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BPX 5-Day: Granite Canyon TH to Jenny Lake (Grand Teton National Park)


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BPX 5-Day: Granite Canyon TH to Jenny Lake (Grand Teton National Park)

Experience one of America's premier backpacking routes on this spectacular 32-mile journey through the heart of Grand Teton National Park. Beginning at the Granite Canyon TH, the route climbs through forests, waterfalls, and alpine meadows before joining the famed Teton Crest South Trail. We'll traverse the breathtaking Death Canyon Shelf, where expansive views of the surrounding peaks and valleys make this one of the park's signature alpine landscapes. Continuing north along the Teton Crest, we'll cross high mountain passes, visit pristine alpine basins, and descend through the dramatic glacial scenery of Cascade Canyon before finishing at Jenny Lake.

Suggested Backpacking Section (BPX) itinerary for 5-day trip to be used for CMC trips led by BPX leaders for BPX members.

Day 1: Shuttle car between Jenny Lake and the Granite Canyon TH, expect road construction and delays. From the Granite Canyon TH, hike west on the Granite Canyon Trail to the Lower Granite Canyon Group Site (5.3 miles, +1,490 / -30 ft.).

Route: Day 1 (See overall map LINK below)

Day 2: Hike west on the Granite Canyon Trail and then north on the Teton Crest Trail to the Death Canyon Shelf Group Site (7.7 miles, +2,070 / -520 ft.).

Route: Day 2 (See overall map LINK below)

Day 3: Hike north on the Teton Crest Trail to the Alaska Basin Group Site (5.1 miles, +870 / -670 ft.).

Route: Day 3 (See overall map LINK below)

Day 4: Hike north on the Teton Crest Trail, and then north to the North Fork Cascade Canyon Group Site (8.2 miles, +1,410 / -2,670 ft.)

Route: Day 4 (See overall map LINK below)

Day 5: Hike south on North Fork Cascade Canyon Trail, and then east on Cascade Canyon Trail to Jenny Lake (5.6 miles, +40 / -1,650 ft.). Take the ferry from Cascade Canyon TH to Jenny Lake Loop TH (Cost: $15 for one-way ticket).

Route: Day 5 (See overall map LINK below)

Overall Route: 32.0 miles, +6,390 / -5,950 ft.

NOTE(S):

  1. Always practice Leave No Trace techniques.
  2. Please view this LINK with everything you need to know about Grand Teton National Park (GTNP).
  3. Permits are required for backcountry sites in the GTNP, and sites are designated. Find permits for Grand Teton National Park here.
  4. Grand Teton National Park Rules & Regulations
  5. CalTopo Map
  6. Driving Directions: From the Colorado Mountain Club (Golden, CO) to the Granite Canyon TH.
  • Length: 32.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 6,390 ft
  • 10,537 ft
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  • 202 Grand Teton National Park
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