Symmetry Spire rises like the prow of a great ship above Symmetry Couloir, a big gully providing a 2,500 foot approach to its base. The approach requires knowledge of snow climbing and the use of an ice axe during the early season.

The Southwest Ridge is the most popular route and one of the finest moderate rock climbs in the range, with about 1,000 feet of climbing and stunning views of Teewinot, Mount Own, and the North Face of the Grand Teton across the depths of Cascade Canyon. The profile of the steep-angled ridge is obvious from the west side of Jenny Lake. Many of the pitches are named--"The Nose," "The Dihedral," "The Flake," "The Unsoeld Variation--and everyone is enjoyable.

The summit is 10,560 feet, high enough to make you feel you've climbed a "real" mountain, and refreshingly cool during the summer months.  This climb is one of the Teton "classics."