by One of the most photographed mountain ranges in the world. A Grand Teton backpacking trip is on the bucket list for many outdoor enthusiasts. With the Teton Crest Trail making almost every list for best hikes in the US. It often gets most of the attention. But with hundreds of miles of trails, there are countless options in the Grand Teton National park. Making finding the right backpacking trip for you easier than ever. From 1-7 nights we got you covered. Let’s get to our list of the best hikes in the Tetons!
Key Takeaways:
- Grand Teton National Park offers a variety of backpacking trip options, from 1-7 nights.
- Popular routes include Cascade Canyon to Paintbrush Canyon and the Full Teton Crest Trail.
- The Granite Canyon to Paintbrush Canyon via Teton Crest Trail is great for trail runners and 4-7 day trips.
- Consider the Death Canyon to Cascade Canyon for a 3-5 day introduction to the Teton Crest Trail.
- Teton Canyon Trailhead to String Lakes Lollipop is a hidden gem with logistical advantages.
The Best Grand Teton Backpacking Trips
Cascade Canyon to PaintBrush Canyon
This is the most popular route in the Grand Teton National Park. And at just under 20 miles, this may be the best bang for your buck hikes in the country. A classic that takes backpackers up Cascade Canyon and down Paintbrush Canyon. The total trip makes for a great 1-3 nights. And allows you to start and end at the same trailhead which is great for most people.
The Full Teton Crest Trail Phillips Pass to PainBrush Canyon
One of the countries true bucket list backpacking trips. At just over 40 miles, The Teton Trail takes hikers over Phillips pass leading you on the remote western side of the Tetons through Paintbrush Canyon. Ending at the Jenny Lake trail head. There are a lot of variations to this route. But if you’re looking for the official Teton Crest Trail, this is it. At around 40 miles and 9,000ft of gain, many backpacker make this a 4-6 trip.
Granite Canyon to Paintbrush Canyon via Teton Crest Trail
This is the second most popular version of the Teton Crest Trail. Leaving from a trailhead just north of Teton Village and ending just 10ish miles north at the Jenny Lake trailhead. This slightly shorter, 37.9 mile route is popular with trail runners looking to do the trail in a single day. But it is also perfect for a 4-7 day backpacking trip. One of the reasons people like it compared to the original version is that you leave closer to town. And the ending trail head is much closer if you are driving one car.
Death Canyon to Cascade Canyon via Teton Crest Trail
If you’re looking for a great 3-5 day backpacking trip. Then the Death Canyon to Cascade Canyon connecting may be the perfect trip for you. At 32 miles a lot of people consider this a great intro to doing the longer Teton Crest Trail. These are also two trails you won’t be doing the full the full version, so it’s a great Grand Teton hiking trip even if you have!
All Trail Link: All Trail Link Click Here
Teton Canyon Trailhead (near Driggs, Idaho) to String Lakes Lollipop
This may be the greatest hike that no one does. Leaving from the west side of the Tetons near Idaho. I have a feeling this route will gain in popularity in the future. The reason being that this makes logistics and pricing much easier on a backpacker. Leaving from the Teton Canyon Trailhead near Driggs, Idaho. There are plenty of affordable lodging and amenities on this side of the mounting range.
This trail takes you up to Table Mountain (at the beginning or end of your trip), down Hurricane Pass, and then creates a loop connecting Paintbrush Canyon and Cascade Canyon via their shared Jenny Lake trailhead. At 40 miles this makes for a great 4-6 night Grand Teton backpacking trip. And as far as views, this route may even pack as many, and possibly more than the Teton Crest Trail. The last advantage is that you start and end at the same trail head. Again making logistics a lot easier.
Conclusion
The Grand Teton National Park offers a plethora of captivating backpacking adventures for outdoor enthusiasts. From iconic routes like Cascade Canyon to Paintbrush Canyon and the Full Teton Crest Trail to lesser-known gems like the Teton Canyon Trailhead to String Lakes Lollipop, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner. The park’s diverse trails cater to trips ranging from 1 to 7 nights, making it easier than ever to find the perfect adventure that suits your preferences and schedule.
With its breathtaking landscapes and the convenience of starting and ending at the same trailhead in many cases, Grand Teton National Park truly stands out as a premier backpacking destination. So, grab your gear and get ready to explore the wonders of the Tetons – your next memorable adventure awaits.
