Single Day Teton Alpine Summits
Overview
Guided single-day ascents of the Tetons’ classic non-technical summits.
The Tetons host a range of moderate to difficult mountain summits that can be reached in a long day. These climbs represent a variety of difficulties and experiences, but all are classic. If you are interested in climbing a non-technical peak in a day, try one of these!
While some of the high peaks can be climbed in a day, remember that the rather lengthy approaches make turning these climbs into an overnight adventure a good option.
Single Day Teton Alpine Summits Overview
Guided Day Climbs of Teton Peaks
- Location: Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
- Style: Non-technical and moderate alpine summits
- Trip Length: A long single day
- Season: Summer
- Difficulty: Easy to difficult, depending on the peak
These summits are all classics, and they cover a wide range of difficulty — but be aware that lengthy approaches make them genuinely long days.
Who These Day Climbs Are For
- Strong hikers who want to reach a real Teton summit without technical climbing
- Climbers with limited time in Jackson Hole
- Anyone building fitness and experience toward a bigger objective like the Grand Teton
- Climbers who prefer a long day out to an overnight camp
What to Expect on Your Summit Day
Expect an early start and a long day — the approaches in this range are substantial. Your guide will match the peak to your fitness and experience. Objectives, equipment, and travel details are in the sections below, and several of these summits can also be climbed over two easier days.
Why Climb with The Mountain Guides
- The right peak for you: Our guides match the objective to your fitness and experience
- AMGA-certified guides: Professional guides who know these approaches and summits intimately
- Logistics handled: Permits, route selection, and group equipment taken care of
Stand on a Teton Summit in a Day
If you want a classic peak and only have a day, these are the climbs. Check availability below.
Some say that the view from the top of Surprise Pinnacle is one of the most spectacular in Grand Teton National Park. This moderately strenuous adventure is for those who want to get off the beaten path, and experience the beauty of the Tetons without the demanding fifth class climbing of the Grand Teton.
Cube Point 9,920+’ II, 4th class
This small peak, perched on a ridge above Jenny Lake, is one of the very best for those new to mountaineering. It offers a bit of everything: hiking, scrambling, early season snow, and an easy technical ridge to an exciting summit. The views are unsurpassed. A full day is required but it is much less energy-intensive than most of the one-day Teton climbs. This route, named the Northwest Ridge, is our favorite for those who have taken a basic school and want to sample a technical summit.
Southeast Ridge – 11,618’ II, 4th class
Disappointment Peak has something for everyone. The Southeast Ridge of Disappointment Peak is a pleasant one-day climb with little technical difficulty. Approached via the scenic Amphitheater Lake trail, the route offers great views throughout the day. While a rope is taken for a few tricky spots, the roped climbing ends well below the summit. Along with Surprise Pinnacle, summit of Disappointment Peak has probably the best views of any Teton peak. For something more technical, consider the East Ridge.
Single Day Teton Alpine Summits price: $575 private; $459 / person for two
Please note that this adventure cannot be booked online. Please click here to inquire about specific dates for your trip.
Please read through our policies by visiting this page.
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 your movement.
Footwear
Objective Dependent – Scarpa footwear is available at Jackson Hole Mountain Guides for rent. JHMG also carries a selection of rock shoes for rent.
- Sticky Rubber Approach Shoes: required for all mid-summer climbs (mid-July through Sept). Guide Pick: Scarpa Crux (Available for rent)
OR
- Mountain Boots: Trips before July 15, require a crampon-compatible mountain boot. Guide Pick: Scarpa Zodiac Tech (Available for rent)
- Rock Shoes for technical rock routes (Available for rent)
Upper Layers
- Synthetic/Wool Long Underwear Top
OR
- Synthetic/ Wool Sun Hoody
- Synthetic T-shirt
- Insulating Jacket: lightweight fleece or synthetic
- Soft Shell: fleece or pile
- Rain Jacket: waterproof/breathable with hood.
Bottom Layers
- Synthetic/Wool Long Underwear Bottom
- Hiking Shorts
- Synthetic Climbing Pant
- Rain Pant
Accessories
- Hat: lightweight to medium weight warm hat – sleek enough to be worn under a helmet
- Gloves: one lightweight to medium weight pair – synthetic or fleece material. If snow route, shell also recommended.
On the Trail
- Back Pack: internal frame 30 Liter capacity (2000 cu in)
- Water Bottles (2-3 L/Qt.) Or H2O Hydration system
- Dark Sunglasses
- Extra Pair Contact Lens
- Sun Hat or visor
- Sunscreen (35+SPF)
- Lip Balm
- Insect Repellent (until early August)
- Headlamp, Fresh batteries
- First Aid: minimal – blister care, analgesic, etc.
- Lunch and Snacks
Optional Items
- Trekking Poles
- Camera
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.
- Down Jacket
- Vest
- Medium-weight long underwear
**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 & purchased in our Jackson office.
Grand Teton National Park is located roughly 30 minutes from our Jackson, WY headquarters. Our phone number is (800) 239-7642 or (307) 733-4979. We have a partner office at the Black Diamond store located at 160 west pearl st. 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.