There is so much to do around Jackson, Wyoming. Be it in Grand Teton National Park or in the Targhee-Caribou National Forest, this area is a hotbed for recreational activity and some of the country's best athletes. However, there still is so much beauty within the town limits of Jackson.
Jackson was incorporated in 1914, but its roots grip to a past involving Native American settlers and some of the country's earliest trappers, mountain men and cowboys. I wanted to create a route that would encapsulate this town's incredible history, and I believe a circumnavigation of Jackson would be a perfect way to represent that.
I recognize that this isn't a typical Fastest Known Time route, but I do believe that it is repeatable, others will want to try it, and that its historical meaning make it significant. Starting at the incredible, century-old National Elk Refuge where thousands of elk come every year to graze, the route meanders through some of the town's most famous streets named after historical figures such as George Kelly and Russ Garaman and landmarks including Snow King and Jackson Hole High School. It passes the iconic Jackson Hole Rodeo and eventually along Highway 22 that connects Jackson to its Idaho neighbors. In the final stretch, one can run up Broadway Ave and see the famous Million Dollar Cowboy Bar sign before finishing back at the Elk Refuge.
This route is "not arbitrary in nature," but rather is the most efficient way to circumnavigate all parts of East, South and North Jackson while witnessing everything that makes the town so popular and celebrated. All the while, the Tetons watch over in the distance. While other FKT routes in the area may be more difficult, I would argue that this route depicts Jackson the best and from a ground level.
I appreciate your consideration!
Best, Kyle.
