Rock Climbing

The sight of the 13,770-foot Grand Teton towering above the valley has been setting hearts pumping for generations. A century ago no one had reached the top; now, thousands have, often carefully roped and cared for by professional guides. Experienced guides and established routes assure a modicum of safety, but climbing accidents and deaths still occur. There are two reliable, long-standing guide services: Exum Mountain Guides, P.O. Box 56, Moose, WY 83012 (tel. 307/733-2297; www.exumguides.com), and Jackson Hole Mountain Guides, 165 N. Glenwood St., Jackson, WY 83001 (tel. 800/239-7642; www.jhmg.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).