Reservation8/10
Grand Teton Backcountry cancellations
The park-wide overnight permit for camping anywhere in Grand Teton's backcountry...
Teton Crest Trail Permit
Grand Teton National Park · Wyoming
Sold by zone, one night at a time
Premier multi-day traverse of the Teton Range with world-class alpine scenery.
70% of the openings our scanner caught on Teton Crest were gone within 5 minutes.
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Teton Crest Quick Facts
Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodReservation
Demand LevelHigh8/10
Teton Crest Permit Facts
- As of September 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.
- The Teton Crest route covers 39 miles with 9,000 feet of elevation gain, rated strenuous.
- Cancelled Teton Crest permits are re-released on the booking system; PermitSnag monitors availability and alerts watchers when dates open.
Key Information
Permit Details
TypeThru-Hike
Booking MethodReservation
Demand Level8/10
LocationNorthwest Wyoming, WY
What to Expect
Route Details
Distance
39 miles
Elevation Gain
9,000 ft
Route Type
Point to Point
Duration
4 nights on the NPS Granite Canyon to String Lake variant
Difficulty
StrenuousElevation Range
6,800 - 10,700 ft
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
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.
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)
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (6,800 ft)
⚠️
Backcountry Tips
- Today: Freezing temps at elevation. Bring insulation even if warm below.
- Tomorrow: Freezing temps at elevation. Bring insulation even if warm below.
- Tomorrow: Wind gusts to 54mph. Secure tent, avoid exposed ridges.
Today
☁️
71°
42°
Mon
🌧️
56°
38°
54%
Tue
☁️
67°
37°
Wed
🌧️
73°
44°
Thu
🌧️
69°
50°
55%
Fri
🌧️
68°
48°
48%
Sat
☁️
63°
43°
26%
View full NWS forecast →Mountain weather changes rapidly. This forecast is a guide—always be prepared for worse conditions.
How to Get This Permit
1
Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at Recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.
2
Know the release schedule
Permits typically release on a rolling basis. Check the specific release time for your desired dates.
3
Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
4
Monitor for cancellations
If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.
Difficulty Assessment
Physical Demand4/5
Fitness and endurance required
Technical Skill3/5
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Exposure Risk4/5
Steep dropoffs and fall potential
Navigation2/5
Route finding and trail clarity
Commitment4/5
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
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.
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.
This 40-mile journey 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 Experience
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 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.
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.
Trailhead Information
Jackson Hole Aerial Tram
10,450 ft elevationStarting from the tram saves approximately 4 miles and 2,400 feet of gain versus the Granite Canyon trailhead, per NPS
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
String Lake Trailhead
6,873 ft elevationCommon 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
Rules & Regulations
- •Backcountry camping permit required within Grand Teton National Park
- •IGBC-approved bear canister required, unless the campsite has a bear-proof metal box
- •Up to six people on an individual permit; groups of 7-12 must camp in designated group sites
- •Wood 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
- •Camp at designated sites only within park boundaries
- •Alaska Basin is Forest Service land, not a park camping zone — Caribou-Targhee National Forest rules apply there and NPS charges no nightly fee
- •No camping within 200 feet of water or the trail
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
- 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)
Plan Your Trip
🎒
Gear Checklist
Required and recommended gear for Teton Crest
🚐
Shuttle Services
Trailhead transportation options
Browse all shuttles🧭
Guide Services
Experienced wilderness guides
Browse all guidesSome links may be affiliate links. Purchases support PermitSnag at no extra cost to you.
Key Landmarks
↑
9,000ft
Gain↓
12,572ft
Loss⛰️
10,700ft
High📏
35.4mi
Distance📐
4.8%
Avg GradeClick on a marker to view details•8 landmarks
Landmarks (8)
Teton Crest FAQ
How do I get a Teton Crest permit?
Teton Crest permits use a reservation system. PermitSnag sends lottery open, deadline, and results reminders; you can also enable cancellation alerts if spots open later.
When is the best time to visit Teton Crest?
Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Teton Crest permit?
This permit has a demand score of 8/10, making it highly competitive. We recommend having backup dates and using PermitSnag's cancellation alerts.
What if I can't get a Teton Crest permit?
Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. Pro and $19 single-permit alerts are checked about every minute, 24/7; free accounts are checked hourly.
👥Community
Trail Conditions
No active conditions reported
Sign in to report trail conditions.
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
Can't Get a Teton Crest Permit?
Consider these alternatives if your preferred dates aren't available.
Alaska Basin Loop
Easier Alternative3-day loop from Teton Canyon into Alaska Basin and return via the South Fork—no GTNP permit needed.
No permit needed
Tradeoffs
Misses Death Canyon Shelf and Paintbrush sections but still offers spectacular Teton scenery. Less competitive permits.
Cascade Canyon Day Hike
Easier AlternativeDay hike from Jenny Lake to Lake Solitude—9.6 miles round trip with boat shuttle or 15 miles via trail.
No permit needed
Tradeoffs
No permit needed. Sees some of the best scenery without multi-day commitment.
Death Canyon to Phelps Lake
Similar ExperienceShorter 2-day trip featuring Death Canyon Shelf—the trail's most dramatic section.
Permit required
Tradeoffs
Easier permit to secure. Captures the most iconic views with less distance.
🏕️
Where to Stay
Nearby campgrounds to complete your Teton Crest trip
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