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11,052 ft · Teton Range, Wyoming

Traverse Peak

Traverse Peak is an 11,052 ft peak in the Teton Range, Wyoming. The standard route is the East Ridge via Bivouac Peak: 17 mi, 7,340 ft of gain, Class 3.

Traverse Peak in the Teton Range, Wyoming

Traverse Peak at a glance

  • Elevation11,052 ft3,368 m
  • RouteEast Ridge via Bivouac PeakClass 3
  • Distance17 mi7,340 ft gain
  • Time16 – 18 hrsVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeTeton RangeWyoming

Climbing the East Ridge via Bivouac Peak

From Jackson, drive the Teton Park Road to North Jenny Lake Junction and park at the String and Leigh Lakes Trailhead. Hike the Leigh Lake Trail north past Bearpaw Lake to Bearpaw Bay, then follow the rough Jackson Lake shore to Moran Bay. Ford Moran Creek, which can run hip deep, and bushwhack game trails up to the east ridge of Bivouac Peak. Class 3 slabs lead over Bivouac, then the ridge continues west to Traverse at Class 3+. Expect deadfall, bogs, grizzly country, and storms that build fast. Start before dawn. Bring a Grand Teton entrance pass.

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

What to watch for

  • Remote location
  • Route-finding difficulty
  • Stream crossing
  • Rapid weather shifts

Quests with Traverse Peak

Peaks near Traverse Peak

  1. Mount Moran

    Mount Moran

    12,610 ft · 2.4 mi away

  2. Thor Peak

    Thor Peak

    12,029 ft · 2.6 mi away

  3. Eagles Rest Peak

    Eagles Rest Peak

    11,261 ft · 2.8 mi away

  4. Doane Peak

    Doane Peak

    11,360 ft · 3.1 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Traverse Peak?

Traverse Peak is 11,052 feet (3,368 m) tall. It is in the Teton Range, Wyoming.

How does Traverse Peak rank among the Teton 11,000ers?

At 11,052 feet, Traverse Peak is the 27th highest of the 28 Teton 11,000ers. The highest is Grand Teton.

How hard is it to climb Traverse Peak?

The East Ridge via Bivouac Peak is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 17 miles with 7,340 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to climb Traverse Peak?

Most people take 16 – 18 hours round trip on the East Ridge via Bivouac Peak, covering 17 miles with 7,340 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Is Traverse Peak dangerous to climb?

It has real risks: fast-changing weather and tricky route-finding. Start early, watch the weather and turn back when conditions change.

Do you need a helmet for Traverse Peak?

It is a good idea. The scrambling has rock overhead on the East Ridge via Bivouac Peak, so a helmet is on the gear list.

When is the best time to climb Traverse 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 Traverse 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