Teton Crest Trail

The group is currently full. if you're interested please ask of we have a spot. it's common to have sa few people cancel as we get closer.


After gaining a little bit of planning experience with my last trip to the Needles in Canyonlands National Park, I've got my eye on the Teton Crest Trail! Permits for the large group sites have been books. Please Venmo to confirm your spot. I will update the Number of spots left as I receive payment from everyone.

A few weeks before the trip we will have a zoom meeting where we can go over prep, gear, carpooling etc. I want to make sure everyone has a chance to ask vital questions before showing up in the parking lot without essential gear or hoping for a late parking spot in an already crowded area.

- Budget: $31 per person
- Group Size: 7-12
- Time and Mile commitment: 5 days, 40-50 mi. Starting early in the morning 7am at Phillips Bench Trailhead in Wilson, WY and ending at Leigh Lake Trailhead.
- Total Elevation Gain: 9600ft.-10,800ft.
- Backpackers should expect to travel no more than 2 miles per hour (3.2 km per hour). Add an additional hour for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain. Trip planning that requires going over more than one pass in a day is not recommended.

Itinerary:

Friday August 15: Phillips to Middle/Lower Granite Fork Group Site:
- 7:00 am Drop off cars for pickup at Leigh Lake trailhead: https://maps.app.goo.gl/o6CxVmFGpEXxH7RF9
-Drive together to Phillips Bench trail (7764ft) and begin our hike around 8:30 am: https://maps.app.goo.gl/c5b88qsJfNRZQnap6
-9.2 miles in, 8979ft.

Saturday August 16: Middle/Lower Granite Fork Group Site to Death Canyon Shelf Group Site
-This is a shorter day so we should have time to do a side hike or two this day. We could also opt to continue to Alaska basin to take miles off our next days hike.
-14.5 miles in 9459ft. (5.3 miles)
-Alaska basin alt 18.6 (9.4 Miles)

Sunday August 17: Death Canyon Shelf Group Site to South Fork Cascade Group Site
-25.2 miles 8609ft (10.7 miles)
-Alaska Basin Alt (6.6 miles)

Monday August 18: South Fork Cascade Group Site to Holly Lake Group Site
-33.6 miles 9180ft (5.9 strenuous miles)

Tuesday August 19: Holly Lake to Leigh Lake Trailhead
-39.5 miles in 6883ft (5.9 miles)

Everyone please make sure you can keep up with this tough itinerary and take good care of yourselves. This is not a trip to learn on and I expect you to have the experience and preparation to complete this hike without major issues. Car camping or a hotel are advisable the night before our trip as we will be starting early. We are booking the large group sites for the whole trip designated for 7+ people.

The route will follow this AllTrails map:

AllTrails: https://www.alltrails.com/ar/trail/us/wyoming/teton-crest-trail--3

This trip report is close to what we will be doing:

5 day Trip report: https://www.shoulderseason.net/2023/01/29/teton-crest-trail/

Plan to start at Phillips Bench trailhead and end at Leigh Lake/Jenny Lake trailhead. Starting time for the first day will be early. Currently, the plan is to drop off pickup cars at 7:00 am, so please plan to be at the trailhead on time or be left behind.

Below are some links to more information:

Recreation.gov Official guide with links:
https://www.recreation.gov/permits/4675342

Trip guides and summaries:
- https://www.halfwayanywhere.com/trails/teton-crest-trail/teton-crest-trail-backpacking-guide/#itinerary

- https://www.cleverhiker.com/backpacking/teton-crest-trail-backpacking-guide/

- https://www.shoulderseason.net/2023/01/29/teton-crest-trail/

- https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g28973-d146624-r862056540-Teton_Crest_Trail-Wyoming.html

- https://wildpathsaz.com/teton-crest-trail/

- https://twooutliers.com/teton-crest-trail-guide/

- https://www.whatdoyousea.com/teton-crest-trail/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/xa0pol/2022_teton_crest_trail_trip_summary_gear_review/

Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in Alta, Sports events in Alta.