Teton Mountains
The Teton Mountains are not only impressive due to their drastic rise directly from the valley floor, but also in their accessibility and the views their summits offer.
- The Teton Mountains are unique because they have no foothills.
- The Teton Mountains are open year-round, offering skiing in the winter and hiking, backcountry adventures and mountain climbing in the summer.
- There are multitudes of hiking trails ranging from .5 mile to over 35 miles in length.
Overview
The peaks of the Teton Mountain Range are regal and imposing as they make one of the boldest geologic statements in the Rockies. With no foothills to suggest their presence, they rise through steep conifer forests into alpine meadows strewn with wildflowers, past blue and white glaciers to naked granite pinnacles.
The Grand, Middle, and South Tetons form the heart of the range. However, their neighbors, especially Mount Owen, Teewinot Mountain, and Mount Moran, are no less spectacular.
Location/Directions
The Teton Mountain Range, or the Grand Tetons as they are often called, forms the western side of the geological region known as Jackson Hole. By traveling a mere four miles north of the town of Jackson, Wyoming, you will be awe struck by the immense size and height of this natural wonder.
Seasons
The Teton Mountain Range is open year-round. Some areas will be inaccessible during the winter season. However, much of the area is open to skiing and snowboarding during the winter, as there are two ski resorts on the mountain slopes – one on the western slopes (Grand Targhee) and one on the eastern slopes (Jackson Hole Mountain Resort).
Activities
The winter brings skiers, snowmobilers, snowshoers, and snowboarders to the Teton Mountains.
However, the area is known for its many hiking trails and backcountry backpacking opportunities. Before starting out on any hiking adventure, we recommend that you consult with a Visitor Center Park Ranger.
Teton Mountain Trails
The vast trails in the Teton Mountains provide so many choices from a simple one-hour hike to several days in the backcountry. There is truly something for every age and every skill level.
The following is just a small sample of what awaits you as you get out of your car and onto a trail to get a closer look at these majestic mountains.
BACKPACKING TRAILS
Death Canyon - Alaska Basin Trail
To travel this particular backpacking trail, you will first need to stop at the Moose Visitor Center in Grand Teton National Park and obtain a backcountry permit. Then, from the visitor center go southwest, take the first right off the main road and this will place you at the trailhead.
The trail travels high and low for approximately 21 miles. We would recommend this trail only for the fit and experienced.
What is so great about this adventure is that there is an abundant moose population in the Canyon portion of the trail. Although moose are wonderful to see in their natural setting – be aware – they can also be quite dangerous.
Teton Crest Trail
This is the one you’ve heard tales about. The Teton Crest Trail has many different entrance and exit points, but for the sake of this commentary, let’s start the hike via the Jenny Lake Trailhead. This is an easy one to find. Simply check in at the backcountry ranger office at Jenny Lake, pick up your trail map, and obtain your backcountry permit.
It really doesn’t get any better than this. This trip will take up to four days, but provides some of the most breathtaking views to be found in Grand Teton National Park. Part of the trail takes you up three big hills including Hurricane Pass and Paintbrush Divide and you go by three high country lakes, Marion Lake, Lake Solitude and Holly Lake.
When you determine where to exit the trail – probably dependent on your point of exhaustion after hiking nearly 35 miles - you will have experienced one of life’s great natural wonders.
DAY HIKES
There are several say hikes in the Cascade Canyon area of the Park. These range from .5 miles to 10 miles and range in difficulty from easy to strenuous. You can go a short distance and turn around or you can go further.
The area of Cascade Canyon is a very popular area of the Park and the shorter easier trails can become quite crowded. However, if you continue further, the crowds will begin to dissipate.
Jenny Lake Loop
This is an easy, mostly level trail that travels along the south shore of Jenny Lake. From here, you will be able to see close views of the Tetons. The total distance is approximately 6.5 miles and will take about 4 hours to complete.
This is a good trail for novice hikers and families.
Hidden Falls
This popular trail follows the south shore of Jenny Lake and then climbs to a view of a cascading waterfalls. The trail is roughly 5 miles and take nearly 3 hours to complete.
The trek to Hidden Falls is moderately difficult.
Forks of the Cascade
If you continue hiking the trail will lead you past Inspiration Point and on to the mouth of Cascade Canyon. From here, you will have great views of the Grand Teton, Mt. Owen and Teewinot.
Moderate to strenuous in difficulty, the total distance you will travel will be 13 miles and the time involved, 7 hours.
For all of the above, you can shorten your actual hiking distance and the time spent on the trail, by taking the Jenny Lake Shuttle boat either one way or both ways across the lake.
In additional to hiking and backpacking, the Teton Mountains offer some of the best rock climbing opportunities in the world.
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