Ski Lake is located in between Victor, Idaho and Jackson Hole, WY, and sits at an elevation of 8,650 ft. Locals says this is the easiest alpine lake to hike to in the area at only 4 miles RT! The trail is very mellow and great for all ages, including dogs off leash.
Along the way you’ll have amazing views of mountains to the South and East for the first mile, cross a stream, and end with an amazing lake with clear blue water. Be sure to start early though – not only does parking fill up quickly on weekends but this trail is all on the East side of the slope making it all in the sun. There are a few sections of shade, but even by 10am we were all sweating – and it was only 65F! Pack a snack, and let the dogs enjoy taking a swim at Ski Lake!
Directions
From Victor, Idaho drive East on HWY 33 over Teton Pass. From Teton Pass reset your odometer, and drive 1.7 miles. You can either turn left and drive up a dirt road to park right at the TH (about 1/4 mile up the road), or park on the right side of the highway in a dirt lot, then walk over to the TH.
Here is a driving map.
Trail Info
Distance: 4 miles RT
Elevation gain: 765 ft
Time: 2-4 hours
Dog friendly? Yes, off leash
Kid friendly? Yes, all ages
Fees/Permits? None
If driving from Victor to the trailhead, be sure to stop at Teton Pass!
If there’s room and you get to the trailhead early enough you can park right by the TH sign. There’s only a few spaces, but I wouldn’t recommend driving a small car up the dirt road. If you have a small car, definitely park in the dirt lot across HWY 33, then walk up.
Ski Lake Trail here we come! I love how organized and clear these trail signs are.
Little Charlie was happy to run free! The trail gradually gains elevation the first mile and is half-shaded.
At 1 mile the trail takes a sharp left turn at this old tree laying on its side.
Ahh, relief from the sun. Look at all those cute furr-butts!
Daisy, Little Charlie, and Big Charlie, as we call them, had a blast hiking together. These guys have been pals for years! Cross a small bridge.
At the next signed split, stay left.
Cross a bridge. Finally, water for the dogs to drink!
The last 1/3 mile before reaching Ski Lake is very exposed and gets hot. One more small hill to hike up to the left.
Made it! That was such a nice, casual hike! This was my 3rd day hiking in a row, and I was happy to take it easy yet still see something beautiful.
The dogs loved swimming here! Sadly the lake was really low! We really need a big snow year to get this lake filled up again.
Little Charlie (the poodle) is 3, my Charlie is 9, and Daisy is the old gal at 12!
To get a different perspective, hike above the lake to the ridge! Charlie was in deep thought here ha!
What a cool view from above! It really shows how green/blue the lake is!
Trail Map
My track via Gaia GPS – the best tracking app! Get your app here for a discount.
Recommended Gear
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