Days 1-2
Flying over the Tetons and into Jackson Hole airport, you’ll get your first glimpse below of the ruggedly beautiful territory you are about to venture into. Touching down, as you enter the airport, you’ll quickly be greeted by your new group leaders as well as meet your new teammates. Excited as you are, everybody will be ready and raring to go and get started on your journey. From the airport it’s only a short ten-minute drive to our first campsite right in Grand Teton National Park. There we’ll spend some time learning about setting up camp and about each other. The following morning we'll travel south to Big Sandy. There at the trailhead we'll ration food and gear, pack our backpacks, and get ready to venture into the Wind River Range!Days 3-10
We'll venture into the stunning Wind River Range for eight days of premiere backpacking. Home to the highest peak in the state of Wyoming, we'll travel along this massive saw-toothed range marked by granite spires, sculpted ridges and forested valleys that have long been recognized for an abundance of wildlife including moose, elk, deer, mountain goats, and black bears. We’ll backpack this scenic high country, traveling in the footsteps of early fur trappers. We begin slowly to allow our bodies to adjust to the increased activity. We’ll be consistently gaining altitude until we are well above the treeline. Traveling across rising alpine passes we’ll discover high mountain lakes where we can camp, cast for trout, and take a welcome swim in the clear alpine waters. All the while we'll be impressed by the endless views our elevation has offered us. We'll also come across snow fields, where we can go sledding and have snowball fights! Continuing to broaden our backcountry travel experience we’ll also be moving camp each night to a new and picturesque location. As the adventure progresses we'll take on more and more responsibilities. Each day a different pair will lead the group by carrying the maps, selecting a campsite, and keeping the group together on the trail. We'll grow closer by learning to trust and support one another. By the end of the eight days we'll be an efficient, supportive team with everyone working together to manage camp chores, scout the appropriate route, and make decisions. By the time we're ready to climb, we'll have become lifelong friends.Days 11-14
The Winds are home to some of the highest peaks in Wyoming including Gannett Peak at almost 14,000 feet! We'll make our basecamp in an alpine cirque surrounded by peaks and towering granite faces - a rock climber's paradise! Our guides meet us on our second day to begin instruction in climbing techniques: moving as a rope team, belays, rappels, knots and multi-pitch climbing. We get our feet wet over the next few days practicing our new skills and making ascents of nearby rock walls and faces. Evenings are spent in our camp on the edge of treeline, gazing at the towering spires around us, feasting on delicious backcountry meals and laughing with our new friends. Our next two days are spent climbing some of the taller peaks on multi-pitch climbs with our guides. We'll ascend Mount Bonneville (12, 5850) and then Pyramid Peak (12,030). We'll start our climb up Pyramid just as the sun is rising over the nearby mountain pass. Nothing compares to standing on the summit and feeling as though you have accomplished the biggest feat in your life. Knowing this we'll all conclude our time in the backcountry having realized that we really can do anything we set our minds to.Days 15-16
After emerging from the wilderness, we'll with an exhilarating ride through the rapids of the renowned Snake River. After all of the time we've spent together, rafting will be a welcome change of pace as well as a fitting end to our immersive journey through the Wind River Wilderness. After our fun day on the river, we'll stroll around the vibrant, Wild West town of Jackson and then gather around a magnificent group banquet – great time to reminisce about our exciting time together as well as a time to say goodbye.
