Signal Mountain Trail

A mountain range and a lake as viewed from a high vantage point.

Signal Mountain Trail is a 6.7-mile out-and-back moderate hike with 980 feet of elevation gain that will test your legs but deliver panoramic payoff. The narrow, root-laden path winds relentlessly upward through forest cover before opening to the summit, where you'll stand above Jackson Hole with the Teton Range sprawled across your view. Expect 3 to 5 hours depending on fitness and photo stops; the descent is technical and unforgiving. This is not a casual forest walk—it's a grit builder.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 6.7
Route Type: Out and back
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet: 980

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 6.7
Route Type: Out and back
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet: 980
Estimated Time: 3–5 hours depending on fitness and breaks.
Trail Surface: Narrow, winding dirt trail with exposed rocks and roots throughout. Increasingly steep in upper sections.
Trail Features: Panoramic summit views
Jackson Hole vista
Teton Range views
Forest sections
High-elevation exposure
Rocky summit
Root-laden sections
Trail Highlights: Summit views of the Teton Range and Jackson Hole valley. This is a legitimate payoff—the panorama justifies every root and every switchback.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Signal Mountain Lodge. Park at the lodge, cross the Teton Park Road, and follow signs to the trailhead.
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: No shuttle required. Park at Signal Mountain Lodge and access the trailhead on foot.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: No permits or reservations required.
Fees: $35 — Entrance - Private Vehicle (valid 7 days). Motorcycle: $30. Per person (foot/bike/ski): $20. See nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/fees.htm for commercial vehicle rates and nonresident fees.
Trail Status: Typically open Summer and Fall. Winter snow and conditions likely close or severely restrict access.
Seasonal Closures: Winter closure likely due to snow (typically November–May); confirm current status with park before traveling.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: No reliable water sources on trail. Carry a minimum 2L and filter before departure if possible.
Accessibility: Not wheelchair or universally accessible. Rooty, steep terrain with exposed rocks demands solid balance and leg strength. 8% average slope is relentless. Descent is technical.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Steep elevation gain
Exposed rocks and roots
Narrow path
Limited shade at elevation
Dehydration risk
Technical descent
Weather exposure
Possible bear presence
Hazard Details: Narrow, winding trail with exposed rocks and roots creates a technical descent. Average 8% slope with sustained elevation gain can exhaust unfit hikers. Limited water and increasing sun exposure as elevation rises. No shade on summit. Weather can deteriorate quickly at elevation in afternoon hours. Bear country—make noise.
Best Season: Summer and Fall
Best Time To Visit: Summer (June–August) and early Fall (September–October) are your window. Start by 7:00 AM to beat crowds and finish before afternoon heat. Weather is most stable in mid-morning; afternoon thunderstorms are possible in summer. Avoid the descent in fading light—exposed roots demand full visibility. Fall offers cooler temps and fewer hikers, but nights get cold fast.
Tips Advice: Tighten your boots—the descent is steep and rooty; loose footwear invites twisted ankles.
Carry a minimum 2L of water; no sources on trail.
Trekking poles are not optional—they absorb impact on the way down.
Start early; the climb gets brutally exposed in full sun.
Make noise (especially early season)—bears use these slopes.
Scout the descent in daylight; don't push past 2 PM if you're slow.
Sunscreen and a hat are non-negotiable at elevation.

More details

Park Area: Signal Mountain
Dogs Allowed: No. Pets are not permitted on park trails.
Biking Allowed: No. Hiking only.
Shade Level: Forest cover protects the lower sections; shade drops significantly as elevation increases. Upper portions and summit are fully exposed.
Emergency Contacts: Emergency: 911. Non-emergency: Grand Teton National Park Headquarters (307) 739-3300.
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: Typically snow-free July through mid-October. Peak snow December through March. Shoulder seasons (May–June, October–November) unpredictable; check with park.
Fall Colors Peak: September–October (aspen and surrounding forest colors at peak in mid-September).
Insider Tips: The false flat at mile 3 will trick you into thinking you're near the top—you're not. Keep pushing.
The real payoff isn't the final 0.1 miles to the absolute summit; stop at the main vista platform and save energy for the descent.
Early morning light hits the Tetons perfectly around 7:30–8:30 AM.
Descending in harsh midday sun is brutal; plan accordingly.
Hikers underestimate the rooty sections; poles prevent knee destruction on the way down.
Family Friendly Notes: Older kids (10+) in good fitness condition can do this. The 980 ft elevation gain is real—younger or less fit children will struggle. Exposed roots on descent are a fall hazard; supervision mandatory. Keep hands available for balance on technical sections.
Nearby Facilities: Signal Mountain Lodge offers dining and lodging. Signal Mountain Campground is nearby. Colter Bay area (northbound) offers visitor center, campgrounds, marina, and additional services. Colter Bay Visitor Center is the closest visitor facility.
Review Summary: This trail delivers what it promises: a moderate-to-challenging day hike with legitimate vertical and a summit view that hikers say is worth every burning quad. The rooty, narrow descent separates the careless from the cautious; most hikers report the payoff justifies the pain, but they underestimate the difficulty on the way down. Fitness level matters—unfit hikers frequently report regret on the descent.

Frequently asked questions

Is this hike safe to do alone?

Yes, but carry a charged phone (cell service unknown) and tell someone your plan. The trail is traveled regularly, so rescue is feasible. Make noise—bear country is active here. Never solo this in fading light; the rooty descent is a twisted-ankle machine after dusk.

Do I need special gear?

Trekking poles are essential (not optional) for knees on descent. Wear boots with ankle support, not trail runners—that descent punishes unstable footwear. Carry 2L minimum water, electrolytes, and a basic first aid kit. A map or GPS device is smart given unknown trail marker conditions.

What if I'm not that fit?

Be honest: 980 ft of elevation gain is steep for an out-and-back. Unfit hikers report significant struggle and regret on descent. If you hike 2–3 miles on flat terrain without exhaustion, you can likely finish this, but plan 5+ hours and take frequent breaks. The descent is harder than the climb.

Are there bears on this trail?

Yes, bear country. Make noise continuously (talk, clap, use a bear bell). Don't hike at dawn or dusk when bears feed. Carry bear spray (optional but smart). Never approach wildlife; report sightings to rangers.

What time should I start?

Start by 7:00 AM to finish before 1–2 PM. The descent in harsh midday sun is brutal, and fading light turns the rooty sections dangerous. Earlier is better—sunrise light is also best for summit photos.