Palisades Creek Road
Backside access to the mighty Tetons
Palisades Creek Road cuts a brutal line up the backside of the Teton Range, where most tourists never venture. This 12-mile forest service road climbs from the Snake River Valley through dense timber and granite outcrops, ending at Palisades Lake beneath towering spires that rival anything on the Jackson side. The road deteriorates rapidly after mile 8, where loose rock and deep ruts separate the prepared from the hopeful.
This is a moderate to difficult route demanding high-clearance 4WD and low-range gearing for the final push. Rocky sections and water crossings require attention, especially during spring runoff. Best tackled July through September when snow clears the upper elevations. No permits needed, but fuel up in Alpine — it’s 40 miles of nothing once you commit. The payoff is pristine camping near the lake and access to trails that penetrate deep into the Jedediah Smith Wilderness.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Rock |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 12 mi / 19.3 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 7200 ft |
| Best season | July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Alpine, Wyoming |
| Land manager | Caribou-Targhee National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| 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 Palisades Creek Road?
Yes, a stock high-clearance 4WD with decent all-terrain tires will get through. Low-range is needed on the rocky climbs, and skid plates are worth having — the trail throws sharp rocks at your undercarriage without warning.
When does the trail actually open each year?
July through September is your window. Snowpack in the Tetons holds late, and the creek crossings run dangerously high during spring runoff — don't push it before early July without checking current conditions with Caribou-Targhee National Forest.
Do you need a permit to drive or camp on Palisades Creek Road?
No permit required to drive the trail. Dispersed camping is allowed under Caribou-Targhee National Forest rules — 14-day stay limit, pack out everything, and stay 200 feet from water sources.
What's the hardest section and what makes it technical?
The rocky shelf sections mid-trail are where it gets real — loose rock, off-camber angles, and limited recovery room. Nothing that'll stop a capable rig, but one bad line can put you on your rockers, so scout before you commit.
Are there reliable water sources on trail, and what's the gas situation coming from Alpine?
There's no cell service once you leave Alpine, so sort your comms and navigation before the trailhead. The creek crossings mean water is present, but treat everything — alpine sources look clean and will still wreck your gut. Fill your tank in Alpine; the trail and nearest services leave zero margin for a dry tank.
Trail track
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