Mountain Series: Grand Teton Summit

Summit one of the world’s most beautiful mountains!

Summit the Grand Teton Climb the Grand Teton, one of the world’s most beautiful mountains, as part of Outdoor Bound’s Mountain Series. The summit of the Grand Teton, at 13,770 feet, is an excellent mountaineering goal. Under the direction of seasoned mountain guides, this mountain is accessible to even the less-experienced climbers. If you are up for a new challenge in an awe-inspiring environment, join us for this experience of a lifetime.

While you are in Wyoming, combine this trip with our seven-day multi-sport exploration of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.

The Mountain

“The Grand”, as Jackson, Wyoming locals call the towering rock spire northwest of town, has perhaps the most compelling profile of any mountain in America. The summit block seems impossibly tilted, adding a surreal cap to the already impressive jagged skyline of the Teton Range. The Tetons are one of the shortest and most compact ranges in the Rockies, but their direct rise of over 7,000 vertical feet from flatlands on their eastern face is unsurpassed between Canada and Mexico. However, the western slopes, falling away into Idaho, are much more gentle once below the immediate summit towers. Either way, the Tetons make one of the classic picture-postcard views.

Event Details

July 9 Arrive in Wyoming
July 10 Climbing Class
July 11 Hike to Summit Camp
July 12 Summit Grand Teton
July 13 Final Day

Want to share this event or trip?

Seasoned Mountaineering Guides

On your journey to the summit, you will be led by professional mountaineering guides, dedicated to providing safe and educational adventures. To ensure your trip is safe as well as successful, the guides are certified by the International Federation of Mountain Guide Associations (IFMGA), the foremost guide certification organization world-wide. IFMGA only certifies individuals who demonstrate the highest level of knowledge and ability in the areas of rock and alpine climbing and ski-mountaineering, including leadership, judgment, client care, technical expertise, rescue skill, and environmental consciousness. Most importantly, our guides are sensitive, encouraging teachers willing to work hard to make your days rewarding and successful.

Camping

Your nights before and after the climb will be spent at a campground located at the base of the mountain. All camping equipment, sleeping bags and park fees are included in your package.

Package Includes

Professional mountaineering guides
All meals during summit
Park entrance fees
Camping equipment
Camping July 9 - 12
Climbing School
Climbing gear

Does not include

Airfare to Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Meals before and after summit
Incidentals

Three Days of Summit Bliss

July 9

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.

Three Days of Summit Bliss

July 10

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.

Three Days of Summit Bliss

July 11

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.

Three Days of Summit Bliss

July 12

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.

Three Days of Summit Bliss

July 13

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.

Intensity Levels

This event or trip is Intensity Level 4 - 5.

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.

Activity

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

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

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

The largest elevation change you may encounter on your trip.
Altitude

The highest elevation you may reach on your trip.

Intensity Levels

This event or trip is Intensity Level 4 - 5.

Level 1

Laid-Back, Unhurried, Restful

Welcome to the outdoors! These trips are designed to introduce you to new challenges and new adventurers. Take in the scenery, tackle moderate elevation, experience some local flavor, and enjoy your day out of the office.

Activity

You can expect to be active for one to three hours. Take a long walk around Central Park to make sure you’re comfortable being outdoors and active for at least a two-hour period.
Distances

For our Level 1 trips, you’ll be walking or hiking less than three miles. Think about this distance in terms of the width of Manhattan. Walking from the Hudson to the East River via 14th street is just under two miles.
Surfaces

You’ll be walking on flat terrain. This means there will be limited rocks and a few tree roots.
Elevation Change

There will be little or no elevation change on this trip. To simulate the change in elevation, trying walking three flights of stairs and back.
Altitude

Less than 3,000 feet.

Intensity Levels

This event or trip is Intensity Level 4 - 5.

Level 2

Easy Active — Perfect for Active First-Timers

Level 2 trips will give you a taste of what hiking is all about. Test yourself on intermediate terrain, including light rock scrambles and ascending multiple peaks. The trips will invigorate you and inspire you to continue strengthening your hiking skills.

