tetons backpacking

[DOSS]

So the wife has decided that in August we are going backpacking in the Tetons for 2 nights and informed me to figure out where to go. Problem, I have actually never done any backpacking in the Tetons. Solution, backcountrypost and all of your brain power

Any suggestions?

 

[HomerJ]

I haven't ever backpacked Teton NP, but backpacker magazine did a bit on the Teton Crest Trail and it seemed way cool! Might check it out.

 

[AustinCronnelly]

Teton Crest is on my wish list but the full route takes 3 or 4 days. Cascade canyon/ Paintbrush loop would be a great overnight. I've gone up Cascade Canyon and the scenery is stunning. Another one I hope to do is camp up at Lake of the Crags. Well off the beaten path with jaw dropping views, but that's an out and back.

 

[Nick]

I've haven't done anything in Grand Teton. But may I suggest one of these fine products?

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[Duke]

The park has many visitors and regulations and I seldom do well with either so I tend to head elsewhere. However, friends of mine have recommended Alaska Basin to me before.

 

[HomerJ]

Here's what I was thinking would be fun!

Take the tram at Teton Village to the top. Hike off the backside to Marion Lake (6 Miles) and camp. The next day hike to South Fork Cascade area and camp (about 12 miles depending where you camp). Then ~7.5 down Cascade Canyon to Jenny's Lake and take the fairy back across or hike the 2.4 miles around the lake.

Now that I look at this you really need 4 days/3 nights as that 2nd day would be a killer at 12 miles and 3 passes. You could put in 8+ miles the first day and that would get you over to the Death Canyon Shelf camping zone and make the 2nd day easier.

A shorter option would be to camp at Marion Lake, then Death Canyon, then back to Teton Village and you wouldn't need to shuttle cars!

You can tell I'm hooked having that tram haul my ass up the mountain! :twothumbs:

The green areas are camping zones and of course the little tents are designated campsites.

 

[Duke]

Not to take away from Homer J's excellent beta, but it hits my point. Two terms I never want to hear while backpacking are "camping zones" and "designated campsite". But, I hear that this one is worth it just for the scenery.

 

[HomerJ]

Not to take away from Homer J's excellent beta, but it hits my point. Two terms I never want to hear while backpacking are "camping zones" and "designated campsite". But, I hear that this one is worth it just for the scenery.

I TOTALLY and COMPLETELY hear ya on that. At least in a zone I can choose where to camp. The problem with the camping zones is that they are "No fires Allowed". The only fires allowed in the back country in Teton NP are at SOME designated campsites. Yellowstone is all designated campsites (with some "No Fire Zones"). My friends and I have all but decided to not backpack Yellowstone anymore because of this and the hassle of getting the permits (although there's at least one or two areas I still gotta hit up). This is also why I haven't backpacked Teton NP.