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Jenny Lake Rangers
The Jenny Lake Rangers are Grand Teton’s team of elite search and rescue professionals. They protect resources and visitors in the park’s vast backcountry. Their duties include walking trails, educating visitors, assessing route conditions, and issuing permits for overnight camping. Search and rescue is their primary function, although it only accounts for about twenty-percent of their time. They will drop everything else to respond to someone in need—it is their most critical responsibility.
Key Facts
August 21, 2024
The 911 call came in at 9:40 am, just as the Jenny Lake Rangers were preparing for a routine short-haul training. Two experienced climbers were on the North Face of the Grand Teton, when a hand hold dislodged while the leader was climbing. The resulting ten-meter fall caused the climber a head injury and to lose consciousness. Thanks to the partner’s quick response and the Jenny Lake Ranger’s technical ability, both climbers were safely evacuated off the technical face. The extensive technical and medical expertise of the Jenny Lake Rangers enabled smooth rescue operations and prevented further tragedy.
Readiness by the Numbers:
- 83 search and rescue missions each year, on average\
- 280 hours of training every summer, across law enforcement, emergency medical services, firefighting, technical rope rescue, and helicopter short-haul operations
- 7 permanent rangers forming the core of the team
- 12 seasonal climbing rangers reinforcing coverage during peak season
Search and Rescue
Grand Teton National Park has one of the most diverse search and rescue (SAR) programs in the National Park Service due to high visitation in a rugged environment. Jenny Lake Rangers are highly skilled climbers and rescuers who undergo rigorous training. They respond to all types of emergencies, from sprained ankles on hiking trails to lightning strikes high in the peaks. Their partnership with expert helicopter pilots brings speed and agility to remote rescue operations, completing rescue missions in hours instead of days. To many visitors in Grand Teton National Park, rescue means a complex and dangerous attempt to reach injured climbers. However, rangers may also be crossing a swollen river toward a stranded boater, extricating an unconscious motorist from a wrecked car, or coordinating a 100-person search for a missing child.
Training and Equipment
To support year-round, mountain rescue operations, rangers train on a regular and recurring basis. These trainings include supporting guest instructors traveling to Grand Teton that share their expertise as well as sending rangers to specialized courses across the country. Grand Teton’s ability to procure and replace specialized equipment, personal protective equipment, and technology as it becomes available is also a critical element for safe operations, ensuring that the Jenny Lake Rangers are always ready to respond for whatever conditions are presented during a rescue.
Public Education
Jenny Lake Rangers conduct educational programs aimed at raising backcountry safety awareness. Climbing rangers staff the Jenny Lake Ranger Station daily during the summer months, answering questions about routes and conditions to help climbers and hikers find suitable objectives within their abilities. The team also maintains an Instagram account with up-to-date route and trail conditions for those who do not visit the ranger station. In addition, the park collaborates with Teton County Search and Rescue's Backcountry Zero program, which aims to reduce fatalities in the Tetons through outreach and education programs.
I cannot imagine a scenario that would have resulted in our survival short of the heroic rescue efforts that were made. . . . many of them put themselves at substantial risk."
- Steve Tyler, 2010 Owen-Spalding SAR
83
Search and rescue missions each year, on average
280
Hours of training every summer, across law enforcement, emergency medical services, firefighting, technical rope rescue, and helicopter short-haul operations
7
Permanent rangers forming the core of the team
12
Seasonal climbing rangers reinforcing coverage during peak season
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Your contribution to Grand Teton National Park Foundation’s Jenny Lake Rangers program strengthens alpine search and rescue readiness through advanced training, modern equipment, and emerging technology. Donations also support public education efforts that promote safety and preparedness throughout the park. In accordance with National Park Service policy, contributions are not used to fund rescue operations themselves; rescue missions are fully funded by the National Park Service.
