Gannett Peak

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Lore & Background

Geographically, Gannett Peak is the highest point in the Central Rockies, the largely continuous chain of mountains occupying the states of Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana. It is also the highest peak within what is better known as the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and is the highest peak in the Rocky Mountains outside of Colorado. The mountain slopes are located in both Bridger-Teton National Forest and Shoshone National Forest. The 896-acre (363 ha) Gannett Glacier, which is likely the largest single glacier in the American portion of the Rocky Mountains, extends across the northern slopes of the mountain. Minor Glacier is situated in the western cirque of the peak while Dinwoody and Gooseneck Glaciers can be found on the southeast side of the mountain.

Reader's Guide

Gannett Peak is in the heart of a remote and rugged wilderness. Because of this, its elevation, and extreme weather, it is often considered by mountaineers to be one of the most difficult U.S. state high points to reach, after Denali and possibly Granite Peak. The summit has an ET (tundra) climate, with short, chilly summers and very long, very cold winters. Precipitation (mostly snow) is moderate year-round, but the wettest month is April. Hazards include encountering bears in the Wind River Range, as well as bugs, wildfires, adverse snow conditions and nighttime cold temperatures. There have been notable incidents, including accidental deaths, due to falls from steep cliffs (a misstep could be fatal in this class 4/5 terrain) and due to falling rocks, over the years, including 1993, 2007 (involving an experienced NOLS leader), 2011, 2015 and 2018. Other incidents include a seriously injured backpacker being airlifted near SquareTop Mountain in 2005, and a fatal hiker incident (from an apparent accidental fall) in 2006 that involved state search and rescue. The U.S. Forest Service does not offer updated aggregated records on the official number of fatalities in the Wind River Range.

Did You Know?

• Gannett Peak has the second greatest topographic prominence in Wyoming (7,076 ft) after Cloud Peak (7,077 ft).
• It is the highest ground for 290.36 miles in any direction.
• The 896-acre Gannett Glacier is likely the largest single glacier in the American portion of the Rocky Mountains.
• The peak was named in 1906 for American geographer Henry Gannett.
• The wettest month on the summit is April, with precipitation (mostly snow) moderate year-round.