Ski Lake Out and Back

Dogs Off-leash

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Ski Lake in Phillips Canyon sits along the Teton Pass at the south end of the mighty range. The short and fun hike to the lake is a great way to get away from the crowds just a few miles from Teton National Park. The lake is refreshing in summer and the wildflowers are nice, but this trail may be even better in the fall thanks to the aspen groves, cooler temps, and thinner crowds.

The 2-mile one-way is probably one of the easiest treks to see an alpine lake in the Teton Range. Dogs are allowed on the trail. This area is known for bears, so be sure to carry your bear spray on the hike.

Start from the trailhead at Phillips Pass along WY-22. There is a dirt road on the north side of the highway that you can drive partway up with high clearance. Park anywhere along the side of this road and start the run. You'll soon see the signed juction for Ski Lake Trail.

The route is not as rugged as the nearby trails, and the pine, fir and aspen forests are dotted with small creeks and bridges to cross them. You get some great views across the valley southeast to Jackson Peak once you crest the first major hill. The wildflowers are decent in summer, but much of the trail is open grassland with pockets of forest. Colors are brilliant in the fall.

It is 2 miles, pretty much all uphill, to reach the lake. It is small but located in a very pretty setting. On a hot day you might enjoy a dip in the frigid water. It's possible to continue higher into the drainage on Ski Lake
#4007 trail, but it becomes steeper and more rugged. Most people simply enjoy a long break at the water's edge and then turn around. - Overview and description from Kyle Jenkins, Outdoor Project.