Wyoming Backpacking
Wyoming $2,000 • August 4-11, 2012
The northern half of the Winds’ east slope is the rugged Fitzpatrick Wilderness in the Shoshone National Forest. Here, vast glaciers and snow fields flank Wyoming’s highest mountains, including 13,804-foot Gannet Peak on the Continental Divide. We’ll explore remote basins and crystal clear alpine lakes, glacial fed streams, alpine tundra expanses, plus high forests and rich meadows in this expansive mountain wilderness. The rugged high alpine terrain is unsurpassed and the views are big and unrelenting! Most of our routes also include good fishing opportunities. Bighorn sheep and many other wildlife species are often seen. This trip is strenuous at high elevations, with a number of big ups and downs, and its base is Jackson, Wyoming.
Our Wyoming backpacking routes are all utilize the Glacier Trailhead or one of two other trailheads that access the northeast portion of the Winds. All are fairly close to Dubois, Wyoming. You will experience big glaciers and the highest peaks in the Rockies north of Colorado!
TREK BASE: Jackson, Wyoming. Antler Motel, 43 West Pearl, (800) 522-2406 or (307) 733-2535.
MEETING TIME: Pre-trip orientation plus food and gear handout and safety talk at 6 PM the evening prior to the first day of the trip, at the Antler Motel.
TRANSPORTATION: Major air service to Jackson, ground transport to motel available upon arrival. Alternatives: fly to Salt Lake, Bozeman MT or Idaho Falls ID and rent car. For bus service to/from Idaho Falls or Salt Lake call 800-443-6133 or 307-733-1719 (Jackson Hole Express). Please make air reservations to Jackson promptly, as flights tend to fill quickly.
TREK RATING: This trek is strenuous, so be in top physical condition! There’s plenty of elevation gain and loss with a mix of trail and off-trail hiking. And we cover plenty of miles, too, up to 10 or more on one or two days!
ELEVATIONS: 8,000 TO 12,000’ with higher altitudes possible on day-hikes. Maximum one-day elevation gain with backpack is 2,500’-3,000’. Due to the high elevations, we recommend that if possible, get to Jackson a day or so early to begin acclimation.
WEATHER: Sunny mornings and clear chilly nights are typical. Afternoon thunderstorms can be intense but are usually short-lived. However, at these altitudes we must be prepared for anything from cold rain and even snow to 80-degree heat. Click here for a National Weather Service forecast.
FISHING: There are lakes with great fishing, and some good fishing streams, too. You must get a Wyoming fishing license prior to the trip (available in Jackson), and if you plan to fish, please inform us when you sign up or shortly thereafter.
SPECIAL FEATURES: This is one of the most spectacular alpine realms in North America, with the highest peaks in the Rockies north of Colorado. Plus, there are hundreds of sparkling lakes and big glaciers on the granite peaks that tower above forest, wildflower meadows, alpine tundra and bighorn sheep. We’ll be in the Fitzpatrick Wilderness, which constitutes the northern portion of the Winds’ east slope. The spectacular glaciated alpine terrain here is second to none!
SPECIAL TIPS: There are bears, so eschew deodorants and other good smelling substances. Good sun protection is important. Go light: eliminate unnecessary items that will weigh you down in the thin air and rugged terrain!
CONSERVATION: Most of the Winds are protected Wilderness plus there’s a designated “Roadless Area” on the Indian Reservation portion. However, localized overuse (we avoid these areas), acid rain, climate change, and energy development in the high desert southwest of the Winds provide challenges to maintaining these mountains in their current near-pristine condition.
ITINERARY: Our route in this expansive high mountain wilderness will vary from year to year, but it’s 2 hours from Jackson Hole to the trailheads, and expect a mid-trip layover for day-hiking or fishing or simple rest and relaxation in a magnificent mountain setting.
Please Note: Due to variable routes and conditions, elevations and mileages are approximate.
Return to the main Wyoming backpacking trips page to view other related guided tours.
