An image from the GTCR webcam, taken July 19.

This summer is the 40th anniversary of the Grand Teton Climbers’ Ranch. The American Alpine Club will observe this occasion with a celebration to be held at the Climbers’ Ranch on the evening of August 21, 2010. Please join us if you’re able!

History of the GTCR: After the old climbers’ camp at the southwest end of Jenny Lake was closed by the Park Service in 1966, the American Alpine Club recognized the importance of finding a new site where climbers could gather at the base of the Teton Range, not subject to the length of stay regulations of the Park campgrounds, and where the tradition of mountaineering in the Tetons, and the tradition of a climbers’ community, would continue to flourish. That mission was realized on January 1, 1970 when the original lease for the Double Diamond Ranch became effective between the American Alpine Club and the National Park Service. The Climbers’ Ranch opened at the beginning of June, 1970 and has remained in operation every summer since. The nightly rate that first season was $1.00! Since opening, the Climbers’ Ranch has been sustained by the commitment of a long succession of AAC officers, an ever-enlarging membership, and numerous visitors who had their initial introduction to both climbing and the AAC through their experience at the ranch.

All the GTCR details and reservations are available here. And, have you seen the webcam? See if you could be climbing the Grand right now – live updates every 10 minutes!