JACKSON, Wyo. — Teton Pass can be a challenging connector to cross between Idaho and Wyoming. Some sections of WY22 over Teton Pass hit a 10% incline on both the east and west sides, and vehicles gain over 2,000 feet of elevation as they climb.

The mountain road has been a subject of conversation since the 1800s, and this summer is no exception, with two notable crashes happening within weeks of each other.

Residents have been taking pass safety into their own hands. In early August, there was an enormous turnout at the Old Wilson Schoolhouse to discuss ideas to improve the corridor, and in recent days videos have begun to surface in online forums about how to drive properly.

An example of one way residents are getting involved in safe driving. The Teton Pass Driver’s Guide YouTube account posted its first video on Aug. 18, 2026. This individual has not been identified and his advice has not yet been endorsed by safety agencies.

While Teton Pass could begin to feel like any commuter highway to residents using it every day, it’s still a mountain pass. Wyoming Highway Patrol District 3 Captain Marc Russell shared some tips with Buckrail about how to drive safely in the mountains, because “safe mountain driving starts long before you reach the summit.”

  • Pre-trip inspection: Check brake pads, fluid levels, and overall safety systems before hitting high-altitude routes.
  • Cooling period: Pull over safely to let braking systems cool down before attempting long, steep downgrades.
  • Engine braking: Downshift early to use engine compression (or Jake/exhaust brakes on heavy rigs) to control descent speed rather than riding the service brakes.
  • Driver preparedness: Recognize personal driving comfort levels on sharp curves and steep grades, and map out alternate routes whenever necessary.
  • Post-descent inspection: After completing your descent, pull over in a safe location to allow brakes to cool and to inspect the braking system following moderate to heavy braking before continuing any trip.

“Most importantly, know your own limits behind the wheel; if steep declines and tight curves push you past your comfort zone, always plan ahead and take an alternative route,” Russell said. “And should your brakes ever fail, never hesitate to use an escape ramp or catch-net system immediately to avoid serious injury or tragedy.”

Hannah is a Buckrail Staff Reporter and freelance web developer and designer who has called Jackson home since 2015. When she’s not outside, you can probably find her eating a good meal, playing cribbage, or at one of the local yoga studios. She’s interested in what makes this community tick, both from the individual and collective perspective.