#Paintbrush divide elevation how to#
#Paintbrush divide elevation full#

You must then physically pick up your reserved permits no later than 10 am on the day you start your trip, otherwise your campsites will be released. The cost is $45 advance reservation per trip (this fee covers both the reservation and permit). Option 1: Reservations-You can view and reserve available campsites via the website in real-time beginning at 8 am MST on the first Wednesday in January through May 15 each year. After obtaining your permit, you will watch a video on backcountry safety before leaving. Permits can be picked up at the Craig Thomas Discovery Center, Colter Bay visitor center or at the Jenny Lake Ranger Station. The physical permit itself is to be attached to the outside of your pack for the entire duration of your time in the backcountry. One-third of campsites can be reserved ahead of time via the website and the other two-thirds are available as walk-in permits the day before the start of your trip (no same-day permits will be issued).

#Paintbrush divide elevation how to#

PERMITS: Where, When and How to Obtain Themīackcountry permits are required for the TCT and are highly sought after. Traversing a snowfield below Paintbrush Divide Hitchhike back to your parked vehicle (least reliable option and depends on your comfort level).If your group has two vehicles, park one car at the end and drive the other to park at the trailhead to shuttle yourself.Park your car at the end and have another car take you to the trailhead (taxi, Uber, scheduled shuttle service, etc.).Since you’ll be ending your hike at the Leigh Lake Trailhead on String Lake, you will need to find arrangements to get you back to your car.

String Lake, where most people finish their thru-hike of the TCT Note that the tram is closed for the summer 2020 season. When exiting the tram, you can make one more bathroom stop at Corbet’s Cabin before getting on the trail towards Marion Lake. Starting your trek via the tram not only saves you about 5 miles, but it also gives you sweeping views of the valley floor and gets you up close to Corbet’s Couloir, the world-famous ski run.

You’ll end your hike at the Leigh Lake Trailhead on String Lake. There are multiple potential starting points to the TCT, but the two most popular are to start at either the Philips Pass Trailhead or by taking the Teton Village aerial tram (around $32 per person) to the top of Rendezvous Mountain where you’ll connect to the TCT. TRAILHEADS: Where to Start and End Your Hike You’ll find that you can hike miles in between seeing another person. The TCT is well-traveled throughout the season but you will never feel crowded. Tip: ask the rental shop employees what they’ve heard regarding recent conditions on the TCT. These can be rented in Jackson Hole if you don’t own them already. Based on the conditions, you may need to bring crampons and/or an ice axe to safely traverse the passes and divides even late into the season. It’s important to consult sources (such as the Grand Teton NPS) in order to gauge current snow levels and trail access when planning your hike. Daily highs in the summer months average in the 80’s and can dip into the 30’s at night. As with any alpine environment, weather can change in an instant so be prepared with the proper gear in the event of a sudden snow or thunderstorm. PLANNING YOUR THRU-HIKE WHEN TO GO: Timing and Seasonsĭue to the higher elevations, mid to late July through early September tend to be the most ideal months to hike the Teton Crest Trail. Step 3) Click on the three white vertical dots and then 'Print Map' from that drop down menu. Step 2) Zoom in to your desired map section view.

#Paintbrush divide elevation full#

To Print PDF: Step 1) Expand to full screen view (click box in top right hand corner of map).

Experiencing this iconic trail requires effort though-you’ll hike at an average grade of 8%, rarely dip below 8,000 feet in elevation, and you’ll cross multiple passes and divides. The Teton Crest Trail is frequently named as one of the best hikes in North America due to its constant views of stunning alpine vistas, challenging terrain and easy accessibility to water sources. Lowest Elevation: 6,870 feet (String Lake) Highest Elevation: 10,700 feet (Paintbrush divide) Length: 35- 40 miles (depending on which trailhead you choose) Read more about our review process and affiliate partners. This does not impact how we review products. If you purchase a product from one of our links below, we may earn a percentage from one of our affiliate partners.