Solo Climbing the Grand Teton

I first onsight soloed the Grand Teton via the Owen Spalding route on September 9, 2017. This was my second time up the classic, and I wanted to make a vlog showing my process. I hope you enjoy, Cheers!

[@nicholashodge7261]

Amazing he was able to climb this Mt in 12 minutes

[@TylerSchwab]

Imma shoot for sub 10 in 2020 #moviemagic

[@TylerSchwab]

Also descended in those 12mins *wink

[@yc_exploring]

perhaps more impressive was that he made it down in 45 seconds

[@aeichelberger15]

Incredible that you peaked in a day while also doing a bunch of sections twice for the camera angles

[@TylerSchwab]

Thanks DE, it was quite a bit of work, but that's just the nature of video making. Cheers!

[@kathyadamsson2090]

I was enjoying sharing this with my 10 year old who is researching Teton National Park. It was fun to share my experiences on the Grand through your vlog until you got to the lower saddle when you used the language you did when looking for water. I turned it off and we will miss out on the rest of your great adventure. Great job to that point.

[@jamescanada2460]

@@kathyadamsson2090 To be fair, not having water is one of the situations that language is appropriate for. Not exactly gratuitous.

[@caro_line_26]

@@kathyadamsson2090 so you think a ten year old shouldn't hear the phrase "oh sweet mama"?! He/she has heard way worse

[@everglide15]

@@kathyadamsson2090 lmfao stfu Kathy your kid isn’t gonna have their life ruined Bc they heard somebody say “fuck”. You sound like such a fucking karen

[@corysatx8730]

this level of fitness blows my mind

[@TylerSchwab]

Go light go right! But also be safe and take in consideration that going light means you're exposing yourself to a lot more risk, but speed also equals safety. It's a balance that I'm still learning, and will be for years to come

[@peterk7427]

I can’t help but share that there’s a lot more risk involved than is made obvious. Going back down the chimney he was 90% sure was the one to go up, is one with zero margin for error. Add this to the high traffic the route sees late summer, and this is why most take a rope to do two rappels from near the summit to the upper saddle: skip the sketchy down climb that goes against traffic. Also, plan on a 12-18 hour outing unless you camp in the meadow or moraine.

[@TylerSchwab]

Peter you are totally correct, and I'm happy you're sharing what you see/understand that other may not. You don't want to downclimb on top of other parties - give the right-away to the uphill party. I did wait for parties come up (not shown in the video)

[@estellejackson3316]

Peter K. Thank you for this comment. I hope my son doesn't die attempting this because Tyler makes this look so easy.

[@nathanmurray1275]

I am no longer able to enjoy the heights of the Grand as the years have caught up with me. At the same time I loved the mountains I also learned to respect them. Sometimes I just got lucky. Others, not so much. While it's wonderful to have a young athletic body (can help in times of trouble) I have found a much more intimate relationship with the mountains by truly making their acquaintance when going about them. The mountains are to be enjoyed and respected. Yes, great athleticism, high risk, but hard for me to see the mountain as a race track. Share the mountains with some friends and teach them the right way. Take care Tyler and stop and smell the Lupine sometime. You will love it.

[@shadetreelife3670]

Did that climb in 1980. One of the best experiences of my life, spent night in Smith Hut.

[@SeekingSnow]

Best video I've seen on how to climb the Grand. Thanks bro!

[@burntthetoast]

What I love about hikers/climbers is theyre always willing to help and teach. Great on you for showing that guy how to peak the end of the Grand. Its all good karma :D

[@TylerSchwab]

I glad you found this educational. I didn't have that exact plan when making the video, but I do love sharing my experiences and hope they aid other in some way or another

[@user-sk9hl7si7l]

ITS ONLY HERE IN LOW ALTITUDES,ALL HELP IS GONE @ ANY REASONABLE HEIGHT/IE EVEREST ETC.

[@everglide15]

@@user-sk9hl7si7l chill out Jesus Christ... where are you hiking that you’re going above 20,000 feet? You sound delusional

[@simonfraser9428]

Awesome video dude. Currently in my research phase for my first try on this route so this was super helpful. I also love how you filmed this entire thing on your phone, and kept it engaging moving the story along. Nice work!!

