Things You'll Need:
- Backpacking equipment
- Backcountry camping permits
- Physical ability
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Step 1
Prepare for hiking the Teton Crest TrailPREPARE: Before hiking the Teton Crest Trail, you need to prepare. This is a multi-day journey through the wilderness of the Grand Tetons, so you must make sure you have the right supplies with you. You will need a good pack, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, backpacking tent, bear-proof food containers, a Camelbak hydration pack or other water bladder, water filtration supplies, food, sturdy hiking boots, rain gear, quick-drying hiking clothes, warm clothing layers, a map, a compass, a first aid kit, bear spray, trekking poles, a hat, sunglasses, bug spray, sunscreen, toiletries, and a cell phone or GPS. You might also need an ice axe depending on snow levels.
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Step 2
Plan your route along the Teton Crest TrailPLAN: Next you will need to plan your route along the Teton Crest Trail because there are a few options. You can hike up Rendezvous Mountain or Granite Canyon to start. Or you might choose to ride the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Aerial Tram up. Furthermore, you can choose to end your hike in Cascade Canyon, or you can keep going over the Paintbrush Divide into Paintbrush Canyon. Use maps to understand and plan your route exactly and then tell someone who is not going what your expected route will be and when you will finish.
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Step 3
Reserve backcountry campsites along the Teton Crest TrailRESERVE: Once you have your dates picked out and a hiking party formed, it is time to make a reservation for backcountry campsites along the Teton Crest Trail. Grand Teton National Park only takes reservations for backcountry campsites between January 1 and May 15 for that summer and a processing fee is charged. After that date, you can get backcountry campsites for free in person one day in advance at any visitor center that issues backcountry permits. Arrive at the visitor center early to ensure you get a spot because permits are given out on a first-come, first served basis. You can also rent bear-proof food containers from the visitor centers.
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Step 4
Plan ahead for inclement weatherCHECK THE WEATHER: Before setting out on your journey, it is important to get an idea for the possible weather you will be encountering along the Teton Crest Trail. Thunderstorms commonly develop in the afternoons on warm summer days, so it is important that you will not be exposes in a high place (like a divide or mountain peak) during these sensitive times of the day.
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Step 5
Bears are frequently seen along the Teton Crest TrailCHECK BEAR SIGHTINGS: Also before setting out, you should check at the visitor centers for any recent bear sightings in the areas you will be hiking. Sometimes bears accidentally receive food rewards and become more aggressive. To do your part, you should always have your food secured and your packs should never be left unattended unless hung high out of reach.
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Step 6
The Teton Crest TrailHIKE THE TRAIL: You are now ready to hike the amazing Teton Crest Trail!
Comments
alienangel555 said
on 2/1/2009 Wow, really great article. Love all the details and pics. 5