Trails & Pathways Projects

If you’ve been out on the South Leigh trail this week, you’ve likely noticed some changes happening! In coordination with our partners at the USFS Teton Basin Ranger District and the Montana Conversation Corps, we’ve been accomplishing much needed trail work.

We have been replacing and adding foot bridges to some wet crossings and improving and adding turnpikes for horses at these same places. By doing this, we hope to control erosion and make it easier- and sometimes drier- for trail users. We've all been tempted to go AROUND the puddle instead of through it. Footbridges and horse access also helps to maintain the natural flow for the creeks and springs.

Adding and replacing these things takes a ton of people power, a lot of work, and incredible vision from Program Director Nick Beatty and the USFS! Not only have we been hauling in lumber and fasteners for some new bog bridges across some especially wet and muddy zones, but we have also been felling trees nearby to construct footbridges. Once the trees have fallen, the bark has to be stripped, the log prepped, and then moved. A new foot bridge built in July required 7 people, 4 pulleys, a rope, and other logs to roll it into place. Next time you walk across a footbridge, think about how it might have gotten there! Work in South Leigh will be ongoing over the next few weeks- please enjoy it.

Reduced erosion, restoration of creek and spring natural flows.

• Sign up to work on the trail- keep the work in South Leigh and the logs rolling.

• There is wilderness trail work available near Granite Basin in August. A few spots are left. More information and sign up here!

For the third summer in a row, we have project work happening in Teton Canyon. After the completion of Phases 1, 2, and 3 of the North Side Trail, we have begun work on phase 4 which will run from the Reunion Flats Campground about 1.4 miles east to the Horse Transfer parking area.

What's exciting about Phase 4 is the fact that the completion of this phase will allow all multi-use recreationists to go from the Sheep Bridge/Mill Creek parking area to the head of the canyon without having to be on the road, and culmination of 4 years of work and funding to complete this essential project. This phase continues with the previous aesthetic of the North Side Trail in that it has some shade, some aspens, some evergreens, and some great views. While the timetable for completion is flexible, we hope to have this section finished by late autumn.

This summer will also welcome the addition of a final bridge across Teton Creek, which will connect the Treasure Lake parking area with the Sheep Bridge and North Side trail. This pedestrian bridge will not only connect the Sheep Bridge with the North Side Trail to create a full 4.8 mile loop trail, but it will also allow pedestrians to access the Treasure Lake without crossing onto the road. While preparations for this bridge installation have already begun, we expect this bridge to be in place by the end of the fall season.

The idea of a trail that parallels the Teton Canyon road and links together the canyon's many trailheads, campgrounds and existing trails has been a goal for many years. Now it's almost a reality! Here's a little background on how we got here and the duration of the effort:

• 2018- The Teton Basin Ranger District approved implementation of the Teton Canyon Trailhead, Campground & Dispersed Recreation Improvements Project.

• 2020- TVTAP began working with stakeholders and laying out the new trail footprint.

• 2022- TVTAP was awarded a RTP grant to begin construction of North Side Trail, phase 1. The Treasure Mountain Scout Camp special use permit was not renewed and becomes a Forest Service managed area, which opens the door for some trail connections. GAOA funding creates opportunity for infrastructure improvements in Teton Canyon.

• 2023- North Side Trail Phase 1 was constructed from Sheep Bridge trailhead to the canal crossing (0.66 miles). The Treasure Mountain Camp area is approved implementation of Sheep Bridge trail extension over to Treasure Lake and to a new Treasure Lake parking area (with three necessary bridges).

• 2024- TVTAP secures additional funding to build the necessary bridges for phase 2 of the North Side Trail as well as two of the Sheep Bridge Trail bridges. Construction started in summer 2024, in partnership with TBRD, and the four bridges have been constructed minus approach ramps and handrails.

• 2025- Bridges completed in spring 2025.

• 2026 - Phase 4 completion - trail diverted from road.

We have been working with the Teton Basin Ranger District to construct a trail network that connects many of the existing trails in the Teton Canyon corridor. The completion of this phase will allow all multi-use recreationists to go from the Sheep Bridge/Mill Creek parking area to the head of the canyon without traveling on the road.

