Mount Moran
Mountain Grand Teton peak famous for its distinct eastern face
On Grand Teton’s northern skyline, Mount Moran rises above Jackson Lake with a distinctive east face and Skillet Glacier. Photographers and climbers approach via park trails and boat crossings from park roads.
Mount Moran is a prominent peak in the Teton Range within Grand Teton National Park in northwestern Wyoming, rising to about 12,610 feet (3,844 metres). It is notable for its steep, rocky profile and its prominent eastern face above Jackson Lake.
The mountain includes the well-known Skillet Glacier on its northeastern slopes and is a frequent subject of landscape photography from the park’s roads and viewpoints. Climbers tackle technical routes on its faces while hikers often enjoy views from nearby trails and lake shores.
The peak was named for the American painter Thomas Moran, whose 19th century works helped publicize the American West. Mount Moran and its approaches have been part of park management and climbing activity since the early 20th century.
Mount Moran sits along the northern section of the Teton Range, with Jackson Lake at its eastern base and the park town of Moran and Jackson a drive away to the south and east.
- Elevation and park: Summit elevation is about 12,610 feet (3,844 metres) and the peak is located within Grand Teton National Park.
- Name origin: Named for painter Thomas Moran, who depicted the Teton range in the 19th century.
What to See #
- Skillet Glacier: A persistent cirque and small alpine glacier known as the Skillet Glacier on the mountain's northeastern face that is visible from park roads and hikes.
How to Get to Mount Moran #
Mount Moran is in the northern Teton Range inside Grand Teton National Park. Drive from Jackson Hole on US‑26/US‑89/US‑191 north toward Moran Junction and the northeast approaches to the park; the Moran area and trail access are reached from the park roads off those highways. Road access is by car from Jackson (drive times vary by season and conditions); once in the park use designated pullouts and trailheads to access backcountry routes (expect remote/unmaintained terrain and plan accordingly).
Tips for Visiting Mount Moran #
- Treat Mount Moran as a technical alpine objective: several established routes (including the north-face Skillet Glacier) require glacier travel, route-finding, and technical gear-only attempt with appropriate experience or a qualified guide and check in with Grand Teton National Park rangers before climbing.
- If planning an overnight or backcountry approach, secure the necessary Grand Teton backcountry permits and plan for remoteness-routes up Moran are long and exposed, and weather can change quickly, so file your plan with park rangers.
Best Time to Visit Mount Moran #
Mount Moran (Grand Teton area) is best visited in mid-summer (July-August) when alpine routes are most likely clear of persistent snow.
Weather & Climate near Mount Moran #
Mount Moran's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from -16°C to 15°C. Moderate rainfall (668 mm/year).
January
January is freezing with highs of -5°C and lows of -14°C. The wettest month with 70 mm of rain.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -15°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm).
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March
March is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -16°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm).
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April
April is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -13°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm).
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May
May is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm).
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June
June is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm).
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July
July is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm).
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August
August is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm).
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September
September is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm).
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November
November is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm).
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December
December is the coldest month with highs of -4°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm).