Teton Crest Trail Adventure

EXPEDITION ITINERARY: TETON CREST TRAIL TRAVERSE

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: End-to-end traverse

TRIP DURATION: 3 days

TOTAL ESTIMATED MILEAGE: ~40 miles

EXPERIENCE LEVEL: Advanced

TERRAIN TYPE: Large mountains

- Cumulative elevation gain/loss (ft): +8,000 ft / -9,000 ft

- Start and end trailhead: Rendezvous Mountain Trailhead, WY to String Lake/Leigh Lake Trailhead, WY

- GPS coordinates: 43.5863, -110.8277 to 43.7875, -110.7367

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PERMITS & ENTRY

- Requirement: Yes

- Issuing agency/jurisdiction: Grand Teton National Park

- How to apply: Grand Teton National Park Backcountry Permit page

- Application window & deadline: Opens January 2025

- Processing time & approval odds: Varies; apply early for best chance

- Cost & payment: $45 per permit, credit card

- Required documents/ID: Government-issued ID

- Alternate options if permit unavailable: Adjust dates or consider nearby wilderness areas

Verify with Grand Teton National Park backcountry/permits page or office.

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SHUTTLE / TRANSPORTATION

- Nearest major access point: JAC (Jackson Hole Airport)

- Pre-hike basecamp: Hotel in Jackson, WY for acclimation and resupply

- Trail access type: Point-to-point

- Parking: Overnight parking at Leigh Lake; check for fees and security

- Shuttle/local transport: Local outfitter shuttle from Leigh Lake to Jackson Hole Resort; book in advance

- Recommended direction: South to north for net downhill

- Post-hike basecamp: Hotel in Jackson, WY

- Backup transport: Taxi or rideshare options available in Jackson

- Fuel & restricted items: Purchase canister fuel in Jackson; check airline restrictions

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DAY 1: RENDEZVOUS MOUNTAIN TRAILHEAD TO MARION LAKE

- Distance and elevation gain/loss: 10 miles, +1,500 ft

- Primary trail(s) used: Teton Crest Trail

- Terrain description: Alpine meadows, ridgelines

- Notable features or side quests: Views of the Tetons, wildflower meadows

- Key water sources: Streams near Marion Lake

- Campsite location: Marion Lake

- Wildlife or safety notes: Bear country; use bear canisters

- Trail tip: Start early to catch the sunrise over the mountains

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DAY 2: MARION LAKE TO SUNSET LAKE

- Distance and elevation gain/loss: 15 miles, +3,000 ft

- Primary trail(s) used: Teton Crest Trail

- Terrain description: High alpine passes, rocky sections

- Notable features or side quests: Alaska Basin, panoramic views

- Key water sources: Lakes and streams along the trail

- Campsite location: Sunset Lake

- Wildlife or safety notes: Watch for sudden weather changes

- Trail tip: Stay hydrated and pace yourself on the climbs

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DAY 3: SUNSET LAKE TO STRING LAKE/LEIGH LAKE TRAILHEAD

- Distance and elevation gain/loss: 15 miles, -4,500 ft

- Primary trail(s) used: Teton Crest Trail, Paintbrush Canyon Trail

- Terrain description: Steep descents, forested areas

- Notable features or side quests: Paintbrush Divide, stunning canyon views

- Key water sources: Streams in Paintbrush Canyon

- Campsite location: End at trailhead

- Wildlife or safety notes: Be cautious of slippery rocks

- Trail tip: Take breaks to enjoy the views and rest your legs

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CAMPSITE INTEL

- Camp names and elevation: Marion Lake (9,300 ft), Sunset Lake (9,600 ft)

- Fire restrictions: Fires prohibited; use camp stoves

- Bear safety and food storage: Bear canisters required

- Best views (sunrise/sunset): Sunset Lake

- Noise level or solitude factor: Moderate; popular trail

- Nearest water source: Lakes and streams near campsites

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WEATHER & ALTITUDE NOTES

- Typical temps: 30°F to 60°F in September

- Sun exposure: High; use sunscreen

- Acclimatization tips: Spend a night in Jackson to adjust to altitude

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GEAR CHECKLIST (10 ESSENTIAL ITEMS)

List tailored to terrain and season

- Navigation tools (map, compass)

- Water filtration system

- Sunscreen and sunglasses

- First aid kit

- Fire starter and matches

- Pocket knife

- Headlamp with extra batteries

- Shelter system (tent, tarp)

- Insulating layers

- Nutrition/snacks (high-calorie options)

Pro tips: Use trekking poles for stability on rocky terrain; pack extra layers for cold nights

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OPTIONAL UPGRADES

- Scenic side trips: Alaska Basin exploration

- Photo-worthy moments: Paintbrush Divide

- Post-hike food or reward suggestion: Dinner at a local restaurant in Jackson

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FINAL BRIEF SUMMARY

- Trail hours per day: 6-8 hours

- Wake/sleep rhythm: Early rise, early sleep

- Estimated calories burned per day: 3,000 calories

- Water needed per person: 3-4 liters

- Recommended pack weight range: 30-35 lbs

Medical & accessibility considerations: Monitor altitude effects; plan for slower pace on steep sections.

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Prepare accordingly and respect all wilderness guidelines.

Your expedition awaits, Christopher Nicholas Arace.

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