Teton Crest Trail

The Teton Crest Trail is a 64-km point-to-point trail in the United States, gaining roughly 2,951 m of elevation across 3 to 4 days. Rated hard, it threads the spine of Wyoming's Teton Range, linking high alpine basins, glacier-carved canyons and the 3,245-m Paintbrush Divide to deliver some of North America's most concentrated high-mountain scenery.

About the Teton Crest Trail

The Teton Crest Trail (TCT) runs for 40 miles (64 km) along the western flank and crest of the Teton Range, one of the youngest and most dramatic fault-block mountain ranges in the Rocky Mountains. Rather than circling the peaks, the route stays high, traversing a chain of alpine shelves, passes and meadow basins that keep the jagged Cathedral Group in view for hours at a time. Backpacker Magazine has repeatedly listed it among the best backpacking trips in the country, and that reputation rests on the trail's near-constant exposure to glacier-polished granite and wildflower-filled high country.

The classic line begins in the south at Phillips Pass, on the boundary of the Bridger-Teton and Caribou-Targhee National Forests, and finishes in the north at String Lake inside Grand Teton National Park. Many hikers shorten the approach by riding the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram from Teton Village up to Rendezvous Mountain, leaving roughly a 32-mile (51 km) trek to String Lake. Over its length the trail crosses three federal land units — Bridger-Teton National Forest, Caribou-Targhee National Forest (which it enters twice) and Grand Teton National Park — each with slightly different camping rules.

Cumulative numbers tell you why it earns its strenuous grade: around 9,681 feet (2,951 m) of total ascent and 10,779 feet (3,285 m) of descent, with the trail topping out at Paintbrush Divide at 10,645 feet (3,245 m). The Tetons rise abruptly from the Snake River valley with no foothills to soften them, so the climbs are direct and the altitude is real. The reward is a route that feels remote and committing while remaining a manageable multi-day objective for fit, well-prepared backpackers.

Route Overview & Stages

The breakdown below reflects a comfortable four-day, three-night itinerary on the full Phillips Pass to String Lake line. Distances are approximate; campsite zones in Grand Teton National Park dictate exactly where you sleep, so use these as planning figures rather than fixed marks.

Most hikers walk the trail northbound, as described, because it places the highest and most exposed point — Paintbrush Divide — on the final day when packs are lighter and you can read the afternoon weather. Strong hikers compress the route into three days; those who want time to photograph and side-trip often stretch it to five.

Highlights & Points of Interest

• Death Canyon Shelf — A flat limestone bench perched high above Death Canyon, with one of the most coveted campsite zones on the trail and uninterrupted sunset views west.
• Paintbrush Divide (3,245 m) — The trail's high point and a serious alpine pass that often holds snow into July; the summit gives a sweeping panorama over Lake Solitude and the Cathedral Group.
• Hurricane Pass — A wide saddle delivering the closest, most direct view of the Grand Teton, Middle Teton and South Teton on the entire route.
• Schoolroom Glacier — A small, textbook cirque glacier with a turquoise meltwater tarn and terminal moraine, reached just below Hurricane Pass.
• Alaska Basin — A broad alpine meadow basin dotted with tarns inside Caribou-Targhee National Forest, popular for camping as it sits outside the park permit system.
• Lake Solitude — A deep glacial lake cupped beneath Paintbrush Divide, a classic lunch stop where the North Fork of Cascade Creek begins.
• Cascade Canyon — A U-shaped glacial valley with sheer walls, frequent moose and black bear sightings, and a steady stream of cascades.
• Marion Lake — A small, sheltered alpine lake near the southern third of the trail and a favoured first-night camp for tram-start hikers.

Best Time to Hike the Teton Crest Trail

The Teton Crest Trail is a short-season route. Heavy snowpack lingers on the high passes — especially Paintbrush Divide and Hurricane Pass — well into early summer, and the high country is buried again by October. The realistic hiking window runs from mid-July to late September.

July brings peak wildflowers across Alaska Basin and Death Canyon Shelf, but in big snow years Paintbrush Divide can still require an ice axe and traction early in the month. August offers the most reliable conditions: long days, melted-out passes, warm afternoons (often 18–24°C in the basins) and cool nights that can still dip near freezing at elevation. September delivers crisp, stable weather, far thinner crowds and the first golden touches in the meadows, with a rising risk of early-season snow squalls late in the month.

August is the single best month for most hikers in 2026: snow has cleared from the divides, water sources are still flowing, and the permit competition, while fierce, is matched by the most dependable trail conditions of the year. Whenever you go, plan around afternoon thunderstorms — they build fast over the crest, so aim to be over high passes by late morning.

Practical Information

Accommodation

The Teton Crest Trail has no huts or lodges — it is a fully self-supported backcountry route, so you carry a tent and sleep in designated zones. Within Grand Teton National Park, backcountry camping is limited to specific permit zones such as Death Canyon Shelf, North Fork Cascade and Paintbrush Canyon. The permit reservation fee is roughly €40–€50 total per trip. Sections inside Caribou-Targhee National Forest, including Alaska Basin, sit outside the park system and allow dispersed camping without a park permit, which is why many itineraries route a night there.