Activity

You can expect to be active for four to six hours. Prepare for the trip by jogging three miles around Central Park.
Distances

Plan on getting starter miles under your belt. You’ll be doing up to six miles on this trip. You can imagine this distance in terms of the full Central Park loop, which is 6.1 miles.
Surfaces

You’ll be hiking on rolling terrain. You can expect rock surfaces, steeps, roots and small boulders.
Elevation Change

There could be up to an accumulative 1,500 feet per day.
Altitude

From sea level to 6,000 feet.

Intensity Levels

This event or trip is Intensity Level 4 - 5.

Level 3

Moderate — for Novices and Above

Level three hikes will challenge you with a faster pace and longer distances. This hard work allows you to see more terrain and higher vistas. You should expect to be tired and fulfilled on the van ride home.

Activity

We’ll be out on the trails for five to eight hours. Prepare for this trip by maintaining your daily fitness regime that includes both cardio and strength.
Distances

Be ready to cover some serious distance. We may hike up to ten miles today before heading back to the city. This is the distance between Battery Park and Washington Heights in Manhattan.
Surfaces

We’ll be walking on rolling or mountainous terrain. This will require navigating various rock faces and trail conditions including steep inclines and uneven ground.
Elevation Change

There could be up to 2,000 feet per day.
Altitude

From sea level to 10,000 feet.

Intensity Levels

This event or trip is Intensity Level 4 - 5.

Level 4

Vigorous — Recommended for Fit Travelers with Basic Skills

Deep inside you is a desire to push past your limit. On these hikes you’ll be challenged by some of the steepest elevations and technical terrain available. These trips are for endurance athletes and those who wish to push their physical abilities.

Activity

You can expect to be active for six to nine hours. You can best prepare for a Level 4 trip by maintaining your intense fitness regiment, trying to get your mile time below 7 minutes, and hiking consistently on the weekends.
Distances

Level 4 hikes can be up to 16 miles. This is the distance between Wall Street and Yonkers.
Surfaces

These trails will be mountainous with exposed terrain, uneven trails and steep ascents/descents. Most hikes will require not only hiking boots but also additional gear like hiking poles and headlamps.
Elevation Change

There could be elevation change of up to 3,000 feet per day and possible altitude.
Altitude

From sea level to 14,000 feet.

Intensity Levels

This event or trip is Intensity Level 4 - 5.

Level 5

Strenuous — Very Fit or Experienced Travelers

Prepare yourself for the ultimate outdoor experience. If you yearn to touch the sky and think the rewards outweigh the risks and extreme conditions, this is what you’re looking for. Over the course of multiple days you will be called upon to prove you belong among the best.

Activity

You should be ready for at least ten hours a day of pain, challenge, and constant small victories.
Distances

You should expect to be hiking for at least twelve miles a day. Prepare for this by racing in triathlons, training for a marathon and up keeping your hiking skills.
Surfaces

On Level 5 trips you will be trekking in remote mountains with exposed terrain and loose features.
Elevation Change

There could be elevation change of 5,000 feet per day.
Altitude

Altitude change could also reach up to 14,000 feet.

Preparation Advice

Training

The Grand Teton climb involves 14 miles roundtrip and 7,000 feet of elevation gain and loss. On the first day, we gain 4,200 feet on the way to our Corbet High Camp. On the summit day we climb 2,700 feet to the summit and descend 7,000 feet back to Lupine Meadows. It is a strenuous trip and good physical conditioning is the single most important factor for success. Roped climbing experience is a prerequisite. Outdoor Bound offers many rock climbing events in the legendary Shawangunk Mountains. These day trips are an excellent way to prepare and will give you the confidence you will greatly appreciate once on the mountain. We also strongly encourage our climbers to experience hiking on rugged trails, particularly on steep up and down hills, since this is much of any Teton ascent. 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 climbing the Grand Teton do just fine on the ascent. Give oneself 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. Day hikes or other longer endeavors will help prepare one for the endurance required in the Tetons. Carrying a 20 to 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.

