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.

Main image

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.
Mount Moran
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, USA (Mount Moran)
43.8352, -110.7763

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.

Summer (best window)
July-August · ~0-20°C (summit to valley)
Mid-summer provides the most reliable access with lower snowfields and a larger window of stable weather for non-technical routes.
Late spring / early autumn
May-June, September · -10-15°C (summit to valley)
Shoulder seasons may still have lingering snow and variable conditions-good for experienced hikers familiar with alpine travel.
Winter
October-April · <-20-0°C (summit to valley)
Severe cold, deep snow and avalanche risk-routes are typically technical and require winter mountaineering skills and equipment.

Weather & Climate near Mount Moran #

Climate

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).

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
15°
Warmest Month
-16°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is freezing with highs of -5°C and lows of -14°C. The wettest month with 70 mm of rain.

Comfort

-9°
Feels Like Freezing
-9°C
Temperature
-14° -5°

Weather

70 mm
Rainfall
5.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -15°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm).

Comfort

-9°
Feels Like Freezing
-9°C
Temperature
-15° -3°

Weather

55 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -16°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm).

Comfort

-9°
Feels Like Freezing
-9°C
Temperature
-16° -3°

Weather

59 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -13°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm).

Comfort

-7°
Feels Like Freezing
-7°C
Temperature
-13°

Weather

49 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm).

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-8°

Weather

60 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-4°

Weather

61 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
15°

Weather

42 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
15°

Weather

46 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1° 11°

Weather

49 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-5°

Weather

49 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm).

Comfort

-6°
Feels Like Freezing
-6°C
Temperature
-10° -1°

Weather

62 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is the coldest month with highs of -4°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm).

Comfort

-9°
Feels Like Freezing
-9°C
Temperature
-14° -5°

Weather

66 mm
Rainfall
5.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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