When: 08/19/2016
Location: Grand Teton National Park
Conditions: Sunny, Cloudy, Windy, Rainy
Duration: 3-4 Days
Difficulty: Easy to Strenuous
Kid Friendly? Depends on level of strength and endurance.
Pet Friendly? No
Useful Links: National Parks Service
The Full Report
The Grand Teton Crest Trail is a breathtaking mountain trail blanketed with vegetation, lakes, streams, vast canyons, towering granite peaks, and a fair amount of wildlife. This is 48 mile thru-hike will take you to the heart of the Grand Teton. There are plenty of water sources and campsites to go around. You will need to make reservations and acquire overnight permits.
The convenient way is to park your vehicle at a lake (Jenny Lake, String Lake, or Leigh Lake) and request a shuttle service (call ahead of time) to take you to Granite Canyon Trailhead. The trail is well groomed and marked with signs and cairns. Depending on where you are on the trail, it can range from being pleasant to strenuous. Juggling with elevation changes between 6,500 ft to 11,000 ft. Pay close attention to the weather as it can be sunny one day and have thunderstorms the next. This trail will reward you generously with spectacular sites and leave you in awe when you gaze upon the Grand Tetons. It is worth the trip.
After you complete this marvelous trip, visit Snake River Brewery in Jackson Hole for awesome beer and food.
