Grand Teton National Park: FAQs
What kind of shape do I need to be in to climb the Grand Teton?Please see Preparation.
What about altitude sickness?
Please see Preparation.
What are the advantages to the four day trip?
1. The added nights at 11,000' improve acclimatization, which can increase a climber's chances of reaching the top of the mountain. Certainly, it can make summit day more pleasant.
2. The flexibility of having two potential summit days increases the likelihood of a successful ascent.
3. The extra days allow climbers to spread out the strenuous nature of the climb. In addition, living at high camp means you save the expense of having to stay and eat in Jackson while taking classes. Oftentimes, these savings more than make up for the difference in price between the two options for climbing the Grand.
What is the best time of year to climb the Grand Teton?
Generally, July and August are the warmest and driest months in the Tetons. We usually set up our high camp in early June and take it down around the second week of September. It is not uncommon to have stable weather and successful ascents in June and early September but the temperatures are, on average, cooler in those months. Routes are often snow covered in June, while trips in August and September will be primarily on rock and talus. Those who wish to avoid the potential of crowding on the mountain should consider climbing in June, earlier in July or early September.
What route do we climb?
In June and September we may climb the Owen Spalding, Upper Exum or Pownall - Gilkey routes. During the busy July and August season, we climb the Pownall-Gilkey. First climbed by Dick Pownall and Art Gilkey in 1948, the climb is rated 5.8. The crux, or hardest part, of the climb is roughly two body lengths long. If the rock is icy or wet, or if the team has beginner climbers, we hang a sling ladder so that climbers can "pull through" the tough part. The rest of the route is 5.5. The length of the technical, roped climbing varies depending upon conditions. Additionally, the number of pitches (the distance from one anchor to the next) also varies depending upon how the guide decides to negotiate the route.
JHMG also regularly guides experienced climbers up more difficult routes on the Grand, such as the Petzoldt Ridge and the North Ridge. Call our office for suggestions that best fit your objectives and schedule.
What if the weather keeps us from getting to summit. Will we get a refund?
Bad weather is a safety issue. If the weather deteriorates, your guide will decide whether to turn around and descend based on his or her judgment of the potential risk. On Two Day Grand Teton climbs you have one summit day. On Four Day climbs, if you are unable to leave camp on day three due to bad weather, we may attempt to climb on day four.
Jackson Hole Mountain Guides is unable to provide refunds because weather interfered with your climb. If you decide for any reason not to begin or continue with your climb, no credits or refunds will be given. Please refer to our Cancellation and Refund Policy for more information.
How do I sign up to climb the Grand Teton?
A 50% deposit is required for advance registrations. Full payment is requested if booking within 30 days of your start date. JHMG accepts checks, Visa, MasterCard and Discover. Contact our office by phone, mail or e-mail with your preferred date. Due to limited space at our high camp, it is best to schedule your climb well in advance. Some climbers reserve dates as early as January for their summer climb. Please refer to our Registration Policy for more information.
I've climbed Rainier and Aconcaqua. Does this qualify me for climbing the Grand Teton?
While climbing either of these mountains is a significant achievement, they involve an entirely different style of climbing from that needed on the Grand Teton. The prerequisite climbing classes, or equivalent experience, will still be required.
What is the age limit for your climbs of the Grand Teton?
We have no age limits - upper or lower. However, we strongly discourage young people under the age of 13 from climbing the Grand. While most kids are physically strong enough to climb the Grand Teton when they are 11 or 12, very few that age find it much fun. We insist that parents who wish to bring children younger than 13 on the Grand hire a private guide. 13 and 14 year olds should only attempt the ascent if they have considerable hiking experience in the mountains. See our Family and Youth section for more information and ideas of things to do.
What equipment do we need to bring?
Our summer equipment list, in pdf format, outlines those items you will need to bring. For the most part, we ask that you bring your own clothing, personal items, wind and rain protection, footwear and pack. Also read the equipment discussion on our Grand Teton Trip Planner page.
Are there good mountaineering shops in Jackson?
Teton Mountaineering: 1-307-733-3595
Skinny Skis: 1-307-733-6094
Moosely Seconds: 1-307-733-7176
May I bring my own climbing gear?
You are welcome to bring your own harness, helmet, locking carabiner, and belay device, provided that the items are in good condition and meet UIAA requirements. Your guide will determine whether the items you wish to bring are adequate and appropriate for the climb.
I don't have a climbing partner, will I have to pay for a private guide or can I join in with a group?
We will make every effort to place you with a group unless you specifically ask to have your own guide.
How many people will be at Corbet High Camp?
Our maximum overnight capacity at high camp is 16, usually divided between 12 climbers and 4 guides. We schedule climbs to ensure that not everyone is attempting the summit on the same day.
What do you mean by a "private guide"?
For a variety of reasons, some people prefer to hire their own guide. While more expensive, a private guide makes sense for people with special needs. For example, a parent climbing with a youngster, those who need more time, or climbers who wish to attempt an extreme route. A private guide can increase the probability of a successful summit attempt.
What if there is a medical emergency or accident?
All JHMG guides are trained in backcountry first aid and evacuation procedures. In addition, our high camp is equipped with a cell phone, and at least one cell phone is carried on summit day. Within Grand Teton National Park all emergency medical services and emergency mountain evacuations are handled by trained NPS personnel. If weather permits, helicopter evacuations can be done off the mountain. However, the Tetons are subject to violent weather on occasion and no one can guarantee a speedy rescue at night or under adverse conditions. Please read our acknowledgment of risk and release carefully for a list of possible hazards and come prepared to be responsible for your own safety.