Grand Teton Summit Climb

Grand Teton Summit Climb Itinerary:

• Day 1 Arrival Day

  Arrival time in Jackson is flexible today. Stop by the Jackson Hole Mountain Guides office located at 165 N Glenwood Street any time before 6pm for an equipment check and final permit registration. Accommodations at the American Alpine Club Climber Ranch (307.733.7271) is included in your trip cost, however it is optional. You may choose to stay in the town of Jackson if you wish, however these alternate accommodations are not included in trip cost. Rest up and prepare for tomorrow's trek to Corbet High Camp, a beautiful 6-hour, 4,200ft hike.

• Day 2 Approach to Corbet High Camp

  We meet at the Jackson Hole Mountain Guides office at 8:30am and depart for the Lupine Meadows Trailhead (6,732 feet) in Grand Teton National Park via AAC Climbers Ranch, enjoying the striking scenery of jagged, snow-capped peaks of the Teton Range towering over Jackson Hole valley. We will convene with fellow climbers at the Climbers Ranch before setting out. Along the hike we take short water/snack breaks every hour to sustain energy, and then fuel up with a picnic lunch at a spot in gorgeous Lupine Meadows (9,200 feet). After our break, we hike switchbacks leading up the North Fork of Garnet Canyon where a spring at the Petzoldt Caves (10,100 feet) provides pure drinking water for rehydration. Steep hiking, which may include traversing snowfields, brings us into a beautiful alpine area leading to the secluded Corbet High Camp, located on the high glacial moraine just below the East face of the Grand and the Teepe Glacier. As one of the most beautiful camps in the Teton Range, it's a promising reward for a long day. Tents are already set up, and dinner is prepared by the guides. This evening we recover, relax and enjoy a very special place in the mountains.
  
  Lupine Meadows Trailhead (6.780 feet) to Corbet High Camp (11.000 feet)
  Six miles and 4,200 feet of moderate and steep hiking

• Day 3 Training -- Rock Climbing on the Garnet Towers

  Day two is dedicated to the education of basic skills, with the goal that everyone feels comfortable and proficient with technical rock climbing. After breakfast, we head out to the nearby Garnet Towers to train for the Grand. With the help and expertise of our guides, we get a handle on knots, harnesses and helmets; belaying, rappelling and multi-pitch climbing systems; movement over rock, and efficient ascent/descent methods. Experienced climbers may progress more quickly and have the option to learn more advanced skills. Everyone completes at least one multi-pitch climb and rappel, either up All Along the Watchtower (5.4) or the first two pitches of Fairshare Tower. We return to camp for a hearty dinner prepared by our guides. Organize our equipment, fill water bottles and prepare for the next morning.

• Day 4 Summit Day

  An alpine start maximizes our opportunity for summit chances. After a quick breakfast, we depart camp well before dawn, using headlamps to guide our way toward the upper mountain. We travel on a less crowded variation of the Owen-Spalding route towards a thrilling day of 2700 feet elevation gain, loads of great scrambling, three easy fifth-class pitches, and an exciting rappel from high on the mountain. We aim to summit around 9am, well before the typical afternoon thunderstorms build up.
  
  Often times we'll climb a short alternative to the Owen-Spalding route called Pownall-Gilkey, named after the first ascent team. From Corbet High Camp (11,000 feet), a hike through the moraine and an ascent of a 50-foot fixed rope brings us to the Lower Saddle (11,600 feet). From there, a windy hike to the Black Dike positions us at the start of our climb. Early morning light illuminates the next 1000 feet of second and third class scrambling to the Upper Saddle (13,160 feet). Here, we diverge from the Owen-Spalding and ascend via the Pownall-Gilkey (5.6 AO), an aesthetic route on perfect granite. We tie-in for technical fifth-class climbing, and on the last 200 feet to the summit we choose between the fourth-class climbing on Unsoeld's Layback or up Sargent's Chimney.
  
