Stage 1 of the Teton Crest Trail covers 17.3 km from Phillips Pass Trailhead to Marion Lake, with 1,130 m of ascent and 669 m of descent. The highest point is 2,925 m. Allow about 8.5 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.
Grand Teton mountain camping zone (permit required) covering the South and Middle forks of Granite Canyon; the TCT passes through the Middle Fork about 2 km before Marion Lake. Pick any spot inside the zone signs, 60 m (200 ft) from water; no fires, bear canister required.
Mountain camping zone in the North Fork of Granite Canyon, about 1 km below Marion Lake and off the TCT; a fallback when the Marion Lake sites are full. Permit required, no fires, bear canister required.
Three designated campsites near Marion Lake (about 2,800 m), the first night for most TCT hikers from Phillips Pass or the tram. Permit required and the sites book out early; no fires, bear canister required.
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.