Mount Moran

Mount Moran is a prominent summit that rises 6,000 feet (1,800 meters) above Jackson Lake and displays ancient rock formations from deep in the earth. A distinctive black mineral band runs across its east face, creating a striking visual contrast against the stone.

The peak was first climbed in 1922 when three mountaineers reached the summit via a glacier on the mountain's flank. The rocks that form the summit are nearly one billion years old, revealing the deep geological past of the region.

The mountain takes its name from Thomas Moran, an American artist who painted landscapes of this region in the 1800s and helped bring the area to public attention. His name reminds visitors of the artists who first shared this landscape with the wider world.

The best way to see the peak is from the lakes below or nearby hiking trails, as the summit itself is difficult to access. From a canoe or boat, you can get closer views and enjoy different perspectives of the mountain.

A black mineral vein runs through the mountain, created roughly one billion years ago when molten rock filled cracks in the earth's crust. This dark stripe is one of the most striking features when viewing the peak from different angles.

Location: Wyoming

Elevation above the sea: 3,842 m

GPS coordinates: 43.83521,-110.77632

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:46