Teton Tips: Death Canyon

Phelps Lake

Pretty scary name for such a beautiful place, right?

This was the first hike of our “out west” trip – and word of advice: give yourself a day to get used to the elevation. Coming from Chicago, I don’t spend much time far above sea level. We landed in Salt Lake City and drove up to Jackson, WY the day before. Bright and early Saturday morning we were on the trail.

We were dying.

My partner and I are fit people, but you just can’t compete with the air if you’re not used to it. Give yourself some time.

All that to say, this hike was very cool. We hiked up a mountain and then down the other side to reach Phelps Lake. And what a reward it was! The heat and altitude was worth it to spend a couple hours swimming and basking in the sun.

Just remember – you have to climb back up to get home ;)

Image shot at Grant Teton National Park