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Teton Crest Trail: Alaska Basin to North Fork Cascade Canyon
Hiking Trail
Hard
9.95 mi
1,987 ft
One of the most beautiful sections of trail in the Tetons.
Day three of the Teton Crest Trail could be the most scenic day of hiking you'll find anywhere in the Tetons. The route from Alaska Basin to the North Fork Cascade Canyon camping zone is nothing short of spectacular. This section is really the "meat" of the Teton Crest Trail.
The climb out of Alaska Basin past Sunset Lake is gentle and features spectacular 360-degree views. Make sure your camera has enough battery, as the pictures improve with each step along day three!
One highlight of this section is the wildflowers (depending on time of year). Some of the densest concentrations of wildflowers anywhere can be found along this section of the trail—especially coming out of Alaska Basin.
The main event on day three—and perhaps the entire Teton Crest Trail—is Hurricane Pass. You reach the pass not too long after getting above Alaska Basin. The views from the pass are epic. The South, Middle, and Grand Tetons loom right in front of you. Mount Moran and the Schoolroom Glacier are also visible. Spend some quality time at the Pass, as everyone should appreciate one of the finest viewpoints in the Tetons.
The trail following Hurricane Pass does not disappoint. Waterfalls abound and the area is quite lush, offering a slightly different feel from Hurricane Pass. Descending along the way, you eventually reach the South Fork Cascade Canyon camping area.
You can either camp in the South Fork Cascade Canyon zone or push on to the North Fork Cascade Canyon zone further ahead. Both camping zones are great and you will not be disappointed by either. The designated sites at the top of the South Fork zone have the best views.
After passing the Cascade Canyon trail junction, you are in the trees for a bit but once in the open, the views are fantastic. The views of the Grand from this section of the trail are just incredible.
There are several designated camping sites in the North Fork zone and most of them have fabulous views. If possible, choose one of the sites with views of the Grand. This section of campsites rivals anywhere else on the trail for most impressive campsites.
Overall, this incredible day along the Teton Crest will take you above Alaska Basin, over Hurricane Pass, and past the South, Middle, and Grand Tetons. Cherish every moment on one of the most beautiful sections of trail the National Park System has to offer. Written by Jason Weiss
Day three of the Teton Crest Trail could be the most scenic day of hiking you'll find anywhere in the Tetons. The route from Alaska Basin to the North Fork Cascade Canyon camping zone is nothing short of spectacular. This section is really the "meat" of the Teton Crest Trail.
The climb out of Alaska Basin past Sunset Lake is gentle and features spectacular 360-degree views. Make sure your camera has enough battery, as the pictures improve with each step along day three!
One highlight of this section is the wildflowers (depending on time of year). Some of the densest concentrations of wildflowers anywhere can be found along this section of the trail—especially coming out of Alaska Basin.
The main event on day three—and perhaps the entire Teton Crest Trail—is Hurricane Pass. You reach the pass not too long after getting above Alaska Basin. The views from the pass are epic. The South, Middle, and Grand Tetons loom right in front of you. Mount Moran and the Schoolroom Glacier are also visible. Spend some quality time at the Pass, as everyone should appreciate one of the finest viewpoints in the Tetons.
The trail following Hurricane Pass does not disappoint. Waterfalls abound and the area is quite lush, offering a slightly different feel from Hurricane Pass. Descending along the way, you eventually reach the South Fork Cascade Canyon camping area.
You can either camp in the South Fork Cascade Canyon zone or push on to the North Fork Cascade Canyon zone further ahead. Both camping zones are great and you will not be disappointed by either. The designated sites at the top of the South Fork zone have the best views.
After passing the Cascade Canyon trail junction, you are in the trees for a bit but once in the open, the views are fantastic. The views of the Grand from this section of the trail are just incredible.
There are several designated camping sites in the North Fork zone and most of them have fabulous views. If possible, choose one of the sites with views of the Grand. This section of campsites rivals anywhere else on the trail for most impressive campsites.
Overall, this incredible day along the Teton Crest will take you above Alaska Basin, over Hurricane Pass, and past the South, Middle, and Grand Tetons. Cherish every moment on one of the most beautiful sections of trail the National Park System has to offer. Written by Jason Weiss
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Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08/14/10 Moose, WY | 0.61 mi | 331 ft | 10.2% |
| Teton Park Rd Climb | 1.48 mi | 912 ft | 11.6% |
| Hurricane Pass Up from the South | 1.11 mi | 797 ft | 13.5% |
| Unnamed Rd Climb | 0.56 mi | 850 ft | 28.6% |