Yes, but risky. The trail is well-marked and popular enough that you won't get lost. But if you get injured or weather-locked, you're on your own. Carry a satellite communicator. Better: Hike with a partner who has alpine experience.

Check conditions with Jenny Lake Ranger Station first. Pre-mid-July: Yes—microspikes or crampons are mandatory if snow is present on Mount Hunt Divide. Post-mid-July: Probably not, but carry a light rain layer for afternoon storms. Always bring trekking poles.

Open Canyon

Q: What if the weather turns bad halfway up?

Turn around immediately. Alpine weather changes fast. There is zero shelter at 10,000 feet. A clear morning can become a lightning zone by 2pm. If you see clouds building, descend. The divide will be there next year.

Q: Are there bears or mountain lions?

Bears yes, lions very rarely. Make noise constantly—talk, don't whisper. Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Keep your pack light to move fast if needed. Most wildlife avoids the exposed alpine zone, so threat is low above 9,000 feet.

Q: How much water do I need?

Minimum 2-3 liters. You can filter at Phelps Lake (first 4 miles), but alpine sections are dry. Altitude increases dehydration. Drink before you're thirsty. Many hikers bonk at mile 10 because they underestimated alpine sun and thin air.

Q: Will I be alone, or will there be crowds?

You'll see other hikers, but nothing like easier trails. The strenuous rating filters out casual hikers. You'll have quiet time in the alpine zone. Summer weekends are busier; weekdays are ghost towns.

Overview

About This Trail

Open Canyon is a very strenuous 14.8-mile alpine route that climbs 3,820 vertical feet from Death Canyon Trailhead to Mount Hunt Divide. The trail begins through alpine forests along Phelps Lake shores, then narrows and steepens into technical alpine terrain with switchbacks, steps, and exposed sections. Snow often persists until mid-July, making this a reserved-for-experienced-hikers-only route. The payoff is unmatched divide views, but the grit required is real.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Very strenuous

Trail Highlights

Mount Hunt Divide panoramas of the Jackson Hole valley and Teton Range. Alpine terrain and high-elevation scenery unmatched in the park.

Insider Tips

• The false summit at mile 6.2 will mess with your mind. The true summit push is harder. Bring mental grit. • Most hikers underestimate the descent. Your knees will hate you—trekking poles prevent injury. • The divide is windy and cold even in summer. Carry a windproof jacket at 9,000+ feet. • If snow is present, post-holing above 8,500 feet is exhausting. Check conditions at the ranger station first. • Sunset views from the divide are worth staying 30 minutes—but start descent no later than 4pm.

Best Season to Hike

Summer and Fall

Hiking Tips

Consult the ranger at Jenny Lake about Mount Hunt Divide snow/ice conditions—non-negotiable before you go.
Carry 2-3 liters of water minimum. Alpine sun and thin air will dehydrate you faster than you expect.
Trekking poles are not optional—they save your knees on the descent and provide stability on steep terrain.
Start by 6am. Turn around if conditions deteriorate. The divide will be there next year.
Wear layers. Temperature swings at 10,000+ feet are brutal. Bring a windproof jacket.

Family Info

Not suitable for young children due to steep terrain and exposure. Not recommended for families. Only for teenagers 15+ with significant hiking experience and adult supervision managing exposure risk.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 14.8 miles

Elevation Gain: 3,820 ft

Duration: 8-12 hours for most hikers. Fit mountaineers, 7 hours. Photographers and slower hikers, 12+.

Difficulty: Very strenuous

Route Type: Out and back

Surface: Narrow, steep trail with steps and switchbacks. Early sections through alpine forest with exposed roots. Upper sections on loose scree and alpine meadow. Rocky alpine terrain.

Getting There

Trailhead: Death Canyon Trailhead. Located one mile down a rutted dirt road (low clearance vehicles not recommended). Park in the lot at the road's end.

Requirements

Permit Required

No permit required for day hiking. Backcountry overnight permits required if staying overnight. Visit nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/back.htm for details.

Fees: $35 entrance fee (7-day private vehicle pass). No additional fees for day hiking on this trail.

Shuttle Available

No shuttle required for the Death Canyon route. Alternative: Rendezvous Mountain Trailhead via Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Aerial Tram available to bypass elevation (fees apply; discounted online).

Trail Rules

Dogs: No

Biking: No

Trail Markers: Well-marked trail with cairns and blazes. Snow can obscure markers in early season. Carry a map and know how to use it.

Map/GPS recommended

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: Phelps Lake in the first 4 miles can be filtered. Alpine sections above are dry—carry all water from the trailhead. Bring minimum 2-3 liters.

Shade: Minimal. First 3-4 miles through forest provide partial shade. Alpine section above 9,000 feet is fully exposed. Full sun demands hat, sunscreen, and layers.

Cell Service: Unreliable to nonexistent in the alpine zone. Plan for no service after the first 2 miles.

Hazards:

Snow persists on Mount Hunt Divide until mid-July—do not attempt without proper snow travel equipment and experience. The trail becomes narrow and steep in alpine zone with exposure. Altitude gain of 3,820 feet causes heavy fatigue in unacclimatized hikers. Weather in the alpine zone changes rapidly and dangerously in minutes.

Emergency: Jenny Lake Ranger Station (south of trailhead). Stop there before departure to report your plan and get current Mount Hunt Divide conditions. In emergency, use satellite communicator or hike out.

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Solitary to light. The very strenuous rating keeps casual hikers away, offering quiet alpine experience most days.

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Narrow, steep trail with exposed sections. Not wheelchair or stroller accessible. Not suitable for people with mobility issues or fear of heights.

Family Notes:

Nearby Facilities

Jenny Lake Ranger Station (south of trailhead). Phelps Lake area has basic facilities. Jackson, Wyoming has full services 20+ miles away.

FAQs

Am I fit enough for this trail?

Honest answer: If you can do a 6+ hour day hike with 2,000+ ft gain, you're getting there. This trail demands more. You need alpine experience and serious leg strength. The 3,820 ft gain is not a joke. Train for it. If unsure, do Static Peak Divide first—it's a good altitude-gaining warm-up for this one.

Can I do this alone?

Do I need snow gear?

What if the weather turns bad halfway up?

Are there bears or mountain lions?

How much water do I need?

Will I be alone, or will there be crowds?

🏞️ National Park Service 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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