Teton Crest Trail

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Bradford,

Three books by Bill Schneider, a founder of Falcon Press, should help you find the perfect trip. The titles of Hiking Yellowstone National Park and Hiking Grand Teton National Park are self-explanatory. Best Backpacking Vacations Northern Rockies is a collection taken from his other books and includes the Teton Crest Trail and one hike I highly recommend in Yellowstone, the Bechler River trail. The Bechler might suit your group perfectly. It's 30 miles but fairly easy as it more or less follows the river downstream all the way, crosses the Continental Divide twice, and has generally outstanding scenery. The only logistical hurdle is arranging a shuttle.

I haven't done the Teton Crest but Schneider raves about it. Also requires a shuttle, though those are fairly easy to arrange (for a fee) in Jackson. Jackson has direct flights from many places but generally pricey accommodations.

Richard

So have you heard of the Teton High Adventure Route? I've read a few blurbs on this route, and would really like to learn a bit more.

Here is a write up that offers more…. http://www.backpacker.com/august_2000_destinations_wyoming_medicine_petzoldt/destinations/974

1. Fly to Denver and do a trip in Rocky Mountain National Park.

2. Fly to Denver and do a section of Colorado Trail

3. Fly to Durango and the Weminuche Wilderness Area. You could take the train from Durango to the Chicago Basin.

Direct flights to Denver are pretty easy since it's a United hub. They have frequent flights to Durango. I did the Charlotte to Denver to Durango trip for work several times last year. Flights line up pretty good.

Bradford,

I have hiked the Teton Crest Trail four times in the last five years. Yes, I can give the trail a high recommendation, a classic. I'm enjoying seeing the different in the same year to year. I like it as a cool down after a big trip in the Winds. I can go on auto pilot and just walk and look. The trails are superbly maintained and thoroughly signed, as you'd expect in a National Park. Navigation and footing are non issues (assuming a bit of competence). You see plenty of people, even in the backcountry, many with little experience, lots of enthusiasm and big loads. Camping is assigned by permit to a zone or lake. Some permits are given in advance and some are saved for walk in. Parts of the route are outside the Park and you may camp anywhere in those areas. I'm a walk in kind of guy with campsite flexibility and have had unfailing luck here. There are established sites. I've looked at every single one and slept in quite a few on my loop starting and ending at Granite Canyon, crossing Hurricane Pass and Paintbrush Divide, returning via the Valley Trail. Some are bare dirt log squares that tend to puddle rain on one side and are a little small for shelters with lots of lines. They are all scenic. Have you gotten the map yet? I suggest you pick your lake or zone by your desired milage or availability and if you really want the best spot get to the zone as early as possible to have the best choice. Death Canyon Shelf and North Fork Cascade Canyon are nice. I'd try to be there for peak flowers, because they are so fantastic. Bugs are not as much of an issue compared to some others spots nearby, The Winds for example, due to unfavorable (for bugs) topography, not so many marshy spots. I hope this is of use and that you have excellent time where ever you go.

All Best, Eric

campsite

campsite

campsite view

Bradford,
PM me your email and I’ll forward a tpo file of 3 routes Ryan Jordan has done of the Teton High Route.

Another option that may be cheaper (if that is an issue for some), would be flying into Aspen and doing a loop in the Maroon Bells – Snowmass Wilderness. If your group doesn’t have any issues with altitude, you don’t need lodging either. I was on the trail a few hours after landing. You can read (or view) my trip report.