Sep 19th, 2007
Labor Day on the Table Top Mountain Trail
My husband Cole and I wanted to get outdoors for Labor Day weekend. After looking at a few campsites in Moab and Zions National Park, we decide to expand our search to the Idaho/Wyoming area, in an effort to avoid the crowds. All online searches recommended hiking the Table Top Mountain Trail. Available reviews told us the 8 mile hike was an easy to moderate hike with a view that would make you forget any effort the hike might be.
The trail was fairly easy to follow, even though it was a bit rough. The trailhead started at over 7,000 feet up. It follows the Teton Creek’s North Fork for the first few miles. 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.
In addition to the sheer height and distance, the trail is completely covered in loose gravel and rocks-making up and down hill travel difficult. Expect to climb the last 100-200 feet on your hands and knees. There were several times when I thought about giving up but I am glad that I stuck it out.
Table Rock’s summit offers a view of the Grand Teton, which is about a mile away, and towers an additional 2,000 feet. You are basically sitting eye to eye with the Middle and South Tetons.
Overall, an amazing hike and a beautiful view!