2. Travel

Climbing the Grand Teton

An unforgettable adventure in one of the most beautiful landscapes in the country.
Read More
Then Elise leads the way up through the first bowl, one step at a time.
50 / 91

Then Elise leads the way up through the first bowl, one step at a time.

JH Grand Teton 2011jh1

  • Rob and Lou, ready for the climb. (Photo: Ellen Fernley)
  • The group of seven climbers: Kyle Fernley, Pete Simone, Ben Freeman, Rob Fernley, Lou Borie, Elise Fernley, David Fernley. (Photo: Randy Fernley)
  • At the Lupine Meadows Trailhead. Elevation: 6,700 feet above sea level. Our destination for the day: the Lower Saddle between Middle Teton and Grand Teton, seven miles away, elevation 11,600 asl. (Photo: Ellen Fernley)
  • Wildflowers were still blooming beside the trail as we climbed through the spruce-fir forest on the lower part of the mountain.
  • Far below, Bradley Lake, Taggart Lake, and the Jackson Hole valley.
  • The trees thinned out as we approached Garnet Canyon with the Middle Teton in the distance.
  • Dave and Rob Fernley.
  • Our first challenge: two snow bowls to navigate (the second is hidden). In a normal July most of the snow in these bowls has melted.
  • We change into our heavier boots and survey the scene above. (Photo: Dave Fernley)
  • Then Elise leads the way up through the first bowl, one step at a time.
  • Half way up the second bowl the shadows started to lengthen.
  • Finally we reached the objective for the day, the Lower Saddle, a narrow ridge in between the Middle Teton and Grand Teton. Exum maintains a camp here for climbers. It was windy and cool, so the first thing to do was put on warm clothes.
  • The camp at the Lower Saddle consists of two huts -- one for the guides and one for the climbers.
  • The inside of the climbers hut was luxurious -- just enough room for sleeping bags and pads for 15 -- and a stove for heating hot water.
  • The treeline was far below, but patches of moss campion and other wildflowers dotted the landscape at the Lower Saddle.(Photo:Dave Fernley)
  • The privy at the Lower Saddle looks out over the Idaho side of the range -- probably one of the most spectacular views from an outhouse anywhere. (By the way, climbers pack out everything from the Lower Saddle -- everything,) (Photo: Elise Fernley)
  • The trail up the Grand from the Lower Saddle follows the narrow crest of the saddle and then climbs through the crevass between the two jagged peaks.
  • The sun casts the silhouette of the Tetons on the valley below.
  • Untitled photo
  • We ate dinner, packed our day packs for the climb the next day, and tried to get some sleep. Everything not inside the hut or a tent is packed inside the large metal canisters to protect against curious marmots and other animals.
  • No Comments
  • Photo Sharing
  • About SmugMug
  • Browse Photos
  • Prints & Gifts
  • Terms
  • Privacy
  • Contact
  • Owner Log In
© 2021 SmugMug, Inc.