Easy hikes and walks around Wilson

The Mount Elly via Black Canyon Trail offers a quick, yet incredibly scenic, escape into the Wyoming wilderness. This easy 1.9-mile (3.0 km) hike, with 814 feet (248 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 1 hour to complete. You'll traverse through diverse terrain, from initial moderate climbs near Teton Pass to open meadows, culminating in breathtaking panoramic views of the Teton Mountains and Jackson Hole from the Mount Elly summit.

To plan your visit, head to the top of Teton Pass where you'll find a large paved parking area at the trailhead. The Black Canyon Trail is a multi-use path, welcoming hikers, bikers, and equestrians. For the best display of wildflowers, aim for a summer hike, particularly between late June and early August.

This trail is a local favorite for its accessibility and the sheer grandeur of its vistas, making it an excellent choice for a relatively short outing with a big payoff. Despite the spur to Mount Elly being unofficial, the summit provides a clear geological survey marker, adding a unique touch to your achievement.

The Russ Garaman Pathway offers a delightful, easy stroll through Jackson, Wyoming, perfect for a quick outing. This paved, multi-use path meanders alongside Flat Creek, providing pleasant scenery and, on clear days, glimpses of the Grand Teton mountains. You'll also encounter the Jackson Hole Community Garden and various sculptures along the way, making this 1.4-mile (2.3 km) route with just 75 feet (23 metres) of elevation gain a charming experience that takes about 36 minutes.

Planning your visit is straightforward; there are no permits or fees required to enjoy this accessible pathway. Its paved surface means you can comfortably use it even in winter, making it a year-round option for those seeking an easy walk. The pathway is also dog-friendly, provided your furry friend stays on a leash, and connects to several other local trails, offering extended exploration opportunities.

Historically significant as the first section of the Jackson Hole pathway system, opened in 1996, the Russ Garaman Pathway was partly financed by the Garaman family. It remains a popular and well-used route, serving as a convenient access point within Jackson. Recent safety enhancements in Garaman Park, such as a bicycle roundabout and chicane gate fencing, further improve the experience for all users.

The Casper Ridge Loop offers a fantastic taste of high-alpine Wyoming scenery without the strenuous climb, making it an easy 1.7-mile (2.8 km) hiking route. You'll traverse singletrack through fir and whitebark pine forests, emerging onto exposed hillsides with rocky viewpoints that deliver panoramic vistas of the Teton peaks and the Jackson Hole valley, including a stunning view of the Grand Teton above Granite Canyon. Expect about 397 feet (121 metres) of elevation gain, which most hikers can cover in around 53 minutes, providing a rewarding experience for minimal effort.

To access this trail, you'll likely want to take the Bridger Gondola up to the trailhead, which significantly cuts down on the initial ascent. The route is a popular choice for sunset hikes, offering incredible light over the valley, and you can choose to hike it clockwise or counterclockwise. It also connects with other trails like the Cirque Trail, giving you options to extend your outing if you're feeling adventurous.

Located at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, the Casper Ridge Loop is notable for making spectacular mountain views highly accessible. Along the way, you'll find unique features like a large crystal placed to promote good vibes and a viewpoint offering a clear look at the iconic Jackson Hole Tram. This trail provides a perfect opportunity to soak in the natural beauty and unique character of the Teton Village area.