- Photo by: Guide Mike Lewis
- Photo by: Bill Bjornstad
- Photo by: Bill Bjornstad
Overview
One of the most recognizable mountains in the country, the Grand Teton has drawn visitors to the area as long as history has been recorded. A landmark for native Americans and the first European explorers, the mystique has always been captivating. Even the rights to the first ascent remains in dispute. A crucible of American alpinism, the the climbers who honed their craft here in the golden age went on to pioneer the big walls of Yosemite, Patagonian spires and the Himalaya. Become part of it’s history by standing on top and join us for an amazing summit and a greater appreciation for the remarkable alpine environment only the Tetons can deliver.
Types Mountaineering - Multi Day Trips - Rock Climbing
Season Summer
Miles 14
Elevation 13,776'
Elevation Gain 7,000'
Trip Planner
Itinerary
The premier Grand Teton experience combines training, acclimatizing, camping, and climbing the Grand during four memorable days and three nights at Corbet High Camp (11,200′). No prior climbing experience required.
Clients should plan to arrive at JHMG headquarters the day before 5:00 to do a gear check. Here we will go over all of your gear and make sure you have everything you need for a successful trip.
Day 1 – Office staff or your guide will coordinate an appropriate meeting time/ place. JHMG does not provide transportation for its clients into the park. Clients will be responsible for paying the $35 vehicle fee at the park entrance unless they have a Golden Eagle Pass or equivalent .
Once at the trail head, guides will distribute some food items to you for the ascent up to high camp. From there, you will enjoy a leisurely 7 mile hike up beautiful Garnet Canyon. The hike, while very scenic, does gain 4200 feet and requires a certain level of fitness and will. Your guide will set a slow, sustainable pace and in 6-8 hours you will arrive at JHMG’s historic Corbet High Camp.
Corbet High Camp features a pristine water source, a weatherport for cooking, eating and hanging out and 6 personal Mountain Hardwear 3 person Tents, each with sleeping pads and sleeping bags.
Day 2 – Day two is all about learning the skills to successfully climb the Grand Teton. After breakfast, guides will equip each client with a helmet, a harness and a belay/rappel device. Guides will then cover a curriculum consisting of knots, climbing commands, climbing movement, rappelling, and explore the world of multi-pitch climbing in one of the many venues located just minutes from camp. With your new knowledge, you will be ready for your summit attempt of the Grand Teton.
Day 3 – It’s summit day! The day begins with a very early wake u followed by breakfast, with your summit pack full of layers, your headlamp, water and food, and with harnesses and helmets on, you head out! Like the hike to Corbet High Camp, the pace is slow and sustainable. Upward momentum is the key.
The climb to the summit is roughly 2 miles, but climbs 2700 feet. It usually takes 6-8 hours. Your guide will select one of two routes. The Pownall- Gilkey Route or the Exum Ridge. The route decision is the guide’s discretion and is based on weather, time and ability.
Weather permitting, you will reach the summit and enjoy the fantastic views of the Teton Range, Jackson Hole and Teton Valley.
After your achievement, you will descend to the comfort of Corbet High Camp for a warm delicious meal which you have earned. Then it’s off to your tent to rest your weary muscles.
Day 4 – Day 4 is what makes this program so special. If your party was turned around due to bad weather on day 3, day 4 can serve as a second summit attempt. The 4 day program is the only program where this is an option. If you reached the top on day 3, day 4 is flexible. If you are hungry for more climbing, guides are always eager to share with clients some of the fantastic routes just outside of camp. If you want to just relax and enjoy high camp, that is an option as well.
We like to try and depart for Lupine Meadows no later than 11:00am and usually arrive at the trail head between 2:30 – 3:30. And while your Grand Teton Experience might be over, the memories will last a lifetime.
Open dates are available to book on-line. For custom dates – please fill out the inquiry form and we will contact you shortly.