[@jordan9503]

DUDE YOU ARE A LEGEND ! i was just at grand teton national park today and it was breathtaking ! we did the cascade trail and it was great ! we were exhausted after it about 15 miles with only 1500 feet of vertical but i had my old man with me so we took our time . i just wanted to let you know how much of an inspiration you are ! im attempting the grand tommrow with my dad but hes in his 60s so were gonna take it slow and do as much as we can .

[@SimonHergott]

Looks like a primo scramble that one! Gotta love chill 5.0 with exposure.

[@TylerSchwab]

Once you're on the OS the exposure is real, and it makes for quite the experience

[@robgrey6183]

I'm surprised to see this in my feed. I live there, and climbed and guided for many years. My wife and I did day climbs of the Owen Spaulding several times, preparing for ultra runs or trips to the Himalayas. I did several solo climbs of that route myself. Always late August-September. Four hours up. Four hours down. That was thirty years ago. I'm watching this sitting on my porch in Alta, with the Grand and much of that route in view.

[@TylerSchwab]

@@robgrey6183 Thanks for dropping a comment Rob. Your side of the Teton’s is wonderful as well - Targhee is my favorite resort! 4 & 4 is so fast! And yes this time of year is primo! I’m curious because I haven’t been at all this year. BUT I too AM sitting on my porch - replying to your comment - with the Grand in view! Very grateful. Thank you Rob Grey, cheers!

[@robgrey6183]

@@TylerSchwab 4 hours up is considered slow at this point. And, I wasn't filming anything. It also helps having done the route many times before soloing it.

[@JordanGreenPNW]

Badass video Tyler! Love the fast and light approach, you crushed it!

[@jmp1262]

Did this climb in August 1978. Owens was described as a "walk". When we left the saddle soon discovered that rocks were covered with a quarter inch of ice. We were all pretty wigged when we hit the belly roll. Some walk....

[@UntamedScience]

Just curious. What kind of shoes to you find most useful for this climb? Sounds like a silly question, but given the rock scrambling, I'm curious about your thoughts. - Rob

[@firetip198]

scarpa hiking boots and gaiters if there is snow work great!

[@UntamedScience]

Firetip love it. Thanks.

[@firetip198]

@@UntamedScience at central wyoming college in riverton... my scarpa hiking boots climbed their indoor wall extreemly well compaired to my climbing shoes and out on the rock they grip the rock equally as well. I used them to climb cloud peak and I used vasque hiking boots previously to climb middle teton. Scarpa approach shoes will work, but if you get into some snow you will be glad you had on a pair of boots and gaitors. Sometimes you can find scarpa hiking boots on ebay lightly used, but they have to be one size bigger than normal... so 9.5 would be 10.5 in my case. inexpensive treck poles would be handy getting to the meadows below middle teton. best time would be 3rd/4th week july and 1st, 2nd and 3rd week in august.

[@UntamedScience]

@@firetip198 Yeah, I had scarpa ascent shoes when we went up, but it snowed heavily and we got stuck just before the saddle. Last weekend in September was pushing it a bit late... kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZ_KeGaNid6rptE is the video we made from it.

[@RonaldRegan314]

I climbed once in military boots. Whatever you're most comfortable in and has grip

[@jayfrei]

Great video! Staring @ the Grand now and hoping to summit it in Sept. I have a friend that lives in JH and he said that you’re pretty gnarly - this is NOT an easy summit, but you made it look so. I’d love to free solo it to keep weight down, but we’ll see. Keep up the good work and be safe. God bless!

[@TylerSchwab]

It is a lot of vertical, and going light does help. BUT going light also means exposing yourself to much more risk, and on the flip side speed increases security (in some cases). I did summit the Grand Teton with ropes before soloing it

[@TylerSchwab]

Do you have your date set for Sept. yet?

[@MartsEntertainment]

Super impressive! I’ve been living in Wilson and haven’t taken that route in September yet. Thank you!

[@TylerSchwab]

Okay. I think I hit it on the very last weekend that was good. I had to sneak it in

[@rec-re-ate8723]

So well done! Great video! Thanks for sharing 🤘

[@joewahrerMotorcycleMan]

Awesome trek...thanks for filming it!

