Alaska Basin Backpack

• Shuttle to Trailhead: 90+ minutes
• Hiking Mileage: 7.5 miles
• Elevation Gain: 2200 feet

This Tetons backpacking trip begins with pick you up at your hotel in Jackson Hole, after which we proceed to the trailhead. After a final pack-fitting we’ll begin our hike up the trail toward Alaska Basin. Today is a sustained uphill hike but we are richly rewarded with stunning mountain scenery along the entire length of our hike. We’ll take frequent breaks to savor the views, snack, and keep our energy high. If we are lucky we may spot moose grazing near the creek. As we climb higher into the mountains and closer to camp we’ll be presented with amazing views back down the canyon behind and below us. Before too long we’ll find ourselves in stunning Alaska Basin, a rocky cirque comprised of alpine lakes and cascading creeks that slice through wildflower-filled meadows. Alaska Basin is surrounded by the towering cliffs and summits of the Teton Range. Once in camp we’ll relax and enjoy some rest in one of the most beautiful settings in the Rockies. We’ll end the day around a campfire with a hearty backcountry dinner, and later a much-deserved night of sleep.

• Hiking Mileage: 6-8 miles
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 1400 feet

We’ll start our second day with a steaming cup of coffee or tea and a feast of a breakfast. Then it’s off to explore these amazing mountains! On this trip we stay in the same camp for multiple nights, allowing us to explore the Tetons’ high country with light day packs. Today we’ll tackle the Death Canyon Shelf, which is a spectacular terrace that runs two and a half miles in length above the cliffs of Death Canyon. Death Canyon is a breathtaking gorge that slices through the mountains toward Jackson Hole. Today’s hike offers spectacular views of the Teton Crest, including the Grand, Middle, and South Teton peaks. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch at our high point on the Shelf before turning back toward camp.

Back at camp we’ll have time to relax before we gather for another exceptional backcountry dinner and roaring campfire!

• Hiking Mileage: 6 miles
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 1800 feet

Today is for many guests the highlight of this trip! We’ll have a quick breakfast to facilitate an early start, and then begin our hike to the absolutely stunning and unforgettable Hurricane Pass. Our hike is relatively arduous today, with elevation gaina and loss of nearly 2,000 feet, and at elevation (over 10,000 feet). Breathtaking, expansive views (and photography opportunities!) of the Grand Tetons await at the high perch of Hurricane Pass. The pass also offers incredible views down into multiple basins surrounded by an out-of-this-world landscape of recently deposited moraine, snow fields, alpine lakes, and glaciers. We’ll take our time to savor the views and the experience of being in this richly rewarding place. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch and eventually return to camp.

We’ll celebrate our last night in the wilderness with a hearty feast and another cozy campfire before turning in for a very restful night of sleep.

• Hiking Mileage: 7.5 miles
• Elevation Loss: 2200 feet
• Shuttle to Jackson: 90+ minutes

We’ll wake up, enjoy a hot breakfast and tea/coffee before breaking camp and beginning our careful descent down Teton Canyon. Although we’re going down the route we ascended on Day 1, the views are amazingly difference since we’re looking back toward the lower valleys instead of up at the high peaks. We’ll keep our eyes out for wildlife as we descend, and eventually arrive back at the trailhead. We’ll shuttle back to Jackson Hole for much deserved beds and showers, and say our fond farewells at the conclusion of this extraordinary trip.