Hurricane Pass

3 mountain peaks stand tall above a glacially carved valley, a glacial lake, and a small glacier.

This is a very strenuous alpine pass hike reaching 10,400 feet with extreme elevation gain and unforgiving exposure. The reward is dramatic glacier views and panoramic vistas of the Grand, Middle, and South Tetons framing Schoolroom Glacier. The trail climbs 4,120 feet over 20 miles (via shuttle) through Cascade Canyon before a punishing 5-mile uphill push to the pass. Snow persists until mid-July and weather is unpredictable—this is expert mountaineer territory only.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 20
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Very strenuous / Expert only
Elevation Gain Feet: 4120

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 20
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Very strenuous / Expert only
Elevation Gain Feet: 4120
Estimated Time: 12-16 hours
Trail Surface: Rooty and steep. Mixed terrain: flat gravel and dirt in lower Cascade Canyon, then rocky exposed sections with steps, exposed roots, rocks, narrow switchbacks, and potential scrambling on upper alpine slopes. Loose scree likely above 9,000 ft.
Trail Features: Schoolroom Glacier
Hurricane Pass summit (10,400 ft)
Three Tetons panorama (Grand, Middle, South)
Cascade Canyon
Switchback grind
Alpine tundra
Glacier vistas
Trail Highlights: The payoff is two-fold: Schoolroom Glacier comes into full view at mile 15 as you approach the final switchbacks, and Hurricane Pass summit provides 360-degree panoramic views of the Three Tetons, with an aerial perspective of the glacier far below. This is one of Grand Teton's most dramatic alpine vistas—but earned only through extreme effort.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Jenny Lake Trailhead (end of South Jenny Lake access road off Teton Park Road)
Parking Fill Time: Fills by 9 AM in mid-summer; arrive by 7 AM to secure a spot
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: Jenny Lake shuttle boat across the lake cuts 4 miles and 250 ft elevation gain from the route (shuttle option: 20 mi total vs. loop trail: 23.9 mi). Shuttle available seasonally; check jennylakeboating.com for current hours and ticket prices. Tickets purchased directly at boat dock. Shuttle saves 2-3 hours of hiking time if operating.

Permits & conditions

Permits Required: Yes
Permit Details: No permit required for day hike. Backcountry permits REQUIRED for overnight camping. Permits obtained through the Grand Teton Backcountry Office (https://www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/back.htm). Stop at Jenny Lake Ranger Station before departing to discuss conditions, snow status, and obtain permit if camping.
Fees: $35 per private vehicle (7-day pass); $20 per person on foot/bicycle/ski. America the Beautiful Annual Pass accepted.
Trail Status: Seasonally open, summer and fall
Seasonal Closures: Snow blocks trail access until mid-July (verify at ranger station). First heavy snow typically closes trail by late September/early October.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Accessibility: Rooty, steep, and exposed. Trail includes steps, exposed roots, rocks, narrow sections, and steep switchbacks. No wheelchair access. Very physically demanding with constant elevation change. Not suitable for persons with mobility limitations, severe height phobias, or cardiovascular concerns.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Steep elevation gain (relentless switchbacks)
High altitude (10,400 ft—thin air, AMS risk)
Exposure (narrow sections, drop-offs)
Snow until mid-July (avoid without experience)
Unpredictable alpine weather (storms, lightning)
Steep descent (knee-breaking potential)
Loose scree above 9,000 ft
Trail obstacles (steps, exposed roots, rocks)
Bridge crossings (some narrow)
Hazard Details: Trail crosses several bridges with narrow sections. Upper elevations include steep switchbacks, exposed rocks, narrow ledges, and potential drop-offs. Elevation above 10,000 ft causes altitude effects (shortness of breath, lightheadedness, headaches) in unacclimated hikers. Snow and ice persist until mid-July—do not attempt without microspikes/crampons and mountain snow experience. Alpine weather is volatile: afternoon thunderstorms, lightning, wind, and rapid temperature swings are common. Descent is knee-destroying; trekking poles essential.
Crowd Level: Moderate to heavy. Jenny Lake area is popular year-round; Hurricane Pass is less crowded than lower trails but still sees steady July-August traffic.
Peak Crowd Times: July-August (peak season), weekends, holidays. Best solitude: early June (if snow clears) or late September.
Best Season: Summer and Fall (late June through September). Optimal: July-August for weather stability; September for smaller crowds. June entry risky due to snow; October closing in.
Best Time To Visit: Start by 6 AM to secure 12+ hours of daylight. Mid-June through September is the operational window; July-August offers stable weather but peak crowds. Arrive at Jenny Lake parking by 7 AM—lot fills by 9 AM in summer. Check snow conditions at Jenny Lake Ranger Station before departing; snow hazard remains through late June.
Tips Advice: Bring trekking poles—mandatory for steep descent (knee-saving and stability on scree).
Carry 3-4 liters of water minimum; alpine elevation + distance = severe dehydration risk.
Microspikes essential if snow visible above 8,000 ft; crampons if you see ice.
Make noise constantly for bears (carry bear spray if available).
Bring multi-layer system—temperature drops 3-5°F per 1,000 ft gain; weather changes fast.
Start with headlamp battery backup if departing early.
Turn back immediately if weather deteriorates or you're behind schedule at mile 15; sunset is non-negotiable.
Pack emergency whistle, first aid, and topographic map as backup navigation.

