88 mi
1,245 ft
Quick but steep hike to a summit overlooking Jackson and the Tetons.
Josie's Ridge is a trail in the national forest that starts right on the edge of Jackson. The trailhead is in fact nothing more than a kiosk along the community paved pathway. To start the trail, you can park at the post office and follow the pathway, or walk/bike from elsewhere in town.
Once on Josie's Ridge trail you'll go uphill right away. The dirt path climbs through groves of trees and sagebrush meadows, granting expanding views over the town as it goes. In no time you'll be staring straight across the valley to Teton Pass and Jackson Hole Resort.
About halfway up the trail there are some steep switchbacks. If there's any snow or ice, you will probably want spikes and poles on this slope. When the gradient finally lessens, you'll be standing at a grassy saddle on the ridge. Turn around for an amazing view of the Grand Teton, provided the weather is clear.
The trail then splits to go both directions along this ridge. Turning right (southwest) will soon lead to an outcrop with even better views. The path is flat at first, but becomes rather rugged near the end. Scramble the final few steps to stand on the rocky pedestal, and gaze over the broad Snake River Valley below.
Note: In the spring this trail can get quite muddy, when it's easily damaged and should not be used. Please save this hike for dry or frozen days. Written by Jesse Weber
Josie's Ridge is a trail in the national forest that starts right on the edge of Jackson. The trailhead is in fact nothing more than a kiosk along the community paved pathway. To start the trail, you can park at the post office and follow the pathway, or walk/bike from elsewhere in town.
Once on Josie's Ridge trail you'll go uphill right away. The dirt path climbs through groves of trees and sagebrush meadows, granting expanding views over the town as it goes. In no time you'll be staring straight across the valley to Teton Pass and Jackson Hole Resort.
About halfway up the trail there are some steep switchbacks. If there's any snow or ice, you will probably want spikes and poles on this slope. When the gradient finally lessens, you'll be standing at a grassy saddle on the ridge. Turn around for an amazing view of the Grand Teton, provided the weather is clear.
The trail then splits to go both directions along this ridge. Turning right (southwest) will soon lead to an outcrop with even better views. The path is flat at first, but becomes rather rugged near the end. Scramble the final few steps to stand on the rocky pedestal, and gaze over the broad Snake River Valley below.
Note: In the spring this trail can get quite muddy, when it's easily damaged and should not be used. Please save this hike for dry or frozen days. Written by Jesse Weber
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