Jackson Peak

Tuesday, September 08, 2009

By Kevin Pusey Jr.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming - Went and had a “cross-training” day with some friends recently up on and around Jackson Peak (10,741 feet) in the Gros Ventre mountains. We drove our car through the Elk Refuge on the Curtis Canyon Road up to the
Goodwin Lake trailhead. The trail starts uphill immediately, and is an enjoyable, scenic hike for three miles to Goodwin Lake. You can get some cool views into Sheep Gulch, and over towards Sleeping Indian. There are campsites along Goodwin Lake, and right now would be the perfect time to camp, because of the reduced amount of “skeeters” due to cooler evening temps. From the west side of the lake we started our first part of the day, and climbed the small, indiscrete Goodwin Peak Pinnacle. I brought a small rack of gear for the one-to two-pitch climb that would supplement the two old pitons on the route. Rated around 5.6 or 5.7, the climb has a short rappel off an anchor to the east, back to the base area.

We ended the day on Jackson Peak, to the southwest. There are many ways to get to the summit, but we scrambled to the saddle between Goodwin and Jackson peaks.
The summit has spectacular views of the Tetons, and Gros Ventres. Descending options are your choice, but one of the quicker ways down is the south ridge trail, which brings you around to the base of the east face. This trail brings you back to Goodwin Lake. JHW

PERMALINK:
Jackson Peak | Planet JH News Article: Single Track Mind

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