Baxter's Pinnacle in summer-questions

I'm planning a trip to Jackson Hole in late July and don't have time for a long climb but want to possibly do Baxter's.
How often is this route closed for raptor nesting,? I don't want to plan on a route we won't be able climb.
Any other 1/2 day routes in Grand Teton NP that are worth climbing?

I really enjoyed Symmetry Spire. Check that out.

Alan Ream wrote:I really enjoyed Symmetry Spire. Check that out.

Thanks. I was looking at that route too but it looks like a full long day

Alan Ream wrote:I did that SW ridge 5.7- rope solo with the boat from Jenny- long approach but it was easily done in a 3/4 day. Beautiful rock, great views.

Well, that's an option then.
I'm 59 and not as fast as I used to be but still in pretty good shape, so could probably do this in a reasonable amount of time

Jim Fox wrote: Well, that's an option then. I'm 59 and not as fast as I used to be but still in pretty good shape, so could probably do this in a reasonable amount of time

Symmetry does look like a really cool route and might have less traffic than Baxter's

In July it might be best to hike in from the String Lake parking lot, and get up the couloir early. If you're talking SW ridge, it can see some demand. Pleasant walk 'round the lake. Even at 75 ;<}

Stay at the Climbers' Ranch, get out at dawn, you might be off the route early afternoon or before.

Alan Nagel wrote:In July it might be best to hike in from the String Lake parking lot, and get up the couloir early. If you're talking SW ridge, it can see some demand. Pleasant walk 'round the lake. Even at 75 ;<} Stay at the Climbers' Ranch, get out at dawn, you might be off the route early afternoon or before.

Thanks. I was planning an early start. Probably good advice to hike around rather than waiting for the boat.
Going on a weekday, so hopefully a few less people headed there vs. the weekend.

Alan Nagel wrote:In July it might be best to hike in from the String Lake parking lot, and get up the couloir early. If you're talking SW ridge, it can see some demand. Pleasant walk 'round the lake. Even at 75 ;<} Stay at the Climbers' Ranch, get out at dawn, you might be off the route early afternoon or before.

Pretty cool that you're still climbing at age 75. I'm 59 and hope I'm still climbing in 15 years.

Ill be around the Tetons off and on in July and August doing training climbs. I've been on Symmetry, fun climb but it's been awhile. Let me know if you need a partner

alpinerocket wrote:Ill be around the Tetons off and on in July and August doing training climbs. I've been on Symmetry, fun climb but it's been awhile. Let me know if you need a partner

I'll be there the last week in July,staying in Jackson with my wife (nonclimber) and college age son.
Too early to make definite plans but my son and I will be climbing one of those days and it might work out if you want to join us

Jim Fox wrote:I'm planning a trip to Jackson Hole in late July and don't have time for a long climb but want to possibly do Baxter's. How often is this route closed for raptor nesting,? I don't want to plan on a route we won't be able climb. Any other 1/2 day routes in Grand Teton NP that are worth climbing?

Seems like its been pretty common in the last few years. I'd kinda count on it being closed again (6th or 7th year in a row) from May until August. Won't really know until they see the nesting pair of peregrines up there.

No Perches Necessary is a nice short route. Cube Point is fun. A scramble up St. John is super. Ice Point and/or Storm Point summit routes are fun. The bird aretes are purportedly good. East Ridge of Disappointment. Corkscrew on Fairshare. East Ridge of Symmetry. Etc. No shortage of 1/2 to 3/4 day climbs to do.

Brian in SLC wrote: Seems like its been pretty common in the last few years. I'd kinda count on it being closed again (6th or 7th year in a row) from May until August. Won't really know until they see the nesting pair of peregrines up there. No Perches Necessary is a nice short route. Cube Point is fun. A scramble up St. John is super. Ice Point and/or Storm Point summit routes are fun. The bird aretes are purportedly good. East Ridge of Disappointment. Corkscrew on Fairshare. East Ridge of Symmetry. Etc. No shortage of 1/2 to 3/4 day climbs to do.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'll look at those routes as well.
Sounds like Baxters will probably be closed then

Brian in SLC wrote: Seems like its been pretty common in the last few years. I'd kinda count on it being closed again (6th or 7th year in a row) from May until August. Won't really know until they see the nesting pair of peregrines up there. No Perches Necessary is a nice short route. Cube Point is fun. A scramble up St. John is super. Ice Point and/or Storm Point summit routes are fun. The bird aretes are purportedly good. East Ridge of Disappointment. Corkscrew on Fairshare. East Ridge of Symmetry. Etc. No shortage of 1/2 to 3/4 day climbs to do.

East Ridge of Disappointment looks interesting- probably a good long 1 day climb.
Thought about Irene's Arete but doing it in 1 day might be a really long day. Plus, I always figure that climbing at altitude over about 10k feet adds a grade (or 2) to the route difficulty (for me anyway), so probably won't do that route

Probably will climb SW Ridge of Symmetry if Baxiers is closed

Symmetry was a pretty good hike for me back when I lived there, and the Grand in a day was no big deal. That'd be a helluva half day. Baxter's is the shortest approach I know of in the Tetons, but I used to like Open Book on Disappointment and Guide's Wall in Cascade for quick climbs (by Teton standards).

mikek wrote:Symmetry was a pretty good hike for me back when I lived there, and the Grand in a day was no big deal. That'd be a helluva half day. Baxter's is the shortest approach I know of in the Tetons, but I used to like Open Book on Disappointment and Guide's Wall in Cascade for quick climbs (by Teton standards).

Ehanks. Baxters is my 1st choice if it isn't closed for raptors.
Symmetry looks like a long day. Guides wall sounds like it sees a lot of traffic but less of an approach.
East Ridge of Disappointment another long approach

alpinerocket wrote:Ill be around the Tetons off and on in July and August doing training climbs. I've been on Symmetry, fun climb but it's been awhile. Let me know if you need a partner

Might do the Exum on the Grand, if time allows. Otherwise, it's probably Symmetry. I'll let you know once it gets closer if you are interested

Jim Fox wrote: Might do the Exum on the Grand, if time allows. Otherwise, it's probably Symmetry. I'll let you know once it gets closer if you are interested

Ok, sounds good. Keep in touch

I spend summers in Jackson, guides wall is my go to half a day climb. Approach is maybe a mile longer than the approach to Baxters and I think the climbing is more enjoyable. 5.9 hands variation on pitch 5 (I think) is stellar. Guides wall has variations on almost every pitch so I've never had issues waiting for other climbers.

Nick-R wrote:I spend summers in Jackson, guides wall is my go to half a day climb. Approach is maybe a mile longer than the approach to Baxters and I think the climbing is more enjoyable. 5.9 hands variation on pitch 5 (I think) is stellar. Guides wall has variations on almost every pitch so I've never had issues waiting for other climbers.

Thanks.
I was considering Guides Wall but afraid it would be too crowded

Anyone know if Baxter's is closed this summer (2016)for raptor nesting? I can't find anything online saying it is