Overview
Cache Creek Canyon starts where Jackson ends. The trailhead at the end of Cache Creek Drive is within walking distance of the town square, making this the most accessible national forest hike in the greater Jackson area by a significant margin. The trail follows Cache Creek up a narrow canyon into Bridger-Teton National Forest, climbing through cottonwood groves and willow corridors before entering conifer forest as the canyon steepens. At 4 miles out and back with 600 feet of gain, the route is manageable for a wide range of fitness levels and works as a morning hike before the standard tourist day begins.
This is a local trail in the truest sense. Jackson residents use Cache Creek year-round: trail runners and cyclists in summer, snowshoers and skiers in winter. The trail opens by early May when high-elevation Teton routes are still buried. It sees enough foot traffic to stay packed in winter but rarely feels genuinely crowded. Expect to share the lower canyon with cyclists on weekend mornings.
The Route
From the trailhead at the end of Cache Creek Drive, the main trail follows the south bank of Cache Creek upstream into the canyon. The first half mile travels through cottonwood and willow habitat on a wide, well-maintained path. Moose are regular visitors to this lower section, particularly in early morning. The canyon narrows around the 0.7-mile mark and the trail begins climbing more consistently.
At mile 1.5, a junction offers the option to continue straight up Cache Creek or take the Ferrins Trail loop that branches right and climbs above the canyon before reconnecting higher up. The straight Cache Creek route is more direct and less strenuous. The Ferrins Trail adds a view point and a more interesting return loop but adds roughly 0.5 miles and 200 additional feet of gain.
At mile 2.0, a wooden footbridge crossing and a small cascade mark a natural turnaround for most hikers. The canyon continues beyond, connecting to the broader Jackson Hole trail network, but the 4-mile out-and-back to this point covers the most scenic section of the lower canyon.
The trail surface is packed dirt and gravel with some rooty sections. It is generally passable in trail runners. Muddy sections appear in May and after rain.
When to Visit
Cache Creek is a year-round trail in most conditions. May through October are the most comfortable months for hiking. The trail is accessible by early May when snow still covers most other local trails. July through September brings peak wildflower color in the upper canyon and warm temperatures throughout.
Fall (September through early November) is an excellent season here: aspen color in the mid-canyon is often underrated, crowds diminish significantly after Labor Day, and the creek drops to its clearest levels. The elk rut is audible in the hills around the canyon in late September.
Winter use is common. Hikers and snowshoers use the lower canyon on packed snow; the Teton County Nordic trail network grooms the upper sections in some years for cross-country skiing. Check Teton County Parks and Recreation for current winter trail conditions.
What to Bring
For a 4-mile hike starting in town, standard day-hike preparation is sufficient. Water (about 1 liter for most people at this distance and elevation), a light layer, and sunscreen cover the basics. Trekking poles are optional but useful on the steeper sections of the upper canyon.
Despite the in-town feel of the lower trailhead, this is still Bridger-Teton National Forest and active grizzly bear habitat. Bear encounters near the trailhead are uncommon but have occurred. Carrying bear spray is reasonable, particularly if hiking alone or continuing into the upper canyon. Practice Leave No Trace principles throughout, including leashing pets and staying on the main trail to protect the riparian vegetation.
Getting There
From Jackson town square, drive or walk east on Cache Creek Drive (or Broadway/Cache Street depending on direction) to the trailhead at the end of the paved road. The small parking lot is free and holds approximately 12 vehicles. If the lot is full, street parking on Cache Creek Drive is available within a few blocks. The trailhead has flush restrooms (seasonal) and a trail map post.
For longer hikes south of Jackson, see Ski Lake Trail on Phillips Canyon Road. For east-of-Jackson options, see Granite Creek Falls Trail. For the broader forest overview including camping and permits, see Bridger-Teton National Forest.