Table Mountain

Along part of Wyoming's western edge with Idaho lies the Teton Mountain Range, which offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.  The most dramatic views come from the east side of the range, where there are no foothills to block the mighty peaks that reach skyward.  Before there was ever any proposal to designate the area as a national park, the Teton region served as a seasonal hunting ground for the Native American inhabitants.  Later various European explorers arrived and the region became famous for its fur trade.  Today outdoor enthusiasts from around the globe come to take on the physical challenges, and absorb the natural beauty the area has to offer.  About 2.5 miles behind the Grand Teton sits Table Mountain (referred to by many locals as Table Rock), which provides a nontechnical approach for spectacular views in all directions.  Though a long hike in and of itself, climbing Table Mountain can give you a great sense of achievement in the shadow of the main Teton peaks.  This hike is best accomplished when taken during the late-summer to early-fall seasons when the trail is mostly free of snow.

To reach the trailhead from Driggs, Idaho, head east from the traffic light along Little Avenue, which turns into Ski Hill Road and curves northeastward outside of town.  At about 4.0 miles the road crosses into Wyoming at the "Welcome to Alta, Wyoming" sign.  Upon reaching 6.6 miles from the traffic light, turn right (southeastward) onto the Teton Canyon Road and drive to the trailhead near the end of the road.  This is a well-graded dirt road that extends eastward approximately 4.4 miles to the trailhead and a camping ground.

View looking across a meadow towards
the end of the North Fork of Teton Creek

The Grand Teton with Table Mountain to
the right taken from the end of a ridgeline

The trail described in this post begins at the North Teton Trailhead sign located at the east edge of the parking area west of the stream.  Another trail known as the Face Trail begins at the parking area east of the stream, and though shorter, it is much steeper and not officially maintained.  For about the first three-quarters of a mile, the North Teton Trail climbs several hundred feet in elevation and enters the Jedediah Smith Wilderness Area before leveling out some.  Beyond this point the trail passes through alpine meadows and groves of evergreens for about three miles.  Fallen logs were used to cross the stream in several places while boardwalks provide easy access over the swampy areas.  Bear and moose have been observed in this part of the canyon – so keep an eye out for them and take the necessary precautions.  Close to 3.8 miles from the trailhead, the route curves westward and becomes steeper as it climbs the ridge extending west from Table Mountain.  Snow often remains along the upper part of the trail switchbacks well into the summer months.  The top of the ridge is reached at approximately 4.7 miles, which is just under 10,000 feet elevation.  Here you have a splendid view in all directions, including the Grand Teton with Table Mountain off to the right.  This is a good stopping point if you're running short on time and/or lacking strength to hike the remaining distance.  From this point the trail descends slightly and then regains elevation again further along the ridge.  The Face Trail also merges into the route near the bottom of the slight descent.  As you proceed towards Table Mountain the dwarfed clusters of evergreens eventually give way to alpine tundra.  A field of rocks is crossed at one point with several cairns marking the way.  Reaching the 11,106-foot summit of Table Mountain involves scrambling up a rocky slope from the tundra below.  Once on top the feelings of exhilaration kick in – only to realize that the summit of Grand Teton soars just over a half-mile above your head!  Distance from the trailhead to the summit of Table Mountain is approximately 6.4 miles one-way with an elevation gain of 4,115 feet.

The final part of the climb just
below Table Mountain

The Grand Teton viewed from the summit
of Table Mountain – Photo credit: Schmitty