Stage 2 of the Teton Crest Trail covers 12.3 km from Marion Lake to Alaska Basin, with 417 m of ascent and 332 m of descent. The highest point is 2,974 m. Allow about 5.5 hours of walking, plus breaks.
Distance, climb and elevation come from the Outest route data. Difficulty and time are estimates from distance and climb; your pace will vary with heat, pack weight and photo stops.
Free dispersed camping around the Basin Lakes in the Jedediah Smith Wilderness, below the Sheep Steps; no NPS nightly fee, but it goes on your park permit. Camp at least 60 m (200 ft) from lakes and 30 m (100 ft) from streams; campfires are banned in Alaska Basin.
Camping zone on the high limestone bench above Death Canyon (about 2,900 m), one of the most scenic camps on the trail; choose your own spot inside the zone signs. Permit required, water is patchy in late summer, no fires, bear canister required.
Dispersed camping in the Jedediah Smith Wilderness (Caribou-Targhee National Forest) right at Fox Creek Pass, 3.6 km past Marion Lake. No NPS fee, but list it on your park permit if your trip has park nights; campfires are banned here and the area is often dry by August.
Checked online in October 2026. Places marked "not confirmed by the operator" are listed on OpenStreetMap or in guides but could not be checked on an official page. On the trail you sleep in your own tent: every night inside Grand Teton National Park needs a backcountry permit for a named camping zone or site, and nights in Alaska Basin and at Fox Creek Pass are free Forest Service camping. Carry an approved bear canister; campfires are not allowed.
Emergency: call 911. Carry a satellite messenger. Emergency & health guide
Pharmacies, ATMs, shops and stops: © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hospitals and health centres checked online.
The full stage works offline in Outest, with the route, elevation, water and village points, and a trail guide you can ask about conditions and the next place to sleep.