Table Mountain is a must do hike not to be missed in the Tetons. The top of Table Mountain offers the best vantage point in the Tetons for close-up views of the massive west face of the Grand, upper reaches of Cascade Canyon, and the U-shaped glacial valleys and canyons on the west side of the Tetons. This hike is widely regarded as one of the most outstanding in the entire region and it bears the signature of the essence of the Grand Tetons.

This 11-mile roundtrip hike seems much longer than it really is because of the 4,000-foot elevation gain. The route follows the North Fork Teton Creek for several miles to about the 9,000-foot elevation where it leaves the North Teton creek and heads west up some switchbacks. After climbing about another 1,000 feet the trail reaches a ridge top where it flattens out some before the last section of uphill to the top. The trail up Table Mountain has a tendency to disappear from time to time so bring a map and compass. The last uphill pitch is deceptively steep and some hikers give up here just below the summit. Here at 11,000 ft some who are not used to this kind of altitude sometimes have problems especially after a 4,000-foot elevation gain. The last 100 feet or so is up through some rock for some easy scrambling.

Cresting the top of Table Mountain you come face to face with the Grand Teton only one mile away and you realize the payday for your effort. Cascade Canyon drops nearly 3,000 feet below you, which makes the views of the Grand Teton (elevation 13,770 feet) look all the grander. The Middle and South Tetons are the huge peaks just to the south of the Grand.

Table Mountain is an eleven mile round trip and it takes about 11 or 12 hours, but it could be done in six or eight if you really hustle. The elevation gain is 4,000' and the Summit Elevation is 11,300 feet. The hiking terrain starts through forest slopes at first then passes through the sub alpine zone and ends up in flat snowfields and rocky slopes above timberline. There is a stream at the trailhead, but no creeks or springs along the trail after that. Be sure to take lots of water, as you will need it. You can expect afternoon thunderstorms throughout the spring and summer.

Getting there

From Driggs Idaho drive 6.3 miles up Ski Hill Road you pass through the town of Alta WY then after about a mile you turn right up Teton Canyon Road, go a little more than 4 miles, where you will cross two bridges that are close together and are single lane, just before you get to the trailhead.