Multi-Day
Grand Teton Summit & Yellowstone National Park

July 19 > Arrive in Jackson, Wyoming

Welcome to Jackson!

As your plane nears it’s destination at Jackson Hole Airport, take special notice of the beautiful mountains and try to find your summit, the Grand Teton. This perspective will help set your expectations for the grand journey ahead. Upon landing, you will only need to take a short cab ride to your campground where your Outdoor Bound guide eagerly awaits your arrival. Tonight, you will meet your fellow climbers and go over the details of the days ahead. This will be your opportunity to share in the excitement as well as ask any remaining questions.

The Grand Teton

Grand Teton National Park protects stunning mountain scenery and a diverse array of wildlife. The Teton Range is the focal point of the park, the youngest range in the Rocky Mountains. An active normal fault, the Teton Fault, lies on the 40 mile long mountain front. Rock is jetted into the sky some 7,000 feet from the flat plains, with the highest peak at 13,770 feet, the Grand Teton.

The general architecture of the range is simpler than that of most great mountain ranges of the world. The peaks are sculptured from an enormous westward-tilted fault block of ancient metamorphic and igneous rocks that are part of the central core of the continent. These basement rocks were once covered by much younger sedimentary rocks that have since been stripped by erosion. The north-south trending Teton fault lies at the foot of the range. The eastern edge of the Teton block has been raised at least 8,000 feet during the last two million years at an average rate of almost five inches per century. This very rapid uplift, geologically speaking, has resulted in tilted stream terraces in Jackson Hole, fresh fault scarps along the base of the range and occasional earthquakes.

Details of the mountainous landscape were developed on the uplifted Teton block by alpine glaciation. An excellent example of this topography molded by glacial erosion is the “Cathedral Group” consisting of the Grand Teton, Mount Owen and Mount Teewinot, and can be seen from the north vantage point. In the past 2 million years, glaciers have advanced and retreated due to several cycles of climatic cooling followed by warming. The Grand Teton is also an example of a glacial horn, a result of cirque glaciers eroding headward on three or more sides of the rock mass which created these pyramid shaped peaks.

The mountains in Grand Teton National Park are not only impressive with their geological background, but also in their accessibility and the views their summits offer. Modern highways lead virtually to the foot of the peaks. The summit of the Grand Teton is a little more than three horizontal miles from the nearest approach road. The Tetons are radiant to the climbing world, offering more than 38 distinct routes to the Grand Teton’s summit, the center of interest. For those whose goals do not include the making of first ascents, there is an unlimited opportunity for hiking, on or off the 220 mile trail system.

Grand Teton National Park’s mountains rise at a steady high angle. These peaks, bristled with spires and pinnacles, are topped by sharp summits. Their allure and energy has brought more than 3 million visitors a year in search of their scenic splendor. Mountains represent a piece in all of us and reconnecting with that is a remarkable and unforgettable experience.

July 20 > Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

Seize the day by hiking the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, a stunning display of water’s immense power. This light hike will take us to vistas that are some of the best Yellowstone has to offer.

The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is the primary geologic feature in the Canyon District. It is roughly 20 miles long, measured from the Upper Falls to the Tower Fall area. Depth is 800 to 1,200 ft.; width is 1,500 to 4,000 ft. The canyon as we know it today is a very recent geologic feature. The present canyon is no more than 10,000 to 14,000 years old, although there has probably been a canyon in this location for a much longer period. The exact sequence of events in the formation of the canyon is not well understood, as there has been little field work done in the area. The few studies that are available are thought to be inaccurate. We do know that the canyon was formed by erosion rather than by glaciation. A more complete explanation can be found in the Geological Overview section. The geologic story of the canyon, its historical significance as a barrier to travel, its significance as destination/attraction, and its appearance in Native American lore and in the accounts of early explorers are all important interpretive points. The “ooh-ahh” factor is also important: its beauty and grandeur, its significance as a feature to be preserved, and the development of the national park idea.

The Upper and Lower Falls of the Yellowstone

The falls are erosional features formed by the Yellowstone River as it flows over progressively softer, less resistant rock. The Upper Falls is upstream of the Lower Falls and is 109 ft. high. It can be seen from the Brink of the Upper Falls Trail and from Uncle Tom’s Trail.

