Teton Crest Trail - North

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Descending off of Hurricane Pass, Teton Crest Trail - North drops like a stone into Alaska Basin with Battleship Mountain (10,521') towering above like an obelisk on your west shoulder. The trail never dips below 9,300', and thus the terrain is completely devoid of trees, providing stunning, unadulterated views of the South Fork Teton Creek and Alaska Basin below.

Once you've reached Sunset Lake, the hard part is complete. Take a breather here and enjoy the views of The Wall as it sits directly above you. After your break, continue south avoiding the trail heading west, and begin a short ascent to Alaska Basin.

Shortly after switchbacking to the basin you'll reach an intersection with Alaska Basin Shelf - stay right here to stay on Teton Crest Trail - North. Continue to follow the trail south as it plummets down into Alaska Basin proper. Bypass South Teton/Buck Mt. Pass Trail as it appears on your right, and shortly after you'll enter the basin. Enjoy the beautiful Basin Lakes and the weird, desolate environment from this vantage.

After perhaps another well-deserved break, hike right (southwest) to avoid Alaska Basin Trail and follow Teton Crest Trail - North as it begins to wind west. Prepare to get your feet wet as you next ford South Fork Teton Creek and continue west along the contours of the basin. At ~3.6 mi the trail turns sharply to the south and you'll begin ascending the Sheep Steps. You'll know your there when you see it - there are some awesome rock formations you have to navigate.

At the top of the Sheep Steps you'll have gained an awesome, massive shelf where views of Mt. Meek (10,681') to your west, and unnamed peaks to your east encompass your current reality. Pass Devil's Staircase Trail on your right, and continue southwest as you approach Mt. Meek Pass (9,718'). This section of Teton Crest ends at Mt. Meek Pass, so nice work!