Deep in the Wind River range, jumbled moraine, glacial ice, and steep snow guard Wyoming’s highest point, Gannett Peak. Accessing this captivating mountain requires a multi-day approach, technical climbing, and steep ascents, but those willing to undertake the challenge are rewarded with panoramic views of one of the most remote sections of the lower 48.
Photo Credit: Kalli Schumacher
This trip brings together a group of NOLS Alumni and their guests who self-identify as women or non-binary* for a week-long adventure to the “Top of Wyoming.” Spending time outdoors building skills and pursuing a technical mountaineering summit is a goal of the trip, but an additional emphasis on building inclusive spaces for non-dominant identities in outdoor spaces will be a core element of this expedition.
This trip begins in Lander, WY with an orientation and stay at NOLS’ historic Noble Hotel in downtown Lander. During the orientation your team will preview the route, check over gear, and discuss the plan for the next week.
Photo Credit: Brandi Burnell
The next morning we will take a shuttle to our trailhead on the Wind River Reservation to begin the hike. The first half of this expedition is self sufficient, so we will carry all of our cook gear, tents, food, fuel, sleeping equipment, and climbing equipment with us. The shuttle allows us to significantly reduce the number of miles we need to hike to our base camp below Gannett Peak, but participants should still be prepared to shoulder 40-50 lbs packs.
Photo Credit: Brandi Burnell
For the first two days we will hike on and off trail through the northern Wind River Mountains towards the Dinwoody Glacier that guards the slopes of Gannett Peak.
Instructors will also refresh the group in camp skills, Leave no trace, map reading and navigation, cooking, and camping in bear country during the first few days on trail.
Photo Credit: Jeff Allen
Our hike to the base of Gannett travels through some of the most beautiful terrain in Wyoming. Alpine meadows with abundant wildflowers, granite rock slopes, pine forests, crystal clear alpine lakes, and surging rivers fill the landscape in this section of the Wind River Mountains.
Photo Credit: Orion McGann
Elevation adds an extra challenge to this trip. We will begin our first hiking day at 9,000 feet and keep climbing from there. Participants coming from sea level may find benefit in arriving to Lander a day early to acclimate.
Photo Credit: Eric Page
Finally, we will set up a basecamp at 11,000 ft and begin preparations for our summit push. To prepare for the glacier and mountain travel required to summit, instructors will teach mountaineering curriculum beginning with knots, rope handling, moving on glacial and snowy terrain, cutting steps, crampon use, ice ax technique and self arresting. Instruction starts with the basics to support first time mountaineers, but experienced climbers alike will benefit from the skill practice and find challenge in this route.
The summit day is the most challenging day of the trip. We will leave basecamp just before dawn and travel over moraines then up the snow and ice slopes to the summit. Participants should be prepared to be working for 12 hours or more on this day. It is a physical and mental challenge but the effort is well worth it.
Photo Credit: Kalli Schumacher
The summit of Gannet peak sits at a soaring 13,804 feet and peers out over glacial valleys, alpine lakes and striking granite summits. The majesty and ruggedness of the Wind River Range is on full display from the summit of Gannett Peak.
Photo Credit: Jeff Allen
After taking a short break to enjoy the summit, we will begin our descent back to base camp. We will enjoy a good night's rest before beginning our hike out the following morning. The hike out comes with the bonus of horse support that will meet us on our way. They will significantly lighten our loads so that we can hike out the remaining 26 miles in high spirits and good fashion.
A final celebratory dinner in town will conclude our expedition together.
This expedition is a perfect opportunity to put your NOLS camping and travel skills back to work in a stunningly beautiful environment. Bring your camera—the vista from the "Top of Wyoming" is sure to impress.
*We recognize that gender is expansive and “women and non-binary” does not capture all non-dominant gender identities. This trip welcomes all women, trans-women, non-binary, genderqueer, and other folks who identify outside of the gender binary.
Overall Difficulty*:
*Long hikes, full packs, and steep terrain make this trip a challenge.
1 course
$2,795