Pass
Hurricane Pass
MI 16.6 · 10,400 ft
A pass with views into the Schoolroom Glacier cirque. NPS advises an ice axe here as late as August
Sold by zone, one night at a time
Teton Crest Trail Permit
Grand Teton National Park · Wyoming
Premier multi-day traverse of the Teton Range with world-class alpine scenery.
Get an alert when a night opens on your Teton Crest dates.
70% of the openings our scanner caught on Teton Crest were gone within 30 minutes.
Teton Crest reservation dates
- route distance, point to point
- 35.6mi
- elevation gain
- 9,000ft
- max group size
- 12people
Teton Crest camping zones and sites
From Jackson Hole Aerial Tram (Rendezvous Mountain) to String Lake Trailhead. Camp anywhere inside a zone, or book a designated site by name.
Mile 0 at Jackson Hole Aerial Tram (Rendezvous Mountain)
Camping zone
Granite South/Middle Fork
- Miles along the route
- 0 – 5.3
- Camping
- Camp anywhere inside the zone
Miles 0–5.3 of 35.9
Teton Crest zones, sites and passes in trail order
Map of the Teton Crest Trail, Jackson Hole Aerial Tram (Rendezvous Mountain) to String Lake Trailhead
13 of 13 places in this section
Loading the map
Terrain USGS 3DEP · Water USGS NHD · Trail © OpenStreetMap contributors
12,572 ft of descent · 4.7% average grade
How to get a Teton Crest permit
As of October 2026, Teton Crest in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming requires a permit issued via reservation. Teton Crest is a high-demand permit, rating 8/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. Canceled Teton Crest permits are re-released on the booking system, and PermitSnag alerts you the moment one opens. The Teton Crest route covers 35.6 miles with 9,000 feet of elevation gain, rated strenuous.
- Type
- Thru-Hike
- Location
- Northwest Wyoming, WY
Step 1: Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at Recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.
Step 2: Know the release schedule
Permits release on a rolling basis. Check the release time for your dates.
Step 3: Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
Step 4: Monitor for cancellations
If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.
More on Teton Crest: Live availability activityWhen Teton Crest permits open upChance of an openingTeton Crest Trail permit itinerary
Guides: Teton Crest Trail permit guidePaintbrush permit guideAlaska Basin permit guide
The Teton Crest hike
- Distance
- 35.6 miles
- Elevation Gain
- 9,000 ft
- Route Type
- Point to Point
- Duration
- 3-4 nights
- Difficulty
- Strenuous
- Elevation Range
- 6,800 - 10,700 ft
Traverse the spine of America's most dramatic mountain range, where jagged peaks pierce the sky and alpine meadows explode with wildflowers at every turn.
About this permit
The Teton Crest Trail is widely regarded as one of America's premier high-altitude backpacking routes, traversing the dramatic backbone of the Teton Range through Grand Teton National Park and the adjacent Jedediah Smith Wilderness.
From the tram to String Lake, this 36-mile traverse stays above 8,000 feet for nearly its entire length, crossing alpine passes, skirting pristine lakes, and offering constantly changing perspectives of the iconic peaks. The Grand Teton, at 13,775 feet the highest summit in the range, serves as a constant companion.
Unlike many backcountry destinations, the TCT requires advance planning due to highly competitive permit reservations. However, the trail's passage through permit-free wilderness (Alaska Basin) offers options for those who couldn't secure park permits.
The route
Starting from the Aerial Tram at Teton Village (or hiking up from Phillips Pass), you quickly enter high alpine terrain. Marion Lake offers the first taste of Teton grandeur before Death Canyon Shelf provides arguably the most dramatic trail miles in America. Alaska Basin, technically in the Jedediah Smith Wilderness and permit-free, serves as base camp for many. From here, Hurricane Pass leads to South Fork Cascade Canyon, then Paintbrush Divide (the trail's highest point at 10,700 feet), before the final descent to String Lake.
Why it matters
The Teton Crest Trail offers the most concentrated mountain grandeur in the lower 48 states. These peaks have inspired mountaineers and artists for generations, and the trail provides intimate access to their vertical splendor.