More details

Park Area: Jenny Lake
Trail Markers: Well worn trail with established route and named landmarks (Cascade Canyon, Schoolroom Glacier, Hurricane Pass). Bring topographic map and compass backup—alpine sections become less marked in poor visibility.
Dogs Allowed: No
Biking Allowed: No—hiking only
Shade Level: Minimal above 8,000 ft (full alpine exposure). Lower Cascade Canyon has some tree cover (Douglas fir, whitebark pine), but most of the climb is above treeline with zero shade. Sun exposure is relentless.
Emergency Contacts: Jenny Lake Ranger Station (stop before departing). Emergency: 911 or contact ranger station. Park emergency dispatch: +1-307-344-2002.
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: Snow typically present until mid-July (verify at ranger station). First significant snow possible late September. Do not attempt if snow is present unless equipped with crampons/microspikes and experienced in snow travel.
Insider Tips: The false summit at mile 17 is not the pass—keep climbing 3+ miles more to the true summit.
Schoolroom Glacier comes into dramatic view right at mile 15; this is often where exhausted hikers consider turning back. Don't. You're in the home stretch.
The shuttle boat is worth every penny if operating—start fresh for the canyon climb instead of burning legs on the 4-mile loop walk.
Snow patches in switchback zones can hide slippery ice; probe with trekking pole before trusting your footing.
The descent is harder on knees than the ascent; trekking poles are not optional.
Weather window closes fast: if clouds roll in after 2 PM, descend immediately.
Afternoon thunderstorms are common July-August; lightning risk is real in exposed alpine terrain.
Family Friendly Notes: Not suitable for children or inexperienced hikers. Extreme difficulty, high altitude (thin air), exposure (drop-offs), snow hazard, and weather unpredictability make this dangerous for anyone below expert level. Teenagers with strong mountain experience and excellent fitness might attempt with experienced adult supervision, but most families should avoid entirely.
Nearby Facilities: Jenny Lake Campground and visitor center at trailhead. Supplies (limited) available at park entrances. Nearest full resupply: Jackson, WY (30 miles south). Stock up water and snacks before driving to the trailhead.
Review Summary: Hikers report the elevation gain is relentless but the three-teton panorama and glacier views justify the punishment. The Schoolroom Glacier vista is the psychological turning point—at mile 15, many hikers push through final exhaustion to summit. Snow hazard through June is a legitimate barrier; most user reports emphasize "do not attempt without experience and proper gear."

Frequently asked questions

Can I do this if I've never hiked 20 miles before?

Not recommended as your first 20-miler. This combines extreme distance, elevation gain (4,000+ ft), exposure, and potential snow. Train on easier 10-15 mile hikes first, then return when ready.

Are there bears?

Yes. Make constant noise (talk, sing) especially in Cascade Canyon. Carry bear spray if possible (check park regs). If camping overnight, properly store food in provided bear boxes.

Do I need special gear?

Yes. Trekking poles are mandatory (saves knees on descent). Microspikes essential if snow present; crampons if ice visible. Layers, hat, sunscreen, and 3-4L water capacity non-negotiable.

Is it safe to solo this trail?

Not ideal. If you go alone, be experienced in alpine travel and notify someone of your plan. Cell service is unreliable; bailout options are limited once you're past Schoolroom Glacier.

What if I get tired or feel sick from altitude?

Turn back immediately. There's no shame. Better to summit fresh another day than get caught in darkness or suffer severe altitude sickness. Headache, nausea, or confusion = descend now.

How early must I start?

By 6 AM latest. You need 12+ hours of daylight for 12-16 hours of hiking. Start earlier if snow present (slower going). Sunset is non-negotiable.

What if the parking lot is full?

Use the Jenny Lake shuttle boat if operating (saves 4 miles). Or park along the shoulder if safe, well clear of the road. Call the ranger station ahead to verify shuttle hours.