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- Mount Moran
12,610 ft · Teton Range, Wyoming
Mount Moran
Mount Moran is a 12,610 ft peak in the Teton Range, Wyoming. The standard route is the CMC Route: 11 mi, 6,000 ft of gain, Class 5.
Mount Moran at a glance
- Elevation12,610 ft3,843 m
- RouteCMC RouteClass 5
- Distance11 mi6,000 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysExtreme effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeTeton RangeWyoming
Climbing the CMC Route
From Jackson, drive the Teton Park Road to North Jenny Lake Junction and park at String Lake. Paddle String Lake, portage about 100 yards, and cross Leigh Lake to the Falling Ice Glacier drainage. A loose climbers trail gains about 3,000 feet to CMC Camp, then Class 4 ledges lead over Drizzlepuss to a rappel into the notch. The CMC Route climbs the east face left of the Black Dike at 5.5 on good rock. Most parties camp at CMC Camp, which needs a backcountry camping permit and a bear canister. Every canoe needs a Grand Teton boat permit and an AIS inspection. Start before dawn to beat afternoon storms. A Grand Teton entrance pass is required.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (55–75 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
- Technical climbing
- Route-finding difficulty
- Loose rock
- Storms
- Complex logistics
Quests with Mount Moran
Teton 11,000ersPeaks near Mount Moran
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Moran?
Mount Moran is 12,610 feet (3,843 m) tall. It is in the Teton Range, Wyoming.
How does Mount Moran rank among the Teton 11,000ers?
At 12,610 feet, Mount Moran is the 4th highest of the 28 Teton 11,000ers. The highest is Grand Teton.
How hard is it to climb Mount Moran?
The CMC Route is Class 5, which means technical climbing with a rope and protection. Yak rates the overall effort extreme: 11 miles with 6,000 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Mount Moran?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the CMC Route, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Mount Moran dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: rockfall from loose rock, fast-changing weather and tricky route-finding. 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 Mount Moran?
Most parties bring one. The CMC Route is Class 5, and the gear list includes a rope, harness and belay device.
Do you need to acclimatize to climb Mount Moran?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Moran reaches 12,610 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.
When is the best time to climb Mount Moran?
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 Mount Moran 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