When is the best time to hike Teton Crest Trail?

Mid-Jul to Sep Conditions vary year to year, so confirm locally before you go.

How hard is Teton Crest Trail?

Manta rates it 4/5 (Hard). 4 (Hard) - sustained alpine trekking with high passes

Start a trip

Hikes United StatesTeton Crest Trail

Teton Crest Trail

Also known as: TCT

The Grand Teton range from the high crest - Alaska Basin, Death Canyon Shelf, Lake Solitude

Difficulty 4/5 · HardMultidayPoint-to-pointMulti-day trek

Distance

~62-64 km

Max elevation

~3,290 m

Elevation gain

~2,700 m

Duration

3-4 days

iconicpoint to pointalpinepermittram option

Plan this hike

Explore the rugged beauty of the Tetons in Wyoming's Grand Teton National Park during autumn.

The route

The line through Grand Teton NP, Wyoming, United States - waypoints, elevation and the day-by-day shape of the walk.

Elevation profile~3,290 m (Paintbrush Divide / Hurricane Pass area)

0 km63 km

Waypoints

1
Jackson Hole Tram / Phillips PassTrailhead
~3,185 m0 km
Tram start option
1
Jackson Hole Tram / Phillips PassTrailhead
~3,185 m0 km
Tram start option
2
Marion LakeCamp
~2,960 m10 km~4 h
SW zone
2
Marion LakeCamp
~2,960 m10 km~4 h
SW zone
3
Death Canyon ShelfCamp
~2,900 m20 km~5 h
Cliff-edge shelf
3
Death Canyon ShelfCamp
~2,900 m20 km~5 h
Cliff-edge shelf
4
Alaska BasinCamp
~2,900 m28 km~5 h
Wildflower basin
4
Alaska BasinCamp
~2,900 m28 km~5 h
Wildflower basin
5
Paintbrush DividePass
~3,290 m52 km~6 h
High point; snow into summer
5
Paintbrush DividePass
~3,290 m52 km~6 h
High point; snow into summer
6
String/Leigh Lakes (exit)Trailhead
~2,070 m63 km~6 h
Common finish
6
String/Leigh Lakes (exit)Trailhead
~2,070 m63 km~6 h
Common finish

Season & conditions

Best season

Mid-Jul to Sep

Weather risks

Afternoon thunderstorms, cold nights, exposure on the divides

Best mid-Jul-Sep once passes melt out; ice axe sometimes needed early on Paintbrush Divide. Confirm.

On the trail

Terrain & surface

Wildflower basins, the Teton crest, alpine lakes, canyon descents

Technical & exposure

Non-technical maintained trail; Paintbrush Divide holds snow into summer

Navigation & waymarking

Well-signed NPS trail

Accessibility & group fit

Suitable for reasonably fit hikers; not wheelchair accessible - confirm specifics

Crowds & solitude

A popular, well-known route - busier in peak season

Variants & turnaround

Start via the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram (Rendezvous Mtn) to cut climbing; several canyon exits (Granite, Death, Cascade)

Getting there & staying

Trailhead access

Common start at the Tram or Phillips Pass; exit at String/Leigh Lakes or Jenny Lake

Shuttle & transport

Point-to-point; arrange transport between trailheads; tram start option

Huts, camping & refuges

Backcountry camping zones only (permit); no huts

Gear, water & connectivity

Layered outdoor kit, sturdy footwear, sun/rain protection, ample water; patchy mobile coverage - carry a map/PLB where remote

Facilities

Services in Jackson; limited or none on the trail

Guide & crew

Not required; self-guided

Permits & safety

A backcountry camping permit with assigned zones is required, competitive via early lottery + reservation; bear canister. Confirm.

Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.

Hazards

Lightning, snow on Paintbrush Divide, bears, altitude

Emergency exits & rescue

Retrace the route to exit; dial local emergency services; carry a means of calling for help where remote

This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand trail report. Coordinates are approximate.

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Walk Teton Crest Trail with your group

Manta plans the route, the huts and the easy alternatives so a mixed crew all get a great day.

Plan this hike