Overview
Photo by Biglost
Mount St. John is named after Orestes St. John, who was one of the major geologists with the Hayden Survey that ended in 1883.
more history...
Mount St. John is a mountain in a very central location to public access, yet the higher portions of the mountain are rarely visited in comparison to the canyons and lakes that surround it. The major reason for its solitude is the due to the fact that the main trail into Hanging Canyon on its south side is both unmarked and is not maintained. While Paintbrush Canyon, Cascade Canyon, and Jenny Lake are heavily used areas, Mount St. John stands accessible but silent. Many attractive granite towers surround Lake of the Crags, including Symmetry Spire, Rock of Ages, and the Jaw.
Getting There
To access Hanging Canyon and Lake of the Crags, take any of the unmarked trails that head to the west from the Jenny Lake Trail between Cascade Canyon and String Lake.- SummitPost Mountain Map
- Directions from Jackson to String Lake
- Directions from Jackson to Jenny Lake
Red Tape
Mount St. John is administered by Grand Teton National Park. A $20 7-day entrance fee is required to enter the National Park. No backcountry camping areas are located on the mountain. It is advisable to register at the Jenny Lake Ranger Station before you climb. However, they will not check if youWhen To Climb
Most climbing is done in July through September. Early season climbers will encounter steep snow.Winter snow conditions can be extremely dangerous.
Camping
There are no backcountry camping areas directly on the mountain.Camping in the National Park
Backcountry Camping (pdf). Paintbrush Canyon runs along the north side of the mountain.
Lodging in Jackson, WY
Mountain Conditions
Contact the Jenny Lake Ranger station at:(307) 739-3343
Also see this live webcam (Java applet) or this static image from Lost Creek Ranch. Mount St. John is the high point on the right.
Mountainweather.com has a forecast page for the Teton Range.

