Before and after the hike, base yourself in Jackson, Wyoming. Expect roughly €30–€45 per night for a hostel dorm bed, €120–€220 for a mid-range hotel room in summer, and around €30–€55 for a frontcountry campsite or RV pitch near the park. Book months ahead — Jackson fills completely in peak season.

Getting There & Back

The nearest airport is Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), the only commercial airport located inside a US national park, about 30 minutes' drive from both Teton Village and the String Lake trailhead. Larger connections route through Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), roughly a 4.5–5 hour drive north. From Jackson, the START Bus and seasonal park shuttles reach Teton Village, where the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram lifts hikers to Rendezvous Mountain to begin the route. Because the trail is point-to-point, arrange a car shuttle or use park transit between the String Lake finish and your start point — the two ends are about a 45-minute drive apart.

Permits & Fees

A Grand Teton National Park backcountry permit is mandatory for any night camped inside the park. As of 2026, the park releases a portion of permits via an advance lottery on Recreation.gov each winter, with the remainder held as walk-up permits the day before departure. Plan for the park entrance fee (around €30 per vehicle, valid seven days) plus the backcountry reservation fee noted above. Carrying an approved bear-resistant food canister is required within the park, and storing food properly is enforced. Always confirm current permit dates and quotas with the park before you travel.

Authoritative sources: Grand Teton National Park backcountry camping (NPS) and Bridger-Teton National Forest (USDA Forest Service).

Gear & Packing List

This is a high-altitude, exposed route with serious passes and fast-changing weather, so pack for alpine conditions even in midsummer. A bear canister, layered insulation, a four-season-capable sleeping setup and reliable rain shell are non-negotiable. Because resupply is impossible mid-route, you carry all food for the full trip, which makes pack weight the single biggest comfort factor.

A lightweight 50–60 litre pack handles three to four days of food, a canister and warm layers without overloading you on the climbs. The 3400 Windrider is a proven Dyneema option for this volume, while the Arc Haul Ultra 60L adds a ventilated frame for hot basin crossings. If you ride the tram and run a leaner three-day kit, the smaller 2400 Windrider trims weight further. For a deeper comparison of how these packs perform under load, see our roundup of the best ultralight backpacks of 2026. Dial in your food weight and energy intake using our guide to how many calories you need hiking a full day, since the sustained climbs here burn far more than valley walking.

Similar Trails You Might Like

If the alpine commitment and constant peak views of the Teton Crest Trail appeal to you, a few other classic mountain routes scratch the same itch. The most natural comparison in the United States is a longer, circular alternative through equally dramatic terrain.

• Wonderland Trail (United States) — A 150-km loop encircling Mount Rainier with relentless elevation change and glacier panoramas, ideal if you loved the Tetons and want a bigger objective.

For a contrasting hut-supported alpine adventure with cultural depth, our guide on how to hike the Theth to Valbona Trail in Albania shows how a high mountain pass crossing works when guesthouses replace tents.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to hike the Teton Crest Trail?
The trail is hikeable from mid-July to late September once snow clears the high passes. August is the single best month, offering melted-out divides, flowing water sources, warm days and the most stable conditions. July adds peak wildflowers but can still demand traction on Paintbrush Divide, while September brings crisp weather, thinner crowds and a rising chance of early snow.

How difficult is the Teton Crest Trail?
It is rated hard. Over 64 km the route climbs roughly 2,951 m and tops out at Paintbrush Divide at 3,245 m, with several long, sustained passes and real altitude. There is no technical climbing, but the elevation, exposure to afternoon storms and a full backcountry pack make it demanding. Solid fitness and acclimatisation matter more than scrambling skill.

How far do you hike per day on the Teton Crest Trail?
On a typical four-day itinerary you cover about 13–21 km per day, with daily climbs of 600–900 m. Strong hikers compress it into three days of 20+ km, while those wanting side trips and photography time spread it across five. Your exact daily distances are shaped by the permit camping zones you secure inside Grand Teton National Park.

Where do you sleep on the Teton Crest Trail?
There are no huts; you camp in a tent throughout. Inside Grand Teton National Park you must stay in designated backcountry zones such as Death Canyon Shelf or North Fork Cascade. Alaska Basin, within Caribou-Targhee National Forest, allows camping without a park permit. Before and after, lodging in Jackson ranges from roughly €30 hostel beds to €200-plus hotel rooms.

Do you need a permit for the Teton Crest Trail?
Yes, for any night camped inside Grand Teton National Park. As of 2026, permits are issued through an advance winter lottery on Recreation.gov plus limited walk-up permits the day before. Budget roughly €40–€50 for the reservation and around €30 for the park entrance. A bear-resistant food canister is required within park boundaries and food storage rules are enforced.