[3] The peak is named after William O. Owen, who organized the first documented ascent of the Grand Teton in 1898.

The 40-mile (64 km) long Teton Range is the youngest mountain chain in the Rocky Mountains, and began its uplift 9 million years ago, during the Miocene.

[5] Several periods of glaciation have carved Mount Owen and the other peaks of the range into their current shapes.

[4] Valhalla Canyon is situated on the west slopes of Mount Owen.

[4] Numerous routes have been explored, ranging in difficulty from Class 5.1 to 5.10.