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13,775 ft · Teton Range, Wyoming
Grand Teton
Grand Teton is a 13,775 ft peak in the Teton Range, Wyoming. The standard route is the Owen-Spalding: 15 mi, 6,991 ft of gain, Class 5.
Grand Teton at a glance
- Elevation13,775 ft4,198 m
- RouteOwen-SpaldingClass 5
- Distance15 mi6,991 ft gain
- Time11 – 14 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeTeton RangeWyoming
Climbing the Owen-Spalding
From Moose, Wyoming, in Grand Teton National Park, start at the Lupine Meadows Trailhead and climb to the Lower Saddle, usually with a high camp. The Owen-Spalding is the classic Class 5 line to the summit, requiring rope, rock skills, and comfort with serious exposure. Snow, ice, and rockfall persist through the season, and violent afternoon storms are a major hazard on this high, exposed peak. Many climbers hire a guide, and a backcountry camping permit is needed to camp in the range. Start well before dawn, move efficiently, and be ready to turn back. This is a technical mountaineering objective, not a hike.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (40–55 L)
Mountaineering Boots
Crampons
Gaiters
Ice Axe
Helmet
Rope
Harness
Carabiners
Belay Device
Trekking Poles
Base Layer
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Hardshell Pants
Warm Hat
Sun Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Heavyweight Gloves
Glacier Glasses
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Headlamp
GPS Device
Satellite Communicator
Power Bank
Offline Maps
Water
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Whistle
Emergency Bivy
Sleeping Bag (0°F to 20°F)
Sleeping Pad
What to watch for
- Technical climbing
- Steep exposure
- Rockfall
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- Loose rock
- High altitude
- High winds
- Storms
- Low visibility
- Rapid weather shifts
- Glacier travel
- Crevasses
- Altitude sickness
- Remote location
- Route-finding difficulty
Quests with Grand Teton
Lower 48 Ultras
Teton 11,000ersPeaks near Grand Teton
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Grand Teton?
Grand Teton is 13,775 feet (4,198 m) tall. It is in the Teton Range, Wyoming.
Is Grand Teton the highest of the Teton 11,000ers?
Yes. At 13,775 feet, Grand Teton is the tallest of the 28 Teton 11,000ers.
How hard is it to climb Grand Teton?
The Owen-Spalding is Class 5, which means technical climbing with a rope and protection. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 15 miles with 6,991 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Grand Teton?
Most people take 11 – 14 hours round trip on the Owen-Spalding, covering 15 miles with 6,991 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Is Grand Teton dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: crevasses on the glacier, exposed sections where a fall would be serious and rockfall from loose rock. Teams rope up for glacier travel, and many first-timers climb with a guide.
Do you need crampons and an ice axe for Grand Teton?
Plan on it. Crampons and an ice axe are on the gear list for the Owen-Spalding for the snow and ice on the upper mountain, along with mountaineering boots that take crampons. Glacier travel also means a rope, harness and crevasse rescue skills. Conditions vary through the season, so check recent reports before you go.
Will you get altitude sickness on Grand Teton?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Grand Teton reaches 13,775 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.
What time should you start climbing Grand Teton?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 11 – 14 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to climb Grand Teton?
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 Grand Teton?
The Owen-Spalding starts at about 6,740 feet, roughly 7,035 feet below the summit.
Climb Grand Teton 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