daveb
Trail Wise!
Posts: 589 
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Post by daveb on Jun 29, 2016 6:56:52 GMT -8
1. Once I plan my itinerary, how important is it that I stick to the itinerary campsites? My main goal for the Teton Crest Trail is my photography and I don't want to rush it if I get onto something I want to photograph.
2. How hard or easy is it to access Table Mountain from the Teton Crest Trail. ...and can I camp onto of Table Mountain? (I want a sunset photo of the grand)
3. Can I only camp at the designated camp sites on the map?
4. How crowded should I expect the trail to be in late September?
Any other advice would be greatly appreciated.
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Post by Chuck the Mauler on Jun 29, 2016 13:02:22 GMT -8
1. Like Glacier, Yellowstone and most other parks, you need to stay in the camp zones you book. That said, one of the nice things about the Tetons is you can camp anywhere in the "camp zone" which can be 4 miles long. Side note: there is plenty of camping outside the park yet still just off the Crest Trail.
2.From Hurricane Pass it's a pretty straight forward side trip to the summit of Table Mtn. Nothing exposed but a nice scramble toward the top. Yes you can camp near the top just outside the park.
3. There are tons of other camp locations not listed on the map. Just west of Fox Creek Pass, anywhere in the Basin, just west of Hurricane Pass, Kit and Snowdrift Lakes. There is a site at Mica, and TONS of places north of Moran and Paintbrush Canyon. You wont see another soul!!
4. That's the best time of year to go if you're planning to hike the Crest. However, be prepared for snow!! Last year we were off trail in the north end of the park and got snowed in for 3 days. Then had to exit via Bitch Creek to the Idaho side, over 100 road miles from our car.
What other advise would you like? I'm your huckleberry. Say when....
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daveb
Trail Wise!
Posts: 589
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Post by daveb on Jun 29, 2016 14:21:54 GMT -8
I'll call you Mr. Huckleberry with all that help! Thank you!
What would you suggest as of being the best map? I have the map from the visitor's station and I just ordered, "Hiking Grand Teton National Park: A Guide To The Park's Greatest Hiking Adventures (Regional Hiking Series)"
Would that suffice?
As far as my itinerary goes, I think you have me enough to chew on for now but I would definitely like to run my itinerary by you before I head up. Granted, I plan on taking it slow.
I appreciate the snow warning too! I'll definitely make sure we have plenty of food and fuel.
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Post by Chuck the Mauler on Jun 29, 2016 14:39:23 GMT -8
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daveb
Trail Wise!
Posts: 589
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Post by daveb on Jun 30, 2016 5:32:29 GMT -8
I hope it doesn't snow that much! ...but I ain't skeered!
We keep leaning towards a 5 night trip considering my desire to soak it all in. As far as photography, I just can't get enough of any of it and any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
By the way, I love the photo you shared. (I will make sure there are warm clothes in the pack!)
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Post by Chuck the Mauler on Jun 30, 2016 10:22:00 GMT -8
Dave, have you taken any shots from the road there? Moulton Barn, Oxbow Bend, Schwabachers Landing? If not, make sure to spend a sunrise at any of these places on your way in or out of the park.
Where are you staying on your arrival and departure? I will respond here in a bit with what most consider the ideal Teton Crest trail trip including best campsites and side trips.
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Post by Chuck the Mauler on Jun 30, 2016 14:12:55 GMT -8
Death Canyon to Leigh Lake 2011 (Part 1 of 4)
Tram to String Lake 2013
Off trail North of Moran 2014
I've been going once or twice a year for the past 15 plus years. Here are a couple videos to check out. Most of my pics and videos aren't posted on youtube or elsewhere on line. But if you're looking for something specific, let me know.
Not sure why there are 3 of the same videos on the bottom....
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Post by absarokanaut on Jun 30, 2016 19:30:22 GMT -8
All of the sites just outside the park boundary are currently occupied by rejected rainbow family folks.
We have a lit of people in the Tetons these days. Designated camping sites and zones are your friends.
