Paintbrush Divide still requires an ice axe
ALPINE TERRAIN BEGINS TO OPEN UP - JULY 28, 2017
Alpine terrain in the Teton Range continues to open up as warm summer temperatures work on a snow pack that has proven to be quite stubborn in places. An ice axe remains required to safely traverse Paintbrush Divide and some travelers may want an axe or poles for other sections of the Teton Crest Trail. The Grand Teton, however, no longer requires an ice axe for approach, ascent, or descent via the Owen-Spalding or Exum Ridge. See Current News & Notes for backcountry closures that remain in effect.
CONDITIONS UPDATE - JULY 20, 2017
Hot temperatures continue to melt snow at a rapid pace and conditions are changing daily. Of note, the Lower Saddle Approach and Owen-Spalding route are now both passable without an ice axe. Climbers are reminded to remain cautious of wet rock, especially during colder temperatures when verglas can be problematic. The Teton Crest Trail remains very snowy but only Paintbrush Divide requires the use of the an ice axe for safe passage. The Sheep Steps and Hurricane Pass still have snow and some hikers may want an ice axe for those areas.
The Owen Chimney is mostly dry and in good shape - 7.24.17
CONDITIONS CHANGING FAST! - JULY 12, 2017
Significant snow remains in the high country, but conditions are changing fast! The Owen-Spalding and Upper Exum routes on the Grand Teton no longer require an ice axe and crampons for safe ascent or descent. There is still patchy snow along all routes that can mostly be avoided, however, a significant amount of wet rock also exists and climbers are reminded to be alert for verglas in cold temperatures. An ice axe is still recommended for the Lower Saddle Approach and mountain passes along the Crest Trail.
View of the south side of the Grand from the Middle - 7.24.17
ABUNDANT SNOW REMAINS AT HIGH ELEVATIONS - JULY 1, 2017
Hikers and climbers continue to have to deal with significant snowy travel at the higher elevations and in the upper halves of the Park's canyons. Ice axes (and crampons in the early morning hours) continue to be necessary in order to safely approach and descend from the Lower Saddle, the Owen-Spalding Route on the Grand Teton, and many of the Park's alpine rock climbs. Mountain passes along the Teton Crest Trail also require an ice axe for safe passage and hikers should be prepared to deal with many, many miles of snow travel along the route! Many canyon trails are difficult to follow above their halfway points. Backcountry closures remain in effect in the Jenny Lake/Hidden Falls Area (see links in Current News & Notes). Stock travel is also closed to through traffic in Paintbrush Canyon due to a damaged bridge. Please stop in and see us at the Jenny Lake Ranger Station to get the latest conditions information before your trip!
The view of Death Canyon Shelf and Alaska Basin from the Grand....SNOW, SNOW, SNOW!