[@chrisdebaun8805]

did that route solo in Sep of 86. anybody who is anybody in mountaineering has made that climb.... it was fun. The next day I think I summited the middle Teton but due to poor visibility (in the clouds) I couldn't find the survey marker.

[@al-du6lb]

You got my palms sweating up there near the top. Thanks for sharing. Is it harder getting down or going up?

[@joearnoldstudios2286]

Nice climb! We got stormed off our Cathedral Traverse last summer, but determined to do it next summer. Join us! It is sooooo awesome.

[@TylerSchwab]

Yes! I'll hit you up when I'm back in Laramie

[@066motocross]

Very impressive! I love to watch you guys conquer these things. Probably not something I should put on my bucket list with copd and heart disease. I have trouble breathing up in Wyoming even at interstate highway level

[@huf67]

I love just stumbling across those geo markers !!!

[@TheAdventureBuddies]

This is unreal! Such an amazing video! Nice job.

[@atlantisfunktions]

deadly down climbs like that freak me out! Don't think id ever want to put myself in that situation... unless I had ropes.

[@TylerSchwab]

You deff want to be comfortable on exposed 5th class terrain. I'm a competent rock climber, climbing in the 5.11 range quite a bit, so I do feel comfortable in that terrain unropped

[@craigborrenpohl1233]

Thank you for this first hand look at the route and all the extra effort in getting some great coming and going shots. If you'd take some feedback I'd love to know throughout the video what time it is when you get to the saddle, summit, back to the parking lot etc. Awesome work overall however, cheers.

[@TylerSchwab]

I can't remember my times on this attempt. They were slower than usual because of the video making. I know I've submitted in 5hrs and then descended back to my car in 3hrs before - that's my fastest time. Probably 3-3.5 hours to the lower saddle on that same attempt

[@LFZhang86]

Awesome video, thanks so much for the beta!

[@appa609]

Man I got to the upper saddle and completely ran out of air. Was crawling at a meter a minute. Seeing you run straight through is very impressive.

[@TylerSchwab]

Bill Kong I did NOT run that haha, I just ran for the shots

[@billhickman4826]

At first I was like hell yeah I would love to do that, then after watching you at the top I was like hell no, no way!!

[@commentcrafter4158]

Yoooo tyler its Andrew that dreaddy kid from joshua tree 2019 im so stoked for you i soloed the grand last week

[@yc_exploring]

epic climb dude! and to film it is even more work!!

[@kevin__foley]

So you can do this hike without climbing gear?

[@zacharyandrews8858]

Man this was an incredible video! I’ve linked Middle and South but have always be weary of tackling the Grand! I’m heading out in September and depending on the weather I’m hoping to either push for the Grand or do the Teton Crest Trail! Thanks for the informative vid!

[@ashtee3]

I’m going this upcoming weekend and was contemplating which one of those to do too. Tryna hit the grand?

[@keeping_it_casual]

Ashtin Bowden hey, I’m in the area and thinking of doing it. What day were you thinking?

[@ashtee3]

Jan Milberg I had to switch something around but I’ll get into the park Saturday and I’ll take that afternoon to prep, get permits etc. I’d be down for Sunday it looks like

[@ashtee3]

Jan Milberg Sunday I’ll be ready to hike! Getting to Jenny lake Saturday afternoon

[@keeping_it_casual]

@@ashtee3 hey, just getting to wifi. I ended up heading south to avoid the weather in my tent. Hope you go for it and be safe.

[@jeffh7860]

I know this was posted a long time ago but curious what shoes/runners you used for this ascent? Awesome solo.

[@HN-tp3dc]

im from cinci oh. i know that connor guy. it was quite a shock to see him pop up in a random youtube vid. GGs

[@TylerSchwab]

HAHA That is so random! I'm happy you took the time to drop a line

[@HN-tp3dc]

@@TylerSchwab I really enjoyed this video. Ive only seen these mountains when covered is snow during the winter seasons. Now, thanks to you, Ive got this climb/hike/adventure on my bucket list

[@nebketis8674]

What level of endurance / experience do you recommend to safely complete this hike?

[@Betonrg]

What a crazy brother 😜. Great experience.

