Guide to the Teton Crest Trail

A true backcountry experience in the heart of the Tetons, this stunning trip checks all the boxes for a perfect backpacking adventure, featuring alpine passes, high-altitude lakes, glacial valleys, towering peaks, and wildlife sightings.

Mileage35–41 miles
Duration3–5 days
Best timemid-July to mid-September
ReservationsRequired, competitive
Two hikers walking in a boulder field. Tall jagged peaks visible in the background.
Getting there
When to go
Variants
Planning
Need to know
Regulations

Getting there

FromTo nearest trailhead
Jackson20 min
Idaho Falls1 hr 45 min
Salt Lake City
Major airport
5 hrs
Driving times to the Teton Crest Trail from nearby towns.

When to go

JFMAMJJASONDPopularSnow coverStormsWinter conditionsWinter conditions
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecPopularSnow coverStormsWinter conditionsWinter conditions
The best time to hike the Teton Crest Trail.

The best time to hike the Teton Crest Trail is from mid-July to mid-September.

Map

Variants

All variants share the same itinerary for most of the way, with the option to start/end at Teton Village.

via Phillips Pass

39 mi
  • The original route
  • Harder to get to/from

Recommended if you want to hike the whole length of the trail.

via Aerial Tramway

35 mi
  • Shorter and save 4,500 ft of elevation gain (or loss)
  • Extra ~$50/pers. to take the gondola

Recommended if you want to skip the initial ascent when going northbound or the final descent when going southbound.

via Teton Village

41 mi
  • The most elevation gain of all variants

Recommended if you don’t mind the extra difficulty.

Planning

Start date
Coming from

First day: Getting to the trailhead

8:00 AMfrom Salt Lake City, drive to Phillips Pass Trailhead5 hrs
1:00 PMtake a taxi to String Lake Trailhead1 hr
2:00 PMArrive at String Lake Trailhead

Itinerary

Interactive. Click chart to edit campsites.
DateCampMileageElevation gain/loss
Tue, Jul 15-39.2 mi9,600 ft+ / 8,700 ft-
Tue, Jul 15
39.2 mi • 9,600 ft+ / 8,700 ft-
Download GPX

Last day: Getting off the trail

8:00 AMfrom Phillips Pass Trailhead, drive to Salt Lake City5 hrs
1:00 PMArrive at Salt Lake City

Reservations

Starting on

  • Permit. A Grand Teton National Park Backcountry Permit is required for this trip.

    Reservation options

    There are 2 ways to obtain one:

    1. Book on January 7, 2025 at 8:00 AM MST.
    2. Obtain a walk-up permit on July 14, 2025 at 8:00 AM MDT.
    Application details

    Here is how to fill out the permit application:

    EntryString Lake Trailhead
    ExitPhillips Pass Trailhead
  • Taxi. Teton Mountain Taxi.

Need to know

  • Water. Water is plentiful along the trail but treat it before drinking.
  • Snow travel. Snow and ice can linger at passes well into July. Be ready to use ice axes/crampons.
  • Thunderstorms. Be prepared for rapid weather changes. Thunderstorms occur frequently during the summer, even when not forecasted.
  • Bears. Grizzly bears are present in the area. Make your presence known by talking or singing.

Regulations

  • Bear canisters: Required.
  • Fires: prohibited. Gas stoves ok.
  • Dogs: not allowed.
  • Poop: Dig a cathole at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trails. Pack out toilet paper.

Next issue on the 25th

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Last issue
via Phillips Pass
via Aerial Tramway
via Teton Village