As summer season hits its peak, it’s time for a long weekend getaway in Grand Teton National Park to tick off some classic alpine climbs, run to jagged peaks, and enjoy scenic hiking around the lakes. There is so much to do in the ‘Park’—it’s the mecca for epic multi-sport adventures—that it can be a bit overwhelming to know how to make the most of 3 days.

Who better to ask than our guide partner, Jackson Hole Mountain Guides, for their itinerary for a weekend full of hiking, climbing, and trail running in Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Hole.

WHEN TO VISIT AND WHERE TO STAY

The season is long in the Tetons when you are looking for a weekend where you can do something different each day.

“The best time to visit is from June to September,” says Joel, guide and office manager from JHMG.

Earlier in June, there will still be snow up high in the mountains, ideal for summer ski adventures, but if you are hoping to focus on climbing, pushing that window to July is a safer bet to avoid snow-choked pitches and gullies. By October, early-season snowstorms can make the high peaks harder to access.

Camping is limited in and around Jackson Hole. An Airbnb is always an option, but for the dirtbags, the guides suggest dispersed camping near Shadow Mountain or booking a campsite at Gros Ventre campground. Big days in the mountains mean early mornings at the trailhead, but camping at trailheads in Grand Teton National Park is illegal, and you will be asked to leave by rangers.

Now that we have the basic logistics settled, Joel dives into JHMG’s suggested activities.

DAY 1: A BIG RUN AND ACCLIMATIZING

To acclimatize to the mountains (depending on where you are coming from) and familiarize yourself with the range, the first day is a perfect opportunity for a big run along a ridgeline and up to a summit.

Albright Peak

Distance: 14.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 4,226 ft

Albright Peak is an approachable, non-technical summit in the Tetons that gives you a great view of the taller peaks to the north. Plus, the views of the steep walls up Death Canyon and lakeside running are a bonus. You can also scout lines for shorter multi-pitch climbing in Death Canyon.

It’s best to start the day with the sun, around 5 or 6 am, since you will have a lot of miles and vert to cover before the threat of afternoon thunderstorms. The early morning means you’ll have a chance to see wildlife on the trail like moose and elk.

This run should be challenging on its own, but if you want some extra miles and another summit, you can continue to Static Peak, which would add another 2 miles and 1,000 vertical feet.

On your way back to the car, stop by Phelps Lake for a swim—it’s the perfect way to cool off after a long run in the mountains.

Overall, your first day out should be hard, but don’t totally gas yourself on the run, because tomorrow, you climb the Grand Teton!

Gear for the day:

PACING YOURSELF THROUGH THE WEEKEND

An adventurous long weekend in the Tetons does not need to turn into an epic.

Joel says that “Self-care goes a long way—make sure you are well hydrated and fueled before coming and then keep up with it over the course of the weekend.”

This suggested itinerary is not for beginner hikers or climbers; you do need a good level of base fitness. But that doesn’t mean you have to move as fast as possible all the time; choosing when you push it can be the difference between a summit or bonking.

“Pacing is important; don’t blow yourself up on the approach,” says Joel, “Go slow and be ready for the climb.”

This is especially important in the Grand Tetons, where almost all the approaches are multiple miles and the climbing is multiple pitches.

DAY 2: ALPINE CLIMBING

You are in the Tetons, and there is one summit on your mind, so go for it, climb the iconic Grand. The guides at JHMG agree.

“Anything on the Grand,” Joel says is worth climbing. “We also love to session the pitches around Corbet High Camp.”

The classic climbs are either the Exum (5.5 or 5.7 for the full) or Owen Spalding (5.4), both worthy alpine outings.

Attempting this summit in a day is a demanding endeavor. Which means some parties choose to camp at Surprise Lake one night and summit the next. But you are fit, trained at home, and ready for the challenge; a single-day push shaves pack weight and a night spent out.

Grand Teton

Distance: 13.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 7,265 ft

If you thought yesterday was an early start, you are in for a rude awakening. There is really no start too early to crank out the 12.4 miles to the Lower Saddle, but starting at Lupine Meadows Trailhead between 2 and 3 am is common.

While the actual climbing itself is tame, the exposure, route-finding, and positioning of both the Owen Spalding and the Upper Exum make these routes worth the long trek. Depending on your skill and comfort, the technical sections can be simul-climbed, pitched out, or soloed.

After an amazing summit view, rappel, and a long hike down, treat yourself to a quick swim in Jenny Lake.

Then, on your way out of the national park, stop by Dornan’s for a whole pizza to yourself and enjoy the mega views of the mountains.

Rest up, you just had a classic day in Grand Teton National Park.

Gear for the day:


DAY 3: DEATH CANYON CANYON CLIMBING OR LEIGH LAKE LOUNGING


After two big days in the mountains, your legs are hopefully worked. But it’s tempting to make the most of 3 full days, so JHMG offers up some of its suggestions for a mellow day.

“Avoid Delta Lakes; there are too many people, and it’s not worth it,” says Joel. But they do recommend the trails around Leigh Lake. It’s a little quieter, and the views up Paintbrush Canyon and to Mt. Moran are some of the best in the park. Hiking around Leigh Lake ranges from 3.6 miles to 9.4, and you don’t gain more than 150ft of elevation.

If you are itching for some more climbing, you can pick one of the routes scouted on your run up Death Canyon. Compared to other climbing areas in the Park, Death Canyon offers the shortest approach for high-quality pitches. Shorter climbs in Death Canyon range from 5.9 to 5.12 and 2-9 pitches.

If you need your last day to be simply a recovery day, the guides at JHMG recommend taking the Gondola up from Jackson Hole Resort to Rendezvous Peak and enjoying the views of the valley.

Gear for the day:

CONCLUSION

Grand Teton National Park and the surrounding area are a special bit of Wyoming, and the weekend adventure potential is endless. But no weekend lasts forever, so on your way back home with the stoke still high, start planning the next one.

If you are stoked for long days in the alpine, check out our suggested apparel for alpine climbing and suggested gear. Also, learn more about Jackson Hole Mountain Guides.

Molly climbs The Thumb on Lone Peak.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Molly Malone is Black Diamond Equipment’s copywriter. Her expertise in outdoor apparel and equipment comes from a decade-long love affair with backcountry splitboarding and climbing. She likes low-angle powder laps on high-avy days and sending long desert splitters.