Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SUMMER ACTIVITIES
Rock Climbing & Mountaineering
Garnet Canyon is the gateway to the most popular scrambles to Middle and South Teton,
and the technical ascent of Grand Teton. These nontechnical climbs can be handled as day
hikes from bases at the Meadows, South Fork, Caves or Moraine campsites, but you need
to know what you're doing and be with someone familiar with the routes.
The Grand Teton is cherished by climbers as a classic climb. It starts with a strenuous
hike up Garnet Canyon (4000ft-plus) and making camp. Day two requires an alpine start.
The Owen-Spaulding route is the most popular, but there are lots of variants to choose
from. The climb itself consists of 2700ft of elevation gain, fun scrambling, three easy 5th-
class pitches and an exciting rappel from high on the mountain. Views from above are un-
paralleled. Ah, and then there's getting down… Very fit nonclimbers can complete the
climb with an outfitter and some training beforehand.
Day climbers don't need to register, but those staying overnight need a backcountry use
permit (
Click here
)
. Call 307-739-3604 for recorded climbing information.
Ground zero for climbing information,
Jenny Lake Ranger Station
( 307-739-3343;
8am-6pm Jun-Sep)
sells climbing guidebooks and provides information. A board shows
campsite availability in Garnet Canyon.
An excellent resource and the spot to meet outdoor partners in crime, the American
www.americanalpineclub.org
;
Teton Park Rd; summer only)
has been a climbing insti-
tution since opening. It also runs an inexpensive summer dormitory (
Click here
)
and rents
some gear. The ranch is just south of the Teton Glacier turnout.
307-733-2297;
www.exumguides.com
;
Lupine Meadows)
runs climbing schools at Hid-
den Falls on Jenny Lake's west shore and has a base camp at Grand Teton's Lower Saddle
(11,600ft).
Horseback Riding
Colter Bay corral offers 1½- and 2½-hour trail rides around Swan Lake for $33/48. Chil-
dren are charged the same rates and must be at least eight years old. Families with small
children can check out the breakfast wagon rides (adult/child $37/15). Make reservations at
