Top 5 Mountain Passes in the Teton Range

For experienced hikers seeking a challenge, the Teton Range offers several strenuous passes. Paintbrush Divide, at 10,720 feet (3,270 m), is known for its varied terrain and dramatic views, often holding snow until mid-July. Hurricane Pass, at approximately 10,338 feet (3,151 m), is a pedestrian pass accessible via the Teton Crest Trail, offering incredible panoramic views of the Teton peaks. The highest mountain pass along any maintained trail in Grand Teton National Park is Static Peak Divide, at about 10,800 feet (3,300 m), providing expansive views of the Teton Range and Jackson Hole.

The best time to visit the mountain passes for hiking is generally from late spring to early fall. Many high-alpine passes, such as Paintbrush Divide and Static Peak Divide, can hold snow until mid-July, potentially requiring specialized equipment like an ice axe. Always check current trail conditions with park rangers before attempting high-elevation routes.

While many passes in the Teton Range are challenging, some areas offer more accessible options. The Old Pass Road at Teton Pass - Jackson Hole Community Pathway summit has been converted into a gradual access trail without car traffic, making it suitable for a less strenuous outing. For easier hikes in the region, you can explore routes like Mount Elly via Black Canyon Trail or the Alpine North Loop, which are part of the Easy hikes in the Teton Range guide.

The mountain passes in the Teton Range offer breathtaking views and diverse natural features. From Teton Pass Summit, you can enjoy stunning vistas of Jackson Hole and the Teton Valley. Passes like Hurricane Pass and Paintbrush Divide provide panoramic views of iconic peaks such as the Grand, Middle, and South Teton, Mount Moran, and Mount Owen, along with alpine meadows, wildflowers, and glacial features like Schoolroom Glacier near Hurricane Pass. Death Canyon Shelf offers classic Teton scenery, a lake-dotted basin, and views of Death Canyon below.

Yes, permits are generally required for backcountry camping within Grand Teton National Park, which includes areas around many of the high mountain passes like Death Canyon Shelf. While hiking to the passes typically doesn't require a permit for day use, it's always advisable to check with the park service for the most current regulations, especially for overnight stays or specific trail access.

Beyond hiking the passes themselves, the Teton Range offers a wide array of outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, such as the Jenny Lake & Snake River loop, detailed in the Cycling in the Teton Range guide. For runners, trails like the Cascade Creek loop from Jenny Lake are available in the Running Trails in the Teton Range guide. Teton Pass is also a popular spot for backcountry skiing, snowboarding, and mountain biking.

Yes, Teton Pass Summit provides access to Grand Targhee Resort. It's a direct route into Jackson Hole from the west, and in winter, skiers and snowboarders frequently use it to reach the resort.

Teton Pass, located at 8,431 feet (2,570 m), features a series of switchbacks and is known for its steep terrain. While it offers scenic overlooks of Jackson Hole, drivers should be aware of potential road conditions, including a recent landslide that caused a major road failure. It's advisable to avoid driving travel trailers over it due to the challenging terrain. The Old Pass Road is now a car-free pathway.

While popular passes can attract many visitors, areas like Death Canyon Shelf are considered hidden gems. This narrow plateau, extending for almost 4 miles, is deep in the backcountry and requires a 10-mile hike to access. It offers classic Teton scenery and spectacular views, making it a coveted camping zone for those seeking solitude away from the main crowds.

The Teton Range is rich in wildlife. When exploring passes like Static Peak Divide, especially through Death Canyon, you have good opportunities for wildlife sightings. The diverse ecosystems around these passes support a variety of animals, though specific sightings are never guaranteed. Always maintain a safe distance and never feed wildlife.

Fox Creek Pass is a notable mountain pass in the Teton Range. From here, an easy gravel path leads to Pass Lake, which offers an epic mirrored view of Spearhead Peak. The west shore of Pass Lake marks the boundary of Grand Teton National Park, and dispersed camping is permitted there without a permit, provided you are 200 feet from the trail and any water sources.

The Paintbrush Divide Loop is a spectacular and challenging hike that traverses the Paintbrush Divide. This loop is renowned for its varied terrain, including lush forests, alpine meadows filled with wildflowers, and dramatic views. From the divide, hikers are treated to breathtaking vistas of iconic peaks such as Mount Moran, Mount Woodring, Rockchuck Peak, the Grand Teton, and Mount Owen, as well as glimpses of Lake Solitude and Mica Lake.