Grand Targhee Bike Park

Grand Targhee Resort: Wyoming's Emerging Downhill Mecca

Alta, Wyoming — At the heart of the Tetons, the Grand Targhee Resort in Alta is earning its reputation as a premier downhill mountain biking destination. Over the warm summer months, while the rest of the West swelters, the cool temperatures here offer the most extraordinary riding conditions in the lower 48.

Key Details:

• Distance: 47 miles
• Level: Intermediate
• Route type: Network
• Location: Alta, Wyoming

Journey Through the Teton Trails

The Grand Targhee Resort unfolds over 2,200 vertical feet of lift-serviced downhill, boasting over 46 miles of both cross country and downhill mountain bike trails. One can explore everything from gentle, banked cruisers to gnarly, rock-strewn downhills. There's something here for every style of rider.Imagine the thrill of biking through Teton single-track trails, meandering through wildflower meadows, and taking on miles of technical lift-serviced downhill challenges. The resort might have been the first downhill destination in the Tetons, but it's not the whole story. Trails both on Teton Pass and at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort are gradually turning the region into a downhill sanctuary.

Navigating the Trails

For those venturing out for the first time:

• Getting There: Drive through Driggs ID, and at the traffic light, make a turn. Follow Ski Hill Road for around 6 blocks. Upon reaching a fork, bear left to continue on Ski Hill Road. This road passes through Alta, WY and ends directly at Grand Targhee Resort.

Trail Highlights:

• Chutes and Ladders: A short, fast, and flowing downhill stretch close to the chair lift base. It promises wide trails, several intermediate jumps, and less rocky terrain.
• Perma Grin: Nestled on the western side of the chair lift base. It's a delightful trail that makes riders grin from start to finish, especially when combined with Colter's Escape.
• Buffalo Drop: One of the many lift-serviced downhill trails. While it might not stand out among the best, it offers a unique rocky and bumpy experience with an unexpected whooshing drop.
• Rick's Basin: A top-tier mellow cross-country trail, set amidst a backdrop of wildflowers. It's pure visual therapy.
• Cross-country vs Downhill: The resort is bifurcated into two distinct parts. While the cross-country trails are serene and set in picturesque upland valleys, the downhill trails are a rough challenge, full of rocks and bumps. They might not offer the most technical interest, but for those who crave pure gnar, this is the place.

Cyclist Reviews:

Based on numerous comments from seasoned bikers:

• "Buffalo soldier and Colters Escape are top-tier XC trails in the U.S. The views of the Tetons are incomparable, especially if you decide to ride up the 38 special."
• "Killer downhill runs with diverse features – from jumps and flows to technical