South Fork Cascade Canyon Trail

South Fork Cascade Canyon Trail is a 5.6-mile (9.0 km) one-way hike in Grand Teton National Park, running from Forks of Cascade Canyon to Hurricane Pass. It stays on the South Fork side of Cascade Canyon and reaches Hurricane Pass at 10,338 ft, with about 2,200 ft (670 m) of total gain, making it strenuous and best treated as an expert day.

Route character is strongly tied to the Cascade Canyon corridor: you work through the u-shaped, glaciated canyon environment and gradually transition from more sheltered canyon tread into more exposed, rocky terrain as you near the pass.

A short connector just before Hurricane Pass leads to Schoolroom Glacier, so the classic use of this route includes a quick spur if conditions and time allow.

Backcountry camping is permitted along the South Fork Cascade Canyon Trail corridor with a permit; this is part of why the route is described as a long-distance option rather than a simple out-and-back day.

The seasonality is summer into fall. Expect severe weather risk typical of high-elevation Teton routes, especially as you gain toward Hurricane Pass.

This trail also forms the hiking backbone of the Teton Crest Trail for its entire length; to the south beyond Hurricane Pass lies Alaska Basin, which matters if you’re planning a multi-day itinerary continuing past the pass.

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