This trail project has:

• Created roughly 4 miles of new non-motorized recreation opportunity.

• Dispersed trail use...less crowded on existing trails.

• Linked trailheads to campgrounds...no more riding or walking on the dusty road with cars.

• Created an opportunity where the trail experience is the destination.

• Provided an accessible opportunity for strollers, young kids and people with disabilities

• We have a few trail days left this summer to help complete this project. If you're able, please sign up here: https://tvtap.org/events/vtd26/

• Support TVTAP through any of our fundraising campaigns so we can keep pushing this project, and others, along.

• Demonstrate excellent trail etiquette, read all the signs, educate yourself and follow the rules (your dogs too). We loose traction to push projects like this forward if land managers have to deal with repeated issues associated with trail use.

The Community Winter Trails System relies on amazing volunteers, dedicated staff and a reliable system of equipment. Our equipment is now valued in the hundreds of thousands of dollars and we’ve working toward a long term storage and maintenance facility for all our valuable stuff!

District 33 Snowmobile District was working toward a similar facility for their snowcat used to groom snowmobile trails in Southeast Idaho and we're working together to make our shared vision a reality.

When the two groups approached County Commissioners about the partnership to build a facility, an opportunity emerged with a county owned property on Buxton Ave. During Summer 2025 the site plan was completed by Harmony Design and Engineering and architectural drawings were completed by Booth Architecture. Updates and adjustments were made based on City of Driggs requirements in the building permit process. Because the building will be on County property, we are working under their contracting requirements and posted the project for public bidding. Teton West Construction was awarded a signed contract in August.

Collectively, we have raised $648,611 in funding and match commitments toward the building. The total project budget is $692,846, leaving us 93% to our goal!

Funding & support sources include:

Idaho Parks and Recreation

District 33 Grooming

CHC Foundation

Trails & Pathways

Horizon Landscape Services

Harry Morrison Foundation

The next steps? Finish and move in! There will be some exterior finishing work in the spring, with landscaping and final touches but we cannot wait to stat using our new shared use facility with District 33 snowmobile grooming!

For more information and a detailed budget for this project, download the update here (PDF file).

With hundreds of thousands of equipment acquired for Winter Trails maintenance, we are motivated to keep everything in tip-top shape for longevity and budget efficiency. A covered, heated space for storage and maintenance contributes to the life of the fleet and the person managing it. A shared facility makes costs more manageable.

• Ask us about progress of the Shared Use Facility at events.

• We are looking to finance this facility in a variety of ways and are seeking to raise an additional $$44,250 for construction. Contact dan@tvtap.org if you would like to contribute.

• Come on a tour when it's finished, but before it gets FULL.

• Support our Winter Trails Program every season by purchasing an Individual or Family Pass Trails Support Vehicle sticker. This season's stickers are available now!

Save the Teton Pass Trail effort is making progress! In October, our communities were challenged to help raise funds to complete the 3.7-mile pathway section and unlock an additional $1 million in funding to build an underpass at Coal Creek. This project has year-round benefits for cyclists, walkers and skiers. To date, we still have $3.6 million to raise.

Idahoans- we need your help to reach 500 donors. Show our partners on the Wyoming side that we are excited to see this project happen by donating as little as $10. ALL donations will be used for pathway construction. You can also help us reach our goal by purchasing a raffle ticket for a new gravel bike at www.tetonpass.org.

Please follow @savetetonpasstrail on Instagram to share posts and info.

1. A Once-in-a-Generation Project

The Teton Pass Trail is the most ambitious and technically difficult pathway project in the history of both Teton Counties — a lasting investment in safety, connection, and community legacy.

2. Financial Momentum

Nearly $8 million of the $13 million project budget is already secured. 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 from Trail Creek to Coal Creek is completed.

3. Connecting Two Valleys, Two States, One Community

The trail will link the people, economies, and landscapes of Jackson Hole and Teton Valley —communities that already share one culture and one daily life across state lines.

4. Safety and Access for All

The trail provides a dedicated, car-free route across Teton Pass, protecting cyclists, hikers, skiers, and commuters from getting hit on one of the most dangerous highway sections in the region.

