Grand Teton Climbs
Overview
Guided climbs of the Grand Teton — 13,775 feet — in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming.
One of the most recognizable mountains in the country, the Grand Teton has drawn visitors to the area for 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 remain in dispute. A crucible of American alpinism, the climbers who honed their craft here in the golden age went on to pioneer the big walls of Yosemite, Patagonian spires, and the Himalayas. Become part of its 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.
Guided Grand Teton Climbs Overview
Climbing the Grand Teton with The Mountain Guides
- Location: Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole, Wyoming
- Summit: The Grand Teton, 13,775 feet
- Style: Guided alpine rock climbing on a multi-day itinerary
- Trip Length: 3-day climb plus prep day (a 4-day commitment), or a 4-day climb
- Season: Summer, with winter ascents available
- Experience: No prior climbing experience required on the 3-day option
Every participant on the three-day climb takes a one-day Grand Teton Prep Class, so strong hikers with no technical climbing background can arrive prepared to move safely on the mountain.
Grand Teton Routes & Objectives
The Grand Teton offers several classic lines to the summit, and your guide will recommend a route based on conditions, your fitness, and your climbing background:
- Exum Ridge: The most famous route on the peak and a benchmark of American alpinism, available on the three-day itinerary
- Pownall-Gilkey: A classic alternative on the three-day itinerary
- Corbet High Camp Climb: A three-day camp-based ascent staged from our high camp on the mountain
- Winter Ascent: A full expedition-style climb of the Grand in winter conditions
Who a Guided Grand Teton Climb Is For
A guided Grand Teton climb is a strong fit for:
- Fit hikers and scramblers ready for their first true alpine summit
- Climbers who want a classic Teton route without organizing logistics, permits, and camps
- Anyone drawn to the mountain’s history who wants to stand on top of it with a professional guide
- Returning climbers looking to progress onto harder routes or a winter ascent
The climb is rated moderate to difficult. Long approaches and significant elevation gain mean cardiovascular fitness matters more than technical skill — see the Fitness section below to prepare.
What to Expect on Your Grand Teton Climb
Your trip begins with the Prep Day. You will meet your guides at our partner office at the Black Diamond store in Jackson Hole, get outfitted with helmets, harnesses, and shoes, and head to the training area to learn the skills you will use on the mountain. The day ends with a full gear check, so bring everything you plan to carry on the climb.
On the first day of the climb you meet early at the Lupine Meadows trailhead and approach to high camp. Summit day starts in the dark, climbs the route your guide has selected, and returns to camp before the descent to the valley. Full day-by-day details for each itinerary are in the Itinerary section below.
Why Climb the Grand Teton with The Mountain Guides
- Teton heritage: We have been guiding in Grand Teton National Park for decades, and the Grand is our home peak
- AMGA-trained and certified guides: Professional guides with deep experience on every route on the mountain
- Corbet High Camp: Our own high camp on the mountain shortens summit day and improves your odds
- Logistics handled: Permits, camps, group gear, and route selection are taken care of for you
Stand on Top of the Grand Teton
A crucible of American alpinism and the most recognizable summit in Wyoming — join us and become part of its history. Check availability below to reserve your Grand Teton climb.
The 3 day climb is still a 4 day commitment. It starts with a prep day 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.
The Prep Day – Clients should plan to arrive at the Black Diamond store at 8:30am on the day before the climb begins. You will meet at our partner 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. After training, folks will return to the office where they will do their gear check. Please bring everything you plan to bring on the mountain with you to the training day.
Day 1 – Plan to meet 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 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. You can expect half the day to be on uneven trail. 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 Black Diamond 2 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. If you and your guide feel more training will be beneficial you 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 5-7 hours one way. 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 if your energy stores could facilitate that. 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.
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 the Black Diamond store in downtown Jackson the day before the trip by 5:00pm 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 and 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 scenic (but strenuous!) 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 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 Black Diamond 2 person Tents, each with sleeping pads.
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 up 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 5-7 hours one way. 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 four 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 if your energy stores facilitate summiting and hiking all the way out. 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 10:00am 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 online. For custom dates, please fill out the inquiry form and we will contact you shortly.