The Lower Falls is 308 ft. high and can be seen from Lookout Point, Red Rock Point, Artist Point, Brink of the Lower Falls Trail, and from various points on the South Rim Trail. The Lower Falls is often described as being more than twice the size of Niagara, although this only refers to its height and not the volume of water flowing over it. The volume of water flowing over the falls can vary from 63,500 gal/sec at peak runoff to 5,000 gal/sec in the fall.

A third falls can be found in the canyon between the Upper and Lower falls. Crystal Falls is the outfall of Cascade Creek into the canyon. It can be seen from the South Rim Trail just east of the Uncle Tom’s area.

The Yellowstone River

The Yellowstone River is the force that created the canyon and the falls. It begins on the slopes of Yount Peak, south of the park, and travels more than 600 miles to its terminus in North Dakota where it empties into the Missouri River. It is the longest undammed river in the continental United States.

July 21 > Jenny Lake and Old Faithful

Another great day in Yellowstone National Park will take is to Jenny Lake and Old Faithful. Canoeing on the idyllic waters on Jenny Lake, you will have views of the Tetons including our summit goal of the Grand. After lunch near by the water, we’ll head north to experience Old Faithful.

How a Geyser Works

Sprinkled amid the hot springs are the rarest fountains of all, the geysers. What makes them rare and distinguishes them from hot springs is that somewhere, usually near the surface in the plumbing system of a geyser, there are one or more constrictions.
Expanding steam bubbles generated from the rising hot water build up behind these constrictions, ultimately squeezing through the narrow passageways and forcing the water above to overflow from the geyser. The release of water at the surface prompts a sudden decline in pressure of the hotter waters at great depth, triggering a violent chain reaction of tremendous steam explosions in which the volume of rising, now boiling, water expands 1,500 times or more. This expanding body of boiling superheated water bursts into the sky as one of Yellowstone’s many famous geysers.
There are more geysers here than anywhere else on earth. Old Faithful, certainly the most famous geyser, is joined by numerous others big and small, named and unnamed. Though born of the same water and rock, what is enchanting is how differently they play in the sky. Riverside Geyser shoots at an angle across the Firehole River, often forming a rainbow in its mist. Castle erupts from a cone shaped like the ruins of some medieval fortress. Grand explodes in a series of powerful bursts, towering above the surrounding trees. Echinus spouts up and out to all sides like a fireworks display of water.

July 22 > Climbing School

Before we begin our summit on the Grand, we will spend our first day in climbing school. This is a fun day devoted to making everyone comfortable and proficient with technical rock climbing. In this class, you will learn by doing. Each technique is first demonstrated and then practiced. Today you will also have a chance to pick up any last-minute gear.

Prior Experience

Before attempting the Grand, we require climbers to demonstrate their abilities on one of our many local rock climbing trips in the Shawangunk Mountains. Climbing the “Gunks,“you will be able to work with local experts, perfecting your technique. In addition, Outdoor Bound’s Mountain Series includes local summits of Mount Marcy and Mount Washington. These trips will give you the experience and confidence necessary to attempt Grand Teton. We welcome beginners who are willing to learn by practicing climbing, ensuring the attempt on the Grand is a successful one.

July 23 > Ascend to Summit Camp

Your goal today is hiking the Lupine Meadows Trail up to the Corbet High Camp. Positioned at 11,000 feet, your total elevation gain will be over 4,200 feet. You will only need to carry your personal clothing, food, and water. High camp is stocked with three-person Sierra Designs dome tents, propane stoves, and all the requisite climbing gear.

You will arrive at Lupine Meadows (9,200 feet) in time for a beautiful lunch spot in the mountains. After lunch, switchbacks lead up the North Fork of Garnet Canyon. A spring at the Petzoldt Caves (10,100 feet) provides pure drinking water and allows us to replenish our water bottles. Steep hiking into a beautiful alpine arena leads us to camp.

After six hours on the trail, the secluded Corbet High Camp is a great reward. Located on a high glacial moraine just below the east face of the Grand and below the Teepe Glacier, it is one of the most beautiful camps in the Tetons. Melt-water from the glacier filters through the moraine and yields another refreshing spring below the Weatherport hut. The spacious hut serves as a kitchen, meeting place, and dining hall. Behind large boulders and just over the ridge are three-person Sierra Designs tents that serve as your home.

