TETON CREST TRAIL RENEWAL
Over 350 miles of designated paths wind throughout Grand Teton National Park’s 310,000 acres, providing endless opportunities for visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Teton Range. Grand Teton National Park Foundation funds projects that enable Grand Teton to assess, plan, and execute specialized trail initiatives—ensuring that the park’s incredible alpine lakes, mountain passes, and scenic vistas are enjoyed for generations to come.
2020 marked the beginning of a multiyear renewal of the Teton Crest Trail (TCT)—a forty-five-mile ridgeline traverse that leads hikers through the alpine wilderness of the range. The TCT is one of the most picturesque destinations within the National Park Service. Sections of it were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps dating back to the 1930s and, in some cases, have persisted largely untouched for over eighty years.
MAP POINT DETAILS
Top of JHMR
Many Crest Trail hikers begin their journey by taking the Aerial Tram to the top of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. From there, they can walk into Grand Teton National Park and find the trail leading to Marion Lake.
Marion Lake
One of the first beautiful destinations on the Teton Crest Trail inside Grand Teton National Park.
Static Peak Divide
In summer 2022, Grand Teton’s trail crew improved retaining walls and switchbacks at Static Peak Divide to create a more stable and sustainable path for hikers to this high alpine area.
Hurricane Pass
During summers 2020 and 2021, the park’s crew rebuilt and renewed a heavily-eroded section of trail just below this mountain pass that had become unsafe for visitors and unpassable for stock. Accomplishments include: new drystone retaining walls to support the trail; regraded sections of trail that were previously very steep; and the installation of several drainage structures to manage runoff and control erosion caused by water.
South Fork of Cascade Canyon
Grand Teton trail crews improved drainage structures, built stone stairs, and replaced retaining walls during summer 2021 to ensure this path can be enjoyed by hikers for years to come.
North Fork of Cascade Canyon
During summer 2023, Grand Teton’s trail crews will remove large boulders that have rolled into the path in addition to building stairs and walls to ensure that hikers continue to enjoy this section of the beautiful Teton backcountry.
Paintbrush Divide
This high alpine pass is the highest point of the Teton Crest Trail sitting at 10,720 feet. The trail leading to the divide is in a loose scree field and is the most challenging part of the route for hikers. During summers 2021 and 2022, stabilized the trail by reestablishing tread, removing rock, and cutting steps into bedrock to provide a more sustainable surface for visitors in the area.
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