Casper Ridge Loop, WY

If you're in the Teton Village area in the summer, you shouldn't miss this hike. Not a lot of elevation gain (besides the Gondola Ride up the mountain), and easily followed, this trail rewards you with some of the best views in the Teton Mountains. From the "ridge", you can look east into Wyoming and west into Idaho.


Ride the Bridger Gondola ($35 all day pass when we were there) and behind the Piste Mountain Grille at the top of the gondola you'll find the trailhead. It switchbacks 3 or 4 times then heads north towards the loop, about 1/4 mile away. Wwe took the loop clockwise, getting the slight uphill out of the way first, and found the return portion offered welcomed shade.Along the route you'll no doubt lose count of how many time you say "Oh Wow!". You'll walk on the the ski area boundary for a lot of the upper portion of the loop, notice how high the poles are - You'll get an idea of how deep the snow is in the winter. At the turnaround point there are spectacular views of a canyon (maybe Cascade Canyon?) and the tetons looking north. Enjoy the Jackson Hole valley views on your way back, and don't miss the Jenny Lake Lager in the grille before riding back down the Gondola!

2019-09-08 paulhubbard