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11,243 ft · Teton Range, Wyoming

Prospectors Mountain

Prospectors Mountain is an 11,243 ft peak in the Teton Range, Wyoming. The standard route is the Southwest Ridge: 15 mi, 6,190 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Prospectors Mountain in the Teton Range, Wyoming

Prospectors Mountain at a glance

  • Elevation11,243 ft3,426 m
  • RouteSouthwest RidgeClass 2
  • Distance15 mi6,190 ft gain
  • Time11 – 13 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeTeton RangeWyoming

Climbing the Southwest Ridge

From Moose, drive the Moose-Wilson Road to the Death Canyon Trailhead (closed for relocation through 2026; the new lot about a mile lower adds distance). Take the Valley Trail past Phelps Lake into Open Canyon and leave the trail near 8,600 feet, crossing the creek and climbing the side canyon toward the Tukuarika-Prospectors saddle. The Southwest Ridge is Class 2 over broad talus to the higher east summit; the East Ridge Couloir is a brushy Class 3 descent option. A cornice can linger at the saddle, so bring an ice axe early. Start early for 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

What to watch for

  • Cornices
  • Loose rock
  • Storms

Quests with Prospectors Mountain

Peaks near Prospectors Mountain

  1. Buck Mountain

    Buck Mountain

    11,937 ft · 3.1 mi away

  2. Veiled Peak

    Veiled Peak

    11,338 ft · 3.7 mi away

  3. Mount Wister

    Mount Wister

    11,486 ft · 4.0 mi away

  4. South Teton

    South Teton

    12,513 ft · 5.0 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Prospectors Mountain?

Prospectors Mountain is 11,243 feet (3,426 m) tall. It is in the Teton Range, Wyoming.

How does Prospectors Mountain rank among the Teton 11,000ers?

At 11,243 feet, Prospectors Mountain is the 20th highest of the 28 Teton 11,000ers. The highest is Grand Teton.

How hard is it to hike Prospectors Mountain?

The Southwest Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 15 miles with 6,190 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Prospectors Mountain?

Most people take 11 – 13 hours round trip on the Southwest Ridge, covering 15 miles with 6,190 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Can a beginner hike Prospectors Mountain?

The Southwest Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 15 miles with 6,190 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.

What time should you start hiking Prospectors Mountain?

Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 11 – 13 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.

When is the best time to hike Prospectors Mountain?

The usual hiking window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

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