Grand Teton NP, WY – The Pacific Creek Trail (FS #6036) travels along Pacific Creek from just outside the eastern border of Grand Teton National Park for approximately 26 miles through the Teton Wilderness into Yellowstone National Park to Two Ocean Pass. Along the way it becomes the Atlantic Pacific Creek Trail and gains about 3,700 feet. The trail is a major access point for the southwestern expanse of the Teton Wilderness and intersects with many backcountry routes including Moss Lake, Whetstone, Enos, Mink Creek, Box Creek, and the Buffalo Fork trails. Along the way visit places such Enos Lake, and further on stop to take in the Parting of the Waters Natural Landmark, near Two Ocean Plateau.
We spotted this black bear along Pacific Creek Road on the drive to the trailhead
At the trailhead for Pacific Creek Trail
We opted to day hike the first 3 miles of Pacific Creek Trail as an out and back (6 miles total). We found this trail in Robert Stone’s “Day Hikes in Grand Teton National Park: 89 Great Hikes.” The trail climbs slightly through pine forest with intermittent views of Pacific Creek on your right. The first 2 miles undulate with climbs in and out of small drainages.
Pine trees line the early part of the trail
Pacific Creek
A wide variety of trees grow along the Pacific Creek Trail including pine, aspen, and cottonwood
At about 1.8 miles the trail passes the signed Whetstone Creek Trail which heads north. in a short distance after this junction, the terrain opens into a larger meadow. We had two creek crossings which were easy but required getting feet wet, you may want water shoes. By 3 miles, the valley opens up and you get views of the distant mountains. You decide when to turn around.
The trail crosses this creek which was wide and deep enough to get your feet wet
View from Pacific Creek Trail
Pacific Creek
This area is rich with wildlife. We spotted grouse and other birds along our hike. We also spotted prints and/or scat for: elk, moose, deer, bears, and wolves. This trail receives heavy use by hunters in the fall and by people on horseback in general. We did not enjoy the quantity of horse manure on this trail. The views were outstanding once they opened up past the Whetstone Creek Trail.
Along the trail
Pacific Creek Valley
A grouse we spotted along the trail
We spotted many bear tracks along the trail
Grizzly bear track on Pacific Creek Trail (Teton Wilderness)
To reach the trailhead: starting from Moran, Wyoming (located 27 miles south of Yellowstone National Park’s south entrance and 19 miles north of the Town of Moose, Wyoming), head west on US Highway 26/287 for approximately 0.2 miles. Turn right onto US 89/191/287 and continue for approximately 1 mile. Make a right onto Pacific Creek Road/Wilderness Access Road/Forest Service (FS) Road 30090, following said road for 2.2 miles. Veer left to continue on Pacific Creek Road for approximately 6 miles. Pacific Creek Trailhead is located on the left. Located at the trailhead is a National Forest campground, access to water, restrooms, hitch rails, and temporary use corrals. The restrooms were closed after Labor Day per signage.
We hiked this trail while staying at Headwaters Campground at Flagg Ranch. From Flagg Ranch we also hiked:
- Terraced Falls via Cascade Creek Trail (Yellowstone)
- Beula Lake Trail (Yellowstone)
- Bechler Short Loop (Yellowstone)
- String Lake Loop (Grand Teton)
- Emma Matilda Lake Loop (Grand Teton)
