Overview
Table Mountain is the benchmark strenuous day hike on the Teton Range accessible from Bridger-Teton National Forest. The summit plateau sits at 11,106 feet on the west slope of the range, directly opposite the Grand Teton across the upper canyon. From the flat-topped summit, the west faces of the Grand Teton, Middle Teton, and South Teton fill the view from base to peak at a distance of less than two miles. This is the closest non-technical vantage point to the major Teton summits, and the view has no equivalent in the range for those not equipped to climb.
The trail demands real fitness. Four thousand feet of elevation gain over 6 miles one way is sustained and relentless above treeline. The upper section crosses talus fields and a loose scree shoulder before topping out on the broad plateau. Plan a full day, start early, and carry more food and water than you think you need. This is not a trail to attempt casually or as an afternoon outing.
The Route
The most common approach is from the Teton Canyon Trailhead on the Idaho side, accessible via Teton Canyon Road from Driggs. From the trailhead at roughly 6,800 feet, the trail follows Teton Creek east through a wide glacial canyon. The first 3 miles are moderate and well-maintained, passing through forest and subalpine meadow with the canyon walls rising on both sides.
At the North Fork junction (approximately mile 3), turn left and follow the North Fork drainage northeast. The trail steepens considerably here. The next 2 miles climb through progressively more open terrain as trees thin and talus begins to dominate. The final mile to the summit plateau crosses a steep scree and boulder shoulder — the crux of the route for most hikers — before leveling onto the broad flat top.
The summit plateau is roughly the size of two football fields, flat and rocky, with the Teton peaks filling the eastern skyline. The Grand Teton's west face drops nearly 6,000 feet from summit to canyon floor and is visible in its full vertical extent from this position. On clear days, you can see climbers on the rock routes with binoculars.
Return the way you came. The descent is hard on knees: trekking poles help significantly on the loose sections. Total round trip: 12 miles, 4,000 feet gain. Typical time: 7 to 9 hours.
When to Visit
Table Mountain is a July through September objective. Snow covers the upper route well into June most years, and the upper scree shoulder is hazardous on snow without an ice axe and appropriate experience. By mid-July, most years allow a boot-only ascent, though check current conditions first. Early September can bring new snow to the summit but is often the finest weather window: stable high pressure, fewer afternoon storms, and clearer air.
Afternoon thunderstorms are the primary weather hazard from mid-July through August. Above treeline by 11 AM at the latest is the general guidance, and the summit should be vacated well before noon in unsettled weather. Watch the western horizon carefully and descend immediately if lightning is visible. The summit plateau has no shelter. Thunder at any distance is reason enough to turn around.
Wildfire smoke can reduce visibility significantly during July and August. Check AirNow before your trip and monitor conditions resources for updated information.
What to Bring
Twelve miles and 4,000 feet at elevation requires thorough preparation:
Water: many hikers carry 3 liters or more, supplementing from the North Fork creek with a filter. The creek runs clear and cold through August. Above the North Fork junction, no water is available.
Layers: temperatures on the summit plateau can drop 20 to 30 degrees below the valley floor. A fleece midlayer and windproof shell are standard even in July. Gloves are not unusual in early season.
Trekking poles: strongly recommended for the descent on loose scree and for the creek crossings in the lower canyon.
Food: this is an all-day effort requiring real caloric support. Pack more than a typical half-day hike.
Bear spray: the lower canyon and meadows are within the Greater Yellowstone grizzly range. Review bear canister requirements if planning an overnight camp. Follow Leave No Trace principles at all dispersed campsites.
Getting There
From Driggs, Idaho, take Teton Canyon Road east approximately 11 miles to the trailhead parking area (vault toilet on site). The road is paved initially, then gravel for the final miles. Allow 25 minutes from Driggs. From Jackson, Wyoming, cross Teton Pass on US-26/WY-22 to Victor, Idaho, then north to Driggs, then east on Teton Canyon Road. Total drive from Jackson: approximately 55 minutes.
If using the Wyoming approach via Grand Teton National Park and Cascade Canyon, enter through the Moose Entrance on US-89 north of Jackson and pay the park entry fee. The Wyoming approach adds roughly 2 miles to the round-trip distance.
For full context on Bridger-Teton's trail network, permits, and camping, see the Bridger-Teton National Forest guide. For a challenging hike comparison on the Wyoming side of the Tetons, see Phelps Lake Loop.