Crystal Butte Summit

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Sister to Snow King, Crystal Butte guards the east side of the town of Jackson. The hike is a steep singletrack, switch-backing up the southwest face of the butte. Because it's south facing, it is one of the first trails around town to dry out during the spring. The view from Crystal Butte is a great perspective of the town of Jackson and the Elk Refuge. The Tetons, impressive as they always are, form the backdrop.

This hike begins at Nelson Knoll trailhead, located off Nelson Dr. in east Jackson. The lot is big and usually mostly empty. Locate the trail on the right side of the parking lot. The journey begins with a mellow uphill along a minor gully on the Woods Canyon Trail.


At the junction with Crystal Butte #4030, take a left up the steep path and start into some switchbacks. The incline mellows for a traverse across the side of the mountain then steeply climbs the ridgeline to the top of the face. The trail follows the ridge with a few class 2 sections maintaining views of the Tetons and valley below. Eventually it becomes wooded and cooler towards the summit.

This trail can be done in a couple of hours and is a nice hike to watch the sun dip over the Tetons. Its mostly south facing so it will be toasty and sweaty if warm outside.