The Stunning Goodwin Lake Trail Is A Quiet Escape From Wyoming’s Busiest Tourist Towns
It’s hard to find anyone who will freely complain about Wyoming! In fact, normally, any discussion of the Cowboy State turns the opposite way, with skeptics realizing just how beautiful it is out here in the mountain prairie. However, if there was one thing that pretty much everyone can agree on, whether they’re a resident or a visitor, it’s that Jackson can get way too crowded. It’s our state’s busiest tourist town for a reason, and you’ll find quick access to the most incredible National Parks in America and some of the best ski resorts in the world. Combine the perfect location with a dining scene that’s internationally famous, and it’s easy to see why millions flock to our little valley every single year. While there are a million reasons to love Jackson, if you need a break from the tourists and crowds, head just out of town to discover a quiet hike near Jackson that will put your mind at ease.
Goodwin Lake is a pristine alpine pond tucked away in the Gros Ventre Wilderness to the east of Jackson. The hike to get here is a must for any Wyoming adventurer!
You'll trek just over six miles in a loop around the lake and back. The trail isn't particularly technical, and the lake makes for a great picnic spot.
From late fall through early spring, snow can make this trail hard to hike. It's best to save it for a sunny day between May and October, or to enter the wilderness as an experienced backcountry winter hiker.
The road to the trailhead can be rough, and is best for high clearance vehicles. There are places to park prior to the trailhead if you're worried about the road, so you might end up adding a few extra miles to your hike if you arrive in a sedan.
Elevation gain is fairly steady the whole way up, which makes this quiet hike near Jackson a moderate-effort excursion. In total, you'll gain about 1,400 feet by the time you reach Goodwin Lake, which sits at 9,533 feet above sea level.
Many trekkers use this trail as an acclimatization hike before venturing further into the mountains, or embarking on a more challenging backcountry hike.
You'll want to take a well-earned break by the time you get to the lake! Take a seat on a rock slab and enjoy lunch as you peer out over the crystal clear water.
There are several backcountry campsites in the Goodwin Lake area, so seek them out if you'd like to stay here a little longer. It's a great way to get in a night of peace and quiet before returning to town.
Kim Magaraci graduated Rutgers University with a degree in Geography and has spent the last seven years as a freelance travel writer. Contact: kmagaraci@onlyinyourstate.com
