Signal Mountain Hike

Route Description for Signal Mountain Hike

Making up for its strenuousness with spellbinding alpine views, the Signal Mountain Hike is a staple in the Grand Teton National Park. Wander through the wilderness abundant with a diversity of flora and fauna to the overlook of the mountainscape. Demanding a modest effort, the biggest obstacle for this route will likely be finding a parking spot! Head out in the morning to secure a spot and beat the crowds. Additionally, like any other trail in the Tetons, bear spray is recommended. Make sure at least one person in your party is versed in how to properly use it—just in case.

Explore a swathe of wilderness occupied by varied terrain, including lush stands of lodgepole pines, aspen groves, flowering montane meadows, and dense communities of shrub oak. Though the Signal Mountain Trail is open and accessible year-round, we argue that spring is the best time to visit when the vegetation is blossoming and lush, but a dramatic snow-dusting remains on the jagged peaks of the Tetons. The few intrepid explorers who head out in the winter will enjoy a more tranquil experience, though snowshoes may be needed. Don’t forget to bring your camera, the scenery along this route is very photogenic!

If you are lucky enough to find a parking spot, begin your adventure along the Signal Mountain Hike from the Signal Mountain Lodge. Setting out from here you will track south along the Signal Mountain Marina Road before diverting east onto the Signal Mountain Trail. This path travels across Teton Park Road and subsequently the Signal Mountain Road before escaping into the wilderness. After passing a small pond, hikers will be confronted with an intersection—note both routes reconnect. We chose to veer left on the hike up to the summit; then, we took the opposite branch on the way back down.

The leftmost trail climbs between lodgepole pines and low-lying oak brush meadows. As you hike, be sure to keep an eye out for bears, moose, deer, and elk. If you do have an encounter with wildlife, admire them from a safe distance. As you near the following junction, the path will open to an expansive meadow blossoming with wildflowers in the spring. Soon two Signal Mountain Trails will merge back together. Beyond this point, the incline intensifies, ascending through a corridor of lush conifers.

This amazing trail will ultimately reach the Jackson Point Overlook. This lookout point boasts the best views, in our opinion! Admire the beauty of the dramatic mountainscape that flanks the Jackson Hole valley. Snap a few photos of the striking landscape, and if you still have some gas left in the tank, then hike along the Signal Mountain Road to the summit. Admire the views of the Snake River and the glacial plains from here. When you are through appreciating the scenery, head back the way you came, this time taking the southernmost Signal Mountain Trail past several ponds and back to the trailhead.

Trail Highlights

Signal Mountain

Signal Mountain is a heavily forested mountain in the Grand Teton National Park that looms 2,353 m above sea level. The contrast between this lush, rounded mountain and the nearby jagged, snow-capped peaks of the Tetons is striking. Adorned with a scenic roadway and walking paths, adventurers have the option to drive or hike to the observation deck that sits atop the mountain. The lookouts feature impeccable views of the Teton Mountains, the glacial plain bisected by the Snake River, and Jackson Lake.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Signal Mountain Hike?

The Signal Mountain Trail is an 13.4 km hike.

Are there any bears on Signal Mountain?

Black bears, grizzly bears, moose, deer, and more inhabit the area around Signal Mountain in the Grand Teton National Park. Though an encounter is unlikely, bear spray is recommended.

Can you drive to the summit of Signal Mountain?

Yes, those who lack the time to hike the Signal Mountain Trail can drive up the Signal Mountain Road to the summit.

Insider Hints for Signal Mountain Hike

• Explore in the early morning for a more tranquil experience
• Be mindful of wildlife, including bears—make sure one person in your group has bear spray