climb grand teton

Summited via the Exum Ridge on 8/19/07

Nearly 20 years ago, if fact. We did the regular Exum route (not the Exum direct), which is the second easiest route on the mountain. It’s rated 5.4 but the climbing difficulty seemed pretty low (and to me, above 5.6 is difficult). The traverse across Wall Street was the only place I remember where the rope was very reassuring, and that was mainly for the exposure. (You also need to do a long rappel on the descent).

I was a little disappointed with the view from the top, since you’re basically just standing at the high point of a ridge. But the climb itself was a blast. It’s the most difficult alpine climb that I’ve done so far.

PS- I “borrowed” this photo from a website, but it’s from the same route.

I spent some time in Grand Teton National Park a few years ago but didn’t get to climb the peak itself. I walked Cascade Canyon below it and it looks amazing. I have to go back and climb it one day, hopefully one day soon.