• Trail Updates

Friends of Pathways has a formal partnership with the USFS to collaborate on design, construction and stewardship of local trails for all users – hike, bike, horse, and ski. We’re committed to providing easy year round access to trails in order to maintain our high quality of life in Jackson Hole.

This year, Jay Pistono, Friends of Pathways Pass Ambassador, was voted to have the ‘coolest and most important jobs in the valley’ by The Planet.  Here’s what they’re saying:

Pistono’s job began on a volunteer basis as he tried to help clean up after dogs and control the calamitous parking situation atop Teton Pass. These two issues became so problematic that “access was hanging in the balance,” according to Pistono, and WYDOT was ready to ban Teton Pass skiing access altogether.

When Friends of Pathways and the U.S. Forest Service got wind of what Pistono was doing to help minimize chaos on the pass, they decided to create a job for him, hoping he could help ensure continued access to the area.

Most people don’t realize that without Pistono, skiing on Teton Pass would likely be restricted and this winter playground would be the forbidden fruit dangling in our faces. Of course, Pistono is incredibly humble and insists it’s all about the pass, and he doesn’t want credit for the great job he’s doing. The Ambassador’s approach has always been one of compassion and teaching:

“I like to talk to people in the spirit of learning, not judgment,” he said. “They’re much more likely to listen.”

Teton County Grooming Schedule (starts December 15th)
Cache Creek T/Th/Sa – Early AM
May Park T/Th/Sa – Early AM
School Fields Complex T/Th/Sa – Late AM
Game Creek T/Th – Early PM
Emily’s Pond Levee W/F – Early AM
Wilson Centennial W/F/Sa – Early AM
South Park Loop W/F – Late AM
Von Gontard W/F – Late AM

Grand Teton National Park – M/F

Teton Pines – OPEN

Trail Creek – OPEN

Shooting Star – OPEN

Teton County Idaho TVTAP Grooming Schedule (already begun)
Alta M/W/Sa
Driggs School Fields M/W/F
Grand Targhee Nordic Trails T/Th/Sa/Su
Pioneer Park T/F
Teton Canyon T/Th
Teton Springs W/Sa

Visit JHNordic.com for more information on local cross country ski, snowshoe, snow bike, ect. information.

REMINDER: The Elk Refuge Pathway will being its seasonal closure on November 1 to reduce conflicts with migrating or wintering animals and to maintain the National Elk Refuge’s mission.

The pathway will reopen on April 1, 2015.

A seasonal closure was a key condition of the agreement between Teton County and the National Elk Refuge for pathway use on U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service property. Another alternative identified during the planning process called for locating the pathway on the west side of the highway with fewer restrictions, but public comment supported the east side placement despite the seasonal closure.

Take Action!

We need you to show your support for the Greater Snow King Area Trail Projects Scoping by commenting before September 26th.

Let the Bridger-Teton know you support the Greater Snow King Area Trails Project. They has done an excellent job of putting together a trail plan that Friends of Pathways enthusiastically supports. The plan will build new trails that reduce user conflicts, while repairing resource damage and will balance recreational use with the need to protect important wildlife habitat.

This document proposes five new projects: Skyline & Putt-Putt Extension trails, Nelson Drive and Josie’s Ridge hiking specific trails, and a reduction in the season for motorized use in Game Creek. For the complete document or project map

In your comments please:

1. Support the plan to build new trails, reduce user conflicts, repair resource damage and balance recreational use with the need to protect important wildlife habitat.

2. Commend the BTNF for releasing a clear and concise scoping document that “address[es] improvements needed to make the summer trail system work better for all visitors.”

3. State that you support all five proposed projects: map of proposed projects

4. Add a personal comment to let them know why you value the Greater Snow King Area.

Read the complete document and make your comments by September 26th.

We are MORE than just Friends of Pathways

We are FRIENDS OF:

TRAILS – 125 miles of world class recreation

  • WE support the Bridger-Teton National Forest
  • WE maintain 125 miles of your favorite trails
  • We fund a 5 person trail crew and engage hundreds of volunteers

TETON PASS –  access to acres of powder

  • WE fund the Teton Pass Ambassador program
  • WE encourage safe and ethical behavior on Teton Pass
  • WE help keep backcountry access open to winter recreation

KIDS – outreach to elementary students

  • WE teach safe bike riding skills
  • WE own a fleet of strider and multi speed bikes for use in elementary PE classes
  • WE inspire appreciation for active transportation through IWalk,IBus, IBike to school days

FUN – lots of it!

  • WE foster active lifestyles through Bike Week, Commuter Choice Challenge, and the Teton Pass Kicker
  • WE celebrate of our community trails and pathways networks through National Trails Day, the Teton Food Tour, and Celebration Rides
  • We provide Bike Valets at Old Bill’s, Harvest Festival, Eco-Fair, Health Fair, RaptorFest

JACKSON HOLE – we build community

FOP has worked with over 20 community organizations this year: Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance, Teton Science School, Greater Yellowstone Coalition, Rendezvous Lands Conservancy, Slow Food in the Tetons, Bridger-Teton National Forest, JH Community Pathways, JH Public Art, 4-H, Teton Freedom Riders, Backcountry Horsemen, Raptor Center, Teton Adaptive Sports, Community Entry Services, River Rock, JH Children’s Museum, National Museum of Wildlife Art, Jackson Hole Community School, Teton County School District, University of Wyoming, Snow King Mountain Resort, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort