The Storm King Summit Hike

Head to the outskirts of Jackson Hole if you want to complete this hard hike. The trail has a length of 3.8 miles, out and back, with an elevation of 1,545 feet. At the top of Storm King, you will be able to enjoy panoramic views over the city.  

This hike will have you on the popular Slow Trail which begins at the parking lot on busy Storm King Avenue. You will also be sharing space with not only other hikers but also with trail runners, joggers, and even dog walkers. Some suggest packing a nice picnic dinner and dining at the outdoor picnic table east of the ski lift. Cut 1.9 miles off your hike and ride the ski lift down to the starting point.

The Paintbrush Canyon Loop

This hard, 20.4-mile loop rail is located near Moose. It is reportedly well-maintained and has an elevation of 5,721 feet. While it could be completed in one day, it might be better to break it up into two or more days.

This loop trail hike features such park highlights as Hidden Falls, Inspiration Point, Jenny Lake, Inspiration Point, Paintbrush Canyon, and Lake Solitude and its intimate remote beaches. You can hike in either direction. Assuming you are going to be breaking the hike into at least two days, which direction you hike in should rely on the location of your campsite.

The best direction to hike this trail is actually counterclockwise. Hiking in this direction allows you to get all of the required climbing out of the way on the first half of your trek. After you cross the Paintbrush Divide, the second half of your journey will be mainly downhill. The popular Paintbrush Canyon-Cascade Canyon Loop starts and finishes at the String Lake Trailhead. The parking lot here tends to fill up early so you should be sure to arrive well before 7:30 a.m.