Overview
Gannett Peak from Bonney Pass (was Dinwoody Pass). Photo by David Kiene. Click on the photo for a chance to vote on it.
Contrary to common belief, the highest point in Wyoming is NOT the 13,770-foot Grand Teton. It is instead 13,804-foot Gannett Peak, 70 miles to the southeast in the heart of the Wind River Range. Gannett is situated on the border between two large wilderness areas, the Bridger and the Fitzpatrick. The mountain is the most remote of all the state high points in the lower 48 states. Using the primary route, it is a 40-mile round-trip to the summit from the trailhead. As such it is almost always climbed as part of a backpacking trip, although I know three guys who did it round trip from the car as a day trip. The climb involves trail hiking, cross-country hiking and scrambling, and glacier travel.
Getting There
To use the south approach from Pinedale, drive US Highway 191 southbound from Jackson, Wyoming to Pinedale. From Rock Springs, Wyoming on Interstate 80, drive northbound on Highway 191 to Pinedale. At the east end of Pinedale where Highway 191 bears south, proceed east then immediately north on Fremont Lake Road, which soon becomes Forest Road 101. Continue 14.3 miles to a large parking area and the trailhead for the Pole Creek Trail, just beyond the Elkhart Park Ranger Station.
Red Tape
Even though Gannett Peak and the approach trails are within the Bridger Wilderness, no wilderness permit is required.
When To Climb
The best time of year to climb Gannett Peak is June through September, with optimal conditions occurring in July and August.
Camping
Camping is permitted within the Bridger and Fitzpatrick Wildernesses.
Mountain Conditions
For current conditions for the south approach to Gannett, contact the Pinedale Ranger District, Bridger-Teton National Forest, PO Box 220, 29 E. Fremont Lake Road, Pinedale, WY 92941, 307-367-4326.
If you're approaching Gannett from the northeast (via Glacier Trail), the ranger station in Dubois, WY is the place to call for current info.: 307-455-2466
Etymology
(Contributed by Alpinist)
Henry Gannett (1846-1914)
Both Gannett Peak, the highest peak in Wyoming, and Mount Gannett in Alaska were named after Henry Gannett.
Henry Gannett was an early pioneer of geography and topography in the United States. He became the Chief Geographer of the US Geological Survey in 1882, just 3 years after its creation.
Gannett was also a member of the US Board on Geographic Names from its inception in 1890. He served as chairman from 1894 until his death in 1914. He played a major role in developing its organization, principles, policies and procedures, most of which are still in force.
Topographic Prominence
Gannett Peak has 7,074 feet of clean topographic prominence, which classifies it as one of the 57 Ultra-prominence peaks in the contiguous 48 states. It is the 15th most prominent peak in the group.
External LinksImages
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Wind River Range
