At roughly 11,100 feet, the flat-topped summit of Table Mountain serves up what many consider the single finest view of the Grand Teton anywhere — and one of the great day hikes on the quiet, western (Idaho) side of the range. From the broad mesa top you stand just far enough back to take in all three Teton peaks at once, yet close enough to pick out the detail on the Grand's sheer east face across the deep gulf of the canyon. It's a jaw-dropping payoff, and a hard-earned one.

The mountain holds a remarkable place in history. In 1872, pioneering survey photographer William Henry Jackson hauled his heavy glass-plate camera gear by mule to the top of Table Mountain and made the first photographs ever taken of the Grand Teton — images that helped introduce the range to the wider world and build support for protecting it. Jackson chose this peak precisely because its gentle western slopes could be reached without technical climbing, and that's still what makes the summit attainable for strong day hikers today.

The trailhead sits at the end of Teton Canyon Road outside Driggs and Alta, and nearly the entire route lies within the Jedediah Smith Wilderness of the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. There are two main ways up, and both climb over 4,000 feet. The Face Trail is the steeper, shorter option (about 3.5 miles one way), skipping the switchbacks to head more or less straight up. The Huckleberry (North Fork) Trail is longer but far more gradual (about 6.5 miles one way), following and crossing the North Fork of Teton Creek — handy spots to filter water — through meadows and, in mid-to-late summer, ripe huckleberries for those who beat the crowds to the bushes. Many hikers link the two into a big loop of roughly 11–13 miles, and tough-but-knee-conscious hikers generally prefer to climb up the steep Face and come down the gentler Huckleberry, sparing their knees the pounding of a steep descent. The lower trail is a delight in its own right, tracing rushing Teton Creek past a string of waterfalls.

The wildflowers here are spectacular. As the snow recedes, Table Mountain's meadows erupt in color — sweeping displays of lupine, arrowleaf balsamroot, and Indian paintbrush, with columbine in the shadier pockets and delicate alpine blooms up high. In the Tetons the canyon meadows tend to peak from early-to-mid July, while the highest ground saves its show for late July into August; even when snow still blocks the upper trail, the lower meadows near the trailhead put on an easy, photogenic display. It's one of the finest wildflower hikes in the region.

This is high, exposed country, so plan accordingly. At over 11,000 feet the air is thin and the weather changes fast: afternoon thunderstorms build quickly over the peaks in summer, so start early and aim to be off the open summit by early afternoon. Table Mountain is enjoyed year-round — it's a popular snowshoe and backcountry-ski destination in the snowy months. If you're after dry summer hiking, though, know that you're likely to encounter snow on the upper mountain before mid-July: early-season snowfields often begin around 9,500 feet with larger patches up high, and the Huckleberry side can hold avalanche debris and downed trees until it melts out. It's frequently still passable with the right footwear — just come expecting it. Conditions are typically most reliably snow-free from about mid-July through September. It's also easy to lose the trail, especially on the descent, so pay attention to your route and carry a map or GPS. Keep an eye out for wildlife, too — moose are a common sight in the canyon, and the area is home to the occasional mountain lion.

Bring layers, sun protection, plenty of water (and a filter), and sturdy footwear for the long, steep grade. You can check current conditions on the webcams at tetoncam.com before you drive up. Backpackers sometimes camp in the meadows below the summit to catch the Grand at sunrise — an unforgettable sight — while following Leave No Trace and wilderness regulations. However you do it, Table Mountain earns its reputation: a leg-burning climb to a mesa in the sky, carpeted in wildflowers, with the Grand Teton filling the horizon just as it did for Jackson a century and a half ago.

There's also a great little walking trail along the river with placards that tell about the ecosystem and history of the area. There's about a 1/2 mile that's paved and then a 1/2 mile of dirt trail. The trail is NOT a loop. The trailhead is on the South West side of the bridge. There's a great spot to feed the fish under the West side of the bridge so bring some quarters to buy fish food. The trail to Johnny Sack's Cabin is on the North Side of the Cabin.

Campground (Fee Required)

This campground Is located on the Ashton·lsland Park Ranger District, comprising nearly 650,000 acres of National Forest System lands. Numerous amenities are offered such as single and double sites which Includes fire rings. utlllty tables. picnic tables, and reslrooms. This campground is situated nen to the beautiful Henry's Fork shaded by Lodgepole Pines. Come In and relax with friends and family. Head on out and explore the Big Springs Interpretative Trail which starts at the bridge Just Outside the campground. Be sure to visit the historical Johnny Sack Cabin, offering a unique Insight Into the history of the Big Springs Area. Just follow the asphalt walkway which will take you to the cabin Just north of the campground. Explore the historical, cultural, geological, and recreational resources this area has to offer.

