Static Peak Divide Trail

The route starts with a wooded climb to Phelps Lake Overlook, then drops about 500 feet on two switchbacks toward the lake. You gain that elevation back at the end, so don't mistake the early descent for a free mile. If you want a shorter Death Canyon outing, the separate hike to Static Peak Divide Junction is 7.7 miles round trip and turns back before the final climb to the Divide.

At the junction near Phelps Lake, turn into Death Canyon. The next couple of miles climb at a steadier, gentler grade, with rough and rocky footing in places and intermittent switchbacks. As you gain height, the canyon opens behind you and Phelps Lake comes back into view. At Patrol Cabin, also called Death Canyon Barn, turn right onto the Alaska Basin Trail. This junction is easy to pass if you are moving quickly; check the trail signs before continuing.

From the cabin, the route becomes a sustained climb up the side of Albright Peak. Switchbacks do most of the work, but this is still the day’s hardest stretch. A high clearing gives you an eastern view down Death Canyon and across toward the Gros Ventre Range. Keep going and the scenery opens on alternating sides as the trail crosses rocky alpine slopes toward the Divide. There is no quick finish after the climb starts, so set a pace you can keep on the way back too.

The named destination is Static Peak Divide, not the summit of Static Peak. From this open, rocky saddle you can look toward Jackson Hole, Alaska Basin, Death Canyon, Albright Peak and Buck Mountain. The gravel tread crossing the ridge gives the view a useful sense of scale; it is the place for a wide photo that includes both trail and peaks. A separate, rough scramble continues toward Static Peak and adds about half a mile and 500 feet of gain. It is not included in this route or its distance.

The Divide sits above 10,000 feet, where altitude can be a real problem if you are not acclimated. If you feel altitude-sickness symptoms, head back down rather than trying to push through. Snow often lingers here into July, and early-season travel can require an ice axe and crampons, along with experience using them. The most reliable season is after the snow has melted and before the first fall snow arrives. No pets are allowed on this trail.