Teton Crest Trail
~4 days · 40 mi · moderate · Multi-day trek
Quick facts
What the Teton Crest Trail is known for
The Teton Crest Trail traverses the high country of Grand Teton National Park, known for its close-up views of the Teton range and passages through zones like Death Canyon Shelf and the Alaska Basin.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 6,877 ft to 10,620 ft over 40 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 14.1 mi · 49%
- Downhill 11.8 mi · 41%
- Flat 3.0 mi · 10%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Teton Crest Trail?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Teton Crest Trail scores 32/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Best season & permits
Season: Mid-July through September.
Permits: Backcountry permit required; zones book up early.
Official trail & permit info
Always confirm current conditions, closures, and permit rules with the managing authority before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Teton Crest Trail take?
Most backpackers hike the Teton Crest Trail in about 4 days (3 nights out) over its 40 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Teton Crest Trail?
The Teton Crest Trail climbs roughly 9,000 ft total — about 225 ft per mile, topping out near 10,748 ft.
When is the best time to hike the Teton Crest Trail?
Mid-July through September.
Do you need a permit for the Teton Crest Trail?
Backcountry permit required; zones book up early.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Distance/elevation cross-checked against NPS Grand Teton. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.