Hello Friends of BPL! We are headed out on a big family vacation driving from Cleveland, spending time in the Rapid City Area, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. We also secured permits for the Teton Crest Trail back when the permit reservation window opened this past winter. This all will culminate in a family wedding in Jackson Hole WY.
I’m hoping you can help with some alternates to the Teton Crest Trail. We are due to shove off on June 23rd, and here was the “paper” itinerary we planned. As you know, snow ruled this winter, and I’d like to be prepared on the likely chance that the rangers at Jenny Lake suggest our hiking trip will be mostly a ski tour. 😊
Day 1: Ascend Tram, Camp at Marion Lake: 6.23 mi -2577, +1376
Day 2: Fox Creek Pass camp in Alaska Basin: 6.7 mi -820, +1248 (Mt. Meek Pass)
Day 3: Ascend Hurricane Pass, Camp in South Fork Cascade: 6.0 mi -2169, +1788
Day 4: Descend to Jenny Lake Boat Dock: 7.5 mi -2761 +271
So lay out your suggestions. We have family in the area, so transport to and fro trailheads should be easy. I’m up for the Winds as well, but I wonder if they will be covered in snow too. We are 2 adults, and 2 kids (8 and 10). All experienced in backpacking and skiing … but not ice climbing. We all have microspikes, and a my wife and I have ice axes …. Crossing snow is inevitable this year, so I don’t need to avoid it at all costs … but what I really don’t want is a 30 mile march on snow.
Thanks for you input, and happy hiking to all of you as this season gets underway!
-Paul

