Pros & cons
PROS
- Trail stays quiet; only the summit gets crowded due to road access
- Lily pond near the start often draws moose for a memorable wildlife moment
- Shaded, forested ascent keeps summer temperatures more comfortable
CONS
- Overlook can feel busy with visitors who drive to the top
- Trailhead is tucked behind lodge facilities and easy to miss without directions
- Limited views during the climb; the big payoff is largely at the summit
Park at Signal Mountain Lodge. Walk past the gas station and laundromat toward the RV dump station to find the trailhead; the path crosses Teton Park Road.
Bears are active—carry bear spray and stay alert. No water on the route. Pets not allowed. In winter the trail is ungroomed and may require breaking trail. Weather can change quickly; check current conditions.
Overview
This is a moderate, work-for-the-view out-and-back to Jackson Point Overlook. It’s 6.8 miles total (roundtrip) with about 920 feet of climbing—enough to feel it, but friendly for most hikers. The payoff is a wide-open panorama of the Teton Range, Jackson Hole, and Jackson Lake.
Route
Start from the Signal Mountain Lodge area: park, then walk past the gas station and laundromat toward the RV dump station to find the trail. You’ll cross Teton Park Road and immediately begin a steady climb through conifer and lodgepole pine forest with small meadows sprinkled in. Early on, you’ll pass a lily pond; later you’ll catch occasional peeks toward Mount Moran. Near the top, the trail switchbacks to Jackson Point Overlook. Note: the overlook is also reachable by car, so the summit area is busier than the trail.
Scenery and wildlife
Most of the ascent is cool, shaded forest with short meadow breaks and brief windows of views. Watch for moose around the lily pond near the start, and keep an eye out for deer, bears, and birdlife along the way. The summit delivers the big moment—unobstructed, sweeping views of the Tetons, Jackson Hole, and Jackson Lake.
Best time to hike
Late spring through fall is the sweet spot when the trail is generally snow-free. In winter, people do snowshoe or ski here, but the route isn’t groomed and you may be breaking trail. For fewer people at the overlook, start early or head up late in the day. The mostly forested climb stays comparatively cool in summer thanks to shade.
Know before you go
Carry bear spray and stay alert; bears are active here. There’s no water on the route, so bring your own. Pets aren’t allowed on this trail. The trail itself stays pleasantly quiet, but expect crowds at the top due to road access. Check in with rangers for current trail and wildlife conditions. Facilities (restrooms, water, food) are available near the trailhead at the Signal Mountain Lodge and campground.
Elevation
6.8 mi · 3.5 hrWhere it starts
43.8409, -110.6120Wildlife on this trail
Near Signal Mountain Trail
All places →All trails →
0.1 mi awaySignal Mountain CampgroundShaded lakefront basecamp steps from lodge amenities and Jackson LakeRestroom · Parking
0.2 mi awayTrapper Grill at Signal Mountain LodgeCasual lakeside eats with Tetons views and legendary nachosRestaurant · Food
0.2 mi awayPeaks Restaurant at Signal Mountain LodgeSit-down dining with knockout Jackson Lake and Teton viewsFood · Restaurant
0.2 mi awaySignal Mountain LodgeThe park’s only lakefront lodge with a full-service marinaLodging · Restaurant
3 mi awayLunch Tree Hill TrailQuick paved stroll to sweeping Teton views from Jackson Lake LodgeEasy · 0.5 mi · 30 min
3.3 mi awayChristian Pond LoopEasy loop with marsh wildlife and underrated Teton views.Easy · 3.5 mi · 1.5 hr
4.4 mi awayHeron Pond - Swan Lake LoopEasy Colter Bay loop with lily-pad ponds and frequent wildlife.Easy · 3.1 mi · 1.5 hr
4.4 mi awaySwan Lake and Heron Pond LoopShady pond-side loop with big Mount Moran views and easy wildlife wins.Easy · 3.2 mi · 2 hr
