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Crater Trail

Difficulty: Moderate Trail Use: Heavy

Length: 1.43 miles from Trail Cr Trailhead to Crater Lake

Elevation: 6517 ft at Trail Cr Trailhead, 7146 ft at Crater Lake

Open to: Hikers, Mountain Bikes

Trail Highlights:

  • The trail leaves from the parking lot and immediately turns right, paralleling the Old Pass Road. It basically runs just under the road all the way up, through several large open meadows and old growth spruce and fir forest.
  • The trail crosses the creek and reaches a junction with the History Trail. It continues to climb through the forest until coming out in a large open meadow under the power lines where it reaches an old dirt road. From here it turns right and heads over to the lake.

Options:

  • This trail can be done as a loop with the Old Pass Road, or you can connect to the History Trail which is horse and hike only.

Important Information

  • This trail is located on USGS quad maps for Teton Pass, 7.5 minute.
  • Always check the posted information at the kiosks for maps, updated material on forest regulations and closures.
Current Conditions
Call Tim Farris, Trail Supervisor at 307-739-5414 for current trail conditions.

Specific Trail Information

Trail Number

4004C

Trail Type

Standard/Terra Trail — A trail that has a surface consisting predominantly of the ground and that is designed and managed to accommodate use on that surface.

General Information

This trail is designated bike and hike only.

Getting There

Directions

From Jackson, follow Highway 22 out to Wilson and continue up Teton Pass. Take a left onto Old Pass Road across from the Heidelberg and follow it to the large parking area. The trail begins at the kiosk.

Recreation Opportunities

Last updated June 18th, 2025