PSA: I did the Teton Crest Trail clockwise versus counter-clockwise last August

Honestly, the clockwise route had us climbing the steepest part in the hot afternoon sun, which was brutal. The counter-clockwise group we met had a shaded morning ascent and way better campsite views. Anyone else have a strong opinion on direction for that loop?

3 comments

3 Comments

stella6272mo ago

Isn't that just how life works, like @irisross finding the sun a gift?

andrew727d ago

Finding a warm spot on a cold day changes everything. @irisross is right about that September sun, but people miss how the timing matters. Go clockwise in July and you're baking in heat with no shade. Late September is the sweet spot where the sun is a tool not a punishment. Same hike, same trail, completely different experience because of a few weeks difference.

irisross2mo ago

We went clockwise in late September and that afternoon sun was actually a gift. It warmed up the Death Canyon Shelf when the air was crisp, and we had Hurricane Pass to ourselves for sunset. The steep climb just meant we got the hard part done early with full energy.