5. A Model of Regional Collaboration

Built in partnership among Teton County WY, Teton County ID, the U.S. Forest Service, and local citizens, this project embodies what’s possible when neighbors and agencies work together toward shared goals.

6. Shovel Ready

All environmental reviews, engineering plans, permits, and agreements are complete—construction can begin as soon as the snow melts in spring 2026, pending full funding.

7. A Legacy of Stewardship and Vision

Completing this key part of the Teton Pass Trail honors decades of effort—from the 1999 Millennium Trail to today’s BUILD-funded progress—and creates a visible symbol of cooperation for future generations.

Save Teton Pass Trail needs your help to make this giant step between two closely communities and for the greater region. If you anticipate enjoying this link on your feet, wheels or skis, please consider a donation in any amount at tetonpass.org.

Save Teton Pass Trail is a community-led fundraising campaign to raise $5 million by December 31, 2025, completing the most crucial 3.6-mile segment of the Teton Pass Trail — a giant step towards a safe, non-motorized connection for biking, skiing, and hiking between Wyoming and Idaho. This missing link is a key piece of one of the most visionary regional trail systems in the nation: the Greater Yellowstone Trail

• Donate to tetonpass.org.

• Share this page with area friends who are interested in using this trail.

• Comment and share information from social media to your own feed to raise awareness.

We have been working on this non-motorized trail project since 2016 and are thrilled to see more forward motion. This figure 8 loop E of Victor, above Mountainside Village will connect existing trails to the current AJ Trail.

In 2024, The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) finalized the Travel Management Plan for this area (and Alta, WY). This allows for trail development in the specific BLM parcels. The results of the Travel Management Plan are finally starting to take shape and reinforces how much persistence it takes to provide trails to the community.

We will continue to work with partner trail organizations to develop trails consistent with the Travel Management Plan.

Next steps:

• Alignment of current trails to new trails.

• Ground-truth old trails condition and location.

• Button up MOU agreements with the BLM.

• Codify easement access where required.

• Non-motorized, 8-mile loop trail with easy access from Victor.

• Great views and recreational opportunity for walkers, runners and riders.

• Join is on Saturday, June 28 for AJ Trail Day.

• Watch for additional dig and maintenance days to be scheduled.

• Donate during the Tin Cup Challenge to build general funds to continue this type of work.

• For a large PDF map, click here.

With the help of a Teton Springs Foundation grant, we have purchased a flashing crosswalk sign to be installed east of the bridge over Teton Creek where the trail crosses Cemetery Road. This will enhance the safety of individuals crossing busy Cemetery Road from Driggs to the Corridor Trail. We also want to thank the City of Driggs for helping to install the Pedestrian Activated Flashing Crosswalk sign later this summer.

Enjoy improved safety this spring and summer on one of our most popular amenities.

• Watch for construction and installation of the flashing crosswalk later this summer and use caution while workers are in the area.

• Please wear a helmet on your bike when accessing the Teton Creek Corridor Trail from Cemetery Road. This is a busy road with cars, trucks and heavy equipment to and from the Teton County Transfer Station.

Because of a significant private gift, our relationship with the City of Driggs and our in-house expertise, Trails & Pathways was able to complete construction on the bridge connecting the Ski Hill Road Path to Teton Creek Corridor. This establishes a connection from downtown Victor all the way to Stateline Road nearly 12 miles and 19 if you include the Centennial Pathway link. This connection improves travel, recreation and safety in Teton Valley. In June, this bridge was dedicated to our colleague, Joselin Matkins, a dedicated conservationist and contributor to this project.

Anyone who has ever been to the transfer station knows the traffic levels and truck frequency on this road. This bridge provides safer access to the Teton Creek Corridor Pathway for those on foot or bikes.

• Use the Bridge!

• To lengthen your walk or ride, park at 5th Street Skate Park and take the pathway along Ski Hill Road and the connector pathway, over the bridge and cross to get on the Corridor Pathway.

• Look for seasonal opportunities to maintain the Pathway including trash pick-up, weed pulling and general maintenance.