Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
This outstanding hike offers solitude, wildflowers galore and stunning high-alpine scenery
without the crowds on the eastern side. While it is a long haul (12 miles round-trip), it is
straightforward for experienced hikers. If you are inexperienced, the stream crossings and
steep sections make it advisable for you to go with someone experienced. The trail is op-
timal after snow pack has melted (early July through September). The final scramble onto
Table Mountain can be slippery - tread carefully.
To get here, heading north through Driggs, take a right at the traffic light (toward Tar-
ghee Ski Resort). Take a right onto a gravel road (6.5 miles) when the road forks toward
Teton Campground. Just past the campground there are two parking lots. Park in the first
and follow the trail for Table Mountain. The Teton Campground next door provides a
good base for day hikes.
The hike features significant elevation change and the first section is a thigh- burner.
Ascend a steep forested trail to a lovely
wildflower meadow
dotted with aspens and fre-
quented by moose. The next part of the hike is more mellow, with a slow ascent that re-
quires crossing the north fork of
Teton Creek
several times (note: there are plans to
reroute the trail by 2013 to avoid these crossings). Meanwhile, you may have to wade
once or twice. Hiking poles and sandals are a great help here.
After the last stream crossing, the trail winds through a tall pine forest giving way to the
open cirque below Table Mountain. Here you ascend steeply - the trail zigzags with
breathtaking views of the valley below and the Jedediah Smith Wilderness. You may have
to cross a few patches of snow, so step carefully.
Once you achieve the ridge, the rounded knob of Table Mountain appears so close! But
it will take you about an hour and a half to reach its summit, sighting marmots along the
way. Follow the trail as it bends left toward Table Mountain. Once there, ascend the steep,
crumbly rock with care, using the least steep path.
The flat-top summit of
Table Mountain
(11,106ft) affords great gawping views of the
Grand Teton, Alaska Basin and the western slope of the peaks. Make sure you save time
to drink it all in. Photographer William H Jackson took the first photos of the Grand Teton
here, during the 1872 Hayden Survey. Head down at a reasonable hour since snowmelt
will increase the runoff in the streams and make the crossing more challenging as the day
goes on.
Moose and bear frequent this trail.
HIKING
Devil's Staircase to Alaska Basin
Get ready for an epic trek. This one, nine hours and 15.7 miles, is stunning - savor it best
by overnighting in Alaska Basin. This moderate-to-difficult loop can be done in either dir-