Like the 4- day ascent, The 3-day itinerary is for folks who want a premier mountaineering experience, but don’t have time to spend 4 days on the mountain. The 3 day climb is still a 4 day commitment, but the training day takes place in Jackson Hole. Route options like the Exum Ridge and the Pownall-Gilkey are available on the three day option. No prior climbing experience required. All participants will be required to take a 1-day Grand Teton Prep Class ($200),
The Prep Day – Clients should plan to arrive at JHMG headquarters at 8:30am on the day before the climb begins. You will meet at the office, where you will meet your guides, get outfitted with helmets, harnesses and shoes and head out to the training area where folks will learn skills they will need to successfully navigate the Grand Teton under the supervision of their guide. Training wraps up around 3:00pm. After training, folks will return to the office where they will do their gear check. Please bring everything you are planning on bringing on the mountain with you to the training day.
Day 1 –
Plan on meeting early at the Lupine Meadows trailhead. Your guides will give you specific departure times at the gear check. JHMG does not provide transportation for its clients into the park. Clients will be responsible for paying the $35 vehicle fee at the park entrance unless they have a Golden Eagle Pass or equivalent .
Once at the trail head, guides will distribute some food items to you for the ascent up to high camp. From there, you will enjoy a leisurely 7 mile hike up beautiful Garnet Canyon. The hike, while very scenic, does gain 4200 feet and requires a certain level of fitness and will. Your guide will set a slow, sustainable pace and in 6-8 hours you will arrive at JHMG’s historic Corbet High Camp. Corbet High Camp features a pristine water source, a weatherport for cooking, eating and hanging out and 6 personal Mountain Hardwear 3 person Tents, each with sleeping pads and sleeping bags.
After settling in, and getting some rest, your guides will equip each client with a helmet, a harness and a belay/rappel device. You and your guides will walk 10 minutes from camp to the a world class training area. Guides will then cover a curriculum consisting of anything not covered on the previous day and get you on the rock for a multi-pitch climb and rappel.
Guides will then prepare a delicious dinner, and with a full belly, you are off to sleep under the shadow of the Grand Teton.
Day 2 -It’s summit day! The day begins with a very early wake up followed by breakfast. With your summit pack full of layers, your headlamp, water and food, harnesses and helmets on, you head out! Like the hike to Corbet high camp, the pace is slow and sustainable. Upward momentum is the key.
The climb to the summit is roughly 2 miles, but climbs 2700 ft. It usually takes 6-8 hours. Your guide will select one of two routes. The Pownall- Gilkey Route or the Exum Ridge. The route decision is the guides discretion and is based on weather, time and ability.
Weather permitting, you will reach the summit and enjoy the fantastic views of the Teton Range, Jackson Hole and the Teton Valley.
After your achievement, you will descend to the comfort of Corbet High Camp for a warm delicious meal which you have earned. Then it’s off to your tent to rest your weary muscles.
Day 3 – Day 3 is what makes this program so special. If your party was turned around due to bad weather on day 2, day 3 can serve as a second summit attempt. The 3 and 4 day programs are the only programs where this is an option. If you reached the top on day 2, then day 3 is flexible.
We like to try and depart for Lupine Meadows no later than 11:00am and usually arrive at the trail head between 2:30 – 3:30. And while your Grand Teton Experience might be over, the memories will last a lifetime.
As of 2020, our 2-day climb is only available as a private reservation.
This quick trip is more strenuous than the 4-Day or 3-Day, but may be appropriate for those who are in good physical condition. All participants will be required to take a 2-day GT Prep Class ($390), or have previously taken a basic and intermediate climbing class with JHMG. This offering is offered based on availability at high camp.
Day 1 – Your guide will coordinate with you an appropriate meeting time at the Lupine Meadows Trail head. JHMG does not provide transportation for its clients into the park. Clients will be responsible for paying the $35 vehicle fee at the park entrance unless they have a Golden Eagle Pass.
Once at the trail head, guides will distribute some food items to you for the ascent up to high camp. From there, you will enjoy a leisurely 7 mile hike up beautiful Garnet Canyon. The hike, while very scenic, does gain ‘4200 feet of and requires a certain level of fitness and will. Your guide will set a slow, sustainable pace and in 5-7 hours you will arrive at JHMG’s historic Corbet High Camp.
