By Jeff Garmire
The Teton Crest Trail is a permitted 40+ mile point-to-point route through and around Grand Teton National Park. It parallels the namesake peak with epic views and frequent water, and can be completed in 2-4 days.
Region: Mountain West (Grand Teton National Park / surrounding national forests, Wyoming)
Distance: 35-45 miles
Physical Difficulty: Difficult
- Often above treeline
- Rocky and muddy trail
- Easy but frequent stream crossings
Logistical Difficulty: Moderate
- Competitive permit process
- Point-to-point trail (shuttle service or hitchhike required)
- Well-signed trail
Season: Summer, Early Fall
Elevation (average): ~8,500 feet
Total Elevation Gain: 9,000 feet
Hiking the Teton Crest Trail
The Teton Crest Trail is an iconic, high-altitude route that travels through the heart of the Tetons. The views on the route are incredible and you’re likely to see a wide range of wildlife. The trail crosses high plateaus, open expanses, ridges, and skirts the edges of glaciers and glacial lakes. There are different variations that give it a final mileage between 35-45 miles.
The Teton Crest Trail has some challenges. Fast-changing weather, heavy (and long!) bug season, difficult permit process, and lately, lots of smoke.
Many campsites on the Teton Crest Trail offer magnificent views and it is rare to find a spot that doesn’t live up to expectations. The trail traverses Jedediah Wilderness Area, Bridger Teton National Forest, Caribou-Targhee National Forest, and Grand Teton National Park, which means permitting and planning are important.
The main portion of the trail is well-signed and easy to follow, but depending how far you extend the route, some lesser-maintained trails on the west side require specific attention at intersections.
As with many point-to-point trips, a shuttle is necessary. This adds some complications to the hike, since parking can be difficult with the increasing popularity of the TCT.
How to Get to the Teton Crest Trail
Southern Terminus: Phillips Bench Trailhead
Closest City: Jackson, Wyoming (11 miles)
Northern Terminus: Leigh Lake Trailhead
Closest City: Jackson, Wyoming (25 miles)
Driving and Shuttle: We shuttled one of our cars to the northern end so we’d have a vehicle when we finished, allowing us to drive back to the Phillips Bench Trailhead. Prior to the hike, we camped at dispersed camping near the Phillips Bench Trailhead.
When to Hike the Teton Crest Trail
Hike the trail in summer or early fall. The trail can hold snow late into the season, and micro-spikes and an ice ax may be required through June or early July. Also, the bug season can be long and brutal. The bears are most active in early and late season, and we suggest carrying bear spray.
Teton Crest Trail Terrain
After the initial few miles as you slowly climb up to the alpine zone, the trees are largely absent, and you’re surrounded by sweeping views of massive rock faces, alpine lakes, and huge valleys carved by glaciers. The trail can be rocky at times with sporadic deadfalls from winter storms, but it is quite easy to follow and especially well-signed in the Grand Teton National Park section.
Logistics: Permits, Land Designation and Camping, and Open Fires
Permits: Permits are required for all trips through Grand Teton National Park. Permits can be obtained through Recreation.gov and are often booked out months in advance. Walk-up permits are still possible and a viable option, but we recommend having a few different contingency itineraries if you are going with the walk-up option.
Permit Dates
| DATES | INFORMATION |
|---|---|
| January 6, 2021 – May 15, 2021 | Advance backcountry permit reservations opened at 8 a.m. MT on January 6, 2021, for overnight stays from May 1, 2021 to October 31, 2021. Advance reservations are only available online during this time period. |
| May 16, 2021 – December 31, 2021 | Backcountry permits only available in person on a first-come, first-serve basis. |
Land Designation and Camping: The trail travels through wilderness areas, national forest, and Grand Teton National Park. The permitting is most strict in the national park for campsites, but there are 11 different sites capable of housing multiple parties.
Open Fires Prohibited: No open fires are allowed
Know Before You Go
Bugs: The Tetons have a notoriously bad bug season. The stories of thick clouds of mosquitoes are present on every message board. Traveling in July means bringing plenty of bug spray and maybe mosquito netting.
Bears: The Tetons are home to a large number of grizzlies and black bears. When camping below 10,000 feet a bear can must be used to store food. It is also highly recommended to carry bear spray and know how to use it.
Changing Weather: The weather can change quickly and unexpectedly in the Tetons, and we recommend being prepared for everything from early-season snow to high exposure and heat. The water accessibility is fairly reliable.
Teton Crest Trail Resources
Backpacking in Grand Teton National Park
Booking Campsites (Recreation.gov)