Signal Mountain Trail (Grand Teton) Hiking Guide
Signal Mountain stands alone in the valley across from the Tetons, and the hike up gives a view of the whole range plus Jackson Lake and Jackson Hole. The trail climbs through forest from Signal Mountain Lodge to the top, where a summit road also arrives. It sees far fewer hikers than the Jenny Lake trails.
Permit: Grand Teton National Park charges an entrance fee: $35 per private vehicle, $30 per motorcycle or $20 per person on foot or bike (16 and older), each valid 7 days; the park annual pass is $70 and the America the Beautiful pass ($80) also covers entry. Non-US residents 16 and older pay an extra $100 per person unless entering on an annual or America the Beautiful pass. The park is cashless. No permit is needed for a day hike.
Distance and Route
The park lists the Signal Mountain Trail as a 6.7-mile out-and-back with 980 feet of gain. AllTrails maps a 7.6-mile loop version with 1,200 feet and estimates three and a half to four hours. Start at Signal Mountain Lodge, cross the Teton Park Road and follow the signs to the trailhead. The park describes a narrow, winding trail with rocks and roots throughout.
The Summit
Signal Mountain rises to 7,720 feet, with no higher summit within 10 miles, which is why the view is so wide. From the top you see the range across Jackson Lake and down the valley. The Signal Mountain Summit Road also reaches the top and is closed in winter, so you may find cars and visitors at the top even when the trail was quiet.
Fall Timing
Signal Mountain Lodge and its services close for the season in mid-October. The Teton Park Road between the Taggart Lake Trailhead and the lodge closes to cars from November 1 to April 30. The park lists summer and fall as the hiking seasons here. Fall on the mountain means sunny days and frigid nights, and October can bring the first snow.
Fee and Bear Country
Driving to the lodge means paying the park's 7-day entrance fee: $35 per car or $20 per person arriving on foot or by bicycle, with an annual pass or America the Beautiful pass as alternatives. Cards only. Black and grizzly bears live throughout the park, Signal Mountain included, and the park's advice holds here: groups of three or more, call out on blind corners, carry spray and never approach a bear.
Hiking tips for Signal Mountain Trail (Grand Teton)
- Park at Signal Mountain Lodge and cross the Teton Park Road to the signed trailhead.
- Go late in the day for warm light on the Tetons, but finish before dark.
- Expect roots and rocks the whole way; the trail is narrow.
- Check the lodge's season dates if you're counting on food or gas there.
- Carry bear spray even though this hike is quieter than the lake trails.
Nearby trails to explore
- String Lake Loop
- Jenny Lake Loop
- Taggart Lake and Bradley Lake Loop
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Signal Mountain is a quieter summit that's better with a partner on the trail. Use TrailMates to find Jackson Hole hikers heading to Signal Mountain. Download the TrailMates app to connect.