The Trail
A safe, sustainable, nonmotorized route connecting Jackson Hole, Wyoming and Teton Valley, Idaho across the iconic Teton Pass. This will fund the most crucial segment of the Teton Pass Trail from Trail Creek Campground to Coal Creek Trailhead. If $5 million is raised, an additional $1 million in federal grant funding will be unlocked for the construction of the Coal Creek pedestrian underpass.
A Critical Link in a Larger Vision
The new section is key to the vision of the Greater Yellowstone Trail, a world-class regional trail system underway to enhance quality of life, connect communities to public land, and spur economic development opportunities along the unique and diverse 180-mile trail. Now 85% complete, the route connects Jackson Hole, Teton Valley, and West Yellowstone through a network of pathways, forest roads, and small-town routes. When completed, the Trail Creek-to-Coal Creek segment will move that vision significantly closer to reality, closing one of the most dangerous and challenging gaps in the cross-Teton network.
A Once-Audacious, Now-Ready Project
This portion of the pathway is regarded by engineers and planners as the most ambitious and technically complex section ever proposed in Teton County's pathway system. It navigates steep terrain and side slopes requiring extensive retaining walls to route the pathway between Trail Creek wetlands and Highway 22, an achievement in design and environmental stewardship that has taken years to prepare.
A Model of Regional Collaboration
The project continues decades of cooperation among Teton County WY, Teton County ID, the U.S. Forest Service and local citizens. It builds on a legacy that began with the 1999 Millennium Trail Project, which first united both valleys under a shared transportation vision, and has since expanded through multiple federal grants.
Momentum and Matching Funds
Almost $8 million of the $13.5 million total budget is already secured through federal grants and local government match funds. Raising the final $5 million will unlock an additional $1 million in Federal Land Access Program funding, ensuring that the Coal Creek underpass, a key gateway at one of the busiest trailheads on the Pass, can be built as part of the project.
Benefits for Cyclists, Hikers, and Skiers Alike
While the Teton Pass Trail will certainly be a premier summer cycling and recreation route, winter users stand to benefit as well. The Coal Creek underpass will improve year-round safety and connectivity at a congested trailhead that serves hundreds of backcountry skiers each powder day. The new pathway would also provide a dedicated off-highway track for skiers returning to Coal Creek from popular runs like "the Do-Its," keeping them away from vehicle traffic on the highway shoulder, and for mountain bikers and hikers to access Mail Cabin trail.
The Route
Below is the approved route of the Teton Pass Trail, from Wilson to Victor, with the current 3.6-mile project segment (Trail Creek Campground to Coal Creek) highlighted.
Campaign
We're raising $5 million by December 31, 2025 to complete this once-in-a-generation project. Raising the remaining $5 million will unlock an additional $1 million in Federal Land Access Program funds, ensuring the Coal Creek underpass is built and the full trail section is completed. Teton Pass Trail is part of the Teton Mobility BUILD Grant, a $50 million regional investment in access and community.
What makes it so valuable?
The Teton Pass Trail links to the 180-mile Greater Yellowstone Trail network, supports economic diversification across rural corridors, and indirectly supports 50–75 jobs via tourism and service. It provides a healthy and safe way to explore the Teton Pass corridor.
Status: shovel ready
Final engineering and NEPA approval are complete. Out to bid winter 2026, construction spring 2026.
How to donate
Online
A secure online donation through the Jackson Hole Community Foundation. All donations are tax-deductible.
Mail a check
Payable to "Save Teton Pass Trail," c/o Jackson Hole Community Foundation, P.O. Box 574, Jackson, WY 83001-0574.
Stock, wire, or DAF
Transfer instructions are sent to the email you provide. Note the donation is for the Teton Pass Trail Fund.
Who We Are
Save Teton Pass Trail is a community-led campaign bringing together local residents, advocacy groups, and partner organizations to complete this vital connection, powered by neighbors, not agencies.
The campaign is led by a volunteer coalition of local advocates, planners, and nonprofits from Teton County, WY and Teton County, ID, with the support of both counties, the cities on both sides of the pass, the US Forest Service, and regional partners in the Greater Yellowstone Trail effort.
The Teton Mobility BUILD Grant
The Teton Pass Trail is part of the Teton Mobility BUILD grant project, implementing transportation investments along the ID-33/WY-22 corridor between Driggs, ID and Jackson, WY, including two transit centers, three park-and-ride facilities, 8 miles of missing pathway links, and six commuter buses. Total investment: roughly $50 million.
