4.8
(3760)
9,851
riders
02:11
20.6km
540m
Mountain biking
The Mill Creek and Colter's Escape Loop offers a fantastic mountain biking experience near Grand Targhee, renowned for its incredibly flowy singletrack and high-speed sections. You'll navigate through varied terrain, from dense pine forests to open ridgelines, with the highlight being the expansive Teton views from the Buffalo Soldier Trail. This moderate 12.8-mile (20.6 km) route, with 1769 feet (539 metres) of climbing, is a rewarding ride for those who enjoy dynamic trails and stunning scenery.
Planning your ride, you'll find this loop is a popular choice for shuttle options, allowing you to start higher up and enjoy more downhill flow. The best time to visit is typically from spring through late fall, as winter conditions make mountain biking impossible. Dogs are welcome on the Colter's Escape segment, but remember to keep them leashed. The trails are well-maintained, contributing to a smooth and enjoyable experience.
This trail is part of a larger network, connecting to routes like Andy's and Rocky Mountain Way, offering diverse options to extend your adventure. It's particularly noted for its excellent flow, making it a great spot to hone your downhill mountain biking skills. While generally moderate, some sections can be rocky, so a basic level of experience is beneficial for this approximately 2-hour and 11-minute ride.
Last updated: June 9, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Caribou-Targhee National Forest
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
10.5 km
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
14.7 km
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
20.6 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
20.6 km
Surfaces
20.0 km
670 m
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Elevation
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Today
Wednesday 8 July
29°C
14°C
22 %
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Max wind speed: 14.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
You can access this trail from the bottom via Teton Canyon Road or from the top by parking at Grand Targhee Resort. It's also a popular shuttle ride, where you can park a car in Teton Canyon and start your ride from the resort.
While rated as 'moderate' overall and locally as 'Blue' or Intermediate, this loop is known for its flowy singletrack and is often described as a 'great confidence booster' for developing downhill skills. Some sections can be rocky, so a basic level of experience is recommended, but it's not overly technical.
Yes, dogs are allowed on Colter's Escape, provided they are kept on a leash where required by local regulations.
The best time to ride this loop is typically during the warmer months when the snow has melted and the trails are dry. Check local trail conditions before you go, as winter mountain biking is generally not possible.
Since this trail system is associated with Grand Targhee Resort, it's advisable to check their official website for any current trail access fees, bike park passes, or specific regulations that might apply, especially if you plan to start from the resort.
You'll find awesome, flowy singletrack throughout the loop. Mill Creek is known for its high speed and great flow, while Colter's Escape is primarily a downhill section. While generally smooth, some parts can include rocky terrain, adding to the challenge.
The loop is celebrated for its stunning views, often cited as having some of the best in the region. You'll encounter the View of the Tetons from Buffalo Soldier Trail and the exciting Rocky Mountain Way Switchbacks.
Yes, this trail system is very versatile. It can be ridden as part of a longer loop incorporating trails like Andy's and Buffalo Soldier. The route itself uses sections of official trails such as Mill Creek, Rocky Mountain Way, Buffalo Soldier, and Colter's Escape.
For an optimal experience, many riders prefer to make it a shuttle ride. You can park a car in Teton Canyon and then start your ride from Grand Targhee Resort, allowing you to fully enjoy the downhill flow of Mill Creek and Colter's Escape.
Given its 'moderate' difficulty and some rocky sections, it might be best suited for families with intermediate-level mountain bikers. The flowy nature can be fun, but younger or less experienced riders might find the downhill speeds and occasional technical spots challenging.
Since the trail is accessible from Grand Targhee Resort, you'll find various amenities, including cafes, restaurants, and restrooms, available at the resort. If accessing from Teton Canyon, amenities will be more limited, so plan accordingly.
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