Our 3-Day Corbet Climbing Camp is for those who want the comforts of Corbet High Camp and also have access to some of the best alpine rock routes in the Lower 48. Classic climbs like The Red Sentinel, the Corkscrew, and the West Face of Disappointment Peak, are just a few awesome alpine rock routes that are a short walk from Corbet High Camp.
Multi-Pitch experience is recommended. If you don’t have any multi-pitch experience, we would suggest an intermediate class the day before you depart. Like all of our multi-day climbs, you will also need to do a gear-check at the Black Diamond store the day before departure.
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 elevation 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, and 10 personal Black Diamond 2 person Tents, each with sleeping pads.
Guides will prepare dinner, and with a full belly, you are off to sleep under the shadow of the Grand Teton.
Day 2 – Time to climb! Since there is no summit attempt, your day begins at a civilized hour. Wake up, enjoy breakfast, and with a small pack full of layers, climbing shoes, harness, helmet chalk, water and food, you head out to your first climb!
The approaches to these climbs range from 10 minutes to an hour.
After a day of climbing, you will come back to camp, have some dinner, and you and your sore fingers will go to bed under the stars.
Day 3 – Day 3 is much like day 2, Wake up, eat and go climb a few pitches. After climbing, you will return to camp, pack up your gear, and start your descent down to the trail head at Lupine Meadows. You should anticipate arriving between 5:00pm and 7:00pm.
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.
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. The Black Diamond store is our go to outfitter.
Grand Teton Equipment List
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)
- Socks: 2-4 pairs: sized for your boots and blister prevention
UPPER LAYERS
- Synthetic/Wool Long Underwear Top
OR
- Synthetic/ Wool Sun Hoody
- Synthetic T-shirt
- Lightweight Insulating Jacket: lightweight fleece or synthetic
- Insulating Jacket: Down or Synthetic
- Rain Jacket: waterproof/breathable with hood
BOTTOM LAYERS
- Synthetic/Wool Long Underwear Bottom
- Hiking Shorts for approach
- Synthetic Climbing Pant
- Rain Pant
ACCESSORIES
- Hat: lightweight to medium weight warm hat – sleek enough to be worn under a helmet
- Gloves: One Lightweight
ON THE TRAIL
- Alpine Climbing Pack. Internal frame only. 45 to 5O L for 3 or 4 day trip. Large enough to fit all your personal gear plus ten pounds of food and water. (Available for rent) Sleeping Bag Liner (available for purchase)
- 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, Dinner, snacks & drink mix.
- Misc Items – Minimal: light knife, camera,
bandana, camp suds, washcloth, etc.
RECOMMENDED & OPTIONAL ITEMS
- Trekking Poles
- Camera and batteries, spare memory card
- Insoles: custom or aftermarket
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 (June and September)
- Expedition weight long underwear (June and September)
- Extra gloves (June and September)
**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 $10 per day.
For your safety and comfort, bring synthetic and or natural fiber clothing for insulation. Cotton is NOT acceptable and down must be kept dry. Clothing should be able to layer without encumbering movement.
Climbing the Grand with us means a stay at our famed Corbet High Camp - our base camp located at 11,000'. You'll get to experience the pleasures of waking up to fresh coffee from our kitchen tent, sleeping in pre-prepped tents ready for your arrival, and climbing the incredible routes right at camp. Your nights up here will also allow you to acclimate before your climb and provide a comfortable place to sleep after your summit to break up the descent. You'll stay up here on our 2, 3, or 4 day climbs.
What's included:
- Tents
- Sleeping Pads
- Sleeping bags
- Camp Chairs
- Kitchen Tent
We are not going to sugarcoat it – climbing the Grand Teton is hard. You need to arrive in Jackson with hiking fitness most importantly and we can teach you all about the rock climbing. 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, it's going to feel quite hard. The decision is simple. Train hard and have a great time.
Grand Teton National Park is located roughly 30 minutes from our Jackson, WY headquarters. Our partner office is at 160 west pearl st in downtown Jackson. 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.
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've been guiding since 1968, 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 CORBET HIGH CAMP?
We have a Weatherport quanset hut for cooking and gathering, but we our guests sleep in new Black Diamond 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.
We will provide breakfast, light apps, dessert, and hot drinks. Participants will pack their own lunch and dinners. We've created a packing sheet to help the process. Click Here to View