Supporters
Nonprofit Leaders
- Friends of Pathways
- Teton Valley Trails & Pathways
- Mountain Bike The Tetons
- Teton Backcountry Alliance
Nonprofit Supporters
- Wilson Advocacy
- Valley Adaptive Sports
- Fearless Ventures
- The White Line
- Jackson Hole Nordic Alliance
Business Supporters
- Open Range Cycles
- The Hub Bikes
- Western Agents, Inc.
Government Supporters
- Teton County, WY
- Town of Jackson, WY
- Teton County, ID
- City of Driggs, ID
- City of Victor, ID
- Tetonia, ID
Agencies
- Bridger-Teton NF
- Caribou-Targhee NF
- Idaho Transportation Department
- Wyoming Department of Transportation
Congressional Support
- U.S. Senator Mike Crapo
- U.S. Senator John Barrasso
Get Involved
We need your help to build momentum. Pick one or two of these that fit your workflow; every post, newsletter, and mention helps move the project one step closer to reality.
Drop it in your newsletter
Add a short note or blurb in your next email to members or customers, and link to this website.
Post on social (and tag us!)
Share a campaign photo or video. Tag @SaveTetonPassTrail and use #SaveTetonPass so we can repost your work.
Repost and respond
Like, share, and comment on other partners' posts to keep the story alive and growing.
Pin a story or highlight
Save the content as a Story Highlight or pinned post so it keeps working long after it's posted.
Feature it on your site or blog
Add a short update or banner linking to this campaign; even a small mention helps visitors discover it.
Email your inner circle
Send a personal note to key partners, board members, or supporters. "Hey, have you seen this?" starts good conversations.
Attend an event
Fundraising events are planned on both sides of the Pass, check back for details, or enter the bike raffle (winner announced early January).
FAQ
Learn how your contribution keeps the trail alive and our towns connected.
What is the Teton Pass Trail?
A long-envisioned, human powered pathway linking the communities of Jackson Hole, WY and Teton Valley, ID. Decades in the making, it follows historic routes used for thousands of years and is part of the larger Greater Yellowstone Trail system. This segment will complete a cross-state corridor for walkers, runners, mountain bikers, and cyclists, connecting people, places, and public lands.
Where is the Teton Pass Trail?
The entire trail spans from Wilson, Wyoming to Victor, Idaho, crossing Teton Pass via connected pathways and shared-use county road segments. This key segment, 3.6 miles between Trail Creek Campground and Coal Creek Trailhead, gets us a major step closer to a continuous, safe, accessible route.
Why does the community need to raise $5 million?
Construction costs have risen dramatically since the BUILD grant was awarded in 2020, while federal and state funds for local needs have declined. Nearly $8 million in federal, state, and local funding is already secured against a $13.5 million estimate; this last $5 million completes the connection.
Why does this connection make a difference in our Teton Counties?
This trail reflects who we already are: two valleys that live, work, recreate, and raise families together. It offers a safer alternative to the Teton Pass Highway 22 for non-drivers, promotes public land access and active lifestyles, and is a shared legacy project connecting our communities.
How soon will the trail be constructed?
Plans are complete and construction is shovel-ready, able to begin as soon as bids are awarded and the snow melts in spring 2026. With a successful campaign, the connection can be substantially complete by late fall, 100% finished by June 2027.
What happens if the campaign does not raise $5 million?
100% of donations still go to construction. Any section left unfunded this round will be prioritized for the next grant funding opportunity.
Who can use the trails?
All non-motorized users: walkers, runners, hikers, cyclists, mountain bikers, equestrians, skiers, families with strollers, adaptive athletes, and anyone seeking a safer, scenic way to move through the Tetons.
How is the trail different from biking and walking along the highway?
The pathway separates people biking and walking from the busy high-speed highway, offering a safe route along Trail Creek through public lands, with underpass highway crossings and a direct connection between trail systems in both states.
What are the plans for the section from Coal Creek to the top of Teton Pass?
Future planning is needed for that 2.5-mile section. There's an existing 2-mile section of the historic Old Pass Road on the west side, from Coal Creek to near the top, that can be explored.
Why isn't the project funded by the government?
