This trail was hiked by Inger Appanaitis in August 2022
The 55-mile Teton Loop is an alternative to the popular Teton Crest Trail, with fewer logistical hurdles, and an opportunity to experience the full diversity of Grand Teton National Park.
Region: Mountain West (Grand Teton National Park)
Distance: 55 miles (2-5 days)
Physical Difficulty: Difficult
- Steep terrain, including two 3,000-foot climbs
- Climbing and descending at high elevations
- Exposure, sun, and thunderstorms at high elevations
Logistical Difficulty: Moderate
- Competitive permit process
- Loop route (no shuttle required)
- Well-marked trail junctions, mileage, and camping zones
- Alternative routes available to modify length
Season: Summer, early fall
Total Elevation Gain: 9,643 feet
Hiking the Teton Loop
This 55-mile loop allows hikers to experience the Tetons from almost every angle in the park, including low alpine forests, steep granite canyons, and high alpine ridges. Attempting the route in two days is challenging yet rewarding. You could turn this route into a longer endeavor but this requires additional work navigating the park’s competitive backcountry permit system.
My strategy in attempting this loop was to keep things simple. I was willing and capable to hike long days with a light pack. I had initially tried and failed to secure an advance reservation permit in January when they are first released. Without this advance permit, however, I had the flexibility to wait and monitor current weather and wildfire conditions until I was ready to begin my hike.
The park allocates two-thirds of backcountry camping for first come, first served permits. To secure one of these permits, I arrived at the Jenny Lake Ranger Station at sunrise the day before my desired start date. While I was not the first visitor in line at 5 a.m., many of the people ahead of me were requesting climbing permits. Whether trying to secure an advance reservation or a first come, first served permit, be prepared with several alternative itineraries. The stars aligned and I was granted my first choice start date and camping zone.
The Grand Teton National Park website warns hikers to expect travel of no more than 2 miles per hour, with an additional hour for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain. My plan was to start at the Jenny Lake Trailhead and camp at the Death Canyon Shelf camping zone, splitting the loop into two even-mileage days (final mileage being 28.6 and 26.7 miles). My pace was brisk but comfortable and I enjoyed longer breaks at water sources when needed.
| Jenny Lake Trailhead | Mile 0 | Start at Jenny Lake and continue clockwise. Warm up your legs and make pack adjustments as needed as you follow the Valley Trail through low alpine forests and along several large lakes. |
| Death Canyon Junction | Mile 12 | Take this trail junction to shave approximately 7 miles off the full loop. |
| Granite Canyon Junction | Mile 16 | Start climbing to the Teton Crest (3,000 feet over 8 miles). |
| Marion Lake | Mile 24 | |
| Unnamed water source (spring) | Mile 26 | The last water source I was expecting prior to camp. However, as I continued along Death Canyon Shelf, a small stream followed the trail. Water was never scarce. |
| End of Death Canyon Shelf camping zone | Mile 29 | Camp night one. In the morning, head over Meek Pass, drop down into Alaska Basin (US Forest Service land), and then climb up Hurricane Pass, |
| Hurricane Pass | Mile 35 | Start descending the South Fork Cascade Canyon (2,600 feet over 5 miles). You will see more day hikers as you approach the Cascade Canyon Trail. Take this trail junction back to Jenny Lake to shave approximately 12-14 miles off the full loop (depending on if you take the Jenny Lake Ferry). |
| Cascade Canyon Junction | Mile 40 | Start climbing to Lake Solitude and Paintbrush Divide (2,800 feet over 5 miles). This is a very popular trail for day hikers. |
| Paintbrush Divide | Mile 45 | It’s all downhill from here! Take in the views of Jackson Hole as you descend Paintbrush Canyon (3,900 feet over 8 miles). |
| String Lake Junction | Mile 53 | Take this junction to travel clockwise around the lake back to the Jenny Lake Trailhead by foot (2 miles) or counterclockwise to catch the Jenny Lake Ferry (1 mile). |
| Jenny Lake Trailhead | Mile 55 | Snack time! |
How to get to Teton Loop
Closest Major City: Jackson, Wyoming
This route can be accessed from several trailheads along Teton Park Road with overnight parking permitted at the following trailheads: String Lake, Jenny Lake, and Lupine Meadows.
Parking at these trailheads overnight is only allowed with a backcountry permit (more on permits below). Car make, model, and license plate information are recorded on your backcountry permit (no physical parking permit is issued). One advantage of starting and ending at Jenny Lake is the Jenny Lake Store. If you are exiting the park headed north, this is one of the few food options as you head up Highway 191 toward Yellowstone National Park.
