Best Backpacking Trips in Grand Teton National Park
Teton Crest Trail
The Teton Crest Trail is Wyoming’s most coveted point to point hike typically completed as a 30 mile route over 4 or more days. This thru-hike is one of the most beautiful backpacking trips in the entire country and is a true highlight reel of Grand Teton National Park. The route circumnavigates the Grand Teton, Middle Teton and South Teton with panoramic views of glacier-carved canyons, wild flower filled meadows, turquoise lakes and high mountain passes. Campsites are nestled into some of the most beautiful canyons, shelves and basins where sunrises and sunsets are magical and wildlife sightings are almost a guarantee. The trail can feel moderately difficult to challenging depending on which route, campsites and mileage per day you tackle but the terrain itself not particularly steep or rugged and does not ascend above 10,700 feet. This is the kind of wildly beautiful adventure that will stay with you for a lifetime - a must-do backpacking trip!
Paintbrush Canyon and Cascade Canyon Loop
This 18 mile, 2-3 day loop is our favorite short backpacking trip in Grand Teton National Park. In one quick trip, backpackers enjoy many of the park’s highlights including Jenny Lake, Lake Solitude, Holly Lake and two beautiful canyons. The route ascends through Cascade Canyon, over the stunning Paintbrush Divide and descends through Paintbrush Canyon. Many of the campsites on this loop are among the most sought-after in the entire park. The terrain changes every few miles as backpackers transition from the canyons to high alpine terrain and the vast views of the Tetons will leave you speechless (and breathless). Many adventurous day hikers complete this route in a single day but we recommend backpacking the route to allow more time to enjoy the unbeatable views. Paintbrush Canyon and Cascade Canyon Loop is a trip that will draw you back more than just once.
Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes
A perfect overnight backpacking trip that leads to two gorgeous alpine lakes. The trip is 10 miles roundtrip with 2,920 feet of climbing, a steady and challenging ascent up to the lakes. The views of Jackson Hole and the surrounding area are a good distraction along the climb. Designated backcountry campsites are located nearby Surprise Lake, the first lake along the trail. Spectacular beauty is found at the second lake, Amphitheater Lake, which is nestled in a cirque under Disappointment Peak, Middle Teton and Grand Teton. A morning reflection in Amphitheater Lake at sunrise is a stunning start to the day. For an added adventure, backpackers can visit Delta Lake on their return to the trailhead - an alpine lake popular for its photogenic view of the Grand.
Death Canyon and Alaska Basin Loop
This is a challenging multi-day backpacking trip that covers 25 miles and 6,000 feet of elevation gain traveling through Grand Teton National Park and Jedediah Smith Wilderness of Caribou-Targhee National Forest. The trail sets off through Death Canyon, traverses Death Canyon Shelf, travels through Alaska Basin and returns to the trailhead via Alaska Basin Trail and Death Canyon. The trail offers incredible views of Phelps Lake, sheer-walled Death Canyon and the narrow plateau of Death Canyon Shelf, endless alpine meadows speckled with wildflowers, small mountain lakes tucked into glacial basins and the jagged peaks of the Tetons. There are a few grueling climbs but the terrain is well worth the effort!
Cascade Canyon to Lake Solitude
This overnight backpacking trip up Cascade Canyon is a great introduction to backpacking in Grand Teton National Park. The route is 16 miles roundtrip with 2,670 feet of climbing. Backpackers ascend through Cascade Canyon alongside Canyon Creek all the way up to Lake Solitude where backcountry campsites are located just south of the deep blue lake. The North Fork Cascade Canyon camping zone is our favorite in the entire park with spectacular tent-side views of the Grand Teton and surrounding peaks. Before descending back down to the trailhead, backpackers can explore up to Paintbrush Divide for sweeping views of the Tetons.