Jackson: What To Do

Alpine Adventures Next Summer - Pick a Summit with a Pro

The Tetons. Some of you may think bagging a peak in that range is out of your range. Well, don't sell yourself short. If it's up a Teton you want to go, then the best idea is to hire a pro! C7 partners with Jackson Hole Mountain Guides who have the local knowledge and the climbing expertise to help you get that pinnacle experience in the Tetons. Here are some adventures possible in a day. If you are interested in climbing a non-technical peak in a day, try one of these! If you are one of those who feel that life gives you enough reason to rush and you'd rather slow it down when in Jackson, why not linger a bit more in the journey and take your time with the peak? You can also choose to do one of these peaks or another peak as an overnight adventure with Jackson Hole Mountain Guides. Added bonus? Sleeping under the stars in the Tetons.

Surprise Pinnacle
Some say that the view from the top of Surprise Pinnacle is one of the most spectacular in Grand Teton National Park. This moderately strenuous adventure is for those who want to get off the beaten path, and experience the beauty of the Tetons without the demanding fifth class climbing of the Grand Teton.

Cube Point 9,920+’ II, 4TH CLASS
This small peak, perched on a ridge above Jenny Lake, is one of the very best for those new to mountaineering. It offers a bit of everything: hiking, scrambling, early season snow, and an easy technical ridge to an exciting summit. The views are unsurpassed. A full day is required but it is much less energy-intensive than most of the one-day Teton climbs. This route, named the Northwest Ridge, is our favorite for those who have taken a basic school and want to sample a technical summit.

Disappointment Peak
SOUTHEAST RIDGE –  11,618’ II, 4TH CLASS
Disappointment Peak has something for everyone. The Southeast Ridge of Disappointment Peak is a pleasant one-day climb with little technical difficulty. Approached via the scenic Amphitheater Lake trail, the route offers great views throughout the day. While a rope is taken for a few tricky spots, the roped climbing ends well below the summit. Along with Surprise Pinnacle,  summit of Disappointment Peak has probably the best views of any Teton peak. For something more technical, consider the East Ridge.

Hike

Oxbow Bend - Grand Teton National Park

LENGTH: 2 miles
DIFFICULTY: Easy
ELEVATION GAIN: Negligible feet
ACCESS: From Jackson, drive north on WY Hwy 89 to Moran Junction and turn left (west) toward the GTNP Entrance. Drive west 2 miles, passing the Oxbow Bend overlook. Turn left ¼ mile further to the left (south)—park at the roadhead.
GOOD TO KNOW: Dogs are not permitted on this trail due to its vicinity within Grand Teton National Park. And, no facilities are available.

The Oxbow Bend trail is a picturesque, easy trail following the shore of the Snake River just below the Jackson Lake dam. It runs along a summer park service road for 1 mile on the north side of the river, offering views of slower-moving waters ideal for winter wildlife viewing, including trumpeter swans, otters, elk, and moose. Start at the roadhead near Oxbow Bend, following the winter trail signs. Enjoy stunning views across Jackson Lake towards Mt. Moran, especially on clear days. Return via the same route back to the parking area.

Aspen Ridge

LENGTH: 6.2 miles
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
ELEVATION GAIN: Under 1K
ACCESS: The trailhead for the Aspen Ridge-Boulder Ridge Loop hike is located in the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve off Moose-Wilson Road. To reach the trailhead from Moose Junction, turn left onto Moose-Wilson Road and drive roughly 3.6 miles south to the turn-off for the Preserve on the left.
GOOD TO KNOW: Dogs are not permitted on this trail and there are no facilities are available.
ADDED BENEFITS: This trail is known for good birding.
A BIT OF HISTORY: Located near the south end of Phelps Lake, the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve is an 1106-acre refuge within Grand Teton National Park. It was originally part of a dude ranch known as the JY Ranch. In 1932, John D. Rockefeller, Jr. purchased the 3100-acre ranch and turned it into a family retreat. Over the years his son, Laurance, transferred much of the ranch to the national park. He donated the remaining 1106-acre parcel in 2001, which would become the Preserve six years later.

Summer Adventure: Via Ferrata at the Resort

LENGTH: Full day and half day adventures available. Half day is 3 hours (options to start at 7:50 am or 11:50 am) and a full day is 6.5 hours (launching at 7:50).
DIFFICULTY: Depends on your route.
COST: $446 1-2 people for a half day. $653 for 3-5 people for a half day. $698 for 1-2 people for a full day or $945 for 3-5 people.
GOOD TO KNOW: The cost is high because you have guides who make the experience possible. Remember to tip them!
ACCESS: You launch from Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.

Half Day - Arrive by: 7:50am OR 11:50am
3 hours
$446 for 1-2 people, $653 for 3-5 people
Full Day - Arrive by: 7:50am
6.5 hours (includes lunch)
$698 for 1-2 people, $945 for 3-5 people

We know, we know. Jackson's Via Ferrata closed earlier this month for the season. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't be putting the VF experience on your to-do list for next summer. Some of you may be asking, what's a Via Ferrata, anyway? Italian for "Iron Path," via ferrata are an Italian import that may have slightly edged out their wine in our rankings of favorite Italian imports. Originally developed in the Italian Dolomites as a way to move troops though hard-to-pass mountains during WW I, via ferrata are now adventure sport destinations. Steel cables, iron runs, ladders, and bridges fixed to rock faces allows adventurers of various levels of ability to travel places they otherwise wouldn't be able to access.

Directions:

Head to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort - but wait until next summer!