Grand Teton National Park: Single Day Climbs
The Tetons host a range of moderate to difficult rock climbs and mountain routes that can be done in a day. Here we offer some of the Tetons’ great one day outings. These climbs represent a variety of difficulties and experiences, but all are classic. If you are interested in an aesthetic climbing challenge or climbing a Teton peak in a day, try one of these! Guides’ favorites include Symmetry Spire, Disappointment Peak, Ice Point, Irene’s Arete, The Snaz, Guide’s Wall and more. Please call our office for further suggestions. While some of the high peaks can be climbed in a day, remember that the rather lengthy approaches make turning these climbs into an overnight adventure a good option.
Prices are per person in groups of two or more. Call for private rates.
Prices for technical, roped climbs start at $280 and up, depending on difficulty and duration.
The price for non-technical, i.e., "walk-up" day climbs, is $250.
Although our walk-up climbs do not require climbing classes or technical gear, all peaks in the Tetons involve long days, rewarded by beautiful scenery and breathtaking views.
Guides Wall - Storm Point II, 5.6-5.9
One of the most popular of all the Teton rock climbs, and justifiably so. Good rock, great scenery, fun climbing with lots of variations, and ease of approach make up a very fine day-long outing. Located a few miles up Cascade Canyon, Guides Wall is fairly challenging and the descent includes some long rappels, so rock climbing experience is a must. One of its nicest aspects is that by utilizing variations it can be made shorter or longer, easier or harder as conditions and desires warrant. The variations also mean that a climber can return on another day and do the route with all sorts of different pitches. Guides Wall faces the sun and is below 9000 feet so it can be a beautiful climb when the peaks are totally out of condition. The high quality of this climb leads to its only drawback, in mid-summer it is often crowded. Guides Wall was first ascended in 1949 by the team of Dick Pownall and Art Gilkey, a year after they pioneered their familiar route on the Grand.
Southwest Ridge - Symmetry Spire 10,560’ II, 5.6
The highly recommended Southwest Ridge of Symmetry Spire is one of the range's best technical climbs for those seeking to gain experience on mountain rock routes. Steep but moderate fifth class pitches up the sweeping ridge are enhanced by the stunning views. Located above Jenny Lake, the Southwest Ridge is one of the most accessible summit routes in the Tetons. Its ascent is a moderately long one-day climb. In early season snow climbing skills are necessary for the approach and descent.
Irene’s Arete - Garnet Canyon III 5.8-5.10a
Many consider Irene's Arete to be the best rock climb in the Park. Advanced rock climbers will be delighted with the clean cracks and superb rock of this Garnet Canyon prow. It's named for Teton great Irene Beardsley (Ortenburger) who discovered this prize with John Dietschy in 1957. Irene's is justifiably popular with airy, continuous pitches amongst spectacular surroundings. This very strenuous one-day climb has a long approach necessitating an early start. It can also be conveniently done on a multi-day basis from Corbet High Camp.
The Snaz - Death Canyon IV, 5.9
Since Chouinard and Hemple pioneered this route in 1964 it has been acknowledged as one of the best of the difficult Teton rock climbs. This classic, located on the steep walls of Death Canyon, is a long and sustained challenge for skillful climbers. Nine or more pitches follow a shallow dihedral sprinkled with overhangs, ultimately topping out on slabs and benches high above the canyon floor. Adjacent to The Snaz is another great climb, Caveat Emptor, an even more difficult test for the advanced climber. The Snaz is a long and very strenuous one-day climb but the approach is benign by Teton standards. It is a few miles up the Death Canyon trail with relatively little elevation gain. The climb faces the sun and is below 9000 feet so conditions are generally less harsh than on the big peaks.
East Ridge - Disappointment Peak 11,618’ II, 5.6
The East Ridge of Disappointment Peak is a long one-day moderate technical climb. Approached via the scenic Amphitheater Lake trail, this fine ridge overlooks the Teton Glacier. The roped climbing ends well below the summit; climbers may opt for a shorter day by traversing off or they can scramble up to the summit. Amazing views of the Grand Teton reward those summiting.
Durrance Ridge - Symmetry Spire 10,560+’ II 5.6
The Durrance Ridge, named for pioneering climber Jack Durrance, is a longtime favorite technical climb to the top of Symmetry Spire. It is similar in difficulty to the popular Southwest Ridge but is considerably longer, offering many delightful moderate pitches. It is a long one-day climb from the shores of Jenny Lake. The approach and descent require snow-climbing skills in early season.
