-Famous out of Jackson, Wyoming is the “Sleeping Indian.” The distinct mountain horizon of Sheep Mountain shows not only the silhouette of an old Indian chief lying down facing the sky but the steep cliffs on the southwest side also represent a full on war bonnet headdress. The large cliffs seem to resemble the feathers and the southern peak of Sheep Mountain resembles the Indian's nose. Sheep Mountain’s main summit at 11,239 ft is where the Indian’s hands and arms look as though they are crossed on top of his chest.

-The town Jackson Wyoming has a few things named after the mountain such as Sleeping Indian hotel buildings and even individual rooms that are named after it. In Teton Village the Jackson Hole Ski Resort has named a blue run after the Sleeping Indian as well. Just like the very famous Grand Teton and the Teton Range, the Sleeping Indian is another famous sight to see if you are visiting the area. It is easy to recognize.

-Sheep Mountain is in the Gross Venture Wilderness area (GROW _VAUNT), which is a less crowded part of Teton County. Overlooked, not very many people actually make it out there, which is one reason why it’s so nice to visit. Sleeping Indian's steep cliffs are one among others throughout the wilderness area and the terrain is not very forgiving. Although not a lot of traffic is out there, within the wilderness area there are hunters, fisherman, and outfitter guides taking tourists to the Sleeping Indian. Not much traffic during the winter either. This mountain, though, is the more popular area of Gros Venture Wilderness and is a well known climb among others. There are outfitters and guest ranches that will gladly set up trips to the summit with you. Gros Venture Wilderness has about 287,00 acres of challenges, secrets, beauty, and solitude with it’s forests and meadows full of elk, moose, mule deer, bighorn sheep, black bear, and many others.

-Watching the sunset comes early in this part of Wyoming because of the Teton Range on the West side, but if the skies are clear and your north of town about 8 miles the sunset is spectacular on Sheep Mountain. Sleeping Indian is the last to catch the last bit of sun rays in the evening while the Grand is where the sun hits first in the morning.

-From the main US Highway 26 North of town about 8 miles or so is the best place to view the ridgeline and see the Indian sleeping on the hilltop.

Getting There

To get to Jackson is a whole subject on its own. I’ll leave that to you. I’m having trouble getting there with the super high gas prices now.

There are two different ways to approach this mountain. The Southwest corner and the Northeast part of Sheep Mountain. Each trailhead has its own advantages and disadvantages:

(Flat Creek Ranch Trailhead)
From downtown Jackson, take Broadway to the far east end and turn left onto National Elf Refuge Road. Flat Creek Ranch is 15 miles from the town of Jackson. Although it may seem not that far, it takes at least 1.5 to 2 hours to get there. None of the roads out of town are paved and eventually the road gets very rough and a high clearance 4x4 vehicle is the only way to make it. This trailhead is a lot harder to get to that the other because of the road. In the winter Flat Creek Ranch is open but I’m pretty sure they use snowmobiles to get there so I’d advise the other way. At least this hike is a lot shorter. MORE DETAILED INFO TO COME.

(Blue Miners Lake Trailhead)
US 26 to turn right at Gros Venture Junction about 7 miles north of town on to Gros Veture Road. The road will come to the town of Kelly, WY and then cut north. About ¾ mile north turn right onto Gros Venture Road before it turns into Antelope Flats Road. It’s not hard to find. The Road continues West and goes by Lower Slide Lake (Which I’ll provide some history of soon). In a few miles the road crosses Gros Venture River, this is where you want to turn right (Just after you cross the river) The trailhead is up this road about a 1000 feet or so. (Stay right). MORE DETAILED INFO TO COME!!!

Red Tape

As you probably know, wilderness areas, such as the Gros Venture Wilderness Area, are restricted

Here are a few things that you might want to know when venturing out into the wilderness.

Max group size
- 15 people and 25 stock

Campfire Restrictions
- None, EXCEPT under very dry conditions. However if you plan on visiting an area about 9,400 feet, there is limited fire wood so plan on using a camp stove!

Equipment Restrictions
- No mechanical or motorized equipment such as chainsaws, bicycles, hang gliders, etc. Hikers from the area who see you breaking the rules may take it upon themselves to report you.

Dog Restrictions
- Must be under voice control, Please show courtesy towards wildlife and visitors and make sure your dog stays nearby and does not chase wildlife or disturb other people

Fishing and Hunting Licenses and Regulation
-May be obtained at the WY Game and Fish office in Jackson or sporting goods stores

Camping
- Please select a hidden campsite at least 200 feet from lakeshores so that opportunities for solitude and campsite privacy are enhanced

Hay
- (For Horseback riding) May be certified weed free, can be obtained in Jackson (Valley Feed Company)

Max Length of stay
- 16 days in any one area

Permits
- No need to buy any permits or passes, only commercial users such as climbing guides need them

Water
- Always carry waster, the North and West portions are quite dry with limited water. Filtering or treating water is advised

Bears
- Yes, Bears may be encountered. Black bear are common, grizzly bears may occasionally travel though area. Keeping all food and other attractants hung or otherwise unavailable is strongly encouraged.

Snow Free Season - Generally July – September. Higher elevations are often hot snow free until mid or late july.

Maps
- USGS topographical maps are advised for traveling through the wilderness. There are two you may need.
1. USGS Quad - Blue Miner Lake
2. USGS Quad – Grizzly Lake

When To Climb

The snow free season is the easiest time to climb which is generally June to September. The
The Flat Creek area trailhead isn’t easy to get to in the winter (Try Snowmobiles !), it’s tough enough in the summer. You NEED A 4x4 to GET THERE! (Period) MORE DETAILED INFO TO COME

Camping

Sleeping Indian is in the Gros Venture Wilderness area which means that camping is allowed just about anywhere. They only ask that you camp at least 200 feet from lakeshores and in a hidden place to preserve the solitude and serenity for other people and enhance their privacy.
To hike the Sleeping Indian you don’t have to campout in order to make it to the top and back because it’s generally a good full day from town to the summit and back. The road to the Flat Creek area trailhead takes a long time to get to because of the road conditions.
Camping on the mountain is ok a great place to camp is near Blue Miners Lake or close to the top of the ridgeline. The sunrise on the Grand Teton and its neighbors is great from up here on a clear morning. In Jackson the weather is one thing that I’d never put money on. Having a clear morning or clear day for that matter is just good timing.

Mountain Conditions

Current Conditions
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