Alaska Basin Loop

Dogs No Dogs

Features Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Geological Significance · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Alaska Basin is a pristine drainage, running with many streams and springs. Its a wonder why it isn't part of the National Park! The route drawn out here was my first backpack in the Tetons and still stands out as my favorite. It touches upon classic views of the Tetons and explores glaciers, alpine meadows, and lakes while staying mostly away from the crowds. There is an optional off-trail outing to Kit Lake which overlooks Snowdrift Lake in the wild Avalanche Canyon which is highly recommended.

Bears are commonly seen in Alaska Basin. Use a bear proof container, as you'll not find trees to hang a bag.

This trip is designed as a backpacking adventure for 2 nights with three 8 mile days.

From Teton Canyon trailhead, begin hiking on the worn South Teton Trail. After about a mile, the heavy wooded canyon opens, and the wildflowers (if early summer) are densely seen throughout this beautiful canyon. At 2.7 miles, take a right at the junction for Devil's Staircase Trail. The trail steeply ascends the canyon wall for over 1,200 vertical feet before reaching the shelf.

Be sure to take a look around Alaska Basin behind you as you struggle upwards. On the shelf, continue about 3 miles, passing The Wedge on your right to Mount Meek Pass. At the pass you'll be entering into Grand Teton National Park. Make a right onto Death Canyon Shelf. Less than a mile down from the pass, you'll be entering the Death Canyon Shelf backcountry camping area. Spend the night here and enjoy the epic views of Death Canyon and Jackson Hole below.

On day two, backtrack to Mount Meek Pass. Then continue down Sheep Steps into Alaska Basin. Soon you'll cross the South Fork of Teton Creek and by the Basin Lakes before climbing up the other side of the basin. The trail passes Sunset Lake after the first climb and then to Hurricane Pass. Take the Hurricane Pass trail down into the South Fork of Cascade Canyon.

You'll see the small but impressive Schoolroom Glacier below. Either continue down to the backcountry camping zone a mile down in Cascade Canyon, or hang a right on Avalanche Divide and continue to Kit Lake if you have a bivy permit for the area.

The Avalanche Divide trail ascends the pass between The Wall and South Teton. On the other side is Avalanche Canyon, Kit Lake, and Snowdrift Lake. Just down a few 100 vertical feet and you'll be at Kit Lake. Facing mountains are Vieled Peak and Mount Wister. Backtrack to Hurricane Pass.

At Hurricane Pass, take Roaring Creek Trail back down to the South Fork of Teton Creek, closing the loop which circumnavigates Battleship Mountain. Once on the South Teton Trail, you'll be back at the trailhead soon.