Jackson Hole Trail Project Economic Impact Study

How to cite this study

Kaliszewski, N. 2011. Jackson Hole Trail Project Economic Impact Study (Unpublished Master’s Thesis). University of Wyoming. Laramie, Wyoming.

Overview

This study found that locals are the main beneficiary of the Teton County, Wyoming trail system, although visitors are increasingly enjoying area trails outside of Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. The economic impact of the trails may be significant, but is difficult to estimate without knowing how many visitors come to the area just for the trail system.

Relevance

This study would be of interest to other communities looking for an example of an assessment of a community trail network, rather than individual trails. However, the findings from this study should be applied with extreme caution. The economic impact estimates are likely overestimates as the author attributes all local spending on trail-related equipment to the local trail system, although it is likely these are often used on trails outside the study area. Additionally, the author assumes visitors to the area are there primarily for the local trail system, when most are likely there to visit nearby Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Finally, it is unclear whether the analysis accounts for the fact that the most avid users are also the most likely to be interviewed at trailheads and spend the most on equipment. Without accounting for this effect, use and spending estimates are likely to be quite high.

Location

The study evaluated the economic impact of trails in Teton County, Wyoming, home of the town of Jackson, the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort ski area, and Teton National Park. The county population was 21,575 in 2013 and the town population was 9,777.

Trail Type

This study analyzes three trail systems located in the county: the Greater Snow King Area, Teton Pass, and the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort area. All trails are within the Bridger-Teton National Forest. The three trail systems cover a total of 154 miles, and are used for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and other uses. Although there are more trails in the area, these were selected based on their proximity to the town of Jackson, having at least one trail longer than two miles, and having recently undergone or currently undergoing expansion.

Purpose

The Jackson Hole Trails Project Economic Impact Study was designed to measure the economic benefits from local and non-local trail users. While locals assume the trail system provides economic benefits to the community, these benefits had not been measured. Additionally, the study aimed to see how well the trails were meeting the goals outlined in the Teton County Comprehensive Plan and Jackson Hole Community Pathways Master Plan. This study was an unpublished Master’s thesis.

Findings

Trail users were mostly (56%) from either Teton County, Wyoming or Teton County, Idaho, and nearly all (95%) use the trail system at least once a week. Of the users surveyed, 53 percent of respondents’ trail activity was mountain biking, 39 percent hiked, and 8 percent jogged or ran. Two-thirds of respondents strongly agreed that having a well-maintained trail system located near their residence was important.

Half of visitors stated that the presence of a well-maintained trail system is important to their travel destination decisions. For visitors, accommodation was the largest expenditure at $65 per night and their stays averaged 7 nights.

Local businesses believed that bike sales and rentals have increased as trails and in-town pathways have increased.