FATMAP by Strava

Wilson Canyon

The gnarliest descent in the greater Snow King trail system.

Mountain Biking Severe

Distance
22 km
Ascent
542 m
Descent
542 m
Duration
1-2 hrs
Low Point
1.9 km
High Point
2.3 km
Gradient
10˚
Wilson Canyon Map

The greater Snow King Mountain trail system includes the ultra-popular Cache Creek to Game Creek loop, but it also includes some lesser-known gems—including much gnarlier descents. The Wilson Canyon trail is considered by many to be the most technical trail in the Snow King trail system, rated either black diamond or double black, depending on who you ask.

Description

After pedaling up the front side of the mountain (either climb straight up or wind your way to the top on a selection of singletrack), this route offers some beautiful mountain top cruising through wide-open meadows on flowy singletrack. Now that you’re up above the town of Jackson, you can see over the low hills surrounding town to the towering Tetons off in the distance.

After flowing up and down some entertaining singletrack, you’ll reach the drop in to Wilson Canyon proper. Wilson Canyon is an old school, fall line singletrack that drops more or less straight down the canyon, dumping out on the bike path below. Along the way the singletrack traverses through loose, sliding scree, massive rock gardens, rock drops, roots—all manner of gnar.

If you make it through the chunder, the trail dumps out onto the bike path near the highway. Take a right, and pedal it back into town. In FATMAP, the bike path return is mapped as a portion of the Cache Creek to Game Creek Loop.

Difficulty

Severe

Widely variable, narrow trail tread with steeper grades and unavoidable obstacles of 15in/38cm tall or less. Obstacles may include unavoidable bridges 24in/61cm wide or less, large rocks, gravel, difficult root sections, and more. Ideal for advanced-level riders.

Medium Exposure

2 out of 4

The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.

Remoteness

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

between July and September

Features

  • Technical
  • Singletrack
  • Drops
  • Roots
  • Rock Rolls
  • Rock Gardens

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area