DatesJul 20th - Jul 26th 2008 Service ProjectTrail construction on a 2.6 mile reroute Free DaysPeak-bagging, fishing, day hiking, photography, wildlife viewing, swimming AccommodationsBackpack Camping Trip RatingChallenging : 6 mile backpack with 3000 ft. elevation gain (11,000 ft). Trail construction work at high elevation. LeadersSteve Jones 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 six miles (3,000 ft. elevation gain) up the Glacier Trail over Arrow Pass to our basecamp (approx. 10,200 ft.). We will be working with the Forest Service on a grant project to reroute a portion of the Glacier Trail. Work will include new trail construction, building retaining walls and water bars. 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.
|
