You'll breathe hard. You'll be scared. It'll take two days. That's the appeal: This iconic, 13,770-foot fang of granite is tough and technical--but still a reasonable goal, even if you're a rock rookie. Especially if you join a trip with Exum Mountain Guides, the most elite mountain-guiding service in North America. They'll make you prove you're up to it with two days of classes--or, if you're relatively experienced, a one-day "check-out" climb. The ascent itself begins with a seven-mile approach to Exum's gear-stocked hut, on the lower saddle of the Grand Teton. Your team will rise before dawn the next morning to begin a series of roped-up pitches that are moderately difficult (from 5.4 to 5.7) and stunningly exposed. Chances are you'll tag the summit before noon and savor some 360-degree views over Wyoming and Idaho, then it's down, down, down to Exum HQ and the best beer of your life. (From $775; exumguides.com)
Photographer: Jimmy Chin
Comments
Wow, I lived in Jackson for a summer, and never even considered that I could climb Grand Teton! Well, I certainly could never have afforded the Exum school back then! But maybe it's time I add this to my list... although, honestly, just looking at that photograph makes me kind of queasy with vertigo... so maybe not.
Flag ThisHiked and climbed in the Tetons a few times during my life. My favorite experience there is the Lake Solitude/Paintbrush Divide Loop trail.
Flag ThisI climbed the Grand with Chris Figenshau, an Exum guide, in early August. It was just as described in the article above and an incredible experience. I would highly recommend it to anybody with an adventurous spirit.
Flag ThisI climbed the Grand with Chris Figenshau, an Exum guide, in early August. It was just as described in the article above and an incredible experience. I would highly recommend it to anybody with an adventurous spirit.
Flag ThisMy 15 year old son and I climbed the Grand in August 2011. Forget Exum and go with Jackson Hole Mountain Guides. They climb a harder route to the summit and they do not have all the corporate pretense of Exum. The experience is great, but it will leave you totally gased. Make sure you are in shape.
Flag Thisclimbed the Grand this august and it was phenomenal. I would only add that Jackson Hole Mountain Guides is the way to go...those guides are top notch and their high camp is the place to stay on the mountain!
Flag ThisThe climbing isn't difficult if you’re fit, comfortable with exposure, and careful. This mountain is easily soloed when conditions are good and many hikers do the round-trip from Lupine Meadows in one afternoon. It is a long hard hike but if you travel light (without gear) it's easy for good scramblers to summit and return home during daylight hours Visit the non-commercial website www.WyomingWhiskey.NET for information on how to solo.
Flag Thiswho in the world has time to scroll through 51 pages? Bad, Bad design
Flag Thiswho in the world has time to scroll through 51 pages? Bad, Bad design
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