Open Canyon Trail
Open Canyon the Park Service's write-up
7-14 Hours · no dogs · Summer, Fall · season Open Canyon is best accessed in summer after the snow melts and in fall before the first snow arrives. Hikers should use caution when traveling over snow and not attempt this hike unless they have previous snow experience and the proper equipment.
Start Death Canyon Trailhead or Rendezvous Mountain Trailhead
Death Canyon Trailhead
Open Canyon is a very strenuous, out and back trail that winds through alpine forests along the shores of Phelps Lake before ascending into the canyon and transporting hikers to alpine terrain near Mount Hunt Divide. Take in the views at the divide before returning the same way. Before attempting this hike, stop by the Jenny Lake Ranger Station to speak with a ranger about conditions on Mount Hunt Divide, as the divide often holds snow until mid-July and can be dangerous if attempted without the proper snow equipment.
Rendezvous Mountain Trailhead
Hike from the Teton Village base area to the top of Rendezvous Mountain via Jackson Hole Mountain Resort trails , or take the Aerial Tram ( fees apply ), to start this very strenuous point-to-point hike over Mount Hunt Divide and down Open Canyon. Take the Valley Trail and Jackson Hole Moutain Resort trails to return to the Teton Village base area. Before attempting this hike, stop by the Jenny Lake Ranger Station to speak with a ranger about conditions on Mount Hunt Divide, as the divide often holds snow until mid-July and can be dangerous if attempted without the proper snow equipment.
Accessibility Death Canyon Trailhead Open Canyon is a very strenuous, 14.8 mi (23.8 km) RT hike with 3,820 ft (1,160 m) of elevation gain 13%. Rendezvous Mountain Trailhead Open Canyon is a very strenuous, 19.4 mi (31.2 km) one-way point-to-point hike with 3,440 ft (1,050 m) of elevation gain and an average slope of 10%. The trail is often narrow, steep, and includes steps and switchbacks.