Climbing in the Grand Tetons

If you are thinking about going climbing in the Grand Tetons of Wyoming, theres one name you need to know; Exum Mountain Guides. Exum Guides have been taking novice and experienced climbers up the Grand Tetons since 1929, when Glenn Exum and Paul Petzoldt started guiding here, Exum by way of the unroped solo first ascent of the ridge that now carries his name. If that’s not enough reputation for you, I don’t know what is.

While the Grand Teton its self may not be for the novice climber, there are plenty of other routes and spots to climb all over the mountain. What if you don’t know how to climb? No worries, many of the climbs start with a quick introduction in climbing techniques. You will learn and practice some of the standard climbing moves and techniques on some of boulders around the area.

The guides at Exum are some of the best in the world. Every instructor here is easily a legend in their own right. Its not uncommon to get a guide that has been climbing for over 40 years. Last time I went, I climbed with a 70 year old man who told me he had been on the first ascent of El Capitan. Pretty freakin impressive. For the record, that climb was the Nose in 1958, led by Warren Harding with Wayne Merry and George Whitmore.

Its not often that I so strongly recommend a company, but the Exum Mountain Guides are some of the best in the world, extremely friendly, and all around great people. Its no wonder they are the leader in guiding trips up the Grand Tetons and rated one of the best travel companies in the world. Check out the Exum website here.