During the last week of June 2024, when the National Capital Region was at or above 100 degrees, a contingency trek of 13 Scouts and 6 Scouters sponsored by the NCAC High Adventure Committee flew to Wyoming. On Sunday, they first visited Yellowstone National Park and Old Faithful, seeing lots of wildlife including bison, mule deer and other small mammals. They then drove south to Grand Teton National Park and did a first day hike to Taggert Lake to acclimate to the high elevations, hiking from 6,000 feet to 7,500 feet for 7 miles. They then visited the town of Jackson, Wyoming to see the sites.
On Monday, they hiked from the Granite Creek Campground for 9 miles hiking from 6,500 feet to 8,500 feet for more acclimation, followed by a unique experience of swimming in a pool constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1933. The pool is fed by hot springs and snowmelt.
On Tuesday they began their backpacking trek at the Big Sandy Trailhead of 9,120 feet hiking to Big Sandy Lake at 10,250 feet, hiking 8.4 miles. The fish were plentiful and everyone casting caught 6 or more fish each.
On Wednesday, they hiked 10.7 miles to the top of Jackass Pass at 10,805 feet through knee high snowbanks. Due to the high snow conditions they had the thrill of sliding down snowbanks to get to the trail and camped at Lizard Head Meadow at 10,031 feet.
On Thursday they hiked 13.5 miles to Valentine Lake at 10,433 but had to climb along the Lizard Head Trail at 11,857 feet. Heavy breathing due to thin air slowed the trek, but the beauty of the tall peaks and mountains inspired them.
On Friday, they hiked the most strenuous leg of their trek climbing to the top of Washakie Pass at 11,624 feet. The pass was covered by several feet of snow, but with good boots and hiking poles to steady their progress, everyone made it. They finished the hike after hiking 12.7 miles camping beside Shadow Lake at 10,140 feet.
On Saturday they hiked 13.3 miles back to the Big Sandy Trailhead with a stream crossing of icy cold snow melt water to cool everyone off.
Total distance backpacked 58.6 miles with stunning beauty of the Wind River Range to inspire them to visit again in the future.
