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South Ridge

3rd, Trad, Alpine, 2000 ft (606 m), Grade II,  Avg: 2.5 from 2 votes
FA: W.V. Graham and Mary Ann Mathews 02 July 1955
Wyoming > Grand Teton NP > S Teton

Description

A fun scramble to a scenic summit.

The south ridge of the South Teton is a kind of wishbone arrangement.  There's two ridges separated by a steep snowy coulior which join to form the man ridge of the peak around 800 feet below the summit just above a notch in the action.

From a low angle area just east of Snowdrift Lake, take the western ridge and scramble upwards.  Stay west at difficulties until the main ridge is joined.  Traversing a bit will keep the grade minimal.

Reverse route or descend depending on what the balance of the day offers (easiest get down will probably the popular NW Coulior into the S. Fork of Garnet Canyon).

Note:  this is a recommended route in the Ortenburger/Jackson guidebook.

Location

There's a number of ways to get to the start of the route.

The approach can be made from the west from the Teton Crest trail, Cascade Canyon, or Avalanche Canyon.

Which ever approach trail is taken, arrive above the north side of Snowdrift Lake at its east end.

Protection

Commonly soloed. Unless early (or any) season snowy then usual snow protection would be prudent.