There are some amazing trails out there. But sometimes you just have to make your own. And in this case, combining two of the most beautiful trails in the Grand Teton National Park. Traversing across the Teton range from the western Table Mountain trailhead to its summit. Working a class 3-4 downclimb to connect to the Cascade Canyon trail. Ending on the east side of the Tetons at the Jenny Lake trail head. And while the majority of this route is one well maintained trail. Connecting Table Mountain to Cascade Canyon is an adventure in its own right.
Below is a video from our trip. Along with quick tips and notes to help anyone else wanting to check out this route. But please be safe, this route is highly technical and should only be attempted by experienced hikers.
Key Takeaways:
- Highly technical class 3-4 scrambling route in Grand Teton National Park.
- Extreme route finding and danger during the downclimb from Table Mountain to Cascade Canyon.
- Safety equipment (helmet and first aid kit) is essential.
- Multiple trailheads from Table Mountain parking lot with different routes.
- Limited water sources after the ridge approach to Table Mountain.
- Caution needed due to massive cliffs along the route.
- DIY route finding from Table Mountain to Cascade Canyon; don’t hesitate to turn back if uncomfortable. Safety is paramount.
The Grand Teton Half Marathon – Table Mountain to Jenny Lake
The route from Table Mountain to Cascade Canyon is a highly technical class 3-4 scramble suitable only for experienced hikers. It involves challenging downclimbing and requires expert route finding, as there are no established trails or markers. Safety equipment like helmets and first aid kits are essential. The trailheads departing from the Table Mountain parking lot include Hurricane Pass on the far right, the Huckleberry route on the far left leading to Table Mountain, and The Face route up Table Mountain in the center. The Face trailhead can be difficult to spot in the dark. The Huckleberry route is longer and less steep, while The Face route is shorter and very steep. Water is scarce beyond the ridge approach to the summit. Caution is crucial due to substantial cliffs, and it’s vital to prioritize safety, as this route is highly technical and accidents occur annually in the park. If uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to turn back.
Quick Tips
- This route is highly technical class 3-4 scrambling and should only be attempted by experienced hikers.
- The down climb from Table Mountain to Cascade Canyon requires extreme route finding. And can be very dangerous. There are no trails, there are no carnes.
- Please make sure to bring safety equipment, including a helmet and first aid kit.
- There are trailheads leaving from the Table Mountain parking lot. The far right trail will take you to Hurricane Pass. Far left will take you up the Huckleberry route to Table Mountain. The center trail is The Face route up Table Mountain.
- It can be hard to see The Face route trail head in the dark.
- The Huckleberry route is longer and less steep. While the Face route is short and very steep.
- There was no water once you made the ridge approach to the summit of Table Mountain.
- Once you make the summit of Table Mountain, there is a downclimb on the side facing the Tetons. You can see this in the video.
- Be careful, there are some massive cliffs. BE AWARE, BE SAFE.
- From here you are on DIY route finding until you make it to Cascade Canyon. Please do not be afraid to turn around if you are uncomfortable. This route is highly technical and people die every year in this park. Please be safe.
Conclusion
The journey from Table Mountain to Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park offers a thrilling but highly technical adventure, suitable only for experienced hikers. The class 3-4 scrambling and the challenging downclimb demand extreme caution and route-finding skills. Safety equipment, like helmets and first aid kits, is non-negotiable. With multiple trailheads and route options, careful planning is essential. Keep in mind that water sources are limited, and the terrain features imposing cliffs. Throughout this expedition, prioritize safety and be prepared to turn back if the journey becomes too intimidating. In the midst of this exhilarating wilderness, the foremost takeaway is to savor the awe-inspiring beauty of the Grand Tetons while always safeguarding your well-being.