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- Mount Owen
12,924 ft · Teton Range, Wyoming
Mount Owen
Mount Owen is a 12,924 ft peak in the Teton Range, Wyoming. The standard route is the Koven Route: 12 mi, 6,196 ft of gain, Class 5.
Mount Owen at a glance
- Elevation12,924 ft3,939 m
- RouteKoven RouteClass 5
- Distance12 mi6,196 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysExtreme effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeTeton RangeWyoming
Climbing the Koven Route
From Jackson, take US 191 north to Moose and the Teton Park Road to the Lupine Meadows Trailhead, then hike about 5 miles to Amphitheater Lake and cross into Glacier Gulch to the Teton Glacier. The Koven Route (Grade II, 5.4) climbs the Koven Couloir, a chimney, an exposed upper snow bench and a short roped summit block. Expect steep snow early, loose rock once the couloir melts out, and rappels on descent. Most parties camp near the glacier over 2 to 3 days with a backcountry camping permit, reserved on Recreation.gov from early January or as a walk-up a day ahead. 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
- Glacier travel
- Rockfall
- Steep exposure
- Route-finding difficulty
Quests with Mount Owen
Teton 11,000ersPeaks near Mount Owen
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Owen?
Mount Owen is 12,924 feet (3,939 m) tall. It is in the Teton Range, Wyoming.
How does Mount Owen rank among the Teton 11,000ers?
At 12,924 feet, Mount Owen is the 2nd highest of the 28 Teton 11,000ers. The highest is Grand Teton.
How hard is it to climb Mount Owen?
The Koven Route is Class 5, which means technical climbing with a rope and protection. Yak rates the overall effort extreme: 12 miles with 6,196 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Mount Owen?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the Koven Route, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Mount Owen 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 a rope to climb Mount Owen?
Most parties bring one. The Koven Route is Class 5, and the gear list includes a rope, harness and belay device.
Do you need to acclimatize to climb Mount Owen?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Owen reaches 12,924 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 Owen?
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 Owen 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