Wind River Range
The Wind Rivers, located in western Wyoming, are a great climbing destination. They are a massive mountain range, 100 miles long, whose crest forms the Continental Divide. The northern Winds are renowned for their 13,000’ glaciated peaks and remote alpine areas, including Gannett Peak, at 13,804’ the highest summit in the state. There are 24 named glaciers in the Winds! The southern half of the range boasts more accessible, slightly lower elevation, sculpted cirques and peaks with beautiful granite faces, alluring for aspiring rock climbers of all abilities. Jackson Hole Mountain Guides have been climbing in the Winds for decades, and have racked up an impressive list of ascents of many of their finest routes. Some of the best alpine rock and ice climbing in the United States is found in the Wind River Mountains. Backpacking, day hiking, and fishing are also pursuits to be enjoyed here.
Trips run from late June through mid-September. Please call for dates and availability. Price includes breakfasts and dinners (i.e., evening meal) while in the backcountry, technical climbing gear, tent and group cooking gear. Private rates are available for most trips. For an additional fee, porters or horsepackers can be arranged.
Five-Day Wind River Rock Climbing CourseLocation: Haystack Mountain area
Dates: Any time between July 1 - September 15
Price: $2295 private; $1495pp/group.
This trip starts by heading to the Big Sandy Trailhead near the southern end of the Winds. A half day hike gets you to the base of Haystack Mountain (11,978'), an ideal location for multi-pitch climbing on clean granite in a spectacular wilderness setting. Other nearby peaks such as Steeple Peak, (12,040'), East Temple Peak (12,600') and Sundance Pinnacle (11,081') offer some beautiful routes and summits.
The area around Haystack is surrounded by miles of wilderness hiking, and there is fishing in the nearby streams and lakes. This is the perfect location for family trips with activities for everyone.
The first day we’ll get to the roadhead in mid to late morning. The hike in from Big Sandy trailhead to Big Sandy Lake is a pleasant 5.5 mile trail with only 600’ of elevation gain. At the lake we will head south to the Deep Lake area near Haystack Mountain. The trails steepen en route to a campsite near timberline.
The following days will be spent ascending peaks and climbing; with the vast variety of routes available, you and your guide will find climbs to match your goals and ability level. Please scroll through some of the ascents that have been popular with past clients, on the “Other Select Climbs” page.
The last day it’s possible to climb a few pitches in the morning, or simply head directly back down the trail to the roadhead.
Seven-Day Wind River Rock Climbing Course
Location: Cirque of the Towers
Dates: Any time between July 1 - September 15
Price: $3095 private; $1945pp/group.
A few hours beyond Haystack Mountain and over Big Sandy Pass is the Cirque of the Towers, which contains the largest concentration of high-quality climbing routes in the Wind Rivers. Amongst the many fine climbs are two of the legendary 50 Classics in North America: the East Ridge of Wolf's Head (II, 5.5) and the Northeast face of Pingora (IV, 5.8).
Whether you wish to simply experience some of the finest wilderness rock climbing in America or you want to concentrate on improving your climbing skills, the Cirque of the Towers is an ideal location that has drawn climbers from around the world for decades.
The itinerary is similar to the five-day course, but on the hike in, we will turn north at Big Sandy Lake and travel three miles north to the Cirque of Towers, camping in the Lonesome Lake area.
If our recommended dates don't work for, you please contact our office and we will schedule a course that fits your party's time frame. For an additional fee, porters can be arranged.
Seven-Day Alpine Climbing CourseDates: Any time between July 1 - September 15
Price: $3095 private; $1945pp/group.
This intensive course treks into the heart of the Wind Rivers' ice and snow country. The area from Jackson Peak (13,517') to Mount Helen (13,620') and over to the Dinwoody Glacier offer dozens of high-quality alpine ice routes. When coupled with the rock traverses that lead to high peak summits and pinnacles, this experience is truly exceptional.
Your guide will present classes and tips that will make you a better and more confident climber, as well as to guide you up a variety of exciting alpine routes.
Please note that we highly recommend using a horsepacker to ferry loads into our first camp near Titcomb Basin. We will be happy to make arrangements with a licensed horsepacker on your behalf. In general a wrangler and pack horse capable of carrying 150 pounds of gears costs $250 - $300.
If our recommended dates don't fit your party's schedule, give our office a call and we'll set up a trip that works for you.
Five-Day Alpine Ice Climbing Course
Dates: Any time between July 1 - September 15
Price: $2295 private; $1495pp/group.
A shorter version of our week-long adventure, this program puts the focus on climbing as much alpine ice as possible in a short period of time. We also offer a similar Alpine Ice Course in the Beartooths.
Four to Fourteen-Day Mountain Treks
Dates: Anytime between late June and mid-September
Price: $375/day private; $250pp/day/group.
Imagine spending two full weeks exploring the Rocky Mountain wilderness! Depending on your interests, activities may include day hikes, fishing and non-technical peak ascents. We’ll work with you to design the ideal backpacking trip in the Wind Rivers to fit your objectives and time frame.
Gannett Peak Traverse of the Winds
Call to arrange a date.
Price: $3195 private; $1995pp/group.
This seven day journey, from west to east, includes an attempt on Wyoming's highest peak. We start at Elkhart Park near Pinedale and travel through the Bridger Wilderness, across the Continental Divide and down the Dinwoody Glacier to a camp below Gannett Peak. We make our attempt via the Gooseneck Pinnacle route and then head out to the road head.
Price does not include equipment drop and shuttle fees.
The Winds contain almost limitless climbing possiblities, from moderate scrambles to rugged Grade VI big walls and everything in between. Whatever your objective, Jackson Hole Mountain Guides have the experience and skills to help make it a reality. Call our office to discuss the possibilities; you'll be glad you did.