[@MrRolsen83]

Curious on what shoe used for this. I'm either thinking my Solomon S/Lab or La Sportiva TX3's. What shoe did you do this in?

[@TylerSchwab]

I think I wore a pair of TX2's. They were a little too minimal though; my ankles felt it towards the end of the day. The TX3's would be great! I've worn a pair of Saucony's trail shoes before and they worked great as well

[@andrewmitchell5807]

Thanks for the info, not alot on the grand on KZbin so this is pretty nice. Don't ever skimp on water like that though! You never know when you might need to bivy overnight

[@cntfinkvaname0]

Well done! What time did you arrive back at the car park?

[@BOOS7ED_S2K]

how long did it take to get to the top

[@oldue1368]

Awesome video! I did the middle in 2017, hopefully the Grand this year. What camera did you use for the climb?

[@TylerSchwab]

I still haven't done the Middle! That's rad you have though. I used my iPhone 6+ for this video with the Moment Superfish lens

[@ryanbabbitt9271]

enjoyed the content, the Tetons are a joy. Have you done other routes in the range, or series of lines....specifically the Grand Traverse?

[@walterbaldemor2128]

i have been to Mt san jacinto, not by hiking but through tram, view from 8000 feet is awesome

[@simbapecorito9581]

Muy bueno, aunque no entiendo una cosa, ¿por qué no lleva guantes? No pesan nada en la mochila y se evita el pasarlo mal en la parte final.

[@markjeffries5966]

You deserve a burrito! When I lived in Colorado, I hiked in the Tetons but never attempted the Grand. Thaks for doing it and taking us along.

[@MCOB2019]

My hats off to you sir, I barely survived the hike to Delta Lake 😅

[@ryandresser6413]

Hey Tyler, how reliable is the spring at the Lower Saddle?

[@Gigaamped]

5:20

[@cm6995]

What is the probability of encountering a grizzly bear? I may be going alone just for hiking. I could had done that same run in my early 20s, need to get back in shape.

[@StephenAldaco]

I may attempt this tomorrow. I have no rock climbing experience very little I would say. Should I be worried?

[@jacobjackson6290]

I might do it in a few weeks. Based on everything I've seen you should be fine as long as climbing is something you enjoy that comes naturally/is intuitive

[@YellowBuddyDog]

Did you do it?

[@AbyssLMachiine]

Doing this in a few days, have never hiked a mountain like this and am thinking about doing it alone. Good idea?? lol

[@StephenAldaco]

When are you going? I am here now I might attempt tomorrow

[@AbyssLMachiine]

@@StephenAldaco i will be there in a few days but if you wanna link up im down to do some hiking w you man

[@APWoodworking]

Go with someone who has completed the route. It's very tricky up there & everything blends so route selection can be tricky 1st time on any route

[@commentcrafter4158]

I cant wait to climb with you again!

[@nitantpandey882]

Is this trail on AT? Just need a reference

[@PipeBurst]

what are his shoes called? how long is the route?

[@cskillet2003]

I'm planning on doing this hike. I'll keep an ear out for the organ player and drummer at the meadows.

[@chrisc9869]

Kick ass video man good job

[@cristianbazurto7028]

From Maryland. Climbed up to delta lake a few weeks ago and nearly died and he’s over here running the trail

[@sacara21]

What's the name of the song that starts at 11:32?

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Great video. Great channel. Subscribed. ✌️

[@warisarabarnhart1835]

Awesome video. I have been wondering if anyone could climb this peak without using rope.

[@dawidmludzik9526]

hey tyler awesome work and amazing endurance to do it all in a day. Im trying to head out there this summer and camp out. How difficult is it to summit solo? I have climbing experience but not anywhere close to the Grand Teton. thanks

[@JaySilver72]

Pretty sure Tyler would agree, this is not one for a newer climber to attempt solo. Unless you are experienced with the elevation/temps/exposure and free soloing in those conditions specifically, you at least need a helmet, rope, harness, etc. You should really be prepared to rap off the route not downclimb those sections. Weather happens. And it is still a 5.4 with 2000' of air under you.

[@MattGoesSkiing]

Some pretty good exposure on this one.

