Table Mountain - Revisited

Last September my father and I attempted a multi-day trip on the west side of the Tetons.  It didn't go as planned, and we actually turned home the first day.

An attempt to show steepness. 

One year later, to the weekend, we decided to scale things back a little.  Instead of a multi-day hike we would only try to summit Table Mountain.  This time our packs were lighter and our trail shorter.  The ground wasn't covered in a foot of snow, and we packed the minimum amount of gear.  Instead of taking the longer looping trail we went up the "Face Trail" (named for the fact that it climbs straight up the face of the mountain form the valley floor).  It is a much shorter trail at only 3.5 miles, however it is very steep.  The elevation gain takes you from the valley floor at 7,000 ft. to the summit, just over 11, 100 ft.
We thought we had stated early, but the trail head parking lot was virtually full.  We started confident and at a good pace, but it very quickly hit us that this was going to be the kind of trail that demanded we stop every few hundred yards.  The higher we went the harder it got.  My dad was in Seattle at sea level the day before.  He could feel the lack of oxygen in his legs.  There wasn't much he could do to improve his state, but being burned by the mountain before he was determined to summit.  It wasn't long before I could feel my lungs burning and legs failing me as well.
We pushed on and cleared the trees.  We could see at least 30 people on Table Mountain.  They all came down before we approached the last, and longest, mile.  Above the tree line we hit the scree, loose dirt, and gravel.  This was especially hard to walk on with drained legs.  At this point we were stopping every 20-50 ft. trying to hit a small landmark as a goal.

At the top!

View from valley floor.  You can spot the
trail near the top.

No matter how hard a trail the summit is always rewarding, and this hike has one of the best rewards of them all (for a day hike).  Only a mile to the East are the Grand Tetons, the Cathedral Group looks like you could reach out and grab it.  The view to the North and South are not too shabby either, each has many jagged peaks and evidence of trails that temp your open calendar slots.  The West, behind you, is picturesque in its own right.  The Teton Valley and Snake River range open up to view the higher you get.  On a really clear day you can see over to central Idaho and the mountain ranges that form the skyline there.
After a snack we started down.  The rest made the trail go much quicker.  Like most we chose to take the same trail down.  "It was quicker getting up face why wouldn't it be quicker to get down?"  Problem was the steepness of the the trail cause a very methodical pace.  We had to be careful not to trip on a rock or root and tumble down the mountain.  Both of us did slip or trip at least a couple time.  Dad slipped into a large rock jamming his big toe (by the time we got to the bottom his entire toe nail was purple underneath).  We both had blisters and sore toes at the bottom.  It was the perfect time to stick your feet in the ice cold water of Teton Creek.
Even though the trail was hard and punishing, this is after all in no way a leisurely day hike, it was a lot of fun.  I had this idea of revenge in my head.  I was going to conquer the mountain.  It had let me get to the summit before, but I felt like that was on favors.  This time around was much more rewarding and enjoyable.  I can honestly say I have no desire to return to Table Mountain. 
Trail Map: http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&tab=wl

NOT RECOMMENDED

Getting there:  From Highway 33 in Driggs, Id. head east on Ski Hill Rd.  After crossing the state line into Wyoming turn right onto Teton Canyon Rd. The trail head is at the end of the road, past the campground.  For the 'Face' trail head continue past the first parking lot to the right, there is another parking lot.  The actual trail head is to the North of the pit toilets (not very well marked).