Corbet High Camp features a pristine water source, a weatherport for cooking, eating and hanging out and 6 personal Mountain Hardwear 3 person Tents, each with sleeping pads and sleeping bags.
Guides will prepare dinner, and with a full belly, you are off to sleep under the shadow of the Grand Teton.
Day 2 – It’s summit day! The day begins with a very early wake up followed by breakfast. With all of your gear, a summit pack full of layers, your headlamp, water and food, and with harnesses and helmets on, you head out! You will descend to the moraine where you will cache any gear not needed for the summit. You will pick up this gear on the descent.
Like the hike to Corbet high camp, the pace is slow and sustainable. Upward momentum is the key.
The climb to the summit is roughly 2 miles, but climbs 2700 ft. It usually takes 6-8 hours.
Weather permitting, you will reach the summit and enjoy the fantastic views of the Teton Range, Jackson Hole and the Teton Valley.
After your achievement, you will descend to the moraine below Corbet High Camp and pick up your cached gear. You will then descend to the trail head at Lupine Meadows. You should anticipate arriving between 5:00pm and 7:00pm. It’s a long day and a14-16 hours is not uncommon.
Please note that this trip cannot be booked directly online – please fill out the inquiry form and we will contact you shortly.
Want something different? Climb the Grand in two days via the sunny and un-crowded Petzoldt or the Direct Exum route, or the East Ridge, North Face, North Ridge, or the Cathedral and Grand Traverses. These trips are for experienced climbers only. Multi-pitch climbing experience is required.
Please note that this trip cannot be booked directly online – please fill out the inquiry form and we will contact you shortly.
Following Paul Petzoldt’s long-standing tradition, JHMG is proud to offer winter ascents of the Grand Teton, America’s most coveted alpine climbing objective. Winter climbing experience is required for this demanding 5-day ascent. Custom dates only, preferably after mid-February.
Please note that this trip cannot be booked directly online – please fill out the inquiry form and we will contact you shortly.
Pricing
4 – Day Ascent: $2870 private 1:1; $2370 pp/private 2:1 $1580 pp/group
3 – Day Ascent: $2150 1:1 private; $1775 pp/ private 2:1. $1185pp/group
- Required 1- day Grand Teton Prep class is required for all 3-Day Ascents. The cost for the 1- day class is $200 per person in a group or $390 for a private .
2 – Day Ascent: $1425 private 1:1; $1200 pp/private 2:1; $790pp/group
- Required 2- day Grand Teton Prep class is required for all 2-Day Ascents. The cost for the 2 day class is $390 per person in a group or $740 for a private .
Group pricing is for 3 people on a trip.If you do not have a party of 3, we will match you with other interested participants on “group” trips. Please note that trips must reach minimum # of people.
Be advised that clients are responsible for the $35 Park entrance fee. Fee is per vehicle.
For additonal routes (Direct Exum or Petlzoldt) or Winter Ascents please click here to inquire
Private trips cannot be booked directly online based on scheduling, please click here to inquire about specific dates for a private trip. Please read through our policies by visiting this page.
Fitness
We are not going to sugar coat it. Climbing the Grand Teton is hard. You need to arrive in Jackson in the best shape of your life. If you work hard, train hard, and prepare for this climb. You are going to have a blast. If you try to climb this mountain off the couch, you are going to be miserable, and impact the climb of your rope team. The decision is simple. Train hard and have a great time, or don;t and hate it.
We are Mountain Guides, not fitness experts. However, we do have a number of resources that you can explore to find what works for you.
I am disciplined I can and will train on my own, just tell me what to do.
