Death Canyon in Grand Teton National Park

Death Canyon is a fairly popular hike in Grand Teton National Park of around 8-9 miles roundtrip; much of it is moderate incline. The trailhead is accessed about 3 miles south of Moose off of Moose-Wilson Road.; the road in is about 1.6miles and fairly rough and rutted; drive carefully. The hike starts with a fairly moderate climb to Phelps Lake Overlook at just under a mile. I would advise you to bring plenty of water and some bear spray also. There will likely be other hikers on the trail, but not near as many as some of the more popuar trails in the park. I hiked  this trail in midsummer of 2010 with longtime friend Al Stangl. next

This is the view from Phelps Lake Overlook; about 9/10 a mile from the trailhead; it's a great place to catch your breath for the next portion of the trail. next

This section of trail is at the top of the switchbacks just after Phelps Lake Overlook.  next

After you leave Phelps Lake Overlook, you continue down the trail  through a few switchbacks around 7/10 of a mile to  a trail junction; the left goes to Phelps Lake, the right goes into Death Canyon. Around this point, you can see up into the upper reaches of the canyon and it's a little intimidating. Although the grade isn't as bad as it looks from the bottom of the canyon, it's about 1.5 miles to the upper reaches of the canyon where the grade lessens; until then,  it is a constant uphill grind. The scenery gets better and better as you ascend; both sides of the canyon are soaring granite walls popular with climbers. The canyon feels much more vertical and closed-in than the more popular Cascade Canyon Trail. If you hang in long enough, the canyon eventually flattens and the hiking gets much easier.  next

this is the view from the steep section of the hike; the trail runs close to the river for much of this stretch.  next

this is the river near the upper portion of the canyon; clouds were forming at this point and we heard thunder; at this elevation, lightning is a common and dangerous phenomenon; the storms move in very quickly.  next

This is one of my favorite stretches of   the stream in Death Canyon.  next

you usually see several of these cute little marmots along the trail; don't feed them! next

this is Phelps Lake from the trail. (next)

As you exit the mouth of the canyon, you hike down to the trail junction; the right takes you to Phelps Lake; the left takes you back up the switchbacks to Phelps Lake Overlook and then down to the trailhead. By the time you hike back to this point, the switchbacks will seem far steeper and longer than when you first descended! Hang in there; it's all downhill once you make the top of the hill. We ran out of water well before finishing; make sure to bring plenty. All in all, it is possibly the most beautiful hike in Grand Teton National Park.