A Jackson Peak Summit

This hike has been on my hit list since practically - October, when Dani, Mandy, and I first attempted to hike it. Unfortunately the day we decided to hike Jackson Peak, originally, we did not prepare for the challenges of 2-3 feet of snow - so we only made it 1-2 miles in while post-holing to our thighs. Mind you, we did not envision that day to make it to the top, but we had always been wanting to try again and actually summit. So, today, was the day! And boy were we excited!

The Sign into the Teton National Forest

We planned to hike mega-early! Marc, Mandy, and I all got together around 6:30am, and drove up to the Goodwin Lake Trailhead by 7:15am. To get to the trailhead, you take the back entrance to the National Elk Refuge and head past Miller Butte. When you see a sign for Curtis Canyon, make a right and the road will start to drive up the mountain and takes your car up a few switchbacks. Little Blue could definitely not handle this with her low clearance, so a big 'thank you' goes out to Marc for allowing all of us to use his van to get up there. As you pass the campground, you continue up the road and keep right towards the Goodwin Lake Trailhead parking lot (starting at 8,120 ft).

Ruffed Grouse

We got onto the trial a little before 7:30am, which was perfect in hopes to summit before or at noon. The trail takes you up through conifers, where you eventually hit open sagebrush, and then some more climbing into conifers again (with sneak peaks of the Tetons through the trees). About 2-miles into the trail, you cross into the Teton National Forest and you begin to hike along the sidehill with open, rocky slopes and scree.

A View From Goodwin Lake

You hit Goodwin Lake (where you can also camp!!!) and we continue past the lake (to the right or east) of the mountain through open meadows. It was gorgeous! Elevation at 9,516-feet!

The Fireweed is Coming Back into Bloom

You eventually see a huge cairn pile on the right side of the trail, indicating to turn right in the fork where it helps you ascend along a ridge that switchbacks you through alpine meadows and wildflowers! As you head up towards the summit, you begin to get some great views of the Gros-Ventre Mountains! Mandy and I could not help ourselves and stop every once in awhile (mostly because we were sucking air as Marc was practically jogging up the mountain! - so we were catching our breath) but to also get a view of the Gros-Ventre and also scope out a few other hikes we could get our feet onto!

We Were Just Down at the Lake!

When we got to the summit, we were greeted by two huge cairns and lots of striped squirrels! We summited around 11:30am! Not bad for a 4-hour hike up! Plus, there were no other hikers in sight - we had the whole summit to ourselves for about 20-minutes!

A View of the Gros-Ventre!

After having our lunch and getting a bunch of photos taken, that's when we started seeing more and more hikers eventually summit as well! Good thing we started when we did - we could start trekking back down before the huge hiker crowd got to the top!

Marc With the Part of the Teton Range in the Background

When we got to the top, we also got some photos of Mandy and I posed with a spot reserved for our friend Dani. In honor of her, who had to leave for Alaska before we could all attempt this trek again, we posed to include her in one of our photos! Missed you, Dani!!! Wish you could have been there with us!

Missing Someone Very Important In Our Photo
Don't Worry, Dani Biersteker, We've Included a Spot for You!

Top of Jackson Peak With Two of My Faves!

Sleeping Indian - You Are On My Hit List! You're Next!

We also had a few silly photos taken - like picking the Sleeping Indian's Nose!!! And.....Spider Man-Kissing it too!

Picking the Sleeping Indian's Nose!

Being Adorable at 10,471?! Just Kidding.

Inspiring Others to Summit Pose with Me!!

It was a really good hike! Totally worth the 7-hours of hiking! Jackson Peak can now be crossed off my hit list! Maybe Sleeping Indian next!!!?!?!? Hmmmm.

TheChristyBel

Spider-Man Kissing the Sleeping Indian!