Grand Teton, Grand Teton National Park, WY

There are many peaks in Grand Teton National Park, but the most prominent is Grand Teton. This peak has been compared to the Matterhorn in the Alps. It does share a resemblance with the European mountain. There are questions as to who the first person or people were that tried to ascend the Grand Teton. Some credit a French trapper named Michaud in 1843 although he was unsuccessful at reaching the top. He used rope ladders to try and get to the top of the mountain. The first real ascent of Grand Teton was claimed in 1872 by Nathaniel Longford and James Stevenson. However, William O. Owen was successful in 1898 with three other climbers and he claimed to be the first to reach the pinnacle. He eventually won the dispute. Another man Charles Kieffer might have beaten Mr. Owen by several years as he claimed a successful climb to the top in 1893. Geraldine Lucas is the undisputed first woman to reach the summit at the age of 59.

From the floor of the valley Grand Teton stands out among the rest of the peaks in the Teton Mountain Range. Weather can bring on low clouds that will obscure the peak of Grand Teton. The top of the Grand Teton is above timberline so no trees grow there. Although Grand Teton stands out among the range it is clustered together with Teewinot Mountain and Mount Owen. These three peaks make up the Cathedral Group. Grand Teton is 13,770 feet making it the tallest mountain in Grand Teton National Park and the second tallest in the state of Wyoming.

Visitors wishing to climb Grand Teton should look for the Owen Spaulding route. It corkscrews around keeping to easy ledges. It is rated a Class 4 non technical route, but be advised it is very exposed. The Exum Ridge route using the direct or partial route is an easy Class 5. Guests of Grand Teton National Park can get a guide to help them ascend the peak on this route. Guests of the park must have climbing training and be in good condition. Several of the routes begin at Lupine Meadows trailhead in Grand Teton National Park. They ascend to the Lower Saddle which is at 11,640 feet in elevation. It lies south of Grand Teton. The more difficult North Ridge can be accessed from the Lower Saddle.

The only visitor center that is open throughout the year is the Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center. It is located twelve miles to the north of the town of Jackson, Wyoming. They close on all major holidays and provide information on hiking trails, issue camping permits and boat permits and give out activity schedules. There are restrooms and telephones located in the building with a post office nearby. While visitors have to have technical climbing experience for Grand Teton there are plenty of other easy hikes to enjoy within the parks boundaries. There are many areas to stay within Grand Teton National Park and get food.