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- Disappointment Peak
11,608 ft · Teton Range, Wyoming
Disappointment Peak
Disappointment Peak is an 11,608 ft peak in the Teton Range, Wyoming. The standard route is the Lake Ledges: 12 mi, 5,000 ft of gain, Class 4.
Disappointment Peak at a glance
- Elevation11,608 ft3,538 m
- RouteLake LedgesClass 4
- Distance12 mi5,000 ft gain
- Time13 – 15 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeTeton RangeWyoming
Climbing the Lake Ledges
From Jackson, take US 191 north to Moose and the Teton Park Road to the Lupine Meadows Trailhead. Hike the switchbacking trail past Surprise Lake to Amphitheater Lake, then circle to its southwest corner. The Lake Ledges route is continuous Class 3 with several Class 4 moves up a broken headwall, followed by a boulder field and a short Class 3 summit knob. Route-finding through the ledges is the main challenge, and snow in the adjacent couloir can linger into July and has caused serious falls, so carry an ice axe early. Start at dawn for the big gain. 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
Harness
Rope
Belay Device
Carabiners
What to watch for
- Route-finding difficulty
- Steep exposure
- Loose rock
- Storms
Quests with Disappointment Peak
Teton 11,000ersPeaks near Disappointment Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Disappointment Peak?
Disappointment Peak is 11,608 feet (3,538 m) tall. It is in the Teton Range, Wyoming.
How does Disappointment Peak rank among the Teton 11,000ers?
At 11,608 feet, Disappointment Peak is the 10th highest of the 28 Teton 11,000ers. The highest is Grand Teton.
How hard is it to climb Disappointment Peak?
The Lake Ledges is Class 4, which means exposed scrambling, where many parties bring a rope. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 12 miles with 5,000 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Disappointment Peak?
Most people take 13 – 15 hours round trip on the Lake Ledges, covering 12 miles with 5,000 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Is Disappointment Peak 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 rope to climb Disappointment Peak?
Most parties bring one. The Lake Ledges is Class 4, and the gear list includes a rope, harness and belay device.
What time should you start climbing Disappointment Peak?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 13 – 15 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to climb Disappointment Peak?
The usual climbing window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
What is the trailhead elevation for Disappointment Peak?
The Lake Ledges starts at about 6,740 feet, roughly 4,868 feet below the summit.
Climb Disappointment Peak 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