Take a scenic drive south along the Mesa Falls Scenic By·Way. Stop by the Mesa Falls Visitor Center for an interpretative tour and captivating view of Upper Falls. A two mile Interpretative hiking uall will offer you a view of Canyon Rim.

Length of Stay: Forest Order

Camping or occupying a Single site for a period longer than 16 consecutive days Is prohibited. After leaving a site, a minimum of 7 days Is required before any group or person(s) from that group may reoccupy their original location.

This limit of stay restriction Is necessary to reduce displacment of other Forest desiring to occupy a particular campsite, and reducing the opportunity for visitor or group of visitors from monopolizing a campsite for long periods time (in excess of 16 days).

Fire Safety: Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires

Make sure your fire is DEAD OUT

• NEVER leave a fire unattended.
• Keep your fires small. Firewood Is available for sale. See campground host.
• Check with campground host for current fire restrictions.
• Use existing fire rings. Scrape away litter end any other burnable material within a l0 foot-diameter circle surrounding the fire ring.
• Make sure all wood fits inside the fire ring.
• To put out a campfire, slowly pour water onto the fire and stir with a shovel until all material is cool to the touch.
• Do not bury your fire. The coals can smolder and re-ignite.
• Make sure the fire is dead out. Many wildfires have been caused by abandoned campfires.

Bear Country: Required Food Storage Order

Your Safety Is Important to Us

All food and other items that might attract bears must be stored where bears cannot access them at night and during the daytime when unattended. Attended means that a person is physically present within 100 feet and in direct sight of the food.

What are bear attractants?

• All food and anything that contacted food. This includes full or empty coolers, packaging, boxes, cans, bottles, dirty dishes and silverware, etc.
• All beverages and beverage containers, full or empty (including water)
• All garbage, food scraps, and cooking grease. Never dump grease, beverages, or scraps on the ground.
• Never leave garbage in your fire pit or outside.
• Pet food and pet food bowls.
• Gas cans.
• Grills. Burn grill for at least 5 minutes after use to get rid of any residues. Clorox the grease trap.

Anything with a strong odor is an attractant for bears. Attractants must be stored in a bear-resistant manner. If you are away from your campsite or asleep at night in your test/trailer/RV, these attractants MUST BE STORED. You may be fined if you do not properly store your attractants. If you cannot properly store your attractants, inform the campground host and a bear resistant container may be provided for you.

What is bear resistant storage?

Acceptable places to store and dispose of your attractants are inside a hard-sided trailer, an enclosed vehicle, inside a bear dumpster or trash can (this campground has bear-resistant dumpster). Coolers, tents, underneath your RV/trailer the back of pick-up trucks, boxes, beverage bottles, canned goods, soft-sided trailers, and other containers are not bear resistant. All garbage must go to bear-resistant dumpsters. Garbage must never be left outside unattended. If the dumpster is full, you must take your trash back with you and inform the campground host of the situation.

NOTICE: ATV and Motorcycle use is prohibited

ATVs and motorcycles are prohibited from use in this campground. The following are exempt:

• Licensed street legal motorcycles.
• Vehicles used by handicapped individuals.
• Vehicles used by campground hosts for their official duties.

ATVs and motorcycles may be trailered into the campground, kept in the campsite on a trailer, or parked at a location designated by the campground host.

Educate Yourself

Contact the Island Park or Ashton Ranger Station for information on which areas are open to ATVs.

If you have a Dog: Keep your pet secure at all times

In the national forest, you and your dog could meet people, horses, mountain bikes, ATVs, other dogs, and wild animals. Help make the outdoor experience enjoyable for you, your dog and all the forest's users by following these safety tips:

• Please remove all feces before vacating your site.
• Give your dog plenty of water and rest, and watch for signs of stress and fatigue.
• Keep your dog leashed and under control in campgrounds. Secure your pet in a shady spot and give it lots of attention to minimize barking.
• If you encounter wild animals, respect them by restraining your dog.

Fireworks are prohibited

Fireworks or other explosives are prohibited within campgrounds and other recreation sites.

Fishing Rules: A fishing license is required to fish in this forest

• A state fishing license is required to fish in this national forest.
• A fishing license can be purchased over-the-counter at various stores in the local area. For more information, contact Idaho Fish and Game.