When to Hike the Teton Loop
Midsummer to early fall is the best time to hike the Teton Loop (I highly recommend aiming for wildflower season!). Other conditions you may consider when planning for this trip:
Snow Level: Snow may linger at higher elevations.
Wildfires: Breathing conditions, let alone views, can be severely impacted by heavy wildfire smoke later in the summer. It depends on the year, but keep tabs on air quality and wildfire locations.
Bugs: I did not encounter any bugs but I would recommend carrying bug spray as insurance.
Weather: Daytime and overnight temperatures can fluctuate dramatically from the valley floor to the Teton Crest.
Afternoon Thunderstorms: I experienced light rain and some thunder all three days I was in the park. Bring a rain jacket!
It is also important to remember that Grand Teton National Park is home to many large mammals. During certain times of the year these animals are more or less active. For example, the peak of the Rocky Mountain elk breeding season runs from mid-September through mid-October. I carried a bear bell (and bear spray) to alert larger animals of my approach. Bear canisters are required for food storage in the backcountry. Canisters may be checked out for free when you pick up your permit.
Teton Loop Terrain
The Teton Loop has varied terrain but nothing too challenging. Starting at Jenny Lake, the route leads you through a large meadow before entering the alpine forest along the Valley Trail. This section of trail is spotted with numerous lakes and creeks and water is ample. As you begin climbing up to the crest, you will encounter rockier terrain; however, trails are well maintained along the remainder of the crest.
Teton Loop Logistics: Permits, Camping, Leave No Trace
Permits: A backcountry permit is required for all overnight stays in Grand Teton National Park. Camping is only permitted in designated camping zones. Regardless of the processes outlined below, make sure you have several alternative itineraries on hand when securing your permit.
The advance reservation system is highly competitive! One-third of permits are reserved for each camping zone. Reservations for the summer season are accepted January through May (check the park website to find out what day and time they are released for the current season). Reservations are accepted on recreation.gov and require a $45 nonrefundable processing fee.
The remaining two-thirds of permits are saved for first come, first served. These permits are available at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center, Colter Bay Visitor Center, and the Jenny Lake Ranger Station. Permits are available the day of your start day or one day in advance. There is a $35 fee for each walk-in backcountry permit.
Camping: Some of the backcountry camping zones of Grand Teton National Park, such as Marion Lake, have “improved” sites with designated tent sites and bear boxes. Other camping zones lack these amenities and backpackers should use existing bare ground sites to minimize impact. You must always camp at least 200 feet from water and the trail, so that you are out of sight and sound of others.
Leave No Trace: Campsite “improvements,” such as constructing benches and digging trenches, are prohibited. Fires are also prohibited in the backcountry. Visitors are required to carry out all food scraps and trash (including toilet paper and used tampons or sanitary pads). These items can be disposed of at the Jenny Lake Trailhead when you complete the loop. Additionally, bury all human waste 6-8 inches deep in soil that is at least 200 feet from lakes, streams, and wetlands.
Know Before You Go
Weather: Weather conditions and temperatures can change quickly in the Teton Range. Check forecasts and be prepared for cold temperatures, especially at higher elevations. Weather forecasts for Jackson, Wyoming, or Moose, Wyoming, (the closest towns) may not reflect conditions at higher elevations. Check with a park ranger when you pick up your permit for more accurate information.
Bears: Black and grizzly bears live in Grand Teton National Park. Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Backcountry campers are required to use an Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee approved canister for storing food, toiletries, and garbage. (Bonus: They also protect against rodents!)
Water: Water is available from the many lakes and mountain streams. Treat all water with portable water filters, chemical methods, or by boiling. Assume all untreated water contains harmful organisms.
Difficulty: The route described should only be attempted by experienced hikers. Steep climbs and changes in altitude could negatively impact hiking endurance and overall physical health. Prepare yourself with good physical conditioning and basic first aid staples such as ibuprofen, blister care, and electrolytes.
Shorter Options: Listen to your body and take one of the cutoffs described above if needed.
Additional Teton Loop Resources
Backcountry Camping – Grand Teton National Park (website)
Backcountry Camping – Grand Teton National Park (pdf)
Backcountry Permits –Recreation.gov (website)
Inger Appanaitis is a modern-day Viking leading solo expeditions through the Pacific and Mountain West regions. Despite growing up on the Southern Oregon Coast, she thrives in the alpine! Some of her favorite areas to explore are the Eastern Sierra, San Juan Mountains, and the Northern Rockies (Beartooths, Sawtooths, Tetons, and Winds…oh my!). Follow along for dogs, training, and trails @ingerfied