Local government partners in the Teton Mobility BUILD grant have contributed significant match funding, and substantial federal grants are approved. Cost estimates now exceed those sources, so full funding requires local initiative and private support to fill the gap.
Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes, to the extent allowed by law. You'll receive a receipt. The Community Foundation of Jackson Hole manages funds; checks can be made to "Save Teton Pass Trail" and sent to the Foundation, PO Box 574, Jackson WY 83001.
How can I stay connected to this project?
Sign up for updates here, track progress, and follow along on social media for stories, milestones, and ways to get involved.
Who do I contact if I have more questions about this project?
Reach out to the team at info@tetonpass.org.
How will my donation be used?
Every dollar goes directly to constructing the final 3.6-mile segment from Trail Creek Campground to Coal Creek Trailhead, covering materials, labor, safety features, and infrastructure like the Coal Creek underpass.
What's already been built, and what's left?
Substantial sections between Wilson and Victor are already complete, from Wilson up the Old Pass Road to Teton Pass Summit, and from Victor via the Old Jackson Highway to the new segment's start at Trail Creek Campground. What remains is the most critical stretch over rugged terrain.
Who is leading this effort?
A volunteer coalition of local advocates, planners, and nonprofits from Teton County WY and ID, with support from both counties, the cities on both sides of the pass, the US Forest Service, and regional Greater Yellowstone Trail partners. Powered by neighbors, not agencies.
How do you know this trail will be built on time and as planned?
All engineering, permits, and environmental reviews are complete. It's a professionally managed, federally approved project with detailed design plans in hand, and the contractor will be required to meet strict BUILD grant deadlines.
Why does the trail cost so much?
This is regarded by engineers as the most ambitious and technically complex section ever proposed in Teton County's pathway system: steep terrain, extensive retaining walls, and a highway underpass at Coal Creek. The pathway will be 10' wide, paved, and built to federal multi-use standards.
Will this trail impact wildlife or public lands?
The trail underwent full environmental review, designed with the U.S. Forest Service to minimize impacts. It largely follows existing forest roads and disturbed corridors, and by providing a managed route may even reduce off-trail and roadside use.
How will this benefit the community long-term?
Enhanced quality of life, public safety, tourism, and access to nature. It supports outdoor recreation economies, reduces highway risk, and gives future generations a lasting piece of shared infrastructure.
What happens if we don't raise the $5 million?
Missing the deadline risks losing federal matching funds and delaying or downsizing the project; this is a time-sensitive, one-final-push moment for what's already in motion.
News & Media
Save Teton Pass Trail in the news.
Campaign timeline extended to February 1
Campaign leaders have announced new flexibility in the fundraising timeline, now with until February 1 to raise the remaining private funds. "We're encouraged, but we're not slowing down," said Tim Young. "This is the moment to lean in."
Community campaign on way to raising $5M to build section of Teton Pass Trail
Buckrail News: Save Teton Pass Trail aims to fund a new Trail Creek-to-Coal Creek section of pathway on the west side of Teton Pass, an ambitious, shovel-ready project advancing the long-term vision to connect the valleys with a safe biking, walking, and skiing trail.
Teton Pass Trail coalition races to meet $5M fundraising goal
Teton Valley News: The final weeks to raise $5 million spurred Save Teton Pass Trail to host movie nights and community parties in a final push to fund the next phase of the trail.
$5 million needed for Teton Pass pathway
KHOL: About two dozen volunteers with Save Teton Pass Trail are seeking private donations to raise $5 million before the end of the year.
Outdoor Recreators Seek $5 Million To Create A Non-Motorized Teton Pass Trail
Unofficial Networks: Outdoor recreators in Wyoming and Idaho are hoping to raise $5 million to connect Teton Valley and Jackson Hole with a non-motorized pathway across two states, two counties, and two national forests.
Bikers and skiers launch campaign to raise $5 million to 'Save the Teton Pass Trail'
Jackson Hole News & Guide: Bikers and skiers on both sides of Teton Pass have banded together to raise $5 million to build a pathway from the Coal Creek trailhead to the Trail Creek Campground.
Contact
Have questions about the Teton Pass Pathway Project? We'd love to hear from you.
Phone
(307) 690-7064
Mailing address
Save Teton Pass Trail
c/o Community Foundation of Jackson Hole
P.O. Box 574
Jackson, WY 83001-0574