Shaitan-Merdven Devil's Staircase
A challenging hike featuring a steep 'Devil's Staircase' ascent to breathtaking Teton Shelf vistas, surrounded by wildflowers and wildlife.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Wildflowers & wildlife sightings
Shaitan-Merdven Devil's Staircase
Best Time
Wildflowers & wildlife sightings
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A challenging hike featuring a steep 'Devil's Staircase' ascent to breathtaking Teton Shelf vistas, surrounded by wildflowers and wildlife.
"The WOW factor is huge; the climb is worth the amazing views!"
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The last mile is steep and rocky. Wear hiking boots for ankle support and grip.
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Bring more water than you think you'll need, especially for the strenuous climb.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Devil's Staircase
Upper section of the trail
A challenging, steep climb of switchbacks leading to breathtaking panoramic views.
Teton Shelf Vista
Summit of the Devil's Staircase
Unobstructed 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Meandering River & Waterfalls
Lower section of the trail
A scenic path alongside a beautiful river, with distant waterfalls adding to the charm.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Prepare for the Ascent
Best Views & Wildlife
Best Times
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👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The last mile is steep and rocky. Wear hiking boots for ankle support and grip.
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Bring more water than you think you'll need, especially for the strenuous climb.
🚗 Road to Trailhead
The gravel road is manageable for most cars, but drive cautiously.
🌸 Wildflower Season
Visit in summer for vibrant wildflowers and abundant birdlife.
Tips
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👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The last mile is steep and rocky. Wear hiking boots for ankle support and grip.
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Bring more water than you think you'll need, especially for the strenuous climb.
🚗 Road to Trailhead
The gravel road is manageable for most cars, but drive cautiously.
🌸 Wildflower Season
Visit in summer for vibrant wildflowers and abundant birdlife.
⛰️ Pace Yourself
The initial miles are moderate, but the final ascent requires significant effort.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hikers rave about the breathtaking panoramic views from the Teton Shelf, calling the challenging Devil's Staircase climb incredibly rewarding. The trail offers beautiful scenery with wildflowers and wildlife, though the final mile is a strenuous ascent. The gravel road access and parking are generally good.
"This trail, WOW factor is huge. We hiked it yesterday - it’s almost 8 miles out and back if you turn at the Devil’s staircase and head up. It’s quite moderately easy for the first 2.9 miles, then you start your ascent. I got about 1500 Ft total elevation gain and most of that is in the last mile. But it’s totally worth it. You can keep going for a while at the top, but we headed back down after enjoying lunch with a view on the shelf. Wildflowers and tons of birds. We saw a few marmots too. Beautiful meandering river and some waterfalls in the distance. Amazing views of the mountains and Tetons all around. The road yesterday leading to the parking area was just fine. Gravel and a few potholes here and there, but if you have a decent car that can handle moderate off-road, you’ll be fine."
Cindy Ray
"Beautiful hiking trail it goes on a trail then cuts off at a fork a couple miles in then it is just .7 miles up the devil's staircase. The trail is pretty leisurely for the first couple miles following a river then the last half mile is steep and an intense climb of switchbacks that leads you all the way up onto the Teton shelf it is an absolutely wonderful view once you reach the top! Definitely worth the climb up that last little bit of the hike."
Kayden Lamb
"Great hike next to a river and large mountains. You can go up to 8 miles or so one way. Its a well kept trail with lots of flowers on the side. It’s a rough road to get to the place, but it has good parking and a bathroom. Good place to hike."
simeon fyksen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trailhead is accessed via a gravel road. While generally manageable for most vehicles, it can have potholes, so drive with caution. Ensure your car can handle moderate off-road conditions. Parking is available at the trailhead.
The road is gravel and can be rough in places. Sedans can usually manage, but SUVs or vehicles with higher clearance are recommended for a smoother ride.
There is good parking available at the trailhead, which is convenient for hikers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no mention of an entrance fee for this trail in reviews. It appears to be a free-to-access hiking area.
Hiking trails are typically accessible from dawn to dusk. It's advisable to start your hike with enough daylight to complete it safely.
No advance booking is required for this hiking trail. It's a public access area.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hike is approximately 8 miles round trip if you turn at the Devil's Staircase and head up. The ascent is concentrated in the last mile.
You can expect around 1500 feet of total elevation gain, with most of it occurring in the final mile.
The first 2.9 miles are moderately easy, but the last mile is a steep and intense climb of switchbacks, making it challenging.
Expect beautiful meandering rivers, distant waterfalls, abundant wildflowers, and stunning panoramic views of the mountains and Tetons.
Yes, there is a bathroom available at the trailhead.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit of the Devil's Staircase and the Teton Shelf offer incredible panoramic vistas. The river section with wildflowers also provides beautiful photographic opportunities.
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and can create stunning golden hour effects on the mountains.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain views. Consider a polarizing filter to enhance sky and water colors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For the Devil's Staircase section, parents should assess their children's stamina and hiking ability. It's a steep and challenging climb, so it might be best for older children or teens. Consider carrying younger children if they are unable to complete the strenuous climb. The stunning views at the top are a great motivator and a fantastic reward for the effort.
Key tips for families: bring plenty of snacks and water, wear appropriate footwear for everyone, and be prepared for varying levels of difficulty. The abundance of wildflowers and potential wildlife sightings can also keep children engaged and excited throughout the hike.
💪 Fitness Enthusiasts
Experienced hikers can extend their trek beyond the initial Teton Shelf, exploring further along the ridge for an even more demanding outing. The well-maintained trail in the lower sections allows for a good warm-up before tackling the strenuous ascent.
Recommendations: Aim for an early start to avoid the midday heat, especially during summer. Bring a hydration pack and energy-boosting snacks to fuel your climb. The rewarding panoramic views serve as an excellent motivator to push through the challenging sections.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Challenging Ascent: Devil's Staircase
Preparation is key for this part of the hike. Ensure you have adequate water, wear sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support, and be prepared for a significant physical challenge. Taking breaks and pacing yourself is crucial to successfully navigate the staircase and reach the summit.
Despite the difficulty, the payoff at the top is immense. The views from the Teton Shelf are described as absolutely wonderful and worth every step of the climb.
Wildlife and Wildflowers
Beyond flora and fauna, keep an eye out for wildlife. Marmots are commonly spotted along the trail, and the diverse ecosystem supports a variety of other animals. The combination of the beautiful river, distant waterfalls, and the surrounding Teton mountain range creates a picturesque natural setting.
This abundance of natural beauty makes the hike not just a physical challenge but also a visually stunning experience. The chance to encounter wildlife and witness the blooming wildflowers enhances the overall enjoyment of the trek.
Trail Conditions and Access
Upon arrival, you'll find good parking facilities at the trailhead, which is a significant convenience for hikers. The trail itself is generally well-kept, especially in the earlier, more moderate sections. However, the steepness and rocky nature of the Devil's Staircase itself demand appropriate footwear.
There are restrooms available at the trailhead, adding to the convenience for visitors. It's advisable to check local conditions before heading out, especially after periods of heavy rain, which could affect the road or trail.
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