Trip Report 8/19/2026
Grand Teton National Park
Although the Hayden Survey party is credited with much of the early mapping and exploration in the Teton Range, Crow and Shoshone ancestors traversed these high peaks long before recorded western expeditions. Evidence of these early journeys remains hidden throughout the ecosystem, with a stone enclosure high on the Grand Teton standing as one of the most intriguing. Situated at approximately 13,208 feet on a satellite peak of the Grand, the Enclosure is one of the highest non-technical points in the range and home to a remarkable archaeological site.
While it lacks the prominence to be classified as an independent summit, the Enclosure is an extraordinary high-country destination. The top of this sub-peak features a circular structure formed by large rock slabs placed deliberately to create a sheltered wind break. While modern travelers might assume it is simply a climber's bivouac site, this structure predates any documented modern ascent of the Grand Teton. Possibly chosen for its solitude, strenuous approach, or commanding vantage, this indigenous site offers a unique perspective 0f the central peaks, including a complete view of the Owen-Spalding route across the Grand.
Having climbed the Grand Teton several times, I decided to head up to the Enclosure to see this primitive site for the first time. I drove to the Lupine Meadows Trailhead mid-morning, which proved to be a tactical mistake. The crowds heading for the nearby Delta Lake social media hotspot have overwhelmed the main parking area, and I knew better than to arrive at such a casual hour. Finding zero open spots, I drove over to the Lucas Cabins and started the run from Burnt Wagon Gulch instead.
This seldom-used approach proved crowd-free until I rejoined the main valley trail about 1.75 miles up. From there, the switchbacks on the Garnet Canyon Trail were extremely busy for several miles before the Amphitheater Lake Trail splits off and the Delta Lake crowd disappears. Rounding the corner into Garnet Canyon proper, you get your first great view of the Middle Teton, with the Platforms and Meadows camping zones ahead. I worked my way through the lower boulder field and started the climb up toward Petzolt's Caves. This backcountry campsite is one of the best places on the mountain to refill water, as the spring emerges straight out of the ground after being filtered through earth and rock from the Middle Teton and Teepee Glaciers above.
After topping off my flasks, I continued up the North Fork of Garnet Canyon along the Lower Saddle Trail. This is a steep, rocky, and loose stretch that gains altitude rapidly. Just below the Lower Saddle, you are rewarded with views of the Middle Teton Glacier. This active glacier remains intact, showing surprisingly little change compared to photos I reviewed from 2006 to 2010, even as glacial retreat accelerates around the globe.
Above the glacier sits the headwall of Garnet Canyon and the first real section of scrambling. Fixed lines assist with the ascent here. While fall potential exists, the movement is simple with large handholds and footholds. A few switchbacks above the headwall lead straight to the Lower Saddle, home to the high huts belonging to the Jenny Lake Rangers and Exum Mountain Guides. A small trickle of meltwater just below the huts serves as the final water source on the approach to the upper peaks.
From the Lower Saddle, I worked my way up toward the Enclosure and the Upper Saddle using a series of loose gullies intermixed with scrambling. While none of the terrain felt overly exposed, the movement demanded complete attention and rockfall potential was high. It took continuous effort to ensure I didn't send loose debris down onto parties below. Getting off-route here is easy, and straying off line quickly increases the technical difficulty.
Once on top, I explored the stone enclosure, peered down into the Black Ice Couloir, and mapped out the Owen-Spalding route on the main summit block from afar. Thirty to forty climbers were scattered across the upper route, with many waiting at the usual choke points. Significant ice and running water remained on the rock following several weeks of wet weather.
My return trip started off more tedious than expected. Several ledges I had scrambled up easily proved difficult to down climb. I rerouted multiple times whenever I encountered a move I didn't feel comfortable down climbing, though these diversions rarely helped, leading to one technical spot after another. Sticking to the primary line is essential, as I found little in the way of easier passage on the various offshoots. Descending from the Upper Saddle, one should carefully avoid the far right and far left gullies. Beyond that, the descent retraced my ascent line, and my running pace picked up significantly as the trail quality improved near the valley floor.
All in all, the trip to the Enclosure racked up 6,844 feet of vertical climbing, and my legs felt every bit of the run back down to the valley floor. I had not been up the North Fork of Garnet Canyon during the summer in over a decade, and it was great to revisit the high peaks that captivated my climbing interest at a younger age. As the years go on, the extreme exposure of rock climbing has become less attractive to me, but my enjoyment for the running component has grown tremendously.
🗺️ Line of Travel:
Lucas Cabins ➔ Burnt Wagon Gulch ➔ Garnet Canyon Trail ➔ Lower Saddle Trail ➔ Upper Saddle ➔ Summit(13,280 feet) ➔ Retrace Route
📍Beta:
Lupin Meadows Trailhead is the appropriate trailhead, but has become popular for the unofficial Delta Lake trail. Make plans appropriately during the busy summer months. Gaining the Lower and Upper Saddles of the Grand Teton require careful scrambling and route finding. There is plenty of water in Garnet Canyon, but not above the Lower saddle.
📊 Route Stats:
- Distance: 14.24 miles
- Elevation Gain: 6,844 feet
- Moving Time: 3:37:36
- Elapsed Time: 5:16:16
- Average Pace: 15:17 / mile
👟 Gear List:
- Shoes: Dynafit Ultra 100 GTX
- Water: Katadyn Be Free
- Pack: Black Diamond Distance 15 Pack
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