We had permits for the Meadows the first two nights. The Lupine Meadows trail was fairly easy...idiot proof. The Garnet Canyon trail, especially after the Platforms weaves around some boulders but isn't too bad. We found a nice spot behind a boulder and set up camp. You can see Spalding Falls in the background to the right.

From here, we headed up the South Fork of the Garnet to the Southwest Couloir of the Middle. Typical moderate angle scree and snow fields. It was mid morning and the snow was firm yet. On our way down it was a little softer. There are sections that need an ice axe (or at least a ski pole) lest you like rapid decelerations in the rocks. Don't disregard the need for an ice axe or maybe even Black Diamond's "Whippet" and the knowledge, skills, and abilities to use them.

If your intent is to ascend the SW Couloir of the Middle Teton, you need to reach the absolute head of S Garnet Canyon. From the saddle between the Middle and South Tetons you'll be able to see Ice Flow Lake and the view down Cascade Canyon. The SW couloir is a moderately steep scramble to the summit.

The Crew:  Front to back, reknowned Canadian climbers Pat Treloar and his brother Doug, my 15 year old (at the time) son, Kyle, and myself sitting on the summit block of the Middle Teton.

From the top of the Middle, you have an excellent vantage point to view the Exum and the lower section of the Owen Spalding routes on the Grand Teton.