Static Peak

Static Peak (11,303) was our most ambitious hike. Matt and I took this 16 miler with a 4700 foot altitude gain. As with most hikes from the Jackson side of the Tetons, we started with a hike up the canyon. A twist on this one was that there was an initial 400 foot climb and descent over a small ridge, right at the start of the hike. This small ridge was much larger on the return even though we knew it was there.

What's Matt saying here? I don't know-- probably "Hurry up and finish eating Dad". This is a nice view of Death Canyon early in the hike. I don't know why its called Death Canyon but I'm sure they have a good reason. The hike goes up this canyon and then ascends steeply out of the valley up switchbacks towards the Static Peak Divide. Instead of passes they seem to call everything divides in the Tetons.

The picture to the right shows Death Canyon after we've climbed out of it. The low point you can see in the valley here is about 8,200 feet; the picture is taken from a little over 10,000 feet. Straight across the valley at eye level is a beautiful mountain lake that is probably visited about once every 10 years. I don't think you can get there without technical climbing. I'd be interested to know if there's any fish in the lake. Being this high and on a north facing slope it may stay frozen too much of the year. (The lowest snow we saw this time of the year- August- was at about 8,000 feet).

Upon reaching the divide we had wonderful views in all directions. The following picture shows Static Peak above and to the right of Matt's shoulder. We followed the trail (mostly switchbacks of course) up and over this small ridge to the base of Static Peak. We then followed the ridge to the top. At the top we looked over and saw a 1,000 foot cliff leading to a glacier and a partially frozen lake. Given the fairly gentle terrain on the south side of the peak we were very surprised to find a precipitous drop! By the way, its called Static Peak because it is hit by lightning so often. The picture below proves that I really did make it to the top! Did Matt? Who knows but he may claim to have taken the picture.

The picture below is one of my favorites since it shows the switchbacks if you look closely. The valley area where we came from is seen in the distance obscured by the haze.

All in all this was one of my favorite hikes ever. The feeling of arriving at a summit after 8 hours of hiking is a true "high". I was especially proud of Matt for bagging his second big mountain (Mt. Washington in New Hampshire being the first). Of course in retrospect, he's now the one waiting up for me, especially on the way up.

The hike back was fast but like all downhills, harder on your feet. As mentioned earlier, the "small" 500 foot ridge at the end felt like a major challenge. We were definitely ready to return to the car and get a cold drink!

I'd really like to go out there again with backpacks and do the Teton Crest trail.

The following photograph shows the Alaska Basin. The trail that we were on continues and provides several options for long loop backpacking trips that return through other canyons. Idaho is somewhere in the distance. An altitude profile and trail map is contained in this link.

email: wilsonbike@aol.com