- FitClimb – Fitclimb’s purpose is to help hikers, climbers, and mountaineers maximize their experience and stay safe in the outdoors. 6 week beginner mountaineering fitness plan
- Backpacker Magazine: How to Train in the City to Prepare for the Mountains
- REI Expert Advice: How to Train for Mountaineering
I want a personalized fitness plan from an expert
- Uphill Athlete – Mark Postle is the Lead Guide at Jackson Hole Mountain Guides. When he is not guiding people up mountains, he is helping people get physically ready to climb mountains. This is the real deal
- Mountain Fitness Research – The mission of Mountain Fitness Research is to explore, educate, equip and engage mountain athletes in their individual fitness potential. They do this through a personal on-line assessment and data driven training plan.
Schedule
Most climbing on the Grand begins in Late June and ends in mid-September.
4-Day Grand Teton Climbs depart on Fridays
3-Day Grand Teton Trips on Monday and Wednesdays, with The training days on either Sunday or Tuesday.
2-Day Grand Teton Trips -are not offered, but can be requested if there is availability.
Equipment
The Grand Teton Equipment List is an item by item inventory of what you will need for your Grand Teton trip. The specific gear considerations are designed to prepare you for all possible conditions. We do have a limited number of rental and sale items for your convenience. The following information provides more specific details and comments to assist your preparation. Don’t hesitate to call our office with any questions.
There are several excellent mountaineering shops in Jackson should you need to supplement your gear. These include Skinny Skis: 307-733-6094, and Teton Mountaineering: 307-733-3595, and they carry all the equipment necessary for your trip.
Grand Teton Climb Equipment List
Footwear
Objective Dependent – Salewa footwear is available at Jackson Hole Mountain Guides for rent. JHMG also carries a selection of Five Ten Rock shoes for rent.
- Sticky Rubber Approach Shoes: required for all mid-summer climbs. – Guide Pick: Scarpa Crux or Scarpa Mescalito (Available for rent)
OR
- Mountain Boots: Trips before early July require a crampon compatible mountain boot – Guide Pick: Scarpa Zodiach Tech (Available for rent)
- Rock Shoes for technical rock routes (Available for rent)
- Socks: 2-4 pair: sized for your boots and blister prevention
Upper Layers
- Synthetic/Wool Long Underwear Top – Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear – Ghee Half-Zip
- OR
- Synthetic/ Wool Sun Hoody – Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Ghee Hoody
- Synthetic T-shirt – Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Wicked Tech Short Sleeve T
- Insulating Jacket: lightweight fleece or synthetic – Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear- Super /DS Climb Down Hoody OR Ghost Whisperer Hoody
- Soft Shell: fleece or pile Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear – Kor Cirrus Hybrid Hoody
- Rain Jacket: waterproof/breathable with hood. Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear- Exposure /2 Paclite Jacket
Bottom Layers
- Synthetic/Wool Long Underwear Bottom Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear – Ghee Tight
- Hiking Short or Pant for approach Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Chockstone Pull-on Short
- Synthetic Climbing Pant Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear- Chalkstone /2 Pant
- Rain Pant Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear – Exposure 2 Paclite Pant
Accessories
- Hat: lightweight to medium weight warm hat – sleek enough to be worn under a helmet Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Dome-Perignon Pro Beanie
- Gloves: BRING TWO PAIR.one lightweight to medium weight pair – synthetic or fleece material. If snow route, shell also recommended. Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear – Route Setter™ Alpine Work Glove
- Gaiters: only until mid-July
On the trail
- Alpine Climbing Pack – Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear- Scrambler 35. Internal frame only. 45 to 5O L for 2 or 4 day trip. Large enough to fit all your personal gear plus ten pounds of food and water.
- Sleeping Bag Liner
- Water Bottles (2-3 L/Qt.) or H2O hydration system
- Water Treatment – Steripen or other
- Closed toed camp shoes (optional)
- Stuff Sacks: zip lock bags
- Dark Sunglasses
- Extra Contact Lenses
- Sun Hat or Visor
- Sunscreen (35+SPF)
- Lip Balm
- Headlamp and Fresh Batteries
- First Aid – minimal: blister care, analgesic, etc.
- Lunch, snacks & drink mix.
