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11,486 ft · Teton Range, Wyoming

Mount Wister

Mount Wister is an 11,486 ft peak in the Teton Range, Wyoming. The standard route is the Northeast Couloir to East Ridge: 12 mi, 5,120 ft of gain, Class 4.

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Mount Wister in the Teton Range, Wyoming

Mount Wister at a glance

  • Elevation11,486 ft3,500 m
  • RouteNortheast Couloir to East RidgeClass 4
  • Distance12 mi5,120 ft gain
  • Time13 – 15 hrsVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeTeton RangeWyoming

Climbing the Northeast Couloir to East Ridge

From Moose, take the Teton Park Road north to the Taggart Lake Trailhead. Hike toward Taggart Lake, then pick up the unmaintained, often faint path into Avalanche Canyon, staying near the creek through deadfall and boggy ground, and climb beside Shoshoko Falls to Lake Taminah. The Northeast Couloir to East Ridge is Class 4: a long snow or scree couloir leads to a col, then exposed, solid rock scrambling follows the ridge to the summit. Bring an ice axe and crampons while the couloir holds snow. Start early to beat 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
  • Harness
  • Rope
  • Belay Device
  • Carabiners

What to watch for

  • Steep exposure
  • Loose rock
  • Route-finding difficulty
  • Boggy terrain
  • Storms

Quests with Mount Wister

Peaks near Mount Wister

  1. Veiled Peak

    Veiled Peak

    11,338 ft · 0.5 mi away

  2. Buck Mountain

    Buck Mountain

    11,937 ft · 0.9 mi away

  3. South Teton

    South Teton

    12,513 ft · 1.2 mi away

  4. Nez Perce Peak

    Nez Perce Peak

    11,900 ft · 1.6 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Mount Wister?

Mount Wister is 11,486 feet (3,500 m) tall. It is in the Teton Range, Wyoming.

How does Mount Wister rank among the Teton 11,000ers?

At 11,486 feet, Mount Wister is the 12th highest of the 28 Teton 11,000ers. The highest is Grand Teton.

How hard is it to climb Mount Wister?

The Northeast Couloir to East Ridge is Class 4, which means exposed scrambling, where many parties bring a rope. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 12 miles with 5,120 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to climb Mount Wister?

Most people take 13 – 15 hours round trip on the Northeast Couloir to East Ridge, covering 12 miles with 5,120 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Is Mount Wister 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 Mount Wister?

Most parties bring one. The Northeast Couloir to East Ridge is Class 4, and the gear list includes a rope, harness and belay device.

What time should you start climbing Mount Wister?

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 Mount Wister?

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 Wister 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

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