In August 2007 I backpacked into the Jedediah Smith Wilderness for five days. I started hiking on the trail leading out of Driggs, Idaho. Somewhere I crossed over the border into Wyoming, and ended up at the back side of the Tetons. I camped in beautiful Alaska Basin (9,400 ft) surrounded by dramatic peaks and reflective lakes. I was able to enjoy two full (high altitude) day hikes out of Alaska Basin, which allowed me a break from shouldering the heavy pack each day. A hike to Hurricane Pass not only gives you great views of the back side of the Tetons, but you also get to discover spectacular Battleship Mountain and Sunset Lake. Another day spent hiking to Static Divide (to gaze over at the town of Jackson Hole) also allowed for time to summit Static Peak (11,303'). With perfect weather, abundant wildflowers, and dramatic scenery... I took over 200 photos.
My campsite overlooked a lake which was visited by a moose after dark each night. I could hear the moose sloshing around in the water as I drifted off to sleep. I had a large area of smooth rocks nearby which overlooked a (different) lake. These rocks were nice enough to lay on, cook, sit, meditate, stretch, and even do a few yoga poses....without getting dirty. It was fantastic.
On what was supposed to be my second to the last night of backpacking, Alaska Basin was visited by a habituated black bear. The bear charged two men who were opening their bear container, and ended up eating all food in that container. The bear flattened one tent, stole the top of a backpack (without food) from another tent, and proceeded to paw and sniff at other tents (including mine). No matter how much noise you made or how many rocks you threw at this bear -- you could not scare this guy off. He was habituated and turning aggressive; humans meant food. I was awake the entire night, and at 5:40 AM I could hear the bear sniffing me as I lay inside the tent. A few minutes later I heard another group yelling and screaming, so I knew the bear had moved away. I got out of my tent and broke camp & packed up faster than I ever have in my entire life. Everything was thrown into my pack, and I traveled two hours before I took a break to eat breakfast. I ended up packing out the entire way....instead of walking half the distance and spending another night in the backcountry. I wanted a good night sleep--no chance of a bear mauling. I wrote a note at the trail head warning other backpackers of the bear, and then reported the incident to the local ranger station.
Even with the bear incident, this trip will always remain one of my favorite backpack trips. Perfect conditions: great weather and no bugs. Alaska Basin has superlative scenery and plenty of hiking options. The backpack portion was a loop (instead of an out and back), and there were great spur hiking options. I would love to go back again some day....bears and all.
(At the end of the
Alaska Basin photos I've included some pictures taken in July when I climbed Mt.
Timpanogas)
Click a picture to see a larger view.
