Historic sign from the 1930's. It has since been ...
Description
"Howdy Partner, Yonder Lies Jackson Hole, the Last of the Old West"
This is the famous sign that greets visitors to Jackson Hole as they crest Teton Pass in their vehicles and get their first views of the valley. Perhaps the sign should also say "New West", but either way Jackson Hole is a great place.
While most climbers come to Jackson Hole to visit Grand Teton National Park, there is other climbing available. Obviously the Tetons are the main event, but on questionable weather days or if you're just looking for some lower elevation climbing, these other crags may just fit the bill.
The best of the local Jackson Hole crags is Rock Springs Buttress. While not exactly low elevation (9000 feet), it does boast a relatively short approach (45 minutes) if you're willing to fork over the money to take the ski area's aerial tram. The Exum Arete (5.9+) on Rock Springs Buttress is a must do.
For 5.10/5.11 cragging, visit Rodeo Wall and for 5.11/5.12 cragging visit Blacktail Butte. These limestone crags, while not destinations, offer scenic, fun, low stress cragging.
Web Resources
Jackson Hole Mountain Weather - local weatherman's forecast for the Jackson Hole area and mountains. As accurate as you'll find for the Teton range.
There are four primary driving routes in and out of Jackson Hole:
ID-33, WY-22 (Teton Pass) The west entrance of Jackson Hole is Teton Pass, connecting the valley to Victor, Driggs and Idaho Falls, Idaho. Despite its steepness, Teton Pass is well-traveled and popular, as it offers access to major highways (including I-15) and other north/south routes. Be forewarned that travel on the pass can be dangerous in the winter. Check with the WY-Dot for road conditions and closings.
US 89, 26, 191, 189 (Hoback Junction) The South entrance of Jackson Hole is Hoback Junction. Here, two highways merge and head north to Jackson: US 89/26 from Alpine and US 191/189 from Pinedale. US 89/26 is a popular route to the valley from points south, particularly Salt Lake City. The road travels through two different canyons, making for a beautiful drive. However, wildlife and winter conditions mean speeding can be a costly mistake. US 191/189 enters Hoback Canyon from Pinedale, Rock Springs and points east on I-80.
US 26, 287 (Togwotee Pass) The north eastern entrance of the valley is marked by Togwotee Pass, which connects Jackson with Dubois, WY. This is the preferred route for parties arriving from the south eastern corner of Wyoming, including Casper and Cheyenne.
US 89, 191, 287 (Yellowstone's South Entrance) The meeting of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks marks the northern entrance of the valley. Be aware, depending on the time of year and day, traffic through Yellowstone can difficult. Many people coming from the north opt to drive around Yellowstone and enter through Teton Pass. Also, as Yellowstone's South Entrance is closed to cars in the winter, this route is only possible in the late spring, summer and fall.
This is a two pitch route, but the first pitch is a worthy journey by itself.Tenuous steep slab and arete climbing is the name of the game here. The first pitch is VERY long (40m), and you'll be welcoming the anchors when you see them. This is a sport route, but there are plenty of opportunities for big swinging falls and some of the clips are tricky - so don't jump on this if it is way above your grade. Many of the moves are exposed, and you n...[more]
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