Mount Hunt Divide Trail

Overview

If you want a true Teton workout with far fewer people, Mount Hunt Divide delivers. This is a long, strenuous backcountry hike to a high pass, best for experienced hikers who don’t mind grinding uphill for hours to earn a wild, quiet summit saddle. Plan on roughly 14.6–15 miles round trip with about 4,200 feet of elevation gain.

Route and Scenery

Start at the Death Canyon Trailhead off Moose–Wilson Road and follow the Valley Trail toward the Phelps Lake Overlook—your first big view. From there, the path skirts the lake area and climbs a glacial moraine before turning into Open Canyon. True to its reputation, Open Canyon sees light traffic, with long stretches of shady forest punctuated by meadows and feeder stream crossings. As you near the divide, the terrain steepens and turns rocky beneath the stark cliffs of Mount Hunt, with boulder fields that often host marmots and pikas. From the divide, expect impressive—but not fully panoramic—vistas, including a quirky sightline south to Teton Village and the tram on Rendezvous Mountain, and rugged ridges north toward Prospectors Mountain.

Difficulty and Who It’s For

This is a demanding out-and-back with serious vertical and some rocky, high-elevation travel near the pass. It’s ideal for hikers seeking solitude and a classic Teton wilderness feel, but it’s not a good first big mountain day. Several trail junctions (near Phelps Lake Overlook and where the route splits for Open Canyon) require attention—bring a map and know your turns.

Best Time to Hike

Summer into early fall is the sweet spot. Snow can linger on upper slopes well into summer, and fall can bring early storms. Expect cooler mornings and more stable footing later in the season. In late spring and early summer, remaining snowfields and higher creek flows can complicate travel. Start early to manage the distance and afternoon weather.

Wildlife, Geology, and Vibe

Keep an eye out for marmots and pikas in the upper boulder fields. You’re traveling through classic Teton geology—glacially carved canyon, moraines, and limestone cliffs near the divide—wrapped in a more forested feel than some of the park’s flashier canyons. The big perk: solitude that’s getting harder to find elsewhere in the range.

Tips and Variations

• Pack layers and be ready for wind and rapid weather changes at the divide. Snow travel and traction can be necessary early season—turn back if conditions exceed your comfort.
• Carry bear spray and practice bear-aware travel; this is prime bear country.
• Water is available from creeks in the canyon—treat before drinking. A filter is smart for a day this long.
• Ambitious hikers sometimes extend from the divide into Granite Canyon and return via the Valley Trail for a huge loop, or start from the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve for a longer variation—both are advanced undertakings.

Bottom line: If you’re after a challenging, less-traveled Teton day with meaningful payoff at the pass, this route is absolutely worth it.