Grand Teton Climbing (Overnight)
Backcountry camping permit for overnight climbs of the Grand Teton. Day climbs do NOT require a permit.
“A bucket-list destination in Grand Teton.”
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Be notified instantly when Grand Teton permits become available.
Grand Teton Quick Facts
Key Information
Key Dates
Permit Details
Pro Tips
- •Camp at Lower Saddle the night before your summit attempt
- •The Exum Ridge is a bucket-list route for alpine climbers
- •Consider hiring Exum Mountain Guides for your first Grand Teton climb
- •Pick up permits at Jenny Lake Ranger Station (required June-September)
What to Expect
Highlights
- •Technical rock climbing (5th class)
- •Significant exposure on all routes
- •High camp at Lower Saddle (11,600 ft)
- •Early morning summit push
Hazards & Considerations
- !Rockfall
- !Exposure (long falls possible)
- !Afternoon thunderstorms
- !Snow on routes early season
Summit Information
Grand Teton
Climbing RoutesClick for details
Base Camp
Technical Gear Required
How to Get This Permit
Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Verify your email and add payment info ahead of time.
Apply during the lottery window
Submit your application between January 10. Apply for multiple dates to increase your odds.
If unsuccessful, monitor cancellations
Permits get cancelled daily. Peak cancellation times are 24-48 hours before the trip date.
Set up PermitSnag alerts
Get instant notifications when cancellations happen. We check availability every few minutes, 24/7.
When to Go
Conditions
Technical routes in condition mid-June through September. Afternoon storms common.
Crowd Level
HighAdvantages
- +Technical routes climbable
- +Guided options available
- +Warmest temps
Challenges
- !Afternoon thunderstorms
- !Crowded Lower Saddle
- !Permit competition
Difficulty Assessment
Fitness and endurance required
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Steep dropoffs and fall potential
Route finding and trail clarity
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
Best For
Technical climbers comfortable with roped glacier travel and alpine rock.
Recommended Experience
Glacier travel training required. Must be competent with crampons, ice axe, and rope work.
Not Recommended For
Hikers uncomfortable with exposure or scrambling. This is mountaineering, not hiking.
About This Permit
The Grand Teton offers world-class granite climbing just a short approach from the valley floor. The Exum Ridge is considered one of the finest alpine rock routes in North America. Guided services from Exum Mountain Guides have operated here since 1931.
The Experience
Why It Matters
Grand Teton draws visitors from around the world to Grand Teton. The permit system balances access with preservation, ensuring the experience remains worthwhile for those who make the journey.
Rules & Regulations
- •Day climbs do NOT require permit
- •Overnight climbs require backcountry camping permit
- •Bear canisters required for overnight
- •Pick up all permits at Jenny Lake Ranger Station
Key Landmarks
Lottery Statistics
Competitive
estimated success rate
Get detailed lottery statistics and tips in the PermitSnag app.
Safety & Planning
Emergency Info
Download the PermitSnag app for offline access to emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Grand Teton.
Food Storage
Check bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations in the PermitSnag app.
🏔️Mountaineering Resources
Guide Services
Guides recommended for first-time climbers. Find authorized guide services.
Authorized guide services:
- • Check with ranger station for current list
- • Verify NPS/USFS authorization
Gear Rentals
Don't own technical gear? Find rental shops near the trailhead.
Required gear you can rent:
Route Conditions
Real-time route status, snow levels, and climbing conditions.
Current conditions include:
- • Route status (open/closed/caution)
- • Snow level elevation
- • Crevasse and glacier conditions
- • Recent trip reports
Avalanche Forecast
Check avalanche conditions before winter and spring climbs.
Avalanche info includes:
- • Current danger level
- • Avalanche problems (wind slab, persistent slab)
- • Travel advice
- • Links to regional avalanche centers
Grand Teton FAQ
Do I need a permit to climb the Grand Teton?
Day climbs do NOT require a permit. Only overnight climbs (camping at Lower Saddle or elsewhere) require a backcountry camping permit.
What is the easiest route up the Grand Teton?
The Owen-Spalding route at Class 5.4 is the easiest technical route. It requires roped climbing skills but is the most accessible for intermediate climbers.
Photography Guide
Golden Hour
Golden hour at Grand Teton offers the best photography conditions with warm, directional light.
Best Light
Early morning typically provides the clearest conditions and best light quality.
Beat the Crowds
Weekdays and early mornings see fewer visitors for cleaner compositions.
Classic Shots
- 📍Classic view of Grand Teton
- 📍Grand Teton scenery
- 📍Trail or route documentation