A Climber's Guide to the Teton Range Third Edition(Climber's Guide to the Teton Range) [Paperback]

Leigh N. Ortenburger (Author), Reynold G. Jackson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1996

Approximately 800 routes and more than 200 peaks, and 90 climbing route Topos. For many years, A Climber's Guide to the Teton Range has been the first choice for climbers of all levels of experience looking for comprehensive information on this popular destination. Now completely updated, you'll find complete route descriptions with difficulty ratings, as well as detailed information on access, approach considerations, and region-specific safety measures. The region's climbing history, geology and climate are also detailed, along with hiking routes, equipment recommendations, and more. Everything you need to know about the Teton Range is available in this one source-it's a must-have for all mountaineers.

Product Details

• Paperback: 415 pages
• Publisher: Mountaineers Books; 3 Sub edition (November 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0898864801
• ISBN-13: 978-0898864809
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 7 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #368,032 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #43 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Mountaineering > Excursion Guides
  • #62 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Mountaineering > Rock Climbing

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is one of the most comprehensive guides ever written., October 28, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: A Climber's Guide to the Teton Range Third Edition(Climber's Guide to the Teton Range) (Paperback)

After climbing for over 25 years, I've used a lot of climbing guide books in a lot of areas. With subsequent, rewritten editions, these guide books usually continue to improve. Some, like those for Yosemite or Grand Teton, have a history of well done guides, each building on the previous guide. But the new Climbers Guide to the Teton Range is a monumental leap forward. It is the best guide I've ever had the oportunity to read, or use, in any climbing area. When so many guidebooks have gone to simple "topo" drawings, it's nice to see a well done guide that still uses the written word. Although some topo drawngs are used in this book to flush out rock route discriptions, many of the alpine routes are represented in aerial photos, with written descriptions. These often include a history of the route and climbers involved in the first ascent. Besides history, the book also covers climatology, geology, approaches, winter climbing, and general area information. The photography is outstanding, with the routes well represented on them. This book is a must for anyone thinking of climbing in the National Park. It is also an interesting read, as the history and life stories of Teton climbers is sprinkled throughout the guidebook.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exceptional Climbing Guide to the Magnificent Teton Range, August 1, 2003

By 

Michael Wischmeyer (Houston, Texas) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Climber's Guide to the Teton Range Third Edition(Climber's Guide to the Teton Range) (Paperback)

A good climbing guide is a personal friend. You spend hours reading about possible climbs, adventures awaiting for you. There is much pleasure in browsing a climbing guide, remembering the climbs you have made, those climbs not completed due to severe weather or other reasons, and all those climbs you have yet to try.

My Teton guidebook has particular value as I always inscribe notes about my climbs: the date, my companions, the weather, route finding tips (or conversely, where I went astray), elapsed time, and other items of interest.

This third edition, 1996, is more than four hundred pages. It is much to bulky and heavy to carry on a climb. But it is a remarkable reference of virtually every climbing route in the Teton Range. The descriptions are detailed and well-written. I have not encountered any climbing guide that is comparable in detail and scope to this work by Leigh Ortenburger and Reynold Jackson.

The number of routes and variations on the favorite peaks can be overwhelming. The most commonly used route is highlighted. Route descriptions range from easy scrambles to difficult climbs requiring substantial technical skill on ice, snow, and rock. Numerous excellent black and white photos with climbing routes overlain are scattered throughout the texts. Also, there are many detailed ink drawings of more difficult climbs.

For climbers new to the Tetons, the authors have listed more than 130 of their favorite routes ranging from easy scrambles to severe climbs 5.12 in difficulty, as well as difficult technical ice climbing routes.

The introduction, some sixty pages, is quite good. Major topics include a history of Teton climbing, descriptions of great climbs and traverses, details on the national park service policy, and a discussion of the difficulty rating system. The section on Teton weather and climatology is both helpful and sobering. Also, on more than one occasion I had reason to appreciate Ortenburger's and Jackson's bushwacking hints for those canyons without maintained trails.

I have used A Climber's Guide to the Teton Range for many years beginning with the first edition dating back to the 1960s by Leigh Ortenburger. In the intervening years a condensed version, an extended version (volume 2), and a second and third edition have been published.

This third edition is really quite exceptional and I highly recommend this guidebook to anyone planning to climb in Grand Teton National Park.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A "must read" for teton travelers..., October 25, 2005

By 

Christopher P. Graham "Grammy" (North Conway, New Hampshire) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Climber's Guide to the Teton Range Third Edition(Climber's Guide to the Teton Range) (Paperback)

If you are looking for a comprehensive, detailed, easy to understand reference guide to the history, approaches and routes of the peaks of the Grand Tetons...look no further. Complete with Topos, black and white Arial photographs, and hand drawn route diagrams, this guide is a "must have" in any mountaineer's quiver of guide books. The book opens with a history of the Grand Teton Range and introduces readers to the men and women who explored and developed many of the modern routes enjoyed by all today; particularly the "bold" first accents of the early Teton pioneers Paul Petzoldt and Glenn Exum. The meat of the book can be found in the remaining pages covering everything from, recommended equipment, mountain safety, to detailed accounts of the climbs and approaches on all the jagged peaks of the Teton Range.
As a climber of 20+ years, I found this book to be extremely helpful on my trips to the Tetons and highly recommend this guide to anyone entertaining the possibility of climbing or hiking in the Teton Range. Whether you are a seasoned climber, or are considering cutting your teeth in one of the most spectacular mountain ranges the United States has to offer, consider this resource a must!