Gannett Peak Summit via Glacier Trail

United States High Point:  Wyoming – Wind River Range – Gannett Peak - 13,805'

Dates:  August 13 – 17, 2019

Facebook Link:  Wyoming State High Point: Gannett Peak

Microsoft Word Trip Report:  www.mathsavers.com/PDG/HP/US_HP_Wyoming_GannettPeak_TripReport_v2.docx

All of the details related to this trip can best be found in the linked Microsoft Word Trip Report.

Following is the overview:

After running the UTE 100 in the La Sal Mountains of Utah, I headed over to the Wind River Range of Wyoming in context of finding a pleasant weather-window through which I might venture to the top of Gannett Peak, the high point of Wyoming at 13,805'

I decided to hike in via the Northeast approach from just outside the town of Dubois Wyoming via the Glacier Trail.  This is the traditional route and includes a 25 mile approach than two miles up the mountain to the summit.  The modern approach comes in from Pinedale, to the Southwest.  Although the approach is only 20 miles, summit day includes coming up and over Bonnie Pass, across a couple glaciers, then up the summit (plus the return trip including all that elevation delta).

The plan was to make it a five day trek -- the first two days cover the 25 mile approach, day 3 is summit day, then the last two days to return to the trailhead.  I left the stove in the car and opted for the simplicity of summer sausages, jerky, Clif bars, nut rolls and filtered water pepped with electrolyte tablets.  That worked out quite well.

There is no red-tape for this trek -- no permits, parking fees, etc.  My pack weighed ~40 pounds as I have been thinning things down and optimizing.  I also got some all-season hiking boots that are crampon-compatible.  The crampons, ice axe and helmet were mandatory equipment.  The weather cooperated and I was able to summit according to plan, with a few variations.  The scenery along the Glacier trail was rich with texture.

Gannett Peak is often included in the Top Five Difficult U.S. State high points, including: Alaska-McKinley, Washington-Rainier, Oregon-Hood, Wyoming-Gannett, Montana-Granite.  In the case of Gannett, the difficulty lies in both its remoteness and the mix of challenges during summit day ... glaciers, crevasses, snowbridge, bouldering, rock-fall, etc.  Of course, it is not necessary to summit Gannett Peak in order to enjoy the hiking, camping and fishing opportunities in the Wind River Range.

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GMJ - Jun 13, 2020 7:56 pm - Hasn't voted

Should be moved into the SP editor

You should move your text and pictures into the SP editor.

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