Grand Teton N P

[JG H]

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!

[Brad Rogers]

I did the Teton Crest Trail in 2022 so not exactly your route but close……

Freezing at night sounds about right – maybe be prepared for it going down to the 20’s.

No bugs in September

No issues with trekking pole tents – I used an X-Mid 1P

No wildlife issues – I wouldn’t even bother with bear spray – but that’s just me.   We did see one black bear and a few moose.

Quite a bit of water on the trip – I never carried much more than a liter

I was on the TCT but no water crossings to speak of, but I haven’t done your exact trip.

 

 

[JG H]

Perfect. Thanks for the response, Brad.

If it were black-bear only country, I wouldn’t carry bear spray (we didn’t in Yosemite). However, we will carry at least one or two cans since its Grizzly country. I’d rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

Otherwise, I think we’re set to go.

[Brad Rogers]

I hope you have a great trip.  It’s certainly beautiful country.  If you’re taking the tram up  – make sure you get pancakes at 10K feet!    And as if you aren’t excited enough – here is a pic I took there in 2022.

[JG H]

We are taking the tram to the top of Rendezvous and that’s where we’ll start the hike. And yeah, we’re pretty geeked about the trip. That pic is gorgeous and we hope to snap a few of our own that are worth enlarging and framing when we get home.

One of the guys in our group for this trip did the exact same point-to-point with me 25 years ago (almost to the week). I’m sure its quite hard to tell, but the pic in my avatar is outside Corbett’s Cabin 30 years ago. If you look closely you can see the skis mounted to the side of the cabin.

Funny thing… when we did the hike back in 2000 it took us three days (two nights). We’re all a lot older now, and not nearly as fit, so this go-round we’re looking at five days (four nights). We’re a bit wiser and will be more appreciative of the grandeur, so we’re looking forward to slow-rolling it and enjoying every moment.

 

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