The feeling
Each step brings the Grand Teton closer, its summit growing impossibly large against the Wyoming sky. At Death Canyon Shelf, you walk a narrow bench between vertical walls and a thousand-foot drop, fully immersed in the mountains. By sunset at Alaska Basin, you understand why people return year after year.
Teton Crest hike highlights
- Sustained high-altitude hiking above 8,000 feet for 4-5 days
- Dramatic exposed sections along Death Canyon Shelf
- Multiple high passes above 10,000 feet
- Abundant wildflowers in July and early August
- Active grizzly bear habitat requiring bear canister
- Potential for afternoon thunderstorms daily in summer
How hard the Teton Crest hike is
- Physical DemandFitness and endurance required4/5
- Technical SkillClimbing, scrambling, or specialized skills3/5
- Exposure RiskSteep dropoffs and fall potential4/5
- NavigationRoute finding and trail clarity2/5
- CommitmentDifficulty of bailing out mid-route4/5
Best for: Experienced backpackers comfortable with high altitude and variable mountain weather. Those who can handle 10+ mile days with significant elevation change.
Recommended experience: Should have completed multi-day backpacking trips with significant elevation gain. Altitude experience above 8,000 feet recommended.
Not recommended for: Those who haven't backpacked at altitude before, anyone uncomfortable with exposure or heights, hikers who need flat terrain.
Trailhead information
Jackson Hole Aerial Tram
Primary10,450 ft elevation
NPS says starting from the tram saves about 4 miles and 2,400 feet of climbing.
- Restrooms
- Water on site
Parking
Large paid lot at Teton Village. Free parking available further back.
Getting There
Reached via Highway 390 from Jackson. NPS charges no tram fee. The aerial tram is a resort ticket, priced by the resort
Nearest Services
Teton Village: restaurants, gear shops. Jackson (12 miles) for full services
Trailhead information
String Lake Trailhead
Alternate6,873 ft elevation
Common exit point for SOBO hikers, can also start NOBO here
- Restrooms
- Water on site
- Moderate
Parking
Very popular lot, fills by 7am in summer. Arrive early or use shuttle.
Getting There
From Jenny Lake Junction, follow signs to String Lake
Nearest Services
Moose Junction (15 miles): general store, gas
When to hike Teton Crest
Best time to visit
Mid-July through mid-September. Snow clears from high passes by late July most years. August offers the most reliable weather and trail conditions. September brings fall colors and fewer crowds but colder nights.
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (10,450 ft)
⚠️
Backcountry Tips
- Day 5: 85% chance of precipitation. Pack rain gear.
- Day 6: 85% chance of precipitation. Pack rain gear.
- Snow expected: Check current trail conditions before departing.
Today
❄️
42°
25°
24%
Thu
☁️
50°
32°
Fri
🌧️
51°
34°
22%
Sat
🌧️
50°
33°
50%
Sun
❄️
39°
24°
85%
Mon
❄️
35°
22°
85%
Tue
☁️
41°
21°
View full NWS forecast →Mountain weather changes rapidly. This forecast is a guide—always be prepared for worse conditions.
Teton Crest photography guide
Golden Hour
Sunrise from Alaska Basin illuminates the Grand Teton's west face in dramatic red light. Sunset from Death Canyon Shelf creates incredible alpenglow on the peaks.
Best Light
Morning light from the east illuminates the Grand Teton beautifully from most points on the trail. Late afternoon creates dramatic shadows in the deep canyons.
Beat the Crowds
Midweek trips see significantly fewer hikers. The South Fork Cascade and Paintbrush sections are busiest. Plan to photograph these at dawn. Alaska Basin, being outside the park, is generally less crowded.
