Teton crest trail 7/22-8/1
Posted: Tue Aug 25, 2009 8:26 pm
Better late than never!
I had been looking forward to this trip for years. I was a little apprehensive though as we approached Teton National park since I had been told of consistent thunder storms basically all summer long. (All the rain really contributed to a spectacular bonanza of flowers) By the time we arrived however, the weather had cleared, and it was a peasant 85 degrees in Jackson.
We had 9 in our group, some of whom had never met, but we all melded together nicely. This was also a first for my 3 boys backpacking altogether and I could not have been more proud of them (They got along like strangers 8).
We started out around noon on 7/29 and set out from the tram at Teton village, and hiked around 4-1/2 miles to Middle/Southfork CG. We had to stay at this location because of the size of our group, but it was a good little warm-up and a beautiful site with tall trees. We were treated with a couple of deer in the morning and a little light rain.
Day two took us by Marion lake, and we were again inundated with views of majestic peaks and abundant flowers as we made our way to Death Canyon shelf, and a really nice camp. We made camp ate our dinner and during sunset sat at the edge of the shelf looking down on the creek below where we spotted a moose down in the valley 8) and also spotted Bighorn sheep on the cliffs above. Amazing!
Day three took us into Alaska basin and more beautiful views (ho-hum) honestly this trip will spoil you, and words really don't do justice to this area. We ended up taking over a thousand pictures and video between the 9 of us but I will only subject you to a couple dozen.
We ended up camping at Sunset lake (as a couple in our group fell a little behind) This was another beauty, and we really enjoyed this site except for the mosquitos who were abundant here.
In the early morning we spotted a group of what looked like Elk on the cliffs toward Hurricane pass that struck a majestic profile. (Took pictures but they were difficult to see) 
Day four took us through Hurricane pass, and again amazing views of the Tetons and Idaho in the distance. We were originally going to complete the trip by going through Paintbrush Canyon, but we decided to bug out along Cascade canyon instead, which made for a long day but allowed us a full day in Jackson for those who needed to catch a flight home. Also allowed the chance to eat at Bubba's BBQ (My favorite 8) )
I can't recommed this hike enough, and I know I will be back!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/30922174@N06/show/
I had been looking forward to this trip for years. I was a little apprehensive though as we approached Teton National park since I had been told of consistent thunder storms basically all summer long. (All the rain really contributed to a spectacular bonanza of flowers) By the time we arrived however, the weather had cleared, and it was a peasant 85 degrees in Jackson.
We had 9 in our group, some of whom had never met, but we all melded together nicely. This was also a first for my 3 boys backpacking altogether and I could not have been more proud of them (They got along like strangers 8).
We started out around noon on 7/29 and set out from the tram at Teton village, and hiked around 4-1/2 miles to Middle/Southfork CG. We had to stay at this location because of the size of our group, but it was a good little warm-up and a beautiful site with tall trees. We were treated with a couple of deer in the morning and a little light rain.
Day two took us by Marion lake, and we were again inundated with views of majestic peaks and abundant flowers as we made our way to Death Canyon shelf, and a really nice camp. We made camp ate our dinner and during sunset sat at the edge of the shelf looking down on the creek below where we spotted a moose down in the valley 8) and also spotted Bighorn sheep on the cliffs above. Amazing!
Day three took us into Alaska basin and more beautiful views (ho-hum) honestly this trip will spoil you, and words really don't do justice to this area. We ended up taking over a thousand pictures and video between the 9 of us but I will only subject you to a couple dozen.
We ended up camping at Sunset lake (as a couple in our group fell a little behind) This was another beauty, and we really enjoyed this site except for the mosquitos who were abundant here.
In the early morning we spotted a group of what looked like Elk on the cliffs toward Hurricane pass that struck a majestic profile. (Took pictures but they were difficult to see) Day four took us through Hurricane pass, and again amazing views of the Tetons and Idaho in the distance. We were originally going to complete the trip by going through Paintbrush Canyon, but we decided to bug out along Cascade canyon instead, which made for a long day but allowed us a full day in Jackson for those who needed to catch a flight home. Also allowed the chance to eat at Bubba's BBQ (My favorite 8) )
I can't recommed this hike enough, and I know I will be back!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/30922174@N06/show/
I am all over that! 