Trail and Pathway Use in Jackson Hole, Wyoming

  • During winter and spring trail and pathway use was distributed across the region.
  • By comparison, in the summer and fall trail and pathway use occurred most often in closer proximity to where people live and work.
  • How and when people use specific trails and pathways varies widely. For all seasons, walking and running were the most common activities.
  • This information can help communities manage and plan for the future with the goal of improving the quality of the recreation and transportation experience on trails and pathways.

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Starting in the summer of 2015 through the early spring of 2016, Headwaters Economics used a combination of infrared counters and motion-sensor cameras to assess trail and pathway use in the Jackson Hole, Wyoming area.

Two surveys were conducted, one for the winter-spring and the other for summer-fall.

To conduct the surveys, Headwaters Economics partnered with Friends of Pathways, the Town of Jackson, Teton County, Wyoming, the Bridger-Teton National Forest, and the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce to conduct this inventory.

The primary purpose of this count exercise is to establish the amount, type, and timing of trail and pathway use at specific locations. This interactive map and information can be used to help manage and plan for the future with the goal of improving the quality of the recreation and transportation experience on trails and pathways.

In 2014 Headwaters Economics surveyed Teton County residents to learn about their use and satisfaction with trails and pathways in the area. This count data supplements these survey findings with on-the-ground use data for specific trail and pathway segments.

Patricia Hernandez

  patty@headwaterseconomics.org       406.599.7425

Patty Hernandez is co-founder and Executive Director of Headwaters Economics. Patty has 18 years of experience in researching economic development, building partnerships, and developing technology solutions to help communities plan and adapt to a changing world.