Overview
Ski Lake occupies a shallow basin in the Wyoming Range just south of Teton Pass, accessible from a modest trailhead on Phillips Canyon Road. The 5-mile round trip climbs through mixed forest and subalpine terrain to reach the lake at roughly 8,900 feet, where the Wyoming Range ridgeline forms a quiet, open backdrop. The lake has none of the dramatic vertical scenery of the Teton-facing hikes, but that is partly the point. Ski Lake is where Jackson locals come when they want a mountain lake without a crowded trailhead or an entry fee.
This trail works well as an introduction to Bridger-Teton for visitors who want a genuine wilderness feel without the logistics of a Grand Teton National Park visit. The Wyoming Range is less photogenic than the Teton peaks but still pulls together honest mountain scenery with open ridgelines, wildflower meadows, and a lake you can have to yourself on a Wednesday in July.
The Route
From the Phillips Canyon Road pull-off, the trail begins through lodgepole pine forest on a single-track path that climbs steadily from the start. The first mile follows a small creek drainage before cutting west and gaining elevation more aggressively through the second mile.
At mile 2, the trees thin and the trail enters subalpine terrain with views of the surrounding Wyoming Range ridges. A short final push brings you to the lake at mile 2.5. The lake shoreline is rocky and open on the east side, with a slightly sheltered inlet area on the south that is popular for breaks and fishing.
The trail is clear and well-traveled. No navigation challenges exist in good conditions. In early season, snow patches can obscure the upper trail, so download a map or GPS track before going if you plan a June visit. Return the way you came; the descent is straightforward.
When to Visit
The high trailhead elevation (approximately 7,900 feet at the pull-off) means the trail often holds snow into early July. Mid-July through October is the most reliable window. Wildflowers along the creek in the lower canyon peak in late June and early July when snow is still possible. The lake is warmest in August.
September and early October are among the best months for this trail. Aspen groves below the trailhead color in late September. Crowds are minimal after Labor Day. First substantial snow at lake elevation typically arrives in October. Once snow covers the trail, navigation becomes more difficult and snowshoes or microspikes are helpful.
Wildfire smoke can affect the Wyoming Range in July and August. Check AirNow before your trip. See Checking Conditions Before You Go for air quality and trail condition resources.
What to Bring
Water from the creek along the lower trail can be filtered; many hikers carry enough for the full round trip (roughly 1.5 to 2 liters covers most people for this distance at moderate exertion). Sunscreen and a hat are important above treeline. A light layer for the lake, where wind is common, is worth packing even on warm days.
The Wyoming Range has far lower grizzly bear density than the core Teton and Gros Ventre areas, but bears are present in Bridger-Teton broadly. Carrying bear spray is a reasonable precaution on any forest trail. If planning an overnight at the lake in dispersed camping areas, review bear canister requirements and follow Leave No Trace principles, particularly for waste disposal near the lake.
Getting There
From Jackson, take US-26/WY-22 south and west toward Teton Pass. Before the pass, turn south on Phillips Canyon Road (may be marked as a county road). Follow Phillips Canyon Road south approximately 2 miles to the Ski Lake Trailhead pull-off on the right side. The pull-off holds 4 to 6 vehicles; no facilities on site. Drive time from Jackson is about 20 minutes.
Cell service is limited on Phillips Canyon Road. Download trail maps before leaving Jackson. For the broader forest overview including campground options near Jackson, see Bridger-Teton National Forest. For a longer day hike option in the area with more dramatic views, see Table Mountain Trail.