+ 33
Black Canyon Loop
Trail Running Route
Hard
10.11 mi
2,731 ft
A classic trail running loop or shuttle through Black Canyon.
Whether you're visiting Jackson, WY or Driggs, ID, this is a staple run off Teton Pass with sweeping views, lush spruce-fir forests, and plenty of summer wildflowers. It can be run as a loop (as mapped) or as a shuttle beginning at the Teton Pass Trailhead (8,426'), and ending at the Trail Creek Trailhead (6,518').
To run the complete loop, start at the bottom and head up Old Pass Road, a well-maintained and graded path that parallels the main highway. If run as a shuttle, leave a vehicle at the lower trailhead and drive to the Teton Pass Trailhead. It's a pull-off on the south side of the road, about 10 minutes from the lower trailhead. Look for a large kiosk denoting the trailhead and other regional information.
The first leg of the Black Canyon Trail follows an exposed ridgeline and offers stunning views of Mount Glory across the pass. At times you may catch glimpses of the high peaks to the north, as well as views towards Jackson Hole and the Gros Ventre Range to the east. Directly across the pass, Mount Glory dominates the view with its 10,050' summit. At 10,350', Taylor Mountain flanks Mount Glory to its left (west), slightly further in the distance. For one of the steepest trail runs in all of the Tetons, consider the [Taylor Mountain Loop]( that begins just a short drive up the road.
At the high point of the Black Canyon Trail, you'll reach a junction with Lithium Trail, a popular downhill mountain bike trail that follows the ridge rather than leading into the canyon. Keep straight and continue down a series of winding switchbacks that lead into the drainage below. The remainder of the trail follows a creek downhill, passing through vibrant stands of spruce and fir trees as it descends steadily to the trailhead.
Sources:
Written by Brendon Voelker
Whether you're visiting Jackson, WY or Driggs, ID, this is a staple run off Teton Pass with sweeping views, lush spruce-fir forests, and plenty of summer wildflowers. It can be run as a loop (as mapped) or as a shuttle beginning at the Teton Pass Trailhead (8,426'), and ending at the Trail Creek Trailhead (6,518').
To run the complete loop, start at the bottom and head up Old Pass Road, a well-maintained and graded path that parallels the main highway. If run as a shuttle, leave a vehicle at the lower trailhead and drive to the Teton Pass Trailhead. It's a pull-off on the south side of the road, about 10 minutes from the lower trailhead. Look for a large kiosk denoting the trailhead and other regional information.
The first leg of the Black Canyon Trail follows an exposed ridgeline and offers stunning views of Mount Glory across the pass. At times you may catch glimpses of the high peaks to the north, as well as views towards Jackson Hole and the Gros Ventre Range to the east. Directly across the pass, Mount Glory dominates the view with its 10,050' summit. At 10,350', Taylor Mountain flanks Mount Glory to its left (west), slightly further in the distance. For one of the steepest trail runs in all of the Tetons, consider the [Taylor Mountain Loop]( that begins just a short drive up the road.
At the high point of the Black Canyon Trail, you'll reach a junction with Lithium Trail, a popular downhill mountain bike trail that follows the ridge rather than leading into the canyon. Keep straight and continue down a series of winding switchbacks that lead into the drainage below. The remainder of the trail follows a creek downhill, passing through vibrant stands of spruce and fir trees as it descends steadily to the trailhead.
Sources:
Written by Brendon Voelker
Created By
Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| OPR up | 3.81 mi | 1,867 ft | 9.3% |
| crater lake | 1.31 mi | 991 ft | 14.3% |
| Jackson Hole Community Pathway System Climb | 0.50 mi | 262 ft | 10.0% |
| Mount Elly Road Climb | 1.45 mi | 610 ft | 7.9% |