Teton Crest Trail Mountain Adventure
CATEGORY
end-to-end traverse
SEASON
Fall
LOCATION
Teton Crest Trail. Grand Tetons National Park, WY
DATE
Sep 13, 2025
EXPEDITION ITINERARY: TETON CREST TRAIL TRAVERSE
PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: End-to-end traverse
TRIP DURATION: 3 days
TOTAL ESTIMATED MILEAGE: ~39 miles
EXPERIENCE LEVEL: Advanced
TERRAIN TYPE: Large mountains
- Cumulative elevation gain/loss (ft): +6,500 ft
- Start and end trailhead: Rendezvous Mountain Trailhead to String Lake/Leigh Lake Trailhead
- GPS coordinates: 43.5862, -110.8292 to 43.7845, -110.7362
---
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 for summer season
- Processing time & approval odds: Varies, early application recommended
- Cost & payment: $45 online reservation fee
- Required documents/ID: Photo ID
- Alternate options if permit unavailable: Verify with Grand Teton National Park backcountry/permits page or office.
---
SHUTTLE / TRANSPORTATION
- Nearest major access point: JAC (Jackson Hole Airport)
- Pre-hike basecamp: Teton Village area lodging for acclimation and resupply
- Trail access type: Point-to-point
- Parking: Overnight parking at Leigh Lake, check for fees and security
- Shuttle/local transport: Jackson Hole Aerial Tram to Rendezvous Mountain, arrange shuttle for return to Leigh Lake
- Recommended direction: South to north
- Post-hike basecamp: Lodging in Jackson for recovery
- Backup transport: Local taxi or rideshare services
- Fuel & restricted items: Purchase fuel in Jackson; check airline restrictions
---
DAY 1: RENDEZVOUS MOUNTAIN TRAILHEAD TO MARION LAKE
- Distance and elevation gain/loss: 10 miles, +2,000 ft
- Primary trail(s) used: Teton Crest Trail
- Terrain description: Alpine meadows and ridgelines
- Notable features or side quests: Grand views from the ridge
- Key water sources: Streams near Marion Lake
- Campsite location: Marion Lake
- Wildlife or safety notes: Bear country; carry bear spray
- Trail tip: Start early to enjoy cooler morning temperatures
---
DAY 2: MARION LAKE TO SUNSET LAKE
- Distance and elevation gain/loss: 12 miles, +2,500 ft
- Primary trail(s) used: Teton Crest Trail
- Terrain description: High alpine terrain and passes
- Notable features or side quests: Alaska Basin views
- Key water sources: Sunset Lake
- Campsite location: Sunset Lake
- Wildlife or safety notes: Watch for afternoon thunderstorms
- Trail tip: Secure your food with bear canisters
---
DAY 3: SUNSET LAKE TO STRING LAKE/LEIGH LAKE TRAILHEAD
- Distance and elevation gain/loss: 17 miles, +2,000 ft
- Primary trail(s) used: Teton Crest Trail, Paintbrush Canyon Trail
- Terrain description: Steep descents and lush canyon
- Notable features or side quests: Paintbrush Divide
- Key water sources: Cascade Creek
- Campsite location: Not applicable (end of hike)
- Wildlife or safety notes: Steep descents require caution
- Trail tip: Plan for a long day; descend carefully
---
CAMPSITE INTEL
- Camp names and elevation: Marion Lake (~9,300 ft), Sunset Lake (~9,200 ft)
- Fire restrictions: Fires prohibited; use camp stoves
- Bear safety and food storage: Bear canisters required
- Best views (sunrise/sunset): Marion Lake, Sunset Lake
- Noise level or solitude factor: Moderate solitude
- Nearest water source: Available at all campsites
---
WEATHER & ALTITUDE NOTES
- Typical temps: 30°F to 60°F in September
- Sun exposure: High UV at elevation
- Acclimatization tips: Spend a night at basecamp before starting
---
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 balance on uneven terrain
---
OPTIONAL UPGRADES
- Scenic side trips: Alaska Basin exploration
- Photo-worthy moments: Sunrise at Paintbrush Divide
- Post-hike food or reward suggestion: Dinner in Jackson Hole
---
FINAL BRIEF SUMMARY
- Trail hours per day: 8–10 hours
- Wake/sleep rhythm: Early start, early camp setup
- Estimated calories burned per day: 3,000–4,000 calories
- Water needed per person: 3–4 liters
- Recommended pack weight range: 25–35 lbs
Medical & accessibility considerations: Adjust pace for steep descents; be prepared for altitude effects.
---
Prepare accordingly and respect all wilderness guidelines.
Your expedition awaits, Christopher Nicholas Arace.
---
Missions: Field Debriefs
Every mission here has been completed, but the terrain still speaks. Proceed with respect.
