30.5K Bucket List by endovereric
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Grand Teton
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
17.6 miles N of Jackson Hole, WyomingAt 13,770 feet above sea level, the Grand Teton towers majestic over Southeastern Idaho and Western Wyoming, making it a life goal of many amateur climbers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The more popular routes all begin at the Lupine Meadows Trailhead and continue up through Garnet Canyon and The Meadows before splitting North. Most routes require rock climbing equipment and are only for skilled climbers. A guide is highly encouraged on any route. With 3k feet of exposure, falling from multiple segments of the trail would mean certain death.
Trailhead altitude: 6,732 ft
Summit altitude: 13,770 ft
Havasu Falls Trail
Flagstaff, Arizona
89.4 miles NW of Flagstaff, Arizona
Alaska Basin
Driggs, Idaho
10.0 miles E of Driggs, IdahoThe Alaska Basin Trail is a stunning trail through the Jedediah Wilderness near Driggs, Idaho and goes East into Wyoming, just outside of Grand Teton National Park. The trail is wide and has easy terrain for the feet, but it is long, so it's best suited for intermediate to advanced hikers. There are spots on the trail where river crossing is necessary, so be prepared to rock hop, cross logs, or just get your feet wet.
Because the trail is in a wilderness area, rather than a National Park, no overnight camping permits are required; however, open fires are not allowed, so plan on bringing a camping stove. Carry bear spray and, if you are camping, plan on bear proofing your food and waste.
The trail features a variety of landscapes such as lush vegetation and wildflowers (peak season is July to August), rushing rivers and streams, the majestic Teton Mountain Range, and of course, the serene Alaska Basin. There is plenty of wildlife; black bears and moose both have been spotted on the trail. Enjoy their beauty, but please use precaution and respect their territory.
East Fork Mink Creek Trail
Pocatello, Idaho
11.4 miles S of Pocatello, IdahoIf it's early in the season and you're anxious to dust off the skis, the East Fork Road is a good starting place. The East Fork road to Justise Park Rec Area joins the Bannock Highway about two miles past the boundary to the National Forest. Turn left at the intersection indicating Camp Taylor or Scout Mountain Campground. The gate at bottom of Lead Draw closes on 11-15 each year but with sufficient snow closes about 12-28/30. The lower gate is opened and you can drive a couple of miles farther to the gate just above the areas managed by Pocatello Outdoor Program (East Mink x-country ski area).Courtesy of www2.isu.edu
Wasatch Crest
Salt Lake City, Utah
20.6 miles SE of Salt Lake City, UtahThe Wasatch Crest Trail (GWT) is probably one of the best, if not the very best, singletrack trail in Utah! I prefer to do this ride as an out and back, starting at Millcreek Canyon's Big Water Trailhead! You can start at the top of Scotts Pass, but you won't get the full effect of the ride!! You can also start at the Mill D North Fork trail up to Lake Desolation. Take extreme care when crossing the "Spine" above Lake Desolation, it is best just to get off and walk the short section! You'll see what I mean when you get there!!! Courtesy of Singletracks.com
Angels Landing
Springdale, Utah
5.5 miles NE of Springdale, UtahAngels Landing is one of the park's most strenuous day hikes, but it offers spectacular vistas. It follows the West Rim Trail through the famous switchbacks of Walters Wiggles, past dramatic views at Scout Lookout, and on up to a high point 1,500 feet above the canyon floor. The steep, isolated cliff faces along this trail provide critical habitat for several species, including the peregrine falcon. This small raptor climbs, swoops, and dives with stunning power and grace, reaching speeds of over 100 miles per hour.
Walters Wiggles, an amazing series of 21 steep, stone-walled switchbacks, was carved into the cliff in the 1920s during the tenure of Superintendent Walter Ruesch. Scout Lookout, just above Walters Wiggles, offers a resting place, breathtaking views, and a preview of the very steep hike on up to Angels Landing and the canyon's West Rim. (Many people make the Lookout their destination.) Angels Landing provides one of the most dramatic vistas in Zion, across the canyon to Observation Point, Cable Mountain, and other East Rim features. The last 3/4 mile follows a narrow ridge with deadly drop-offs of 1,000 feet on either side. There are chains to hold on to in some sections, but not all. This section is not recommended for young children, those with fear of heights, or individuals with balance issues or other health concerns.
This trail is strenuous and steep, with numerous narrow sections and unprotected drop-offs. Not for anyone who is out of shape or has a fear of heights. Bring plenty of water. Start early in the day for the best conditions and be sure that you are off the trail before dark or during electrical storms.
Roundtrip: 4 hours / 4.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 1488 feet
Teewinot Mountain
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
17.7 miles N of Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Gannett Peak
Gannett Peak, Wyoming 82513, USA
At 13,308 feet in elevation, Gannett Peak is considered to be one of the most difficult state highpoints, rivaled only by Alaska's Denali, Washington's Mount Rainier, and Montana's Granite Peak which have a range of difficulties based on weather and conditions of the climb.
July to August are considered to be the best times to go. If you try too early in the season, all the streams and lakes are still frozen over. If you go too late, then snow and bad weather is more common which makes more a much more strenuous hike. The downside to going in July and August is that the Wind Rivers are renowned for horrendous swarms of voracious mosquitoes. Many climbing parties prefer visiting during July when the Gooseneck Glacier bergschrund (and other crevasses) are not yet fully opened (if at all). Snowpack can actually make a summit attempt less strenuous than travelling on ice and/or rock for long distances.
There are three major trails to the top:
- Pole Creek Trail to Titcomb Basin
This is a 40 mile round trip with approximately 9050 feet cumulative elevation gain. This route has long been considered the main standard approach for Gannett Peak, although the Glacier Trail approach from the east has been gaining popularity during recent years. This western approach is a well-travelled route full of spectacular scenery and views. - Glacier Trail
This trail is a 50 mile round trip from the Dubois side and has a cumulative elevation gain of 10,750 feet. The biggest advantage to this route is it puts you at a higher camp for your summit day giving you a better chance of success and less strenuous terrain than the standard western approach. - Ink Wells Trail
The advantage of this route is that a large amount of distance and effort can be saved by the time the route intersects with the Glacier Trail. However, the disadvantage of this route is that access is both limited and expensive. This route crosses the Wind River Indian Reservation, which requires special permission, guidance, and transportation to travel through. Reservations are required in advance and sometimes difficult to achieve, and even if a reservation can be made, the cost can be substantial.
