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Signal Mountain

Moran, Wyoming

5.0/5
based on 1 reviews

Details

Distance

7.72 miles

Elevation Gain

1158 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Christina Adele Warburg-Hon

Scenic hike towards the top of Signal Mountain with panoramic views of Jackson Lake and the Teton Range. 

This gorgeous hike to Signal Mountain begins from the Signal Mountain Lodge parking area. The trailhead is located on the opposite side of the entrance road from the lodge. To reach the trailhead from the parking area you can either walk westbound along the road, passing the general store, showers, and the campground registration area, or take the unmarked paved path located just to the east of the campground registration area. The trailhead itself is located almost directly across from the employee housing area.

Although you can drive a car to the top of Signal Mountain, to me its more rewarding to hike up. However, instead of taking you to the summit of the mountain as the road does, this trail will take you to a vantage point called Jackson Point Overlook at an elevation of 7593 feet. The hike is 6.8 miles long and you gain an elevation of about 923 feet.

Almost immediately after starting the hike at about 6870 feet, you will make a relatively steep climb and cross both Teton Park Road and Signal Mountain Road. Shortly after crossing Signal Mountain Road, you will come to a lily pond where moose often like to hang out. Keep your eyes out for them, as well as elk and black bear, which frequent this place -especially in the autumn. Despite being in a dense forest, views of Mt. Moran will start to appear after about two-thirds of a mile.

At about seven-tenths of a mile, you will arrive at a fork in the trail between the Lake Trail (right) and the Ridge Trail (left) which starts the beginning of the loop portion. While its up to you to choose which part of the loop you prefer to take first, I generally choose to take the Lake Trail up and return the opposite way. This is because the Ridge Trail is a bit more exposed, which offers better views of the Tetons while hiking down.

While the Lake Trail is relatively flat with just a short climb at the end, it is two-tenths of a mile longer than the Ridge Trail. It passes a small lake and is heavily wooded. However, the Ridge Trail is a bit more strenuous in that it has quite a few ups and downs and lacks shade as you pass through sagebrush. Both options offer plenty of opportunities to view wildlife and wildflowers.

At about 2.2 miles (or 2 miles if you take the Ridge Trail), you will reach the upper junction where the two sections, once again meet. From here the trail takes a moderately steep climb up to Jackson Point through pine forests and grassy meadows. At about 3.5 (or 3.3) miles, you will reach your destination and be greeted by amazing views of the Tetons.

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Features

Photography
Hiking
Easy Parking
Forest
Scenic
Wildflowers
Wildlife

Reviews

I did this hike with my family (older kids) in mid-June and it was wonderful. Lots of wildflowers with the smell of fresh pine in the air. The large lily pond near the start of the hike was so beautiful and also full of mosquitoes! This time of year is mosquito season in the Tetons so bring your bug spray if you don't want to come back covered in bites like I did! They were present quite a distance from the lake. To add to the adventure, there was a mass release of pollen from thousands of Lodgepole Pines the day we hiked this trail. I've never seen anything like it! It suddenly got really hazy and I thought it was raining at first until I realized I wasn't getting wet. I'm guessing this happens around the same time each year. Something to think about if you're allergic. We did not encounter any bears this trip, but had the bear spray ready, as I've been told this area is a favorite of black bears.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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