Grand Teton National Park Rock Climbing
Overview
Fasten your seat belts for a full day of climbing in beautiful Grand Teton National Park or Curtis Canyon behind the Elk refuge. Our high quality guides will make your day on the rocks informative, exciting and enjoyable . . . and you can’t beat the location! All technical equipment is included. Guests are responsible for their own clothing and footwear. Rock shoes or mountain boots are available for rent.
A full day of rock climbing. This is a great option for folks looking to try rock climbing for the first time, or people who have not climbed in some time and are looking to refresh their skills. Routes range in difficulty from 5.4 to 5.11.
These classes take place at Boulder Town, Curtis Canyon and the Hoback Shield.
Learn to use the ice ax and practice techniques for ascent, descent, and safety systems on summer snow. This class is offered in early to mid summer when there is accessible snow. We’ll hike up to an appropriate snow slope, then cover a full range of topics, from step kicking to self arrest and glissading.
This offering is typically available before July 15.
Basic / Intermediate / Snow School: $500 private; $300 pp/ 2:1 private; $250 pp/3:1 $180 pp/4+:1
The Mountain Guides does not provide transportation for its clients. Guests are responsible for paying the $35 vehicle fee at the park entrance unless they have a Golden Eagle Pass or equivalent .
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.
All of our standard classes start at 8:30 at our Jackson office at 1325 S. Hwy 89, Suite 104, in Smith’s Plaza at the south end of town. You’ll meet your guide and get fitted with climbing gear. Plan for a full day of climbing. You’ll want lunch, plenty of water, and appropriate clothing for climbing in the mountains.
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 or Scarpa Kalipe (Available for rent)
- Rock Shoes for technical rock (Available for rent)
- *Rock shoes are not required for Grand Teton Prep Day class
Upper Layers
- Synthetic/ Wool Sun Hoody
- Synthetic T-shirt
- Soft Shell: fleece or pile
- Rain Jacket: waterproof/breathable with hood
Bottom Layers
- Shorts
- Synthetic Climbing Pant
- Rain Pant
Accessories
- Gloves – non-insulated with leather palm
On the Trail
- Back Pack: internal frame, 30 Liter capacity (2000 cu in)
- Water Bottles (2-3 L/Qt.) orr H2O Hydration system
- Dark Sunglasses
- Extra Pair Contact Lens
- Sun Hat or Visor
- Sunscreen (35+SPF)
- Lip Balm
- Insect Repellent (until early August)
- 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 in our Jackson office.
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.
Get a head start on your education by checking out our instructional videos.