| | -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
| |  |
|
1 |
-
|
| | |
|
| Backpack | 17.50 Miles |
3,100 AEG |
| | Backpack | 17.50 Miles | | | |
| 3,100 ft AEG | | 18 LBS Pack | | |
|
|
| |
| Linked |
|
none
[ show ]
| no linked trail guides |
| Partners |
|
none
[ show ]
| no partners | | This one’s been sitting on my list for a couple of years now. I’ve poked around the area before, but only a short distance in, less than a mile, but this year I decided to do the loop.
A small group of us set out from the Teton Canyon Trailhead with Basin Lakes as the goal. We hiked the area as a lollipop loop, starting on the Alaska Basin Trail south to Basin Lakes, then following the Teton Crest Trail southwest before descending the Devils Staircase Trail northwest back to the Alaska Basin Trail. The trail itself is about as good as it gets: smooth, well-kept, borderline national park quality. The catch? Crowds. Both parking lots were overflowing with more than 50 cars apiece when we rolled in around 9am, and the trail showed it. Runners, day hikers, groups everywhere... The traffic eases the closer you get to Basin Lakes, but even then it’s steady, probably averaging six people an hour either direction. Not quite the Tetons, but close enough to feel it.
Clockwise, the elevation gain comes on slow and steady, unless you decide to knock out the staircase first. We saved that for the exit. From trailhead to Basin Lakes, it’s just over 3,100 feet of gain, but it never really feels like it. The grade stays gentle most of the way up.
The Devil’s Staircase, which we left for the hike out, wasn't too bad. The name makes it sound worse than it is. Steep, yes, about 2,000 feet gained or lost in just over a mile but still manageable. The upper section is rocky, exposed, and sharper than it looks on a map, while the lower dirt stretch is loose and irritating underfoot. Add rain, and those dirt sections would turn slick fast, climbing or descending in wet conditions would be rough… Trekking poles on this section would be helpful.
All in all, it’s a solid loop and a good introduction to 'The Jed'. Next time, I’d probably start from Death Canyon for a bigger trip in the future. There is always next year. |
|
Wildflowers Observation Light
The area typically peaks in mid to late July. Near the Basin Lakes, blooms were still showing fairly well, but most flowers in the lower basin were already past their prime. Overall, conditions were pretty dry. |
|
| _____________________
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Route Editor
Route Scout
