Mountaineering Routes · Grand Teton

The Upper Exum Ridge is one of the classic alpine rock routes on Grand Teton. It is a long, exposed ridge climb with sustained scrambling and moderate technical rock climbing. The route is known for excellent position and route-finding, but also for loose rock in places and serious exposure. It is commonly climbed in a day by strong parties, though many parties break it into a longer alpine outing. The crux sections are short but require comfort on steep, exposed terrain. It is a well-documented standard route in Teton climbing literature.

The Owen-Spalding Route is the standard and most frequently climbed route on Grand Teton. It is primarily a steep alpine scramble with short technical sections, but the exposure is significant and route-finding matters. The route is usually climbed from the Lower Saddle, often with a bivouac or overnight stay nearby. In dry conditions it is considered the normal summit route, but snow, ice, or wet rock can greatly increase difficulty and objective hazard. The route is very well documented and is the classic guided ascent on the peak. It is not a hiking trail; it is a genuine mountaineering route.

The North Ridge is a major alpine route on Grand Teton and one of the mountain’s classic lines. It offers sustained climbing on exposed rock with a more serious and committing character than the standard route. The route involves route-finding on a long ridge with sections of scrambling and technical climbing. Loose rock and weather exposure are important hazards, as on many Teton routes. It is a well-known objective in the Grand Teton climbing canon. The route is typically considered a full alpine climb rather than a simple scramble.

The North Face is a serious alpine route on Grand Teton and is documented as a major face climb. Conditions vary widely, and the route may involve snow, ice, or mixed climbing depending on season and year. It is more committing and objective-hazard-prone than the standard routes, with rockfall and changing conditions as major concerns. The line is valued for its directness and alpine character. It is a recognized mountaineering route rather than a hiking ascent. Because conditions vary so much, the exact technical difficulty can change substantially.

The Direct Exum Ridge is a famous and highly regarded alpine rock route on Grand Teton. It is more technical and sustained than the Upper Exum variation and is one of the mountain’s premier climbs. The route follows a direct line on the ridge with steeper climbing and greater commitment. Exposure is continuous, and route-finding is important throughout. It is a classic objective in the Tetons and is widely documented in guidebooks and climbing histories. The route is generally considered a serious alpine rock climb rather than a scramble.