Classic Teton Crest Trail

This point-to-point route begins at the Granite Canyon Trailhead and ends at the Leigh Lake Trailhead. From the Granite Canyon Trailhead, head west for 1.6 miles towards the junction with the Valley Trail. Turn right, then make an immediate left at 1.7 miles to enter Granite Canyon. Climb steadily alongside Granite Creek, gaining 2,500 vertical feet over the next several miles. At 6.5 miles, pass the South Fork Granite Canyon Trail on the left and continue straight. At 8.5 miles, reach the junction at Fox Creek Pass. Turn right (north) onto the Teton Crest Trail. Pass Marion Lake on the left at 9.1 miles. Continue north along the shelf beneath Spearhead Peak. At 11.4 miles, reach the three-way intersection with the Death Canyon Trail and turn left (north) to continue along the Death Canyon Shelf. At 14.7 miles, cross Mount Meek Pass and descend into Alaska Basin. At 15.0 miles, pass the Devil's Staircase junction on the left and continue straight. Ford the South Fork of Teton Creek. At 17.1 miles, pass the first junction with Buck Mountain Pass and keep right. At 17.8 miles, pass the junction with the Alaska Basin Trail and stay left. At 18.2 miles, near Sunset Lake, stay right at the junction with the second Buck Mountain Pass Trail. Climb the switchbacks to Hurricane Pass at 19.9 miles. Descend into the South Fork of Cascade Canyon, passing Schoolroom Glacier on the right. At 21.3 miles, keep left at the junction with Avalanche Divide Trail. At 25.0 miles, reach the junction with the Cascade Canyon Trail and turn left (north) onto the North Fork Cascade Canyon Trail. At 27.5 miles, reach Lake Solitude. From Lake Solitude, climb 1,600 vertical feet to Paintbrush Divide at 29.7 miles. This section can hold steep snow late into the summer; traction and an ice axe are often required. From the divide, descend into Paintbrush Canyon. At 31.1 miles, turn left to visit Holly Lake, or continue straight on the Paintbrush Canyon Trail. At 36.1 miles, reach the String Lake Loop junction and turn left. Follow the trail along String Lake to finish at the Leigh Lake Trailhead at 37.6 miles.