Teton Crest Mining District Road
Mining claims below the Grand Teton
Forest Service Road 30295 switchbacks up the east flank of the Teton Range through country that most Jackson Hole tourists never see, following century-old wagon ruts to abandoned mining claims tucked into cirques below the Grand Teton’s north face. The route starts innocently enough near Jackson Lake Dam but quickly turns serious, climbing 3,000 vertical feet through aspen groves and alpine meadows to reach the old Teton Mining District at 9,800 feet. Up here, rusted equipment and stone cabin foundations tell the story of prospectors who thought they’d found the next Comstock Lode in these granite walls.
This is technical driving that demands respect — steep grades, loose rock, and exposure that’ll test your nerves and your transmission. High-clearance 4WD with low range is mandatory, along with good brakes and a driver who knows when to turn around. July through early September offers the only reliable window, and even then, afternoon thunderstorms can turn the route into a lightning rod. No permits needed, but fuel up in Jackson and carry water. The payoff is massive: views of the Teton Range that few humans ever see, plus the satisfaction of reaching mining claims that defeated lesser drivers for over a century.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Rock |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 28 mi / 45.1 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 9800 ft |
| Best season | July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD with low range |
| Nearest town | Jackson, Wyoming |
| Land manager | U.S. Forest Service |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle this trail, or does it need to be lifted?
Stock high-clearance 4WD with low range is the minimum — a bone-stock Tacoma or 4Runner can make it, but rock sections will punish anything with less than 8 inches of clearance. Skid plates are strongly advised. A lift helps, but isn't a dealbreaker if you're careful and experienced.
When does the Teton Crest Mining District Road actually open each year?
July through September is your window. Snow lingers at 9,800 feet well into June, and early October storms can close it fast. Check with the Bridger-Teton National Forest before you go — don't guess on this one.
Do I need a permit to drive or camp on this trail?
No permit is required to drive the trail. Dispersed camping is allowed under standard USFS rules — 14-day limit, 200 feet from water sources and the trail, leave no trace. No fee to access, but respect the land manager rules or dispersed access gets shut down for everyone.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect on it?
The upper rocky switchbacks approaching the 9,800-foot high point are where rigs get humbled — loose rock, off-camber shelf road, and limited room to recover if you misjudge a line. At 28 miles over 1-2 days, you're not rushing, but those upper miles demand full attention and confident throttle control in low range.
How far is the nearest gas station, and is there water on the trail?
Jackson is your last reliable fuel stop — top off there before you leave, because there's nothing between the trailhead and town. Natural water sources exist along the route but treat everything; giardia in high alpine areas is real and not worth the gamble.
Trail track
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