Well, we slept pretty well given the previous days events. Woke up, had coffee and breakfast and then it was time to get started climbing the rest of the way out of Death Canyon and up onto the Death Canyon Shelf. The hike out was absolutely gorgeous with mountain streams and lush fielda of wildflowers pretty much every step of the way.
And as we were leaving...
The climb up the shelf was about 800-1000 feet. Great way to get the blood pumping in the morning. The reward was well worth the hike. The shelf goes on for four miles above Death Canyon and is really like another world
We made it across the shelf to Alaska Basin, the location of our second nights camp. One of the things we'll always remember is how varied the terrain, rock formations, flora and fauna were as you move into and across the Tetons. So much change over a 30 mile loop that no mile ever seemed to be the same....except for the thicket which seemed neverending.
Entering the Basin
Alaska Basin is actually right outside of Grand Tetons National Park and is a wilderness area so you can make camp wherever you find a spot. We found what had to be the best spot in the whole area. We had a Marmot neighbor and wildflowers that looked as though they had been intentionally planted by an expert gardener. Probably the best campsite we've ever had.
Our neighbor the Marmot has quite the green thumb
Home for the night
What a great way to end what is probably the best day of hiking we've ever had.