Open Canyon Trail - 14.8mi Strenuous Hike

A mountainous canyon covered in patchy snow.

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.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 14.8
Route Type: Out and back
Difficulty Level: Very strenuous
Elevation Gain Feet: 3820

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 14.8
Route Type: Out and back
Difficulty Level: Very strenuous
Elevation Gain Feet: 3820
Estimated Time: 8-12 hours for most hikers. Fit mountaineers, 7 hours. Photographers and slower hikers, 12+.
Trail 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.
Trail Features: Alpine forest
Phelps Lake
Mount Hunt Divide
Alpine meadows
Steep switchbacks
Rocky alpine terrain
Trail Highlights: Mount Hunt Divide panoramas of the Jackson Hole valley and Teton Range. Alpine terrain and high-elevation scenery unmatched in the park.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: 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.
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: 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).

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: 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.
Trail Status: Open seasonally. Typically open August through October due to snow on Mount Hunt Divide.
Seasonal Closures: Winter and spring closure due to snow on Mount Hunt Divide. Route typically closed November through July.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: 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.
Accessibility: Narrow, steep trail with exposed sections. Not wheelchair or stroller accessible. Not suitable for people with mobility issues or fear of heights.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Snow/ice on Mount Hunt Divide
Steep terrain
Exposure (drops on narrow sections)
High altitude/thin air
Rapid weather changes
Narrow trail with switchbacks
Hazard Details: 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.
Cell Service: Unreliable to nonexistent in the alpine zone. Plan for no service after the first 2 miles.
Crowd Level: Solitary to light. The very strenuous rating keeps casual hikers away, offering quiet alpine experience most days.
Best Season: Summer and Fall
Best Time To Visit: August through September. The divide typically clears snow by mid-July, but verify conditions with Jenny Lake Ranger Station before departure. Start by 6am—the alpine zone can weather-lock by afternoon.
Tips Advice: 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.

More details

Park Area: Western Grand Teton, Death Canyon area
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.
Dogs Allowed: No
Biking Allowed: No
Shade Level: 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.
Emergency Contacts: 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.
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: Snow typically persists through mid-July on Mount Hunt Divide. Route safest August through October.
Mud Season: Alpine terrain is less affected by mud. Lower forest sections may be wet in early summer, but generally not a limiting factor.
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.
Family Friendly Notes: 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.
Nearby Facilities: Jenny Lake Ranger Station (south of trailhead). Phelps Lake area has basic facilities. Jackson, Wyoming has full services 20+ miles away.
Review Summary: Hikers consistently report the relentless elevation gain and narrow alpine terrain as a serious test of fitness and nerve. The reward—unmatched panoramas from Mount Hunt Divide—attracts experienced mountaineers but repels casual hikers. This is the grit separator in Grand Teton.

Frequently asked questions

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?

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.

Do I need snow gear?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.