Grand Teton

Brief Historical Background:

  The Teton Range is the youngest range in the Rocky Mountains with its highest peak, the Grand Teton, at 13,770 feet. The historians still disagree about the origin of its name. The commonly used explanation is that "Grand Teton" comes from French "large teat" describing the shape of the mountain, but some historians believe that the peak was named after the Teton Sioux tribe of Native Americans. The landscape of the Tetons was developed by alpine glaciation. Currently, there are 38 distinct routes to the Grand Teton's summit.

Technical difficulty:

  The easiest route is classified as Class 5.5, which, according to the Sierra Club grading system that divides all hikes and climbs into classes, is: "Technical free climbing. Climbing involves rope, belaying, and other protection hardware for safety". Grand Teton can be climbed with minimal gear, but previous mountaineering and climbing experience is required.

Places to visit in the region:

Yellowstone

Jackson Hole