Although the name sounds daunting, Death Canyon is actually a gorgeous canyon that is perfect for a long day hike (or an overnighter if you are feeling extra adventurous!) It must be the name scaring people away, because this trail does not have the crowds like other park trails. If you time your hike right, you will see beautiful fields of wildflowers, numerous waterfalls, and even the occasional moose or bear.
Death Canyon has always been one of my favorite areas to hike in Grand Teton. The canyon from the outside looks like a challenge, but after a few miles it flattens out and opens up to beautiful scenery everywhere you turn. I could not put my camera down!
What You Need to Know About Hiking Death Canyon
- The beginning of this hike is definitely the hardest, so if you can push through the first few miles, you will be rewarded with a relatively flat hike through some of the most beautiful alpine scenery available.
- Death Canyon is bear country, so be sure to read about bear safety here before you start hiking.
- The trail follows the river for the majority of the time, so if you don’t want to carry a lot of water (you WILL need a lot of water for a hike this long), you will have a source from which to filter water.
Death Canyon Trail
From the trailhead it is about 1 mile to the Phelps Lake Overlook, which provides great views of this beautiful and pristine alpine lake. From there, you will descend the trail to Phelps Lake and then take a right to head into Death Canyon. The trail going down to Phelps Lake is made up of a lot of switchbacks, so plan some extra time for the trip back out.
The first section of trail as you trek into Death Canyon is strenuous with many switchbacks as well, but it follows right alongside a stunning river with a gushing waterfall and amazing views of the valley below. After about 2 miles, the trail will begin to level out and follow the river through the trees and meadows of the canyon.
Note: A side trail branches off toward Static Peak and the Alaska Basin as your hike levels out. This trail is very strenuous and should only be done with proper planning.
The full hike to the end of Death Canyon is 19.4 miles round trip from the Trailhead. You can shorten this route and turn around at any time, but I highly suggest hiking to the very end if you can. At the end of the canyon you will reach Fox Creek Pass, which is your gateway to the famous Teton Crest Trail and the Death Canyon Shelf. For dayhiking purposes, I suggest turning around and returning the way you came, although it is incredible to stand on the Death Canyon Shelf, even for just a minute, to ignite your excitement to plan a backcountry trip!
Be sure to take a lot of pictures!
Getting Here
The last mile of the road to the Death Canyon Trailhead is a crazy dirt road with dips and potholes everywhere. I would definitely suggest taking a vehicle with high clearance and 4-wheel drive (although I have seen little cars at that trailhead) to minimize the impact on your car.
From Jackson, travel north on Highway 191 for 12 miles. Turn left onto the Teton Park Road toward Moose. Go straight through the stop sign near the Craig Thomas Visitor Center, and then take a left onto the Moose-Wilson Road (right across the street from the Post Office). Travel along the Moose-Wilson Road for 3.1 miles, at which point you should see signs for Death Canyon instructing you to turn right. Follow the signs for another 2 miles until you reach the Death Canyon Trailhead and parking area.
(Bonus tips – If you are looking for an even more challenging trail in Grand Teton, check out this one! Or if you would like a full itinerary of things you can’t miss that is more family-friendly, click here.)
Have you hiked the Death Canyon Trail? Do you have any questions about this route? Let me know in the comments below! Happy Trails!
More Grand Teton Trip Planning Information
Grand Teton Itinerary — a detailed hour-by-hour sightseeing schedule.
How to Get to Grand Teton — the best airports and roads in the area.
How Many Days Should I Spend in Grand Teton? — itinerary ideas.
The Best Time to Visit — what to expect during each month of the year.
Weather, Hours, and Closures — important weather info and common closures.
Where Should I Stay? — the best options in and around the park.
All About Camping — learn about the park’s campgrounds and how to get a site.
12 Things You Can’t Miss on Your First Visit to Grand Teton — the top 12 spots.
The Best Easy Hikes — the perfect trails for kids, wheelchairs, and beginners.
The Ultimate Grand Teton Trip Planning Guide — everything you need to know.
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Thanks for the great description of the Death Canyon hike. Just took the family up to the Patrol cabin three days ago. It was a great experience. I thought I’d also throw in that the last mile drive to the trailhead is best with vehicles with high clearance since the potholes are quite deep and can scrape up the bottom of a car pretty good…like tearing up your catalytic converter.
Thanks for pointing that out! I do have that word of warning in there, but I’ve made it bold so that it sticks out better. Definitely something people need to know.
Glad you had a great time!