Teton Crest Trail

Information

Distance

65.0 km

Duration

4–6 days

Max elevation

3,261 m

Country

United States (US)

Difficulty

Strenuous — continuously above 2,400 m with several steep trails over alpine passes; some trails require an ice axe until August

Best Season

July–September

Permits & Fees

A Backcountry Permit from Grand Teton National Park via Recreation.gov is mandatory; only 45 people per day are allowed to start; the lottery opens in January each year; a bear canister is required

Description

The Teton Crest Trail is the most celebrated backpacking route in the Rocky Mountains, covering approximately 65 km along the spine of Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. Nearly the entire trail sits above 2,400 m (8,000 ft), crossing several dramatic alpine passes including Paintbrush Divide (3,261 m / 10,700 ft) and Hurricane Pass, while passing through glacially carved basins such as Alaska Basin — a chain of crystalline lakes nestled among granite walls. Backpacker Magazine calls it one of the 'Best Hikes Ever,' praising its 'mesmerizing and constant views of jagged peaks.' The strictly limited backcountry permit (45 hikers per day) means reservations must be secured months in advance through Recreation.gov, with the lottery opening every January.

Trail Highlights

Constant and dramatic views of the jagged granite of the Teton Range, Alaska Basin with its chain of glacial lakes, Lake Solitude, Paintbrush Divide (3,261 m — the highest point of the route), Death Canyon, and expanses of subalpine wildflowers blooming in July–August