Disappointment Peak

Disappointment Peak rises to 11,623 feet and sits within the Cathedral Group in the Teton Range of Grand Teton National Park. The mountain features solid rock formations with multiple climbing routes spread across its different faces.

In 1925, Phil Smith and three climbers from Colorado named the peak after encountering an unexpected cliff that blocked their planned route to the Grand Teton. The name reflects the disappointment they felt when they realized they could not reach their original destination.

The mountain draws climbers from different skill levels who come to test themselves on its rocky faces and learn from one another. Routes here range from beginner-friendly climbs to serious technical challenges, making it a place where the climbing community gathers.

Most climbers start from the Lupine Meadows trailhead and need to pay a Grand Teton National Park entrance fee. Checking in at the Jenny Lake Climbing Ranger Station before ascending gives you current information about conditions and route details.

The southern buttress holds more than a dozen multi-pitch routes with solid rock quality, including some of the most technically demanding climbs in the entire Teton Range. These routes attract climbers seeking serious challenges on exposed rock faces.