If you have more time in the area check out another of our great ranges without park constraints. Of the almost 20,000,000 acres of the GYE less than 3,000,000 of them are in YNP and GTNP. I wa sover 11,000' Sunday, it was marvelous...and 3 miles from the truck. LEt me know if I can help you find some great photography.
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daveb
Trail Wise!
Posts: 589
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Post by daveb on Jul 1, 2016 5:52:22 GMT -8
All of the sites just outside the park boundary are currently occupied by rejected rainbow family folks I'm not sure if I know what that means. Do I need to bring a stick? This is our first, (girlfriend and I) extended hike. We choose the Tetons since she has family in Alpine just south of Jackson. Sort of our home base when we're up there. Next year it will most likely be the bear tooth area. I like the idea of the Teton Crest Trail to sort of test us and mainly to get my girl friend's confidence built up. She's the one that turned me on to the tetons and since we've began planning on this hike it's been changing both our lives for the better. She's in the best shape she's been in years but her confidence is still null until we get a good hike under our belts. I really appreciate the help guys. Let me watch some videos and chew on some things. I'm sure I will have a few more questions here shortly. Thank you! |
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daveb
Trail Wise!
Posts: 589
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Post by daveb on Jul 1, 2016 6:09:17 GMT -8
Dave, have you taken any shots from the road there? Moulton Barn, Oxbow Bend, Schwabachers Landing? If not, make sure to spend a sunrise at any of these places on your way in or out of the park. Yes Sir! I've got me some wall hangers from each of these places. Only reason I would miss an opportunity is if we are stuffing our face at Nora's.    |
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Post by Chuck the Mauler on Jul 1, 2016 9:53:05 GMT -8
Dave, you wont need to carry a stick. You have to get to know when absarokanuthas has had a few bud lites and get to know his sense of humor. Furthermore, he has helped me with shuttles at least half a dozen times and has been incredibly helpful to me regarding the GYE over the years. Feel free to ask about sites not listed on the Nat. Geo map. There are several great places to camp just off the Crest, not listed on the map. That would be good info in the event you can't pull the exact permit you request. Trip report from our off trail trip 2015 where we got snowed in backcountrypost.com/threads/grand-teton-national-park-september-2015.5184/ |
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Post by absarokanaut on Jul 3, 2016 7:29:19 GMT -8
I think I mentioned this before but a GREAT warm up day hike for you would be Hidden Lake from Strawberry Canyon just outside Bedford, just EAST of Thayne. Went there June '15 and it was STELLAR. If you have some flexibility on a departure day you'll get a great walk up permit. Try to go South to North but go the way the best sites work out. Here is your range from the Absaroka last Sunday. Edit: !@#$ ![rg/z9a5x7qfz/[url=https://postimg.org/image/l2uf1zfkr/][img]https://s25.postimg.oIMG_0176.jpg[/img][/url][url=https://postimage.org/]imag[/url]]() ![]() |
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daveb
Trail Wise!
Posts: 589
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Post by daveb on Jul 5, 2016 9:42:57 GMT -8
How early in the morning should I be at the park station to obtain my permit?
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Post by Chuck the Mauler on Jul 5, 2016 10:58:26 GMT -8
Depends on which sites ( zones) you're after. Marion Lake, Holly Lake and the North Fork Cascade Canyon can be an issue, However, there are ways to work around that. If you're trying to get a permit for either of those 3 zones, best to be at the Jenny Lake Ranger station first thing. Important detail there. Be sure to use the Jenny Lake ranger station rather than the one at the Moose visitor center. MUCH more helpful and knowledgeable there!!
What is the current itinerary? I know you said 5 nights, but where do you hope to spend the most time? Anything off trail?
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daveb
Trail Wise!
Posts: 589
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Post by daveb on Jul 5, 2016 12:44:22 GMT -8
Good to know about the ranger station to use.
I'm still working on the itinerary and I don't have my map with me at the moment. I think I should have something to mull over by the end of the week. I suppose there will be some off trail nights. Marion Lake is what I suppose would be our first night but I read that there was a great view of the Teton just past that and off trail by 1.6 miles. We may try to get a evening shot there and camp.
Still, I'm just now focusing on the itinerary with the info you've given me.
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