I am planning a backpacking trip for mid-August in the Cloud Peak Wilderness with my boys before they head back to school. We're flying into Billings, renting a car, and plan some sort of backcountry loop for 5-8 days. We are avid backpackers and comfortable scrambling and navigating in the backcountry. We're not experienced climbers, though, nor do we have technical climbing gear. Maybe someday
Red River Gorge and Great Smoky Mountains are our stomping grounds so we're excited for our first backpacking trip out West and to spend some time above 9,000'. I have been reading the summit post descriptions for the Big Horn range. My plan is to try something like Point 11,120 early in the week with the goal of tackling Cloud Peak by the end of the trip (once we acclimate a bit). Bomber Mt might be on the list if only because of the history behind the name. We really just want to find a bit of solitude, hike up a few big rocks, and come home with enough stories to last til the next trip.
I understand that there is still a glacier on Cloud Peak's east face. My boys (and I) are enamored with the idea of exploring the glacier if we can do so with just crampons. Is it reasonable that we could safely trek a bit on the glacier or is that best left off the list for this trip?
Any suggestions or advice on camping locations or summits we may want to consider tackling (or ones to avoid)? I appreciate any advice.
Thanks,
Dirk