Mount Owen is one of the greatest of the Teton peaks in height, beauty, and climbing interest. Named for William Owen, pioneer Wyoming surveyor and organizer of the 1898 ascent of the Grand Teton, it was one of the last of the high peaks to be ascended, resisting several early attempts. Not until 1930 did the very strong first-ascent party of Underhill, Fryxell, Smith, and Henderson solve the problem of the summit knob. Even today there is no easy way to the summit and every route requires mountaineering skill, demanding a consistent level of attention. Many parties tackling this challenging peak underestimate the length of an Owen endeavor and spend an unexpected second night in the mountains. Plan accordingly!
