Trip Idea

Hikes at Death Canyon

Multiple Parks

A stream rushes down a mountain canyon surrounded by vegetation and wildflowers.
The Death Canyon Trailhead offers access to Phelps Lake and into Death Canyon.

NPS Photo/A. Falgoust

Several easy-very strenuous trails leave from the Death Canyon Trailhead. To access trails, drive down the Moose-Wilson Road and follow signs to the Death Canyon Trailhead. The Moose-Wilson Road is closed to RVs and trailers and occasionally has closures. The Death Canyon Trailhead is located one mile down a rutted, dirt road. The road is not recommended for vehicles with low clearance. Exercise caution when driving down the Death Canyon Road and pull fully off of the road if parking on the shoulder.

Multiple hikes from Death Canyon include access to backcountry campsites. A backcountry permit is required for all overnight stays in the backcountry.

Always be prepared when hiking in Grand Teton. Carry water for every member of your group, be alert to your surroundings, and understand your limitations on distance and elevation gain. Several trails from the Death Canyon Trailhead can hold snow until mid-July. Hikers should use caution when traveling over snow and not attempt trails unless they have previous snow experience and the proper equipment. Wildlife—such as bears—is commonly active in the area. Never approach a wild animal. To check current trail conditions and bear activity, stop at a visitor center to talk with a ranger.
Key for the above map. Green = Easy Light Blue = Moderate Blue = Moderately Strenuous Dark Blue = Strenuous Dark Gray = Very Strenuous
Day and Overnight Hikes
  • Grand Teton National Park

    Phelps Lake Overlook

    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Hiking
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Death Canyon Trailhead
    • Duration: 1–2 Hours
    • Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day
    A lake surrounded by trees as viewed from above.

    Gain a vantage point above Phelps Lake on this easy hike.

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  • Grand Teton National Park

    Phelps Lake

    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Hiking
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Death Canyon Trailhead
    • Duration: 1–3 Hours
    • Season: Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day
    A lake sits at the base of a mountain canyon with a near perfect reflection on its calm surface.

    Travel to the Phelps Lake Overlook and down to the shore of Phelps Lake on this moderate hike.

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    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Hiking
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Death Canyon Trailhead
    • Duration: 4–6 Hours
    • Season: Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day
    A stream rushes down a mountain canyon surrounded by vegetation and wildflowers.

    Travel into the Teton Range on this strenuous day or overnight hike to Death Canyon.

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  • Grand Teton National Park

    Open Canyon

    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Hiking
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Death Canyon Trailhead or Rendezvous Mountain Trailhead
    • Duration: 7–14 Hours
    • Season: Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day
    A mountainous canyon covered in patchy snow.

    Take in spectacular views from Mount Hunt Divide on this very strenuous hike.

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  • Grand Teton National Park

    Static Peak Divide Trail

    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Hiking
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Death Canyon Trailhead
    • Duration: 9–11 Hours
    • Season: Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day
    Four hikers walk down a steep, rocky trail.

    Get spectacular views of Alaska Basin and Jackson Hole on this very strenuous hike to the Static Peak Divide.

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Last updated: November 27, 2023