![]() Rent, don’t buy, essential gear: Bear bins and bear spray are necessary when camping in the Tetons (see above), but visitors to the park can save a lot of money renting gear locally rather than buying themselves. Be sure to keep your distance from the herbivores as well as the carnivores all can be quite ornery (especially during the rut) and have caused loads of problems for naïve photographers who get too close. Wolves, mountain lions, bison, moose, and elk are all present in the park. Bear canisters are required and spray is highly, highly recommended for every member of your party. This can be a highlight of the trip, but only if one is prepared. Plan for a wildlife encounter: The Teton Crest is one of the best trails in North America for spotting big game wildlife up close and personal. By the time are visitor center opened, there were roughly 10 parties waiting. ![]() ![]() We arrived at 6am sharp and were already the second group in line. Be forewarned that the lines for these permits form early at the visitor centers, and one should arrive early to ensure first pick of the available sites. This is how the remaining two-thirds of sites are filled. Book a “first-come first-serve permit” either the day of, or day prior to, your intended reservation.One-third of backcountry sites will be booked this way. This requires you to know your dates and place a non-refundable deposit. Book an “advance permit” during the online registration period which usually opens for the coming year in early January.There are two methods for securing a GTNP backcountry permit: This is especially important on the Teton Crest, as it is the park’s most renowned long-distance route. Grab your permit early: Backcountry campsites are in high demand within Grand Teton National Park (GTNP), so it is important to register for a permit early and build a little extra slack into your travel plans should your route need to be modified. There is no better way to explore the beautiful Grand Teton National Park than hiking the remote Teton Crest Trail. We turned every corner and topped every hill with a heightened sense of anticipation, never sure when we would be faced with a moose, bear, pristine alpine lake, or stunning mountain vista. Still, the best things come to those who work for them, and the payoff of the Teton Crest is unparalleled. Over the course of over 40 miles hikers must brave steep, rugged terrain, wildlife, and the potential for inclement weather. Make no mistake about it, the journey is difficult. In summary: Perhaps the best of the great American backpacking trips I have been on, the Teton Crest Trail is a route that all serious hikers should have at the very top of their travel bucket list. Gear: Standard + bear canisters (GPS/PLB recommended) Teton Crest Trail Grand Teton National Park, Wyomingĭifficulty: Hard (no facilities, elevation change, rough terrain, and wildlife)
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