Grand Targhee just reopened for summer on June 12th, and this season brings a genuinely exciting change for riders: e-bikes are now welcome on the mountain. If you have been planning a summer trip to Teton Valley and mountain biking is on the list, the timing could not be better. The resort is open, the trails are primed after a solid winter, and The Barn in Driggs puts you 12 miles from the base with a free shuttle stop right in the neighborhood.
Whether you are a seasoned downhill rider, someone returning to the sport on an e-bike, or a parent looking to get the kids onto a mountain trail for the first time, Grand Targhee’s 2026 summer lineup has something for every level. Here is what you need to know before you go, and you can use our Driggs travel guide to build out the rest of the trip.
Grand Targhee Summer 2026: What’s New This Season
The biggest headline for 2026 is the e-bike policy change. Grand Targhee is now allowing pedal-assist e-bikes on designated terrain — a progressive move that opens the mountain to a wider range of riders and gives more experienced cyclists a new way to cover ground efficiently.
The policy comes with clear guidelines worth knowing in advance:
- Permitted zones: The scenic cross-country networks in Rick’s Basin and all established trails west of the main parking lot are open to e-bikes.
- Off-limits areas: Dedicated downhill trails and trail systems south of the resort remain e-bike-free to protect trail conditions and rider safety.
- Bike type: Only pedal-assist models are allowed. Throttle-equipped bikes are not permitted on any resort terrain. If your bike can move without pedaling, leave it home.
Beyond the e-bike news, the resort opened both the Dreamcatcher and Shoshone chairlifts for summer operations, which means full scenic ride access to the summit of Fred’s Mountain — and those 360-degree Teton views that make the whole trip worth it.
Mountain Biking at Grand Targhee: What to Expect
Grand Targhee’s bike park earns its reputation. The trail network offers riding for every ability level, from smooth and flowing green runs suitable for first-timers to technical black diamond lines with rock gardens and steep pitches that keep experienced riders honest.
Bike Park Highlights
- Beginner terrain: Wide, gradual trails that build confidence without too much exposure — great for older kids and adults new to mountain biking.
- Intermediate flow trails: Banked corners, small jumps, and consistent pitch. These are the go-to runs for riders who want fun without the pucker factor.
- Advanced/Expert lines: Gnarly rock gardens, steep chutes, and full commitment required. Know your limits and scope the line before you drop in.
- Scenic cross-country: Rick’s Basin trails offer a different style — less vertical, more exploration — and are now open to e-bikes.
Rental bikes are available at the resort if you are not traveling with your own rig. Helmets are required on all resort terrain, and full-face helmets are recommended on the more aggressive runs.
Bike Camps and Clinics: Get Better Faster
If you want to actually improve — not just ride — Grand Targhee runs several structured bike camps this summer that are worth booking in advance:
- Women’s Beginner Bike Camp: A supportive introduction to mountain biking skills, trail confidence, and basic technique. Ideal for riders who are newer to dirt.
- Women’s Gravity Camp: Steps things up to focus on technical descending, jumps, and drops in a focused coaching environment.
- Men’s Gravity Clinic: Skill-building sessions focused on the same elements — commitment, line choice, and body positioning on aggressive terrain.
- Dirt Crew Bike Camp (Kids): A full-day mountain bike camp for riders ages 6–12. Builds confidence and technical skills in a fun, age-appropriate setting. One of the best ways to keep kids meaningfully occupied while the adults take a few extra laps.
Camps fill up — check the Grand Targhee website to see availability for the dates your group is visiting and book early if biking is a priority for the trip.
Beyond the Bike Park: Other Summer Activities at Grand Targhee
Mountain biking is the centerpiece of a summer Targhee visit, but it is far from the only thing going on up there. The 2026 summer lineup is as full as we have seen it:
- Scenic Chairlift Rides: Ride the Dreamcatcher up to Fred’s Mountain summit for panoramic Teton views — no biking required. This is a great option for non-riders in your group, younger kids, or anyone who wants the view without the effort.
- Teton Adventure Challenge: A bundled kids’ experience that combines scenic rides, mining activities, pool access, and mountain missions. Perfect for families with kids who want variety rather than a full day on the bike.
- Fred’s Adventure Camp: A day camp for ages 6–12 with weekly themes like wilderness survival, science, and animals. Drop-off format so adults can actually ride.
- Pool Days: The resort pool is open in summer, which after a dusty day on the trails is exactly what it sounds like.
- Live Music Thursdays: Grand Targhee runs live music on Thursday evenings through the summer, often with a free shuttle from downtown Driggs. Good reason to build your trip around a Thursday night.
Getting to Grand Targhee from Driggs
This is one of the most practical advantages of staying in Driggs. Grand Targhee is 12 miles from downtown — about a 20-minute drive up Canyon Road to the resort base in Alta, Wyoming. The road is paved, well-maintained in summer, and stunning in both directions.
If you prefer not to drive, the resort runs a free shuttle with a stop right near downtown Driggs. For bike days, you can load your mountain bike onto the shuttle and skip the parking hassle entirely. That is a meaningful upgrade over the Jackson Hole approach, where getting to a trailhead often involves navigation, crowded lots, and a significant time investment.
After the ride, downtown Driggs is a five-minute walk from The Barn. That means you can finish a full day on the mountain, take the shuttle back, clean up at the house, and be sitting at Citizen 33 Brewery or Tatanka Tavern within the hour. That kind of end-of-day efficiency is hard to replicate from anywhere else in the valley.
Planning Tips for a Mountain Bike Trip to Targhee
- Book bike camps early: They sell out, especially in July. If the Dirt Crew Camp or Women’s Gravity Camp is on your radar, get registered before your trip dates are locked in.
- Check trail conditions: Early June can still see some soft trail conditions depending on snowpack. Check the Grand Targhee website or call the resort the day before your visit.
- Bring your own helmet: Rental helmets are available but having your own is always better, especially for kids.
- Layer up for the summit: The top of Fred’s Mountain sits well above the valley floor. Even on warm days, the wind at elevation can be real. A light layer in the pack is always worth it.
- Eat at the mountain or come back to town: The resort has on-mountain food options, but after a long day, Driggs restaurants are worth the short drive back down.
Book Guided Rides and Tours
If you want a guided experience or want to combine mountain biking with other Grand Teton area activities, these tours pair well with a Targhee visit:
- 🏔️ Grand Teton Half-Day Tour — A land-based guided tour of the park for non-riding days or a morning before an afternoon on the bike.
- 🦌 Grand Teton Sunset Wildlife Tour — Wind down after a hard ride day with an evening wildlife tour in the park. Moose, elk, and bison sightings are common in June.
- 🐎 Horseback Riding with Grand Teton Views — A great option for group members who prefer the saddle over the seat.
Make The Barn Your Base for a Targhee Summer Trip
The math is simple. Grand Targhee is 12 miles from Driggs. The shuttle stops near The Barn. The house sleeps up to 14 people, is pet-friendly, and sits within walking distance of everything you need for a recovery evening in town. For groups planning a mountain bike trip — whether it is four adults or a family of twelve — Driggs is the right call over Jackson Hole: quieter, closer to the resort, and a fraction of the price once you get past the lodging cost.
June is a sweet spot for this kind of trip. The trails have had time to dry after spring, the resort is freshly reopened, and you will not be fighting the August crowds for a parking spot at the base. Book your summer stay at The Barn and get your Targhee days on the calendar before the season fills up.
