The Teton Crest Trail (TCT) is a forty-five-mile-long backcountry trail that winds through the high country of Grand Teton National Park. It is considered one of the most scenic trails in the National Park Service because of its captivating and uninterrupted views of rugged peaks.
This year, Grand Teton trail crews continued a multiyear effort to renew the TCT, particularly focusing on the Static Peak Divide. Standing at an elevation of 11,308 feet, Static Peak earned its name due to being frequently struck by lightning. Below the summit on the north face, a small remnant glacier persists, shielded from direct sunlight by sheer cliffs. To the north of the peak lies Timberline Lake. Static Peak is one of the only major peaks within Grand Teton that has a walk-up route. This offers hikers a chance to summit one of Grand Teton's iconic peaks without having to use any climbing gear.
In partnership with Grand Teton National Park, the Foundation has supported improvements along the TCT for several years. The project is a comprehensive restoration effort, requiring a technically skilled trail crew, and addresses safety concerns and damaged areas. Past years have seen improvements at Hurricane Pass, Paintbrush Divide, and Cascade Canyon. We are pleased to share the trail crew's 2024 accomplishments and highlights for the work completed near Static Peak on the TCT:
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Completed 4, 8-day backcountry hitches with 6-7 crew members
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Constructed 1,060 feet of multi-tier rock wall
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Installed 33 square feet of rip-rap
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Repaired 920 linear feet of trail tread
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Installed 7 water bars
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Improved drainage from Albright Divide to Buck Mountain Pass
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Repaired and rebuilt 6 switchback corners
In addition to the work completed on Static Peak, the Foundation supported a Montana Conservation Corps youth crew that performed work in Paintbrush Canyon as part of our overall TCT renewal project. The Montana Conservation Corps accomplished the following in lower Paintbrush Canyon:
- Brushed 1.6 miles of trail
- Removed 6 trees
- Cleared 62 drains
- Completed 200 feet of benching and retreading
- Repaired six rock check steps, 100 cubic feet of wall, and 100 cubic feet of causeways across three stream crossings
- Contributed 432 person-hours throughout the backcountry hitch
Grand Teton National Park Foundation is proud to support trail projects in Grand Teton to ensure that routes throughout the backcountry are maintained, sustainable, and enjoyed by visitors for years to come. Thanks to all who have helped make this effort possible in 2024!