Description
The Grand Traverse has become a truly iconic route holding lore and reverence from the climbing and running communities alike, it is a traverse of ten of the Grand Teton’s range most important summits. The starting elevation in the valley floor is 6,700', starting and finishing at Lupine Meadows Trailhead.
The Grand Traverse has become a truly iconic route holding lore and reverence from the climbing and running communities alike, it is a traverse of ten of the Grand Teton’s range most important summits. The starting elevation in the valley floor is 6,700', starting and finishing at Lupine Meadows Trailhead.
The summit elevations in order are:
It goes without saying that this is not a casual trail run, this FKT pushes the upper edges of the FKT guidelines for technicality with a percentage of the total time being spent on 5.8 or 5.9 technical terrain, but staying within the 10% rule. As such there is real risk involved in moving quickly in this type of terrain and the attempter takes full responsibility for the risks involved, including risk of injury or death.
Notice that no previous attempters have left their GPX files present here: this is to preserve the adventurous nature of going out and rehearsing each aspect of this traverse diligently before the attempt, this is not the kind of route one just onsight following a gps track. Not that information will not be willingly offered if you reach out during your research - it's just a real conversation keeps the community alive, while a downloadable link keeps us disconnected.
Who's Next?
Further Research:
Attention in the Media:
- updated in 2023 by Jason Hardrath
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This route on the old FKT site
Comments
Notice that no previous attempters have left their GPX files present here: this is to preserve the adventurous nature of going out and rehearsing each aspect of this traverse diligently before the attempt, this is not the kind of route one just onsight following a gps track. Not that information will not be willingly offered if you reach out during your research - it's just a real conversation keeps the community alive, while a downloadable link keeps us disconnected.
The best way to practice is often with a GPX file. The idea that it should not be shared because the public needs to be protected from their own foolishness seems shortsighted at best. The public is more likely to get into trouble without a good route description or GPX file on this route.
I seriously doubt a GPX file, if available, hasn't been provided because the person wants to "preserve the adventurous nature..". It's adventurous with or without it.
Given the history of cheaters and liars in sports, business, science, education, and life, it seems reasonable to demand a GPX file as proof that a FKT took place. These days, if there is no proof, it didn't happen. None should be trusted. Sponsored athletes have a monetary incentive to cheat and anyone seeking attention has the same incentive.