So, our next adventure is a backcountry trip in Grand Teton NP in early September. We’ve booked a point-to-point trip and will be riding the tram to the top of Rendezvous Mountain where we’ll hike the Rendezvous Mtn. Trail down to South Fork Cutoff Granite Canyon Trail, then connect with the Middle Fork Granite Canyon Trail, then the Fox Creek Pass Trail, then the Death Canyon Trail, then the Phelps Lake Loop Trail via the Valley Trail before eventually working our way out to the Roosevelt trailhead.
I have spoken to a park ranger who said that as a general rule the nighttime temps in early Sept along that route should hold at or above freezing, though obviously that’s subject to change per the moods of Mother Nature.
So, my question for any of you familiar with the Tetons, especially those who may live close, is what to expect? Bug pressure? Temps? Any potential issues with trekking-pole tents? Wildlife issues (there are five of us and we’ll all have bear spray)? Water access along the route? Any spots worse than you’d expect based on the information in Backcountry X or on the Nat Geo Topo Map of the park? Any sketchy water crossings? Anything else I haven’t considered that I should?
And lastly, where to eat in Jackson? I prefer a good dive bar and I’m a pizza snob and burger fanboy. That said, I have an adventurous appetite and there are a couple of other foodies in the group. I’m wondering how heartbroken I might be hoping for a world-class burger and impressive local craft beer in a billionaire’s playground.
Thanks!
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