This evening, you can recover, relax, and enjoy a very special place in the mountains. Dinner will be prepared and served by the guides.

July 24 > Summit Grand Teton

An alpine start assures that we maximize our safety and summit chances. Departing camp well before dawn, you will be wearing headlamps to guide your way toward the upper mountain. The day includes 2,700 feet of elevation gain, loads of great scrambling, three easy fifth-class pitches, and an exciting rappel from high on the mountain. Your goal is to summit around 9:00 AM and return to Lupine Meadows by 6:00 PM.

Starting in the early morning from Corbet High Camp (11,000 feet) a hike through the moraine and an ascent of a 50-foot fixed rope brings us to the Lower Saddle (11,600 feet). A hike to the Black Dike takes us to the beginning of the climbing. Warm early morning light illuminates the next 1,000 feet of second and third class scrambling to the Upper Saddle (13,160 feet). It is here that we diverge from the Owen-Spalding and ascend via the Pownall-Gilkey, an aesthetic route on perfect granite. The summit is not far away! We don all of our clothing, stack ropes, and tie-in for the technical fifth-class climbing. With the last two hundred feet to the summit, you can choose between the fourth-class climbing on Unsoeld’s Layback or up Sargent’s Chimney.

The summit views offer a spectacular vista of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. On clear days we can see 14 different mountain ranges in four states. You have climbed over 7,000 feet to the summit of the Grand Teton!

The descent from the upper mountain involves a spectacular rappel and considerable down climbing. Typically, climbers return to the roadhead about 6:00 PM.

July 25 > Final Day in Grand Teton National Park

After a long and memorable climb the day before, sleep in as long as you care to, or until the Wyoming wildlife sounds its morning alarm. Take your time and relish in the thought that you have just climbed the Grand Teton.

With Jackson only a few minutes away, spend the day picking up last-minute gifts before catching your flight home. If you choose to stay longer and explore Yellowstone, your Outdoor Bound guide will happily help with arrangements.

Overview > Adventures at All Skill Levels

We offer adventures for everyone, no matter what your skill level. This guide will help you decide which trip is right for you.

1. Activity

   How long (in hours) you may be active every day during the trip.

2. Distances

   You should feel confident that you would be able to complete these distances every day of your trip.

3. Surfaces

   What types of terrain you may encounter and should be prepared for on your trip.

4. Elevation Change

   The largest elevation change you may encounter on your trip.

5. Altitude

   The highest elevation you may reach on your trip.

Level 1 > Laid-Back, Unhurried, Restful

1. Activity

   1 – 3 hours

2. Distances

   Walk or hike less than 3 miles

3. Surfaces

   Flat terrain

4. Elevation Change

   Little or none

5. Altitude

   Less than 3,000 feet

Level 2 > Easy Active — Perfect for Active First-Timers

1. Activity

   2 – 5 hours

2. Distances

   Hike up to 6 miles, cycle 10 – 30 miles most days

3. Surfaces

   Flat or rolling terrain with some steeps possible

4. Elevation Change

   Up to 1,500 feet per day

5. Altitude

   Up to 6,000 feet

Level 3 > Moderate — for Novices & Above

1. Activity

   4 – 6 hours most days

2. Distances

   Hike up to 10 miles, cycle 20 – 40 miles most days

3. Surfaces

   Rolling or mountainous terrain with some steeps

4. Elevation Change

   Up to 2,000 feet per day

5. Altitude

   Up to 10,000 feet

Level 4 > Vigorous — Recommended for Fit Travelers with Basic Skills

Experience required.

1. Activity

   5 – 8 hours most days

2. Distances

   Hike up to 12 miles, cycle 30 – 50 miles most days

3. Surfaces

   Mountainous, exposed terrain with steep ascents/descents and uneven trails

4. Elevation Change

   Up to 3,000 feet per day

5. Altitude

   Up to 14,000 feet

Level 5 > Strenuous — Very Fit or Experienced Travelers

Experience required; doctor’s release may be required (if so, will be noted in trip description).

1. Activity

   10 plus hours per day

2. Distances

   Hike 12 or more miles, cycle 50 miles most days

3. Surfaces

   Remote mountainous, exposed terrain with steep ascent and descents, uneven trails with loose features

4. Elevation Change

   Up to 4,000+ feet per day

5. Altitude

   May well exceed 14,000 feet