Teton Range - Yellowstone Area

The Tetons is a cluster of jagged peaks that rises abruptly along the Wyoming-Idaho border, thirty miles west of the Continental Divide. Forty miles long and fifteen miles wide, the Tetons are a tilted fault block, tilted upwards to the east. The eastern sheer rock faces tower above the steep rock escarpment, while westward the slopes descend gradually. The rock is a firm mixture of gneiss, granite, and schist, and offers some of the finest climbing in the United States. The name Tetons translates to breasts, so named by early nineteenth century French trappers.

The three primary peaks (Grand Teton, Middle Teton, and South Teton) are located in the front and center of the range. These peaks have many satellite peaks that offer equally excellent climbs. Because the Tetons are concentrated in such a small area, the mountains are all easily accessible, and very popular for climbers in the summer, which lasts from mid-June to mid-September.

The Tetons are contained within Grand Teton National Park, just north of which is Yellowstone National Park, a high timbered plateau including geysers, bears, tourists, and magnificent wild scenery.