- 40 miles (typically 3-5 days)
- Difficult, with multiple high alpine passes
- Trailhead: Phillips Pass Trailhead or String Lake Trailhead
Overview
The Teton Crest Trail is quite possibly the premier way to experience the Tetons. Not for the inexperienced, this trail takes hikers forty miles through the Jedidiah Smith Wilderness and Grand Teton National Park, over alpine passes, past mountain lakes, across Death Canyon Shelf and through Alaska Basin.
Details
- Distance – 40 miles, with plenty of options for side trips and extensions if you want to spend more time. If you want to shorten the route, or just change it up a bit, there are alternative starting and ending points, as well.
- Average Time of Hike – Plan on spending at least four days.
- Difficulty – The Teton Crest Trail is a difficult trail for experienced hikers only.
- Trail Type – One-way.
- Trailhead – The Phillips Pass Trailhead off of Teton Pass on Highway 22 is the main starting point. The north end of the Teton Crest Trail starts at the String Lake Trailhead in Grand Teton National Park.
Plan and Prepare
Although hikers and mountaineers travel the Teton Crest Trail all year long, due to long-lasting snowpack and early changing seasons, the best months to hike are between July and September.
All campsites within Grand Teton National Park require permits, so be sure to plan ahead and make your reservations early.
Hikers should be prepared for mountain weather, with frequent thunderstorms and the potential for snowstorms at any time. Be sure to bring plenty of layers, shelter, emergency equipment and a water treatment method.
