Hiking up into the Grasshopper Valley. This photo ...
Description
A deep glacially carved valley near the toe of the Grasshopper Glacier. The steep rock and slabs on either side of the valley offer couloirs, walk ups, and technical rock routes all of an alpine nature. This area is not heavily visited but provides access to the continental divide and peaks such as Bear's Tooth, Yukon, Flagstone, Bastion, and the Orange Wall. It is locate above treeline and with an east/west orientation it receives sun all day. Rock quality varies considerably.
Getting There
The crux. A long approach. From Trail Lake Trailhead (the same trailhead used to approach Gannett Peak from the east side) hike the Glacier Trail up and over Burro Flat, past Double, Star, Phillips, and many other lakes, down the Honeymoon switchbacks, finally gaining the shores of the Downs Fork River. Follow the Glacier Trail to the junction of the Downs Fork Trail and Glacier Trail at a sturdily constructed bridge across the Downs Fork. Take the Downs Fork Trail west on the north bank of the Downs Fork until it peters out or leaves the main valley. At this point follow the Grasshopper Fork of the Downs Creek (the main drainage)up river until below Bear's Tooth. This is where the Grasshopper Valley begins. This is probably anywhere from 20-25 miles, with the last several being on rough game and climber's trails.
Grasshopper Valley
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