Grand Teton climbing

The premier Grand Teton experience combines training, acclimatizing, camping, and climbing the Grand during four memorable days and three nights at Corbet High Camp (11, 200′). No prior climbing experience required.

Clients should plan to arrive at JHMG headquarters the day before 5:00 to do a gear check. Here we will go over all of your gear and make sure you have everything you need for a successful trip.

Day 1 – Office staff or your guide will coordinate an appropriate meeting time/ place. JHMG does not provide transportation for its clients into the park. Clients will be responsible for paying the $30 vehicle fee at the park entrance unless they have a Golden Eagle Pass or equivalent .

Once at the trail head, guides will distribute some food items to you for the ascent up to high camp. From there, you will enjoy a leisurely 7 mile hike up beautiful Garnet Canyon. The hike, while very scenic, does gain 4200 feet of elevation gain and requires a certain level of fitness and will. Your guide will set a slow, sustainable pace and in 6-8 hours you will arrive at JHMG’s historic Corbet High Camp.

Corbet High Camp features a pristine water source, a weatherport for cooking, eating and hanging out and 6 personal Mountain Hardwear 3 person Tents, each with sleeping pads and sleeping bags.

Day 2 – Day two is all about learning the skills to successfully climb the Grand Teton. After breakfast, guides will equip each client with a helmet, a harness and a belay/rappel device. Guides will then cover a curriculum consisting of knots, climbing commands, climbing movement, rappelling, and explore the world of multi-pitch climbing in one of the many venues located just minutes from camp. With your new knowledge, you will be ready for your summit attempt of the Grand Teton.

Day 3 – It’s summit day! The day begins with a very early wake u followed by breakfast, With your summit pack full of layers, your headlamp, water and food, and with harnesses and helmets on, you head out! Like the hike to Corbet High Camp, the pace is slow and sustainable. Upward momentum is the key.

The climb to the summit is roughly 2 miles, but climbs 2700 feet. It usually takes 6-8 hours. Your guide will select one of two routes. The Pownall- Gilkey Route or the Exum Ridge. The route decision is the guide’s discretion and is based on weather, time and ability.

Weather permitting, you will reach the summit and enjoy the fantastic views of the Teton Range, Jackson Hole and Teton Valley.

After your achievement, you will descend to the comfort of Corbet High Camp for a warm delicious meal which you have earned. Then it’s off to your tent to rest your weary muscles.

Day 4 – Day 4 is what makes this program so special. If your party was turned around due to bad weather on day 3, day 4 can serve as a second summit attempt. The 4 day program is the only program where this is an option. If you reached the top on day 3, day 4 is flexible. If you are hungry for more climbing, guides are always eager to share with clients some of the fantastic routes just outside of camp. If you want to just relax and enjoy high camp, that is an option as well.

We like to try and depart for Lupine Meadows no later than 11:00am and usually arrive at the trail head between 2:30 – 3:30. And while your Grand Teton Experience might be over, the memories will last a lifetime.

The three day itinerary is for repeat JHMG customers, folks who are experienced climbers or people who have limited time to spend in the mountains and want the benefit of not having to descend all the way to the valley floor following their summit attempt. Route options like the Exum Ridge and the Pownall-Gilkey are available on the three day option while they are not available on the two day itinerary.

First -time clients will need to take a 2-day Grand Teton Prep class ($370) in town before the trip, or have the relevant climbing resume and experience and be able to demonstrate the necessary rope and climbing skills required to climb the Grand Teton.

Day 1 – Your guide will coordinate with you an appropriate meeting time at the Lupine Meadows Trail head. JHMG does not provide transportation for its clients into the park. Clients will be responsible for paying the $25 vehicle fee at the park entrance unless they have a Golden Eagle Pass.

Once at the trail head, guides will distribute some food items to you for the ascent up to high camp. From there, you will enjoy a leisurely 7 mile hike up beautiful Garnet Canyon. The hike, while very scenic, does gain 4200 feet of elevation gain and requires a certain level of fitness and will. Your guide will set a slow, sustainable pace and in 5-7 hours you will arrive at JHMG’s historic Corbet High Camp.

Guides will prepare dinner, and with a full belly, you are off to sleep under the shadow of the Grand Teton.

Day 2 -It’s summit day! The day begins with a very early wake up followed by breakfast. With your summit pack full of layers, your headlamp, water and food, harnesses and helmets on, you head out! Like the hike to Corbet high camp, the pace is slow and sustainable. Upward momentum is the key.