Reservation7/10
Paintbrush
Classic loop hike....
View Paintbrush-Cascade Loop permit details and availability
ReservationThru-HikeHigh Demand
Teton Crest Trail
Premier multi-day traverse of the Teton Range with world-class alpine scenery.
“Traverse the spine of America's most dramatic mountain range, where jagged peaks pierce the sky and alpine meadows explode with wildflowers at every turn.”
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Teton Crest Quick Facts
Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodReservation
Demand LevelHigh8/10
Key Information
Permit Details
TypeThru-Hike
Booking MethodReservation
Demand Level8/10
LocationNPS
What to Expect
Route Details
Distance
40 miles
Elevation Gain
9,000 ft
Route Type
Point to Point
Duration
3-5 days
Difficulty
StrenuousElevation Range
6,800 - 10,700 ft
Highlights
- •Sustained high-altitude hiking above 8,000 feet
- •Dramatic exposed sections along Death Canyon Shelf
- •Multiple high passes above 10,000 feet
- •Active grizzly bear habitat requiring bear canister
Best Time to Visit
Mid-July through mid-September. Snow clears from high passes by late July most years.
Hazards & Considerations
- !Altitude sickness above 10,000 feet
- !Afternoon thunderstorms with lightning
- !Snow on passes into late July
- !Grizzly bears common throughout
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.
When to Go
Peak: Summer monthsShoulder: Spring and Fall
Conditions
Summer offers the most reliable conditions for most wilderness areas.
Crowd Level
ModerateAdvantages
- +Longest days
- +Warmest temperatures
- +Reliable trail conditions
Challenges
- !Peak demand for permits
- !Book accommodations early
- !Weather varies
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.
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.
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 adjacent wilderness.
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.
The Route
Starting from the Aerial Tram at Teton Village, 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.
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.
Rules & Regulations
- •Backcountry camping permit required within GTNP
- •Bear canisters required
- •Maximum group size of 6
- •Campfires prohibited above 6,800 feet
- •Alaska Basin has no permit requirement
Gear Checklist
Required
- Bear canister
- Water filter
- Layered clothing
- Rain gear and warm insulation
- Map/GPS
Key Landmarks
↑
9,000ft
Gain↓
9,000ft
Loss⛰️
10,700ft
High📏
40.0mi
Distance📐
0.7%
Avg GradeClick on a marker to view details•7 landmarks
Landmarks (7)
Safety & Planning
🚨
Emergency Info
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🐻
Food Storage
Check bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations in the PermitSnag app.
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Teton Crest FAQ
How do I get a Teton Crest permit?
Teton Crest permits are obtained through a reservation system. Use PermitSnag to track availability and get notified when cancellations occur.
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. We check availability every few minutes, 24/7.
Photography Guide
Golden Hour
Sunrise from Alaska Basin illuminates the Grand Teton's west face in dramatic red light.
Best Light
Morning light from the east illuminates the Grand Teton beautifully from most trail points.
Beat the Crowds
Midweek trips see significantly fewer hikers. 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
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