Jackson, WY – The Bridger‑Teton National Forest (BTNF) is asking local hikers, bikers, horse‑riders and families to weigh in on four new non‑motorized trail alternatives in the beloved Snow King area. An open‑house meeting will be held on Nov. 16, 5‑7 p.m., at the Jackson Ranger District Office, 340 N. Cache St.
Why the new routes matter
BTNF’s press release notes that the proposals build on more than 25 years of cooperation among the Forest Service, the nonprofit Friends of Pathways, local land managers and community volunteers. Summer‑2026 field work by specialists in wildlife, cultural resources, botany, fisheries, recreation, hydrology, rangeland management and invasive species confirmed the need for additional routes that separate faster downhill bikers from slower hikers, horse riders and dog walkers.
The four alternatives
Ferrin’s Trail Alternate – A 1.75‑mile connector that will link the easternmost switchback on Ferrin’s Trail to the fourth bridge junction on the Hagen Trail. By creating a new loop, the alternate aims to reduce the frequent near‑misses and collisions that occur on the narrow, bi‑directional sections of the existing trail.
Josie’s Ridge Trail Alternate – At 1.06 miles, this route will join the lower Josie’s Ridge Summit area with the Sink or Swim Trail. Open to horses, hikers and bikes, it will give bikers an alternate ascent to Snow King’s summit and allow the Forest Service to designate the middle segment of the original Josie’s Ridge Trail as hike‑only, easing erosion and user conflicts. A portion will close from Dec. 1 to May 1 due to the Winter Wildlife Closure.
Leeks Canyon Trail Alternate – This 1.19‑mile path will repurpose an existing user‑created trail to connect the current junction with Snow King Antennae Road, moving recreation out of Desired Future Condition 12, a high‑value wildlife habitat. The original Leeks Canyon Trail will be decommissioned and rehabilitated, aligning trail use with the Forest Plan’s wildlife objectives.
Game Creek Parallel Trail – At 2.2 miles, the new parallel route will run on the north side of the road from the trailhead, cross to the south side after about half a mile, and include a small bridge over Game Creek. Open year‑round to hikers and bikers (dogs leashed Dec. 1‑May 1), it will separate fast downhill bikers from pedestrians and equestrians, reduce blind‑corner conflicts, and provide an alternative when the existing road floods each spring.
Community benefits
All four alternatives are designed to follow Universal Trail Design principles, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of users, including families with children and seniors. By dispersing traffic across a broader network, the Forest Service expects reduced wear on high‑traffic sections, fewer wildlife disturbances, and a lower likelihood of vehicle trips to distant trailheads such as Cache Creek.
How to get involved
BTNF encourages anyone who uses the Snow King trails—or cares about preserving the area’s natural beauty—to attend the open house. Specialists will be on hand to answer questions about environmental analysis, wildlife protection, and the construction timeline. If approved, the trails would be built over the next five years by a Forest Service crew, Friends of Pathways volunteers, conservation corps members and local volunteers.
For more details, visit the BTNF project website or contact the Jackson Ranger District office.
Original reporting: Buckrail (Jackson WY) — read the source article.
