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PSA: I found a way to make the Teton Crest Trail feel way less crowded by starting at the Phillips Pass trailhead instead of the main one.
After getting a permit for the standard route last August and seeing the huge line at the Jenny Lake shuttle, a local in Jackson told me to try the Phillips Pass start, which added a quiet 8-mile ridge walk and cut the initial hiker traffic by at least two-thirds.
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christopher_sullivan5d ago
Nice tip, but doesn't that mess with your permit? I thought the Teton Crest permit was for a specific start point. Did you have to get a different one, or did they just not check way out there?
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christopher_sullivan5d ago
Honestly used to worry about that exact thing. But the rangers out there told me they mainly check the popular campsites near the main trail. Starting from the tram, you're already so deep in that it's basically the same zone.
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brian_ramirez5d ago
Wait they didn't even ask for your permit at the tram? That's wild, I always assumed they checked everyone getting off. Did you have a backup plan if they stopped you?
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