Cirque Trail

Overview

     
Although the hike from the bottom to the top of Rendezvous Mountain,43.59574 N, -110.86642 W, is quite possible, this page describes the trail in reverse direction starting from the summit to the top of Bridger Gondola, 43.60025 N, -110.85063 W. This hike is 2.5 miles long with an elevation loss of 1355 feet. There are minimal facilities on the summit of Rendezvous Mountain. But there are much better facilities at the top of the gondola station. You will find the upscale Couloir Restaurant and a less expensive Headwall Deli here. The best part is that you may get a free ride down to Teton village on the gondola. Or, you may decide to walk down the dirt service road back down.





The trail begins next to the east wall of Corbet's Cabin, a small store where you can buy snacks, drinks and even waffles. From here the trail drops steeply down the south slope and within a few hundred feet passes by Corbet's Rock. It's a short hike/scramble to the top of Corbet's Rock worth doing for the scenery and checking out a few routes located across the steep gully directly below. From here the trail becomes much steeper and rocky skirting the rock band that guards the summit of Rendezvous Mountain. As you go down, the tramway will be on your left. Near the bottom of this rocky section, there is a short class 2 section to negotiate. On the bottom of the rocky section the trail heads right before it heads left again. Note: At the bottom of the class 2 section, it's possible to head left for a short distance and find a very comfortable log bench made for hikers to use. The people who decided to put the bench here know what they were doing. The views here are awesome.













A few hundred feet down from the rocky section, the trail passes directly under the tramway cables and crosses a wash entering into a forested area. Periodically you will run into Cirque Trail signs reassuring you that you are on the right track. After zigzagging through the forested area, the trail will be in the open with no obstructions giving you perfect view of Teton Village. As you get closer to the gondola station you will lose the sight of the restaurant for about a mile or so. Shortly after a rise the trail drops down steeply toward the gondola house and the end of your hike. As mentioned previously, at this point you have two options to reach the bottom of the mountain. The simplest way is to take a free ride down on the gondola, or you can continue to hike down on the dirt service road. Either way, you are treated to a tremendously beautiful scenery.

Getting There

   
From the town of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, take highway 22, Teton Pass Highway and drive about five miles to its intersection with "Moose Wilson Road" Highway 390. This intersection is shortly after crossing Snake River. Turn right onto Moose Wilson and drive another eight miles to Teton Village. Turn left and enter the village. You will find many restaurants and cafes as well as sporting good store in this village.

Essential Gear

Plenty of water, good pair of hiking shoes, extra clothing, first aid kit, flashlight,.....

External Links

Information on the Tram:

Jackson Hole Aerial Tramway

Tram tickets:

Tram Tickets

Images

View Cirque Trail Image Gallery - 20 Images