Grand Teton Second Tower Collapse

Over the Fourth of July weekend 2025, the Second Tower on the east ridge of the Grand Teton experienced a major rockfall, reshaping one of the park’s most iconic features. The collapse sent large amounts of debris down steep slopes, creating hazards for climbers and hikers and prompting warnings from park officials.

This event is part of a natural pattern of rockfalls in the Teton Range, a mountain system known for its dramatic granite peaks and young, fragile geology. While such collapses are not uncommon, the 2025 break was significant enough to alter climbing routes and the skyline as seen from valley viewpoints.

What Happened During the Collapse

Reports from eyewitnesses and park rangers describe the event as a sudden release of rock that continued for several hours. Large boulders and smaller debris cascaded down the face of the Second Tower, scattering across slopes and snowfields below.

The Jenny Lake Rangers, who manage climbing safety in the park, urged visitors to avoid the area near the Second Tower. They emphasized that debris could continue to fall unpredictably, making climbing and hiking in the vicinity extremely dangerous.

History of the Second Tower

The Second Tower is part of the Cathedral Group, a cluster of dramatic peaks that includes the Grand Teton itself. Its East Ridge route is a classic climbing line that has attracted generations of mountaineers.

This was not the first collapse in recent years. A major rockfall in 2022 reshaped the tower, significantly altering the mountain’s appearance. Since then, climbers and guides have noted ongoing instability in the area, with loose rocks and shifting faces marking the terrain.

The 2025 event added another layer of change, further modifying the tower’s structure and increasing the risk for anyone attempting the route.

Why the Collapse Occurred

Geologists explain that rockfalls like this are natural processes in young mountain ranges such as the Tetons. Over thousands of years, tectonic activity and weathering create cracks and weaknesses in the granite.

Freeze-thaw cycles are a major factor. Water seeps into fissures, freezes, and expands, slowly breaking the rock apart. Warmer temperatures and melting snow can destabilize these areas, making collapses more likely. Some experts also suggest that climate change may contribute to the frequency of such events, as reduced ice and snow remove support from fractured rock.

Impact on Climbers and Hiking Routes

The collapse directly affects climbing routes on the East Ridge. Loose boulders, unstable ledges, and shifting debris now pose significant hazards. Rangers have strongly advised climbers to avoid climbing near the Second Tower until the area stabilizes.

Alternative routes remain accessible, but guides recommend updated information and caution. Experienced mountaineers are advised to check recent reports from the park before attempting climbs near the affected zone.

Changes to the Skyline

One of the most visible consequences of the collapse is the change in the Grand Teton skyline. Photographers and hikers have noted that the tower’s profile has become more jagged and asymmetric, especially when viewed from popular vantage points in the valley below.

These changes highlight the dynamic nature of mountain landscapes. The dramatic peaks of the Tetons continue to evolve, reminding visitors that even the most iconic formations are subject to natural forces.

Safety Precautions for Visitors

Park officials have issued clear guidance for anyone visiting the Grand Teton area:

• Avoid climbing or hiking near the Second Tower. Debris may continue to fall without warning.
  
• Follow all ranger notices and safety barriers. The park regularly updates hazard information online and at trailheads.
  
• Check climbing reports. Guides and mountaineering communities provide up-to-date route information.
  
• Stay aware of natural hazards. Loose rock, sudden weather changes, and unstable snowfields are always a concern.
  

These precautions are essential to ensure safety in a terrain that is beautiful but unforgiving.

A Reminder of Nature’s Power

The Grand Teton Second Tower collapse serves as a reminder that mountains are not static. Rockfalls, erosion, and natural shifts shape landscapes over time, often in dramatic ways.

For climbers, hikers, and photographers, these events offer both opportunity and risk. While they can provide stunning new vistas and fresh climbing challenges, they also demand respect for nature’s unpredictability.

Looking Ahead

Geologists and park officials will continue monitoring the Second Tower and surrounding areas. Over time, rockfalls may reshape the East Ridge further, and additional safety measures may be put in place for climbers and visitors.

For now, the message is clear: appreciate the grandeur of the Tetons, but always be mindful of the mountain’s ongoing evolution.

The 2025 collapse adds another chapter to the story of the Grand Teton’s Second Tower. It reminds everyone that even the most iconic peaks are living, changing landscapes, shaped by natural forces that continue to mold the skyline we know and love.

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