East Ridge - Symmetry Spire 10,560’ II, 4th class (non technical)
The East Ridge of Symmetry Spire is one of the best easy routes around. A very satisfactory traverse of the peak can be made by approaching this ridge via beautiful Hanging Canyon and descending by way of the Southwest Couloir. A minimum of technical skill is required, as most of the terrain is simple scrambling. It is done as a one-day climb with time to savor the scenery. Snow climbing skills are necessary in early season.
Ice Point 9,920+’ II, 4th class
This small peak, perched on a ridge above Jenny Lake, is one of the very best for those new to mountaineering. It offers a bit of everything: hiking, scrambling, early season snow, and an easy technical ridge to an exciting summit. The views are unsurpassed. A full day is required but it is much more casual than most of the one-day Teton climbs. This route, named the Northwest Ridge, is our favorite for those who have taken a basic school and want to sample a technical summit.
Southeast Ridge - Disappointment Peak 11,618’ II, 4th class (non technical)
The Southeast Ridge of Disappointment Peak is a pleasant one-day climb with little technical difficulty. Approached via the scenic Amphitheater Lake trail, the route offers great views throughout the day. While a rope is taken for a few tricky spots the roped climbing ends well below the summit. The summit of Disappointment Peak has probably the best views of any Teton peak.
East Face - Teewinot 12,325’ II, 4th class (non technical in summer)
The East Face of Teewinot is a popular mid and late-season non-technical ascent once the snow has melted. In early and mid-season steep snowfields and couloirs are encountered so snow climbing skills are a must. Although it is the most accessible of the big peaks, the ascent and especially decent of the relentless 5500-foot face is challenging. This is not a trivial undertaking in spite of the lack of technical difficulties. Incredible summit vistas are the crowning prize for topping this great mountain. Be forewarned, the descent down the unrelenting slope is hard on the knees. This moderately long one-day climb starts from Lupine Meadows.
Southwest Couloir - Middle Teton 12,804' II, 3rd class (non technical)
Once the snow has melted out of the Southwest Couloir the climb to the summit becomes mostly a scramble with a few climbing moves here and there. The approach to the Southwest Couloir is long and arduous. Most climbers combine a summit attempt of the South Teton along with their attempt of the Middle. We recommend most parties consider making an overnight of the climb and make a camp in the South Fork. Until the beginning of July this route offers steep snow climbing and great views of the Tetons. The climbing itself is not difficult but the day is long and the slopes exposed. We require participants have a snow class or equivalent experience.
Northwest Couloir - South Teton 12,514', 4th class (non technical)
Most people combine the South Teton with an ascent of the Middle Teton. The approach is long and arduous so one might as well sit on two summits for the work involved. We highly recommend that you consider camping in the South Fork of Garnet Canyon and make the asent of both these great peaks an overnight affair. Beware that early season snow may require a snow class or equivalent experience.
Open Book - Disappointment Peak II, 5.9
This strenuous seven-pitch climb sits on the unfortunately named Grunt Arete of Disappointment Peak. The approach is the Garnet Canyon trail. The Open Book is one of the Teton's best rock climbs. Experienced climbers will find plenty of challenge negotiating the cracks, laybacks and wild traverses.
Southeast Ridge - Buck Mtn 11,938’ II, 4th class
Buck Mountain's Southeast Ridge is one of the better easy technical routes to a major Teton summit. Although not particularly difficult, it is a fine example of classic Teton mountaineering. The approach is via Stewart Draw past Timberline Lake and requires snow climbing skills until mid-season. Buck Mtn is usually done either as a long day climb or as a comfortable two-day trip. The campsite is in the timber in a boulder-scattered basin 2500 feet above the valley floor. We particularly recommend the two-day trip as a great introduction to Teton climbing for entry-level climbers, for those with families, and for those seeking a less-strenuous trip.
Southwest Couloir - Symmetry Spire II, 4th class (non technical in summer)
Symmetry Spire's Southwest Couloir is a great introduction to the Tetons for beginning mountaineers. A one-day climb above Jenny Lake, it is especially interesting in early season when snow couloirs add flavor. Once the snow is gone it is mostly steep hiking with a few hundred feet of exposed terrain to the summit. The more ambitious can combine this peak with Ice Point and/or Storm Point.