Join us to find out more about this fascinating state. We’ll discover just how high the highest peak in Wyoming is, as well as how close the other contenders come. We’ll also find out just what you can do at Wyoming’s highest point, and what there is to do in the surrounding area. Read on to learn more about the highest point in Wyoming!
Gannett Peak: Wyoming’s Highest Point
At 13,804 feet (4,207 meters) above sea level, Gannett Peak is the highest point in Wyoming. Gannett Peak is located in the Wind River Range of the central Rocky Mountains. This range extends for 100 miles across west-central Wyoming, and includes several peaks over 4,000 meters. Gannett Peak lies 25 miles north of Pinedale, its closest town. The peak itself is located entirely within the Bridger Wilderness, which is a part of the Bridger-Teton National Forest.
What About the Rest of Wyoming?
Wyoming itself is a combination of high plains, mountains, and mountain valleys. With so many high-elevation mountains, the average elevation of Wyoming is actually quite high: 6,700 feet. But, if you divide the state into northern and southern halves, you’ll find that the southern half is about 2,500 feet higher (on average) than the northern half. With that being said, it’s important to note that Wyoming is a land of many mountain peaks. The tallest of these are spread over the Wind River Range, the Teton Range, the Bighorn Mountains, the Absaroka Range, the Medicine Bow Mountains, and the Gros Ventre Range. In fact, there are a grand total of 38 peaks over 3,000 meters (9,843 feet) in Wyoming.
Can You Drive to Gannett Peak?
In short, no, you cannot drive to the highest point in Wyoming. Gannett Peak is inaccessible to all but the most experienced mountaineers. At 13,804 feet, the peak is classified as a “Triple Crown”, in mountaineering terms. This means that it’s over 5,000 feet higher in elevation than the nearest road. It has over 5,000 feet of “clean prominence”, and is classified as an Apex peak. Apex peaks are high points with a high degree of difficulty. In fact, Gannett Peak is the fourth-highest peak on this list. It’s also considered very remote. So, if you’re thinking about taking a pleasure trip to see Gannett Peak, you’ll have to view it from the road. Experienced mountaineers can complete the backcountry round trip in as little as 24 hours, though most take at least three days. Climbers may approach the mountain from Dubois, in the east, or from Pinedale, in the west. Most climbers tackle Gannett Peak between June and September when the weather is best. This is also a gorgeous time for non-mountaineers to take in the mountain’s visage from a lower elevation. Located east of Jackson and north of Pinedale, Gannett Peak is a must-see for mountain enthusiasts.
Things to Do
Although visiting the highest point in Wyoming is out of range for most people, there are still many fun things to do in the surrounding area. Many outdoor activities center on the nearby town of Pinedale. If you’re into skiing, check out White Pine Ski Resort in the winter months, or head on over to neighboring Jackson. Pinedale also hosts the Museum of the Mountain Man, which is an experience in and of itself. Outdoor enthusiasts who aren’t quite up to mountaineering can enjoy mountain biking, camping, fishing, ice fishing, rock climbing, horseback riding, backpacking, hiking, offroading, and so much more. Winter sport lovers can also go snowshoeing, nordic skiing, and even ice skating. So, all in all, the area surrounding Gannett Peak is chock full of activities for all.
Wyoming’s Five Highest Points
Now that we’ve learned that Gannett Peak is the highest point in Wyoming, let’s learn about the other four top five peaks. The second highest peak in Wyoming is Grand Teton, at 13,775 feet elevation. It’s only slightly lower than Gannett Peak. The third tallest peak in Wyoming is Fremont Peak, which clocks in at 13,743 feet. The fourth and fifth highest peaks in the state are Mount Warren and Mount Helen.
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