After several challenging switchbacks, we ascended to the second highest point of our trip. Our bodies rested and our bellies full, we again shouldered our packs and headed into the fabled Hurricane Pass. We stopped for snacks and water at the stream, them made our final push to Sunset Lake, where we took our lunch. The trail shifted downward, and we descended into Alaska Basin, a beautiful boulder covered alpine tundra with a clear stream running through it. Our first traverse would be through Meek Mountain pass, which we crossed through without really even knowing it where it started and where it ended - our beginning elevation was almost identical to the pass’s altitude. Our second day would take us on an up and down journey through the mountains. Our group rolled into the group campsite around 4 pm, which gave us plenty of time that night to enjoy the absolutely unbelievable views. To our left, giant boulders were strewn everywhere, as if a massive child had peeled them off of the mountain and carelessly left them lay where they fell. The sheer cliffs we had gazed up as we hiked through the valley now fell away to our right. We forged on toward the Death Canyon Group site, passing by a bull moose peacefully grazing among the grass and trees. The crest of the hill led us to the crossroads of the National Park and Jedidiah Smith Wilderness Area.
The last reliable water source we could find was at the start of our ascent, so we reluctantly loaded up with as much water as we could carry, and pushed our way to the top of Death Canyon Shelf. What’s more, the ranger station had informed us that the availability of water at our site could be questionable, and they recommended stocking up before we reached our site. Over 1,000 feet of elevation gain over less than a mile faced us. We hadn’t even started our trek and we had already seen a bear - that’s a good omen if I’ve ever seen one.Īs we neared the end of the valley, we neared the hardest part of the day. We drove up a few feet, and there he was! Not 20 feet from the car, he gave us a quick glance and dashed into the woods. As we arrived at the trailhead, several people came to our vehicle and informed us that there was a black bear sitting at the trailhead. It added a bit of mystery to our trip, not being able to see the famed Tetons before we immersed ourselves in them.Īfter doing the hiker’s song and dance of shuttling vehicles to our ending point, we headed down the rugged road to the Death Canyon Trailhead. With the mist hanging heavily around us, it looked like we wouldn’t catch a glimpse of the peaks today either. We had driven into the Tetons the previous day from Yellowstone, and a pallor of rain had completely covered the mountains, obscuring them from view. We rolled out of our campsite at the Gros Ventre campground early in the morning. Vehicles with lower clearance can make it partially down the road to get to the trailhead, however, you’ll want at least something like a Subaru Outback or a vehicle with similar clearance. Use caution and ensure you are prepared for the conditions.ĭecent clearance is needed to park at the Death Canyon Trailhead. Check with the ranger station before you depart, and bring along ice axes and crampons if needed. The best cure for elevation sickness is to descend.ĭepending on the time of year there may be snow in the passes. If you find yourself caught in a storm, stop hiking, take shelter in trees or under rocks, and do not touch anything made of metal.Įlevation sickness can strike anyone, no matter how fit. Thunderstorms can pop up quickly in the mountains. Prepare for hot days, freezing nights, beating sun, and high winds. Weather can change in an instant in the mountains. Pack water up into the shelf from the creek in the canyon if necessary. In the Death Canyon zone water flow can be seasonal - check with the ranger to assess conditions beforehand. These come with bear lockers, which is very nice. If you have a large group, you’ll need to reserve the group sites. Once you have your reservation you can camp anywhere in the designated zones as long as you are 100 feet away from another campsite and 100 feet away from any water source.
You need a reservation to camp in the park. Grand Tetons - Plan your Backcountry Visit Check out the NPS Safety in Bear Country page for more info. Carry bear spray, use an approved bear canister (they are required in the Tetons!), and travel in groups when necessary. The Tetons are home to both Grizzly and Black bears.
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