Learning to Trad Climb in the Tetons?

Hi all! I'm spending the summer in Jackson, WY, and I'm really hoping to focus on becoming a better climber and learning to lead trad - do any of you have recommendations for how to do this? I'm sure this question gets asked all the time, but seeing as I don't know anyone in the area I don't have anybody who can teach me personally, and I've checked into the climbing schools and find them quite pricey.. Any hints, suggestions, advice, etc, would be really appreciated!

Also, if anybody wants to climb in that area, I'd love to meet new people and spend a summer outside on the rock!

get started in the climbing gym, enclosure. from there you should meet people who might be able to show you the ropes. the climbing community in jackson is small but solid-- lots of people getting after it. there are some super classic, easy climbs in the tetons that you'll be able to learn on, but many take a bit of a hike, so work on your fitness.

Days you cant find a partner go scramble something like Buck mountain, static, the middle or south tetons, teewinot, some of the most fun stuff are long days of fourth class. The faster you are this, the better you are at the long approaches, the more you will get to climb.

East ridge of cube point is a good place to start, as far as climbing a route, definitely find someone more experienced to show you some stuff. The routes on symmetry spire are good for starters, but have long approaches, and all fixed belays so start early to avoid storms bailing with one rope would take some time.

Sometimes you can go by the teton climbers ranch and grab a partner, search the aac site and stop by during work week, people will be around and hang out and lend a hand.

I've always thought hiring a guide was lame. However, I wanted to learn how to ice climb this winter, and I didn't have anyone to take me since I've moved away from my home state. So I took a private course with a local guide company, and it was worth every cent! I learned an impressive amount of skill in a short period of time. My friends that already ice climb were super impressed with how fast I progressed when I met up with them a week later...My point is that even one day with certified, experience guide is worth months with some random person you may meet (who may or may not have good technique). The money is worth it. Great way to get the basic skills down with good technique. Then you can start climbing with other people to get more experience.

Hey Griff,

I'll be out working in the park this summer. It'll be my third summer in the park, but my first summer since getting into trad climbing. I've done climbing in the park, but it's all been 4th class or easy 5th class that didn't need protection. I've led some multipitch out here on the east coast, but I'm looking to do a lot of climbing once I'm out there in June. Let me know if you're looking for a partner. Who are you working for? Exum has $25 into to mountaineering courses earlier in the summer for seasonal workers. Not sure if it applies to all employers; might have to check that out though.

Peace,
Thomas