Altitude

The high elevations in the Tetons have stopped otherwise fit people who did not take the time to acclimate. We strongly encourage our participants, especially those coming from sea level, to arrive a few days early in Jackson. Jackson is at 6,200 feet, while the Corbet High Camp is near 11,000 feet. To help one’s body adjust to the thinner and drier air, you must first hydrate. Drinking enough water markedly improves athletic performance and helps to prevent altitude mountain sickness. Before and during your climb, aim for 4-5 quarts of fluid a day. Make sure your water is readily accessible. During the ascent, hydration systems like Camelbacks, or a water bottle on your hip will provide easy access to your water. Sport drink mixes like Gatorade are highly recommended; they promote drinking and help replenish electrolytes. Avoid too much alcohol and caffeine, as these have the effect of dehydrating your body. If you have never been to high altitude before, don’t worry, everyone has a first time. Keep your guide posted on any physical symptoms you may be experiencing. If you have had trouble with altitude in the past, please let us know ahead of time and consult with your physician before you come. Some people simply acclimatize more slowly; they often find that allotting a few extra days to acclimate is helpful for performance.

Weather & Climate

The high mountain areas have extremely variable weather. Often the nights are cool or cold, while the days can, at least potentially, warm up substantially even in the alpine environment. Strong winds, rain, hail, even summer snow showers may be encountered. Expect early morning starts to avoid afternoon thundershowers!

Food

All breakfasts and dinners will be provided including coffee, teas, and hot chocolate. If you have food intolerances or allergies, please notify our office. You provide your lunches, trail food and drink mixes. Plan for a half pound of trail/lunch food per day with a variety of many small snacks. A sandwich for the first day’s hike up to high camp is nice. Reduce packaging materials: repacking your foods into zip-locks helps reduce bulk, weight, and waste and provides a handy receptacle for your trash. We will make a group trip to the grocery store before our start so you can be assured your food supplies will be adequate.

Drinks

Exertion at altitude demands hydration. Drinking enough fluid markedly improves performance and helps to prevent mountain sickness. Before, during, and after your climb, aim for four to five quarts a day. Make sure your water is readily accessible; hydration systems like Camelbacks, or a water bottle on your hip or the top of your pack provide easy access to your water. Sport drink mixes like Gatorade are highly recommended; they promote drinking and help replenish electrolytes. Drink mixes like Kool-aid, Tang, Crystal Light, and iced tea are other options.

Equipment

If you are unsure of what to bring, give us a call or send us an email! Our staff is happy to help ensure you are comfortably outfitted for your trip. To prepare yourself for the activities, join Outdoor Bound on any of our local day trips. Our trained guides will coach you and offer helpful tips in preparing for your big adventure.
Below is a list of equipment for the Grand Teton. The specific gear considerations are designed to prepare you for all possible conditions. We do have a limited number of rental items for your convenience. You are welcome to store extra gear and luggage that you will not need on your climb in a secured place at the base. There are some several excellent mountaineering shops in Jackson should you need to supplement your gear. For questions about the gear list, please contact our office at 212-579-4568 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Layers

Please, no cotton. Cotton or cotton blends are not acceptable layers, except for a short sleeve hiking shirt and shorts. Wet cotton cools your core body temperature quickly and this can become a serious safety issue. Make sure that your insulating jackets and rain gear, both tops and bottoms, can fit over other layers. Do not omit layers; we actually wear them all on many occasions. If you would like an extra layer, a vest is a nice light addition. Rain ponchos are not acceptable. Gloves may be used while climbing; they must be both dexterous and warm, and leather is not a good idea. Bring a second pair if much snow is to be encountered on the ascent.

Essential Items

Two water bottles or Camelback
Backpack. Be careful of tall packs that interfere with head movement or packs with external frames that restrict movement.
Mid-summer approach shoes. Approach shoes are lightweight hiking shoes with a “sticky” rubber sole.
Hiking socks, four pairs
Gloves
Base top layer (wicking t-shirts)
Heavy layer (sweater or fleece)
Pants, hiking shorts
Long underwear/thermals
Waterproof jacket
Underwear
Casual wear for before/after climb
Sunglasses
Toiletries
Flashlight or headlamp

Recommended Items

Binoculars for viewing wildlife
Sleeping bag (you can rent one in Jackson)
Sleeping pad
Camera
Book
Journal
Biodegradable soap and shampoo
Medications, prescription and non-prescription
Small towel and washcloth

General Information

Please read our terms and conditions and call us with any questions you may have about the trip before booking. A gear and departure check-list will be sent to you upon booking confirmation.

Register