Page Type Page Type: Trip Report
Location Lat/Lon: 43.18430°N / 109.65399°W
Date Date Climbed/Hiked: Jun 24, 2010
Activities Activities: Hiking, Mountaineering, Trad Climbing, Ice Climbing, Big Wall, Mixed, Scrambling, Skiing
Seasons Season: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Gannett Peak

Gannett Peak (13,804') is the high point of Wyoming, known to be the second toughest of all 50 state high points, just behind Denali.

Splattski and I have been slowly accumulating state high points. After missing Gannett's summit on our adventure into the Winds in 2008, we tried several times in 2009 to put together a trip back. Each time we had an open window of time, something got in the way, either personal or weather. I have had some unusual personal constraints, so my windows are far and few between. Over the last two years I sweated bullets over this peak. I can‘t really explain how important this was to me, so I won’t try. Let’s just say I spent two years planning and scheming on this one (one benefit of my obsession: the best instant coffee ever).

When the early spring of 2010 started off dry with low snow, we targeted late June to try again. This is an early date for attempting Gannett, which is usually climbed in August. Then in April and May we had an unusual spring, with cool temperatures and lots of snow. We were locked into the dates and had to deal.

So that is where this trip starts: lots of snow and no choice of dates. Somehow, our friend Brian thought that sounded appealing. Brian flew in on Sunday. After some last minute grocery shopping, we went through our packs, gear, and the equipment list. Thanks to our thoughtful examination over the last two years, our equipment was pared down to the absolute minimum. So was our food. We had weighed things out with a gram scale (yes, we’re that old, but also that accurate). For five days, not including water, our total pack weights would average about 38 pounds.

I was going to add a narrative to each section but decided to let our photos tell our story.


NOAA Forecast: The Wind River Range

Trip Report by Splattski: Gannett 2010 Trip Report

Day 1 - The Approach

Gannett Peak 2010
Bob, John and Brian just before departure
Gannett Peak 2010
The sloppy hike to Photographer's Point 

Gannett Peak 2010
Taking a break at Photographer's Point

Gannett Peak 2010
The view from Photographer's Point
Gannett Peak 2010
Our dry camping spot near Barbara Lake
 

Day 2 - The Approach

Gannett Peak 2010
Looking for a crossing on Seneca Creek 

Gannett Peak 2010
Crossing the snow bridge on Seneca Creek

Seneca Lake
Seneca Lake icebergs on the first full day of summer 

Seneca Lake
The watery gap in the trail along Big Seneca Lake

Gannett Peak 2010
The pass from Little Seneca to Island Lake 

Gannett Peak 2010
Island Lake  
Gannett Peak 2010
Our campsite at Island Lake

Gannett Peak 2010
Titcomb Basin

Day 3 - Fremont Peak

Gannet Peak 2010
John on his way up Fremont Peak

Gannet Peak 2010
Brian and John on the summit of Fremont Peak

Gannet Peak 2010
Boots on the summit of Fremont Peak
Gannet Peak 2010
Brian glissading off of Fremont Peak

   

Day 4 - Gannett Peak

Gannet Peak 2010
"Deer in the headlights", what more can I say? (12:30 AM)
Gannett Peak 2010
 My headlamp is just visible on the approach to Bonney Pass 

Bonney Pass
Heading down the backside of Bonney Pass 

Gannett Peak
Morning alpenglow on Gannett Peak 

Gannett Peak 2010
The backside of Bonney Pass and the "super" moat

The Start of the Gooseneck Glacier
The start of the Gooseneck 

Gannett Peak 2010
Testing the snow below the summit ridge

Gannett Peak 2010
The start of the summit ridge.

Gannett Peak 2010
A NOLS leader above the Gooseneck 

Gannett Peak 2010
Brian nearing the top of Gannett 

Gannett Peak
Me chugging along the summit ridge of Gannett Peak

Summit View - Gannett Peak
A beautiful view and perfect day near the summit 
Gannett Peak 2010
The last couple of steps to the summit of Gannett Peak

Gannett Peak 2010
The summit of Gannett Peak 
 
Gannett Peak 2010
The NOLS group is visible on the summit ridge
 
Gannett Peak 2010
Summer scenery on Gannett Peak
 
Gannett Peak 2010
Brian, Bob and the NOLS group 
 
Gannett Peak
Scrounging for water at the bottom of the Gooseneck 
 
Bonney Pass
Topping out on Bonney Pass for the second time
Gannett Peak 2010
Descending from Bonney Pass
 
Gannett Peak 2010
Stunning Wind River scenery
 
Gannett Peak 2010
"Shoeing" into Titcomb Basin 
 
Gannett Peak 2010
Fremont Peak
 
Gannett Peak 2010
Finishing the long hike out of Titcomb Basin
 

   

Day 5 - Our Departure

Gannett Peak 2010
"Shoeing" out of Island Lake

Island Lake/Titcomb Basin
Island Lake, Titcomb Basin and Bonney Pass

Gannett Peak 2010
Some very interesting Wind River geology at work here

Gannett Peak 2010
Indian Creek and Titcomb Basin junction

Gannett Peak 2010
Approaching the snow bridge

Gannett Peak 2010
Fremont and Jackson Peak

Gannett Peak 2010
Another water crossing 

Gannett Peak 2010
Bob, John and Brian after 5 fantastic days in the Winds


Comments

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Viewing: 1-3 of 3
mrchad9

mrchad9 - Feb 18, 2013 5:57 pm - Voted 10/10

Nice!

I REALLY like the way you've done this TR!

Very easy to follow! Nicely done and congrats!

reboyles

reboyles - Feb 18, 2013 6:13 pm - Hasn't voted

New Tools

Thanks!

As soon as I saw the new tools I had to give them a go. Adding video was a bonus.


Bob

DrGranola

DrGranola - Feb 19, 2013 1:41 pm - Voted 10/10

Great TR

This looks like an absolutely fantastic adventure. Nice work on the climb, pictures and TR.

Viewing: 1-3 of 3