  After summiting, we take some time to relish astounding vistas of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. On clear days we can see fourteen different mountain ranges in four states. Descent from the upper mountain involves a spectacular rappel and considerable down climbing. Typically, we return to high camp in mid to late afternoon where we put up our feet, savor the view and enjoy a delicious meal prepared by our guides.

• Day 5 Breakfast and descent

  We enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Corbet High Camp while watching the sun fire up the Range. After packing up, we retrace our steps back down Garnet Canyon to the Lupine Meadows trailhead while appreciating lighter packs and impressive views from a different perspective. Groups usually finish by mid-afternoon.
  
  Alternate Day Five:
  If a group has been unable to summit due to weather or other reasons, we’ll follow the summit day schedule, returning to the trailhead later in the evening.

Recognize that we diverge from the popular Owen-Spalding route and ascend via the Pownall-Gilkey (5.6 ), an aesthetic route on perfect granite that does involve more technical climbing. The weather on the Grand is highly unpredictable and can be severe. High winds, cold, snow, rain, thunder and lightning can occur on any day. If weather threatens, we tag to the top and head down immediately. Your guide will determine the schedule. If threatening weather, or other unforeseen circumstances, makes an attempt of the Grand Teton unwise, the guide may suggest a climb of the Enclosure (13,280') as a consolation prize. The Enclosure is the second highest point in the Teton Range and sits as a detached spur of the Grand itself.

Contact REI Adventures prior to purchasing your airline ticket to confirm the trip has the minimum number of participants required to operate.

Professional instruction and guiding up Grand Teton; all meals as noted in daily itinerary; 2-3 person tents, ice axes & crampons when required, helmets, group climbing gear including ropes, harnesses and hardware, sleeping bags, campsite and permits.

Transportation from your hometown to Jackson Hole, WY; airport transfers, insurance of any kind, energy bars, energy drinks, guide gratuities and items of a personal nature. There is a no alcohol policy.

This trip is rated Strenuous (5). Participants will be carrying their own backpacks with weights of 30-45 lbs over steep and rocky terrain with constant and dramatic elevation gain and/or loss exceeding 4,200 feet per day on most days of this trip. Day hiking with 30-45 lbs in the pack you intend to hike with on the trip and making sure your hiking boots are broken in before your trip is key. This is not a beginning backpacking trip. Previous experience is highly recommended and a physician's release is required prior to participating in this course. Climbing the Grand Teton requires significant effort, motivation and excellent fitness level. On summit day you will be moving for many hours at altitude often over exposed or uneven terrain with a smaller summit pack weighing 10-15 lbs. A high level of fitness will maximize your enjoyment and likelihood of success. We also strongly encourage you to come with some experience hiking on rugged trails, particularly on steep up and down hills and uneven, rocky terrain. Technical climbing experience, while helpful, is not required as all needed skills will be taught and reviewed on Day Two.

Daytime temperatures usually range between 60° - 70°F, with evening temperatures dropping to below freezing to temperatures in the 50s. Expect to encounter freezing temperatures at some of the higher elevations, especially at night. Afternoon thunderstorms and high winds are common on The Grand so adequate rain and wind gear is important.

Jackson Hole Airport, Jackson, Wyoming (JAC) – 10min to downtown Jackson
Idaho Falls Regional Airport, Idaho Falls, Idaho (IDA) – 2 hours

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Weekend Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and detailed pre-trip information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To obtain maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. This gear list has been created to help you choose equipment for the trip. Try to bring only what is necessary - this will help you and the field staff.

Weather

Daytime temperatures usually range between 60^o - 70^oF, with evening temperatures dropping to below freezing to temperatures in the 50s. Expect to encounter freezing temperatures at some of the higher elevations, especially at night. Afternoon thunderstorms and high winds are common on The Grand so adequate rain and wind gear is important.

Gear Checklist

Things to Consider