Classic Shots
- Grand Teton from Paintbrush Divide
- Death Canyon Shelf with peaks behind
- Wildflowers at Alaska Basin
- Lake Solitude reflection of Grand Teton
- Hurricane Pass looking toward Schoolroom Glacier
- Marion Lake at sunset
Teton Crest rules, gear and safety
Gear checklist
Required- Bear canister (required in GTNP)
- Water filter (streams may be far between)
- Layered clothing for rapid weather changes
- Rain gear and warm insulation
- Map/GPS (trail well-marked but complex route)
Recommended gear
- Trekking poles for steep terrain
- Gaiters for snow crossings
- Sun protection (high UV at altitude)
- Microspikes if hiking before August
- Satellite communicator (limited cell service)
Rules & regulations
- 01Backcountry camping permit required within Grand Teton National Park
- 02IGBC-approved bear canister required, unless the campsite has a bear-proof metal box
- 03Up to six people on an individual permit; groups of 7-12 must camp in designated group sites
- 04Wood and charcoal fires only at Jackson, Leigh, Bearpaw and Trapper lakes, in the established metal rings. Fires are not allowed in any mountain camping area
- 05Camp at designated sites only within park boundaries
- 06Alaska Basin is Forest Service land, not a park camping zone. Caribou-Targhee National Forest rules apply there and NPS charges no nightly fee
- 07No camping within 200 feet of water or the trail
Hazards & considerations
- Altitude sickness possible above 10,000 feet
- Afternoon thunderstorms with lightning above treeline
- Snow on passes can persist into late July
- Grizzly bears are common throughout the area
- Death Canyon Shelf has significant exposure
- Limited water sources between alpine lakes
- Cold nights (can drop below freezing even in summer)
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Teton Crest.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Teton Crest · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
Some links may be affiliate links. Purchases support PermitSnag at no extra cost to you.
Teton Crest FAQ
How long is the Teton Crest Trail?
NPS calls it a 39-mile point to point route that climbs over 9,000 feet. Shorter versions run 15 to 38.6 miles depending on where you start and finish.
How many days does the Teton Crest Trail take?
NPS lists 1 night for the 15-mile tram and Marion Lake route, 2 to 3 nights for the 30.1 mile Death Canyon and Cascade Canyon route, 3 to 4 nights for the 37.1 mile route that finishes via Paintbrush Canyon, and 4 nights for the 38.6 mile Granite Canyon and Paintbrush Canyon route.
Where does the Teton Crest Trail start and end?
NPS says it starts outside the park at Phillips Pass and ends at String Lake. You can also start at the Granite Canyon trailhead, or save about 4 miles and 2,400 feet of gain by taking the aerial tram from Teton Village.
When is the best time to hike the Teton Crest Trail?
Camping zones along the trail are full almost every night from late July through early September, per NPS. NPS also says winter conditions persist well into July and the high passes stay snowy, so plan around snow as well as permits.
Teton Crest trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions(3)
Questions(3)
How realistic is it to get a walk-up backcountry permit for the Teton Crest Trail in late summer?
0 votes·1 answer·2w ago
When does snow clear from Paintbrush Divide for a Teton Crest Trail permit trip?
0 votes·1 answer·May 6
How competitive is a Teton Crest Trail permit and what are the group rules?
0 votes·1 answer·Jan 22
Alternatives to a Teton Crest permit
- Easier AlternativeNo permit needed
Alaska Basin Loop
3-day loop from Teton Canyon into Alaska Basin and return via the South Fork. No GTNP permit needed.
Tradeoffs
Misses Death Canyon Shelf and Paintbrush sections but still offers spectacular Teton scenery. Less competitive permits.
- Easier AlternativeNo permit needed
Cascade Canyon Day Hike
Day hike from Jenny Lake to Lake Solitude: 9.6 miles round trip with boat shuttle or 15 miles via trail.
Tradeoffs
No permit needed. Sees some of the best scenery without multi-day commitment.
- Similar ExperiencePermit required
Death Canyon to Phelps Lake
Shorter 2-day trip featuring Death Canyon Shelf, the trail's most dramatic section.
Tradeoffs
Easier permit to secure. Captures the most iconic views with less distance.
Where to stay near Teton Crest
- Jenny Lake CampgroundGrand Teton National Park
- Signal Mountain CampgroundGrand Teton National Park
- Colter Bay Marina End Ties campgroundGrand Teton National Park
- All Wyoming campgrounds
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