As trail work near Hurricane Pass comes to a close, restoration efforts at another site along the Teton Crest Trail—Paintbrush Divide—is in full swing. In partnership with Grand Teton , the Foundation is continuing to fund work along this iconic trail, improving sections that have fallen into disrepair.
The Teton Crest Trail is a 45-mile long trail through the high country of the Teton Range. Many parts of the trail were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps dating back to 1934 but, due to its remote location, much of the trail has remained largely untouched by park maintenance crews since original construction took place. Paintbrush Divide is the highest point along the Teton Crest Trail at 10,700 feet in elevation. The eastern slope is comprised of scree (a general term for a loose rock field) and over time, water flow from melting snow and yearly visitor use has eroded and shifted the trail. The resulting trail damage now poses safety hazards to hikers who often lose their route along the trail and end up in dangerous situations in the steep, loose terrain.
Foundation-funded stabilization efforts along Paintbrush Divide just wrapped up for this season. Crew members were able to clear the trail of debris, widen it in certain areas, and explore possibilities of how to build a stable route that will last. The park's crew will continue work in the area next summer to create a route that is sustainable for visitors to enjoy for years to come.