Grand Targhee and the South Leigh Lakes, Jedediah Smith Wilderness

Above: The path to South Leigh Lakes (the Mill Creek Trail) is only 'official' as far as the intersection with the Beards Wheatfield trail, at the point where the Wheatfield trail climbs out of North Teton Canyon to cross over to the Wheatfield. This view looks across the North Teton Canyon towards the Cathedral group of the Teton Range. The big 'un of course, is the Grand. The long green plateau that leads up to Table Mountain is over at the top of the canyon on the right side of the photo.

Below: The South Teton Canyon, as seen from Marys Nipple. Looking closely, you can spot the parking area at the trailhead for Teton Canyon. Alaska Basin lies at the top of the South Teton Canyon in this photo, and the Devils Stairs climb up to the Teton Bench beneath the cliffs on the right. Way off in the distance, you can just make out the peaks of Mt. Bannon and Fossil Mtn. at the head of Darby Canyon. I'm hoping that when I go back this year, that the skies will cooperate by being a bit clearer than on this smoky day in the Tetons.

The South Teton Canyon is a classic example of a glacially carved canyon, with a wide scooped out valley floor and steep cliff-lined sides.