Mountaineering in Grand Teton is wildly popular, but it's important to stay within the limits of your skill level. Every single year, there are rescues of climbers who fall or get trapped on Teton rock faces, and many years there are fatalities. Yet the peaks have a strong allure for climbers, even inexperienced ones, perhaps because you can reach the top of even the biggest ones in a single day, albeit not without a serious workout. The terrain is mixed, speckled with snow and ice even in midsummer -- knowing how to self-arrest with an ice axe is a must -- and the weather can change suddenly. The key is to get good advice, know your limitations, and, if you're not already skilled, take some lessons at the local climbing schools. If you go without a professional guide, you should have experienced companions who know the mountain.
Climbers who go out for a day do not have to register or report to park officials, but they should be sure to tell friends where they're going and when they'll be back. Overnight climbers must pick up a free permit. Climbing rangers who can lead rescue efforts are on duty at the Jenny Lake Ranger Station (tel. 307/739-3343) at South Jenny Lake from June until the middle of September. The American Alpine Club provides inexpensive dormitory beds for climbers at the Grand Teton Climbers' Ranch (tel. 307/733-7271; www.americanalpineclub.org). A pair of long-standing operations offers classes and guided climbs of Grand Teton: Jackson Hole Mountain Guides in Jackson (tel. 800/239-7642 or 307/733-4979; www.jhmg.com) and Exum Mountain Guides in Moose (tel. 307/733-2297; www.exumguides.com). Expect to pay $500 to $600 for a guided 2-day climb of Grand Teton or $120 for a class. Those who need to practice their moves on a rainy day should try the Teton Rock Gym, at 1116 Maple Way in Jackson (tel. 307/733-0707).
The Jenny Lake Ranger Station, which is open only in summer, is the center for climbing information; climbers are encouraged to stop in and obtain information on routes, conditions, and regulations.
