Rock Climbing

From crag to summit.

Climbing in Jackson Hole includes everything from a casual afternoon session to a multi-day alpine adventure.

The Tetons are a popular destination for climbers of all levels, and the region’s rich climbing history continues to motivate and challenge new generations of climbers. Paul Petozlt instrumentally popularized climbing in this region, inspiring generations of climbers to crimp, layback, and chimney their way through Jackson’s iconic granite and limestone rock. For experts, the range has more than 1,000 rated and named routes along its walls, buttresses, aretes, spires, and summits, and new routes are continually being developed. Most climbs in the Tetons are traditional (aka trad) multi-pitch routes that require a hike, often with an alpine start, to reach the base. There are also bolted limestone crags for sport climbing around the valley at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, inside Grand Teton National Park, and south of Jackson. Whether you’re a first-time climber or experienced with an ambitious objective in mind, hiring a local guide is a great way to ensure you stay safe and on route.

Rock Climbing in Grand Teton National Park

Questions about Climbing in Jackson Hole

Reaching any summit in the Tetons requires technical ability, proper equipment, a partner, and a plan. While the Grand Teton is a popular objective, a rope is required, expert route-finding skills are a must, and going with a guide ensures safety and heightens your experience.

There are dozens of routes to the 13,775-foot summit of the Grand Teton, the second highest peak in Wyoming. (Gannett Peak in the Wind River Mountains is Wyoming’s tallest at 13,810 feet.) Every route on the Grand Teton requires technical rock climbing. While only experienced mountaineers should attempt climbing the Grand on their own, guide services offer multi-day progressive rock climbing programs for novice and intermediate climbers that culminates with a climb of the Grand. Climbers doing the Grand on their own can check with Grand Teton National Park’s Jenny Lake climbing rangers for current conditions on the mountain, as snow can linger deep into the summer season and often requires crampons and ice axes in addition to the standard climbing gear. The park doesn’t require independent climbers to register; however, camping permits are required for anyone sleeping overnight in the mountains.

Written by climber, historian, and photographer Leigh Ortenburger, A Climber’s Guide to the Teton Range is the most comprehensive guide to alpine climbing in the range. This nearly 500-page guide contains descriptions, hand-drawn topos, and photographs of more than 800 routes. Rock Climbing Jackson Hole and Pinedale, Wyoming is the region’s sport climbing guide, written by local climber Wesley Gooch. This is your guide to over 400 climbs ranging from 10-foot boulder problems to thrilling 600-foot free climbs, including bouldering, top roping, sport, traditional, and ice routes.

Local Tip: Try the Via Ferrata

If you’re interested in trying rock climbing but are also intimidated by the thought of hauling yourself up a bare rock wall, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort has 15 via ferratas, more than anywhere else in the U.S. Originating in Italy and translating as “iron way,” via ferrata is a type of rock climbing route in which rungs, ladders, and cables have been affixed to the natural rock. These features provide climbers with extra holds and also serve as protection from falling (on a via ferrata, climbers clip into cables, which have stoppers every 6 to 20 feet).