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- Thor Peak
12,029 ft · Teton Range, Wyoming
Thor Peak
Thor Peak is a 12,029 ft peak in the Teton Range, Wyoming. The standard route is the Southwest Couloir: 16 mi, 5,490 ft of gain, Class 4.
Thor Peak at a glance
- Elevation12,029 ft3,666 m
- RouteSouthwest CouloirClass 4
- Distance16 mi5,490 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeTeton RangeWyoming
Climbing the Southwest Couloir
From Jackson, take the Teton Park Road to North Jenny Lake Junction and launch at String Lake. Paddle String Lake, portage to Leigh Lake, and cross to the mouth of Leigh Canyon. No maintained trail enters the canyon; follow a faint cairned path north of the creek, staying high to avoid brush. The standard route climbs the Southwest Couloir and West Gully on loose ground, with Class 4 scrambling near the top. The couloir holds snow and avalanche debris into early summer. Most parties camp at Leigh Lake or in the canyon with a backcountry camping permit, and canoes need a Grand Teton boat permit. 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
- Remote location
- Route-finding difficulty
- Loose rock
- Avalanches
Quests with Thor Peak
Teton 11,000ersPeaks near Thor Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Thor Peak?
Thor Peak is 12,029 feet (3,666 m) tall. It is in the Teton Range, Wyoming.
How does Thor Peak rank among the Teton 11,000ers?
At 12,029 feet, Thor Peak is the 7th highest of the 28 Teton 11,000ers. The highest is Grand Teton.
How hard is it to climb Thor Peak?
The Southwest Couloir is Class 4, which means exposed scrambling, where many parties bring a rope. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 16 miles with 5,490 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Thor Peak?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the Southwest Couloir, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Thor Peak dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: avalanche and icefall danger, rockfall from loose rock 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 Thor Peak?
Most parties bring one. The Southwest Couloir is Class 4, and the gear list includes a rope, harness and belay device.
Do you need to acclimatize to climb Thor Peak?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Thor Peak reaches 12,029 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 Thor Peak?
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 Thor Peak 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