This past weekend was our last weekend to do a big peak. We're working this weekend, and will be in Tucson next weekend for Rick and Becky's wedding. We decided on Teewinot for it's quick approach and 5,500 ass burning vertical feet. Plus the autumn foliage is breathtaking this time of year. I wanted to do a big peak for once and I've been leading up this moment all summer! After going a bit too far to the north of the pinnacles, we wrapped back around to the south and made it up to the summit in 4.5 hours. It was amazing! We limped back down the mountain to the car and settled in at Dornans for a pitcher of beer and some pizza.
Teewinot Mountain is the sixth highest peak in the Teton Range, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. The name of the mountain is derived from the Shoshone Native American word meaning "many pinnacles". The peak is immediately northeast of the Grand Teton and the two are separated from one another by the Teton Glacier. Teewinot Mountain rises more than 5,500 feet (1,675 m) above Jenny Lake. The 40 mile (64 km) long Teton Range is the youngest mountain chain in the Rocky Mountains, and began their uplift 9 million years ago, during the Miocene. Several periods of glaciation have carved Teewinot Mountain and the other peaks of the range into their current shapes. Along with a number of other high peaks in the central Teton Range, Teewinot is part of what is known as the Cathedral Group, due to the similarity of the peaks to the spires of a cathedral.
Teewinot Mountain is most easily ascended via the eastern face, which finishes with a somewhat exposed Class 4 scramble to the tiny summit. An unmarked climbers' trail, known as the Apex Trail, leads most of the way up the mountain from the Lupine Meadows area. An ice axe, and the skill to use it, is recommended except in the late climbing season.
