Fitzpatrick Wilderness, Wind River Mountains, Shoshone National Forest, WY

Dates

Jul 26th - Aug 1st 2009

Service Project

Replace & construct puncheons (wooden walkways)

Free Days

Peak-bagging, fishing, day hiking, photography, wildlife viewing, swimming

Accommodations

Backpack Camping

Trip Rating

Strenuous : 14 mile backpack at altitude. Trail construction. Pack animal supported

Leaders

Steve Jones
John McLean

Equipment

The Fitzpatrick is an area of immeasurable beauty and grandeur. The topography is extremely rugged, carved out of granite and limestone by the action of glaciers and glacial streams. There are 44 active glaciers covering approximately 7,760 acres, the largest covering 1,220 acres. Gannett Peak, 13,804 feet in elevation is the highest point in Wyoming and is in the Fitzpatrick, along with several other peaks over 13,000 feet. The Fitzpatrick contains alpine meadows and rock covered plateaus, precipitous canyons with cascading streams and meandering stream bottoms, numerous scenic lakes and areas of virgin timber.

The Fitzpatrick Wilderness was named for Tom Fitzpatrick, a mountain man and partner of Jim Bridger. Most of the area was previously classified as the Glacier Primitive Area and is known for its numerous glaciers and mountain peaks. The Fitzpatrick covers the northern half of the Wind River Mountains on the east side of the Continental Divide.

We'll backpack approximately fourteen (14) miles with 3,000 ft. elevation gain up the Glacier Trail to our base camp  in the Dinwoody Lakes area. Our trail work  will include working with the Forest Service on a grant project to replace/construct puncheons (wooden walkways). On our day off we can day hike to further explore this glacier rich area, fish, swim, or just relax in our beautiful alpine wilderness setting where the mountain men journeyed. The Forest Service will provide pack support for our food and tools.