Hiking Grand Teton National Park's Backcountry
Death Canyon and Connecting Trails
Death Canyon Area
Death Canyon and the trails leading off of it are part of the less traveled areas of the Grand Teton National Park's backcountry. It is a strenuous hike; expect elevation changes of 1,500 to 2,000 feet over the course of the trail. Plan on spending at least two to 3 nights on the trail, depending which trail you travel and your fitness level. The hike is approximately 30 miles in length.
The most common way to travel through the Death Canyon area is to take the trailhead straight through to Death Canyon camping area. There will be a fork at mile 1.6 on the trail. To hike straight to the canyon, stay to the right-away from Phelps Lake. Camp at Death Canyon and proceed to Death Canyon Shelf the following day. Continue along the Teton Crest Trail through Death Canyon Shelf, and follow the trail past Mt. Peak Pass and into the Alaska Basin area. Hike for 2.2 miles past Mt. Peak Pass and turn right at the fork, heading toward Buck Mountain and Static Peak Divide. Once you pass Static Peak Divide continue until you get back onto the Death Canyon Trail, turn left onto Death Canyon Trail heading away from the canyon and it is less than 4 miles back to the trailhead.
Permits
Permits are required for overnight camping in the Grand Teton National Park backcountry. You can reserve a permit for a fee from January 5 through May 15th. After that you must apply for a permit in person, either on the day before your hike or on the day of the hike. Prepare an alternate route in case a permit is not available for your first choice of hikes. If you are interested in saving money, schedule your hike in the park during one of the National Park Service's No-Fee Weekends.
Hiking the Death Canyon and connecting trails at Grand Teton National Park will reward you with the quiet and solitude that camping in the wilderness should offer. Enjoy your hike, no matter which way you decide to go.
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Published by Lynda Altman
Lynda Altman is a freelance writer, blogger and researcher. Her experience includes published print articles in Family Chronicle Magazine, writing and researching for private clients, and writing online cont... View profile
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- The views from Death Canyon Shelf are spectacular.
- Hiking Death Canyon Trail is suitable for those who are physically fit.
- Follow the Teton Crest Trail into the Alaska Basin Area for an extended hiking experience.