TA Route Missoula to Tetons/Jackson

[smm7144]

It looks like the work gods have finally came and want me to go back to work. So it looks like I might have to cut my tour short but I’m going to make the most of it and change my plans. I was wondering if anybody could give me an insight on some realistic timelines of getting from Missoula to Jackson. Going to be coming off a rest day and so I’m hoping to be ready to go. It looks like I’m looking at roughly 455 miles. Just not sure how bad the climbs are, also once I’m in Yellowstone would I just follow US191 south to the Tetons and Jackson?

[John Nettles]

You don't say where you are coming from but if you started on the coast or from the north, the climbs will not be any worse that what you have had before so you should be able to continue your average daily mileage without much difficulty.  It will be the attractions that will slow you down the most.

Basically, yes you follow US-191 until Teton Road just past Jackson Lodge.  Take Teton Road to Moose then the bike path into Jackson.  The path goes right past the airport (near Moose) where you can fly home or rent a car.  You can also pick up the bus (bikes without boxes OK but with advance notice) at the airport or in Jackson proper.

Tailwinds, John

[smm7144]

I started in Astoria OR, followed Lewis and Clark to Missoula. Going south on the TA next.

[John Nettles]

You have already hit some major climbs.  It will not be any worse than what you have already done.  In fact, by now you are relatively strong so it may not seem that big of a deal mostly.

[Pat Lamb]

Took me 8 days going the opposite direction from Jackson Lake into Missoula.  Add a day or two for the extra leg into Jackson, and maybe for sightseeing in Yellowstone.  You'll have a big climb from Sula up to Lost Trail Pass I got to go downhill on and a big downhill coming out of Yellowstone I had to climb; the rest pretty much evens out.

BTW, don't count on cell coverage except in the towns through there.  It's beautiful and remote.

[BikeliciousBabe]

Eight days sound about right.

Spring Gulch Campground east of Sula has a hiker/biker site reserved until 5 p.m.

Wisdom/Jackson on day 2. Losr Trail is long but super hard. Save some for the long/gradual run to Wisdom, especiallly if you plan to keep going down the road to Jackson.

Stop and walk out to the overlook at the top of Big Hole Pass. On your way to Dillon to Twin Bridges. The Bike Camp at the latter is really nice. If you feel you need a rest you could always stay in Dillon and do a short day to Twin Bridges.

Twin Bridges to Ennis is a long slog up to Virginia City (great, fresh ice cream there), then the climbing gets tough. If you can handle benign gravel, take the Laurin Alternative from Sheridan to Laurin (should be listed in the adendum to the relevant map). Quiet and scenic. The descent into Ennis is rip-roaring. Stop at the scenic overlook. The fishing access campground in Ennis is decent. There is no water, but right across the road is the Lion's Club Park. Water spoigot there, but camping not allowed.

Haven't been beyond Ennis for 20 year so I won't comment.