Teton Range

The Tetons are one of the shortest and most compact ranges in the Rockies, but their direct rise of over 7,000 vertical feet from flatlands on their eastern face is is unsurpassed between Canada and Mexico. However, the western slopes, falling away into Idaho, are much more gentle once below the immediate summit towers. Either way, the Tetons make one of the classic picture-postcard views.

The Teton Range is mostly within Grand Teton National Park, just south of Yellowstone. Tourists throng the Jackson Hole valley to gawk at the peaks and watch the large elk herds roaming the grasslands near the Snake River. In winter, the Jackson Hole ski resort, on Rendevous Mountain a ways south of the Grand, attracts skiers who want to challenge the 4,100 feet of steep slopes. Ski bums and powder hounds head over to the Idaho side of the range to ski at Grand Targhee, which often gets more snow than any other North American ski area.

Still, climbing is the quintessential Teton sport, and hanging out at the rustic Climber's Ranch campground in the shadow of the Grand for a summer is a rite of passage for many American rock climbers. The Grand gets its fair share of attention, but other peaks--notably Mount Moran--offer equal challenges.

Note: Range borders shown on map are an approximation and are not authoritative.