- Misc Items: minimal: light knife, camera,
bandana, camp suds, wash cloth, etc.
Recommended & Optional Items
- Trekking Poles
- Camera and batteries, spare memory card
- Insoles: custom or after market
Cold Weather Considerations:
Early and late season temperatures require warmer clothing. You may consider additional clothing if you get cold easily or if it is unusually cold or windy.
- Buff
- Extra down vest or jacket
- Expedition weight long underwear
- Extra gloves
**Jackson Hole Mountain Guides supplies all the rock climbing gear, harnesses, helmets, locking carabiners & belay/rappel devices, crampons, and ice axes. However, you are welcome to bring your own equipment. Please coordinate with our office for gear checks. Backpacks, rock shoes, and boots can all be rented in our Jackson office.
For your safety and comfort, bring synthetic and or natural fiber clothing for insulation. Cotton is NOT recommended and down must be kept dry. Clothing should be able to layer without encumbering movement.
Travel
Grand Teton National Park is located roughly 30 minutes from our Jackson, WY headquarters. Our Jackson office is located in the south part of Jackson at 1325 S. Highway 89, Suite 104 and shares a parking area with Smith’s. Our phone number is (800) 239-7642 or (307) 733-4979. Most trips and classes will meet at this office for gear checks, preparation, and classes. The Jackson Hole airport is the closest, but Idaho Falls (a 2 – 2.5 hour drive) is a cheaper option and Salt Lake City (4 – 5 hour drive) are also air travel options. It is helpful to arrive a couple of days prior to your trip/class in order to acclimatize. Otherwise, you should arrive the day before and stop by our office for an equipment check. Do not plan on traveling the day after a significant climb – you will be tired and there are no guaranteed times when we will return to the trailhead. Plan on having accommodations for the night prior to and the night you return from a significant climb. There are a plethora of hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts in Jackson and the surrounding area. Accommodations near our office make your transitions convenient. It is highly advisable to make reservations as early as possible. Lodging recommendations and many more details can be found in the downloadable document below.
VIEW PDF
FAQS
What is the advantage to the four day Grand Teton program?
There are several. The training is conducted at 11,000’ on the type and aspect of rock that you will experience on the upper mountain. There are two opportunities to summit. The pace is far more relaxed than a rushed overnight climb from the valley wherein you must descend all the way o the parking lot after summiting. Ohh yeah! and instead of staying in a hotel room for your training days, you get to spend 3 night in one of the most beautiful places on earth, Corbet High Camp
How fit do I need to be to climb the Grand Teton?
It is an undeniable fact that those who are in good shape are more likely to enjoy the view from the summit! Those who engage in regular exercise before coming to climb the Grand Teton (or any of the other climbs we offer) typically do fine on the ascent. Give yourself adequate time—at least a couple of months--to prepare, particularly if this form and intensity of exercise is new. Training for a Teton climb needs to be specific, and should include cardiovascular activities and weight training. For three days a week, focus on an hour or more of aerobic exercise such as running, cycling, swimming, etc. Gym equipment such as stairmasters, rowing machines, etc. can supplement cardiovascular training. On weekends a full day hike or other longer endeavor will help prepare you for the endurance required in the Tetons. Carrying a 20-30 pound pack uphill on trails or stadium steps will simulate the real climb better than anything. Lifting moderate weights to increase core body, leg, and arm strength is also a good idea. Focus on quads and hamstrings—legs need strength and endurance. Being generally fit and having some solid stamina for long days is the overall goal. *If you are not already in decent shape, or are not as young as you used to be(!), it would be prudent to consult with a doctor or certified physical trainer before undertaking a physical fitness training program.
Why Should I go with JHMG?
