Table Mountain: A Strenuous Hike With a Big Reward

Table Mountain, also sometimes called Table Rock, is one of the best hikes in the Teton range. The Tetons are part of the Rocky Mountains, located on the border between Wyoming and Idaho, just south of Yellowstone National Park. Table Mountain offers fantastic views and a strenuous hike that is well worth it in the end. Be warned: this hike is difficult and can be daunting. This hike is not for children, although some hikers with small children bring them up in backpacks.

It is best to start out from Driggs, Idaho to get to the trailhead. This can easily be done from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, or anyplace in Southeastern Idaho. Go up Ski Hill Road, heading in a more easterly direction, for a little more than six miles. By this time you will pass through Alta, Wyoming. Turn right on Teton Canyon Road. The trailhead is in a campground that is clearly marked as directing you to the trailhead.

The trail is fairly easy to follow and features mile markers, even though it is a bit rough. The trailhead starts at over 7,000 feet up. It follows the Teton Creek’s North Fork for the first few miles. This is a real treat, as it offers beautiful waterfalls to look at as it comes cascading down the mountain. After the trail leaves the creek, there are plenty of switchbacks. In less than a mile, you will rise 1,000 feet through switchbacks. The final uphill climb is rather steep. By the time you summit, you have gone 4,000 feet up and covered about six miles of trail. The top is 11,000 feet. I thought about giving up, but am very glad I did not.

Table Rock’s summit offers a view of the Grand Teton, which is about a mile away, and towers an additional 2,000 feet. Views of the Middle and South Tetons are spectacular. Indeed, Table Rock offers one of the most stunning views of the Teton mountain range. Glacial valleys are visible as well. Some who reach the summit choose to climb down to a glacial lake, which is a few miles of trail away. Backcountry enthusiasts find the trip to the lake a welcome way to get away from the more heavily traveled trail (although there are rarely more than 30 or 40 people at the summit at one time).

Getting back can be done a couple of different ways. It is possible to go back the way you came, but there is another way down. This is the way I chose. It leads across a meadow (you will notice the meadow on your way up, full of wildflowers during late June and July). A small sign warns that the way is not recommended, and that you proceed at your own risk. This way is shorter mileage-wise, as it basically takes you straight down the mountain, rather than winding you on switchbacks. This is a steep and dangerous climb down, and only saved us about half an hour.

Make sure you are dressed for cooler weather. When I went up in August, there was still snow on the summit. The wind is cold and crisp. A sweatshirt is recommended, as are good hiking boots, and a bag with food and water. I enjoyed a picnic alongside the stream partway up, and then victuals again at the summit. It takes 4-6 hours one way to climb Table Rock.