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- Buck Mountain
11,937 ft · Teton Range, Wyoming
Buck Mountain
Buck Mountain is an 11,937 ft peak in the Teton Range, Wyoming. The standard route is the East Face: 12 mi, 5,200 ft of gain, Class 3.
Buck Mountain at a glance
- Elevation11,937 ft3,638 m
- RouteEast FaceClass 3
- Distance12 mi5,200 ft gain
- Time11 – 13 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeTeton RangeWyoming
Climbing the East Face
From Moose, drive south on the Moose-Wilson Road and turn onto the Death Canyon road to the Death Canyon Trailhead (closed for relocation through 2026; the new lot about a mile lower adds distance). Follow the Valley Trail about 0.75 mile, take the climbers' path north into Stewart Draw, and climb to Timberline Lake. The East Face is Class 3: traverse to a narrow chute beside the east ridge, then scramble scree and boulders to the summit. Snow lingers into midsummer above a big cliff band, so carry an ice axe early. Start early for afternoon storms. A Grand Teton entrance pass is required.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (35–55 L)
Hiking Boots
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Sun Hat
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
Helmet
What to watch for
- Steep exposure
- Loose rock
- Snow near summit
- Storms
Quests with Buck Mountain
Teton 11,000ersPeaks near Buck Mountain
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Buck Mountain?
Buck Mountain is 11,937 feet (3,638 m) tall. It is in the Teton Range, Wyoming.
How does Buck Mountain rank among the Teton 11,000ers?
At 11,937 feet, Buck Mountain is the 8th highest of the 28 Teton 11,000ers. The highest is Grand Teton.
How hard is it to climb Buck Mountain?
The East Face is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 12 miles with 5,200 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Buck Mountain?
Most people take 11 – 13 hours round trip on the East Face, covering 12 miles with 5,200 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Is Buck Mountain dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious, rockfall from loose rock and fast-changing weather. Go with an experienced partner, wear a helmet, test holds before you trust them and turn back if the rock is wet or icy.
Do you need a helmet for Buck Mountain?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the East Face, so a helmet is on the gear list.
What time should you start climbing Buck Mountain?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 11 – 13 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to climb Buck Mountain?
The usual climbing window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Buck Mountain with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list