Teton Range

The Teton Range is a prominent fault-block mountain range in northwestern Wyoming, notable for its rugged skyline and high peaks, the tallest of which is Grand Teton at 4,199 m (13,775 ft). The range forms the western backbone of Grand Teton National Park and is a classic example of young, uplifted mountain topography.

High alpine peaks, cirques, and glaciers dominate the crest of the range; popular activities include technical mountaineering on routes on Grand Teton and other summits, alpine hiking on trails that access passes and ridges, and scenic drives and viewpoints along the eastern foothills. The dramatic north-south crest extends for tens of miles and presents steep west-facing escarpments that drop to the valley of Jackson Hole.

The mountains were raised by movement on the Teton fault, with major uplift occurring in the late Cenozoic; subsequent Pleistocene glaciation sculpted the sharp peaks and deep valleys visible today. The area has long been used for hunting, trapping, and later recreation; it was protected with the establishment of Grand Teton National Park in the 20th century and has since developed infrastructure for visitors while retaining extensive backcountry.

Geographically the range sits immediately west of the Jackson Hole valley in northwestern Wyoming, within and adjacent to Grand Teton National Park. The town of Jackson lies at the southern end of the valley and serves as the primary gateway for access to the Tetons and nearby Yellowstone National Park.

• Steep relief: The range rises abruptly from the valley floor to peaks above 4,000 m, producing dramatic vertical relief and accessible alpine routes.
• Top viewpoints: Best photographic views include Oxbow Bend for reflective river-and-peak shots and the Teton Park Road viewpoints inside Grand Teton National Park at sunrise and sunset.

What to See #

• Grand Teton: The highest summit in the range at 4,199 m (13,775 ft), a major objective for alpine climbers and a dominant landmark above the Jackson Hole valley.
• Garnet Canyon: A steep, glacially carved cirque and route corridor that provides access to multiple climbing routes and trails into the central massif.
• Middle Teton and Mount Owen: A high-elevation glacier and steep subpeaks including Middle Teton and Mount Owen, frequented by mountaineers and backcountry skiers.