[@GearZenChannel]

What is the rating of the class 5 stuff? Also, what do you trad lead comfortably?

[@TylerSchwab]

5.4 and I lead 5.10 comfortably

[@kylejensen2812]

You climbed it without ropes?

[@LinusWilson]

Awesome moose.

[@davesanatore4688]

Great video!

[@TylerSchwab]

Thanks man!

[@NaseemRakha]

Curious how long it took him to summit.

[@cimarronMC]

It didn't seem that crazy. Till he got towards the end. Thats a really sketch ending

[@sasquatch6772]

Wish me look, I’m doing it soon or next year

[@Mlb9894]

Belly roll was when I said “nope” 😂

[@pratikshyathapa9097]

Amazing 👏🏼👏🏼

[@javierguatemala9522]

Really cool!

[@TylerSchwab]

Much appreciated man

[@anthonypetrovic8907]

was this in the summers

[@Books_read_sam]

Wow I live pretty close to the Tetons and I’m planning on summiting next summer, I was planning on using gear, but holy crap, that seems so much easier than packing a bunch of gear!!

[@christophertherealone.7938]

Dude at 9mins I would of cried and turned back man seriously

[@FallLineJP]

**Earphones in** "Normally I can hear the water" 😎👌

[@jacobcoleman638]

Mad respect bro

[@dabneyoffermein595]

some dudes died up there, got hit by some lightning. u brave bro

[@MrRolsen83]

Any chance you have a GPX of your run?

[@TylerSchwab]

I do not. Maybe in the future I'll start doing that

[@LC444]

I'm a kid. Do you recommend me doing this climb?

[@Kvathe]

Not unless you are with someone who has done it before. This is a lot riskier than it looks.

[@adamedunn]

Aren’t we all

[@LC444]

D Adam huh?

[@LC444]

Kvathe Okay?

[@rockie307]

What's the easiest least risky route to summit?

[@blakerobison4159]

This is it, the Owen Spaulding Route

[@yetimp]

I climbed the same route last year. My video is a little more focused on story. Would have been nice to hear some technical comments too

[@TylerSchwab]

I liked your video man! Your use of VO was nice, but not as nice as your og Royal Robbins sweater! You had a lot more focus on story - that's somethin I hope to develop more of in my videos. Cheers man!

[@NickFlanik]

amazing !

[@kevinmiddlebrooks3701]

What time did you finish?

[@TylerSchwab]

I don't remember my exact times on this date due to the video making, but I have done the same route before with 5hrs to summit and 3hrs back to the car

[@ryansanford3837]

What’s the song during 11:52

[@ryansanford3837]

Plz help

[@ryansanford3837]

Is it bubble toes jack johnson

[@wadebrooks3483]

Lupine Meadow is at the bottom bud

[@crfdln]

Nice !!

[@vibelife5133]

💪

[@benjaminblake8870]

Well done!

[@TylerSchwab]

Thanks man

[@savannahl4581]

Dude. You fucking did that

[@thelostcompass]

What a great episode! Love what your channel has going on!🏔🔥💚 We’d appreciate the follow back! 📸

[@gloobark]

6:45 don't talk about my sister like that

[@MadHasher710]

buddy some of this downclimb was od

[@638Benj]

Hammah

[@johnny6148]

no fixed ropes in 1973 when real men climbed

[@djlowtek]

I feel ashamed for the human race that I even have to mention this but maybe this comment will reach a human in the future that will knock some sense into them ... 11:41 - not a fisheye lens that's a normal lens no trickery. Our planet.

[@TBlazers50]

That's not the earth's curvature. It's not that pronounced from 13,000 ft.

[@Mrthirtyseven]

thats the normal gopro warping - not a full fish-eye, but still wide angle, causing warping to make the horizon and everything else look curved. 13,000k ft is not even remotely high enough to see earth's curvature like that

[@TylerSchwab]

@@Mrthirtyseven You are correct. It was a 10mm lens with a 1.4 crop factor, so a 14mm equivalent.

[@joe_3y3s]

facepalm

[@troyHD]

what time did you summit and what time did you finish?

[@TylerSchwab]

On this attempt I didn't track my time due to the making of the video. I have done the OS 5hrs to summit and 3hrs back to the parking lot