- 11 miles to the top of Table Mountain (7 hours);
- Strenuous with 4,151 feet of elevation gain to the top of Table; traverses involve more elevation gain and loss
- Trailhead: Teton Canyon, off of Ski Hill Road just past Alta, Wyoming
Overview
Teton Canyon is undoubtedly one of the best spots to start a trip on the western side of the Tetons. From here, you can bag the top of Table Mountain, which on a clear day gives stunning views of the less-seen west face of the Grand Teton and surrounding peaks, or hike up to beautiful Alaska Basin and the steep and striking Devil’s Stairs. If you’re looking for a challenge, runners enjoy doing the entire traverse of the Tetons in one day – just be sure to arrange a shuttle beforehand. There are also a plethora of camping options in the Teton Canyon campsite and along the trails.
Trailhead
The Teton Canyon trailheads are located at the end of Teton Canyon. From Driggs, Idaho, take Ski Hill Road past Alta, Wyoming until you reach Teton Canyon. The 4.5-mile dirt road passes a campsite before ending in a parking lot just before the wilderness boundary. Table Mountain is accessed from the North Teton Canyon Trailhead, Devil’s Stairs from the South Teton Canyon Trailhead.
Trail Details
Table Mountain
- 11 miles, round-trip
- 7 hours
- 4,151 feet elevation gain
- Strenuous out-and-back
- North Teton Canyon Trailhead
Devil’s Stairs
- 3.9 miles to Devil’s Stairs
- 4 hours
- 1,565 feet elevation gain
- Moderate out-and-back
- South Teton Canyon Trailhead
Plan & Prepare
Hikers up Teton Canyon should bring extra food and water and be prepared for the weather to change suddenly – have extra layers and keep an eye out for possible thunderstorms as the top is long and exposed.
The Teton Canyon Campsite usually has spots open, but on busy weekends may fill. Once you leave the trailhead, permits aren’t needed to camp until you reach Grand Teton National Park. Bear-proof containers are needed for food storage. Water is available at the campsite during the summer.
The Teton Canyon Road closes to vehicles (it is groomed and open to Nordic skiing and snowmobiles) from the first cattle grate in late November, depending on snowfall, and stays closed until late April or May. At higher elevations, snow may linger until late June or July.