We always say that there are times to be budget conscious and times when you want the best. Things like surgery, sky diving lessons and mountain/rock climbing are times when you really don't want to be looking for a bargain. But if you are looking for an adventure of a lifetime, with a well trained, certified and experienced guide service, you found one in JHMG. But these are just words. What sets us apart and what should you be looking for in a guide service? Good question, I am glad you asked. First off. JHMG is the second oldest guiding service in the US. We have 48 Years of experience, which means that we have had time to refine our client processes, risk management procedures and have emerged a well-oiled machine, that knows how to provide a high level of service and do it safely. Second, JHMG is a National Park Service concessioner. Our National Park Service is unscrupulous at vetting it's concessioners. Not only do they pay close attention to our operations, but require visibility into our finances, insurance, hiring practices, environmental management practices, risk management practices and our customer satisfaction. In short. We are required to run a very tight ship and we go under review EVERY YEAR!!!! We welcome this scrutiny as an opportunity to make us better, and we apply this same high level of operation to every location we operate in. So you don't just have to take our word for it, the National Park Service stands behind our integrity as a company. In the end however, we are a company of passionate people who live and breath adventure. We understand that to be the best, we need to seek out the best people and offer them a home and a professional opportunity. All JHMG guides are employees, not subcontractors. They have retirement accounts, workers comp and are paid as professionals. JHMG is also accredited by the American Mountain Guides Association. Which means that our guides are not only vetted by an AMGA certified guide, but many undergo rigorous certification by a this third party organization in the discipline that they guide. But risk is a part of what we do. So it is important that in the event of an incident, that our guides are capable of delivering a high level of care. This is why all certified guides at JHMG are required to have at least Wilderness First Responder Medical training and many of our guides have gone on to get higher levels of medical training like Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC). I hope that the picture that is being painted is one of a professional, experienced and well trained guiding company. But what about customer service? We know that your time is precious, and we appreciate that you have a choice in how you spend that time. That is why we take customer service very seriously. From the moment you contact us, you will be treated with respect and professionalism. Not just by our guides, but by the number of people who work behind the scenes to make sure that your adventure goes off without a hitch. We can't control the weather, but we endeavor to make your experience everything you want it to be. So, if you are looking for a inexpensive guiding service for a one off adventure, we are probably not a great fit. But if you want a professional, experienced team of people who will work hard to give you the experience of a lifetime, then look no further than Jackson Hole Mountain Guides.
What are the benefits of booking a private trip as opposed to group trip?
Depending on conditions, Jackson Hole Mountain Guides will usually guide 3 clients with one guide. If you have 3 friends that want to climb the Grand Teton, Then you are in luck, you will have your own guide. If you are a solo climber or a group of two and you join a group trip, we will pair you with another climber or a group. The good part about this, that you get to make new friends! The possible downside is that if one of your new friends has to turn around, your summit attempt will be impacted. That is where having a private guide can come in handy. With a private guide, it is you and your guide, you are your own independent part party. We do see increased success on privately guided tips.
Do you have a minimum age to climb the Grand Teton?
We get this question a lot. The answer is no. But our goal at JHMG is to give every climber a positive mountain experience. In order to do so, we need to make sure we are setting our young one's up to succeed. The Grand Teton is a big mountain and we usually see folks over the age of 15 have the physical and mental fortitude to succeed in reaching the summit. We would also recommend the 4-Day climb. Anyone under the age of 18 needs to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
What are the sleeping accommodations at Corbett high camp?
We have a Weatherport quanset hut for cooking and gathering, but we our guests sleep in new Mountain Hardware dome tents spread around the moraine for some privacy and greatly enhanced sleeping arrangements.
What route on the Grand Teton am I likely to be climbing?
JHMG utilizes primarily the upper Exum ridge and the Pownal/Gilkey routes for summiting the peak. The Exum is a little longer and comes in to the morning sun early. The Pownall/Gilkey is a better bet for a questionable forecast as we can see the weather to the west and it is faster to retreat in the event of a storm.
Talk To Us
Here you’ll find online tools and information about joining us for a trip of a lifetime! To sign up for a trip, or if you have any questions, please call us. Listed on the left side of these pages are links that you may find useful, including printable forms and policies concerning a trip with JHMG. We encourage ALL prospective climbers to read our Preparation advice. Our office can help place you with others who are looking to climb.
