Teton Range
Introduction
Who hasn't dreamed of climbing in the Teton Range? The adventure, the terrain and the history. For years I've wanted to begin exploring the Tetons, but work and responsibilities kept pushing me away from my goal. Out of frustration, I simply threw out a random set of dates and proclaimed that this week I was going to the Tetons. Initially it was for 7 days, then 5, and then 3; but I did it! Three uninterrupted days in the Tetons with a great climbing partner and superb weather. Let the fun begin!Climbers:
Glenn
Me
Day 1 - Drive to Tetons and hike to Moraine Campsite below the Grand Teton.
Day 2 - Climb the Upper Exum route then descend the mountain.
Day 3 - Climb Ice Point and drive home.
Click here for the Full Trip Report on my photography website.
Grand Teton Photo Trip Report
What a sight! The famous view driving into Teton National Park.
Another view of Teewinot, Grand Teton and Mount Owen from the ascent of Ice Point.
Hiking up Garnet Canyon with the Middle Teton in view.
The Meadows campsite in Garnet Canyon.
Hiking above the Meadows to the Moraine campsite.
Camp at the Moraine. We climbed without a tent, knowing we could jump under some overhanging boulders if the weather changed. Going to sleep, the sky was clear and the stars were magical, but at 2:00 a.m. a storm hit. I threw my stuff under an overhanging rock and slept, Glenn threw a painter's plastic sheet over him and slept through it.
Sunrise at the Lower Saddle. We waited out another brief storm at the saddle and then began climbing.
Approaching Wall Street (the ramp in the cliff ahead).
The famous Exum Leap to the Golden Staircase.
A quick rest after some fun, but short, climbing on the Golden Staircase.
Nearing the top of the Wind Tunnel. This pitch lived up to its name. It was freezing cold in here with strong, numbing wind.
Climbing between the Wind Tunnel and Friction Pitch.
Another view from the base of the Friction Pitch.
There was one hard-to-protect move at the bottom of the Friction Pitch, after that, it was smooth sailing.
Above the Friction Pitch, looking at the remainder of the climb. The V pitch is visible at the top.
The awesome environment of the V Pitch.
Above the V Pitch there were some snow gullies to cross.
The summit ridge.
On top.
We only saw one other group on the Upper Exum, nevertheless, there was still a short wait at the rappel.
Looking down the large rappel.
Another look at the rappel from the bottom.
Descending the Owen-Spalding route back to the Lower Saddle.
Back at the Lower Saddle, looking up at the beast.
We slept away the afternoon at the Moraine camp. I woke up briefly when a marmot was 4 feet from my head, trying to bust open my beef jerky. We slept some more, then hiked down once the sun disappeared. The shadow of the mountain in the valley below.
Ice Point Photo Trip Report
Ice Point is the narrow summit in the middle.
Climbing the snow couloir to the col between Ice Point and Symmetry Spire.
The last section of the Northwest Ridge on Ice Point.
On top, with Teewinot and Mount Owen in the background.
Symmetry Spire from the summit.
Nothing quite like some pure, mountain water after the climb.
Conclusion
Although this was a short trip to the Tetons, it has fueled my need for an annual pilgrimage every summer. Initially my wife was resistant to the idea, so we struck a deal: She gets four days to do whatever women like to do in spas, shops, and restaurants while I get four uninterrupted days in the mountains. She's all smiles...see ya next year.Images
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