A friend of mine who is an avid climber has asked me to tag along with him next Summer to assist him in climbing Gannet Peak.
I will not go to the summit. I will hike in with him, and wait at camp while he goes to the top.
The hike in will be over 2 days, roughly 14 miles. We'll hike in on the first 2 days, he'll summit one day and we'll hike out over the last 2 days.
Have any of you ever done this hike/climb? I am VERY afraid of hights so my flat-land butt will be backing out if you guys scare me!
The stuff I've read makes me concerned about bugs and wet terrain due to run-off.
I think this will be an awesome experience if I can overcome my fears.

pack some ear plugs so you don't hear the banjos

Take your fishing pole. Flies or lures will work well. There are many lakes in the Wind River Range that are worth dropping your line in. Plus, you'll get to catch something you don't have much of in Georgia (trout).

The peak itself is over 13,000 feet. Tallest in Wyoming. The Wind Rivers are more desolate than most ranges out here, due in some part to the fact that they mostly make up a large plateau above the tree line. There will be bugs later in the season (from July on). Regular DEET stuff works well. Altitude may be a factor depending upon your fitness level.

Go for it. Ain't nothing like it in Georgia. You have little to fear (but carry pepper spray in case of the off chance of running nose to nose with a griz).


This link doesn't sugar coat things, but it's worth the effort.

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=www.visitsublettecounty.com/destinations/thb-fs-gannett.jpg&imgrefurl=www.visitsublettecounty.com/destinations/gannettpeak.htm&h=216&w=150&sz=15&tbnid=GsonkN22FqoJ:&tbnh=100&tbnw=70&start=11&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dgannett%2Bpeak%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26sa%3DG

Banjos?...........

Sounds like the east side Big Meadow approach, given the distance you mentioned. The standard gooseneck route is a lot longer hike in (about 23 miles or so), but that climb itself is a lot easier.  The usual summit climb from the east side is more technical , and there are various other hard rock routes that could be done.

If he's doing the standard Gooseneck route, no reason why you can't go to the top with him, depending on a few things (your level of fitness, your equipment & skills, the weather, current snowfield conditions, etc.). If the snow conditions are good (earlier in the year is better), the summit is a pretty non-technical snow climb, with a bit of rock - but nothing like you see in Jeep or Subaru commercials hTo go to the top: in addition to being in good shape (see below), you'd need to pick up some basic mountaineering skills. If you've got a couple extra days in WY, look up these guys: http://www.exumguides.com/summer.shtml.  Their snow school would probably be most applicable.
Of course, that fear of heights might be a real show stopper as far as the summit goes, but you can be your own judge of that.  

The hike in will be a slog , but the scenery is good and your group should be able to set a decent pace.  As noted in other posts, bugs can be somewhat of a problem from July until September. Not real widespread, but you get hatches where they're thick for a few days, and it's definitely worse around water.   Wind is your friend when it comes to mountain bugs.

To get in shape, you should hike uphill (if you have hills nearby hour ). On the other hand, everybody in the group will be sweaty and winded just like you are - if not, they're not carrying their fair share!!!!

Other useful gear.... bring a pair of gaiters, especially earlier in the year - essential for snow - they also help keep seeds and pebbles outta your boots.  Earplugs in case the wind blows or your tentmates snore. Foot powder or talcum powder - good for the feet as well as other sweaty body parts (nutsack). Paperback book in case you're stuck in the tent. Extra camera batteries and memory card for digital camera, if you have one.   Small package of baby wipes.  Sunscreen, lip balm, and all the stuff that other people will tell you to bring.   It could be 80 degrees and sunny one day....  a blizzard the next.

Fishing - you'd probably get a few chances to make some casts at the lower camp  - upper camps are generally right where a glacier ends, and the water is pretty much just snowmelt there. If you're around camp on summit day, I wouldn't count on fishing nearby, although you might be able to hike back down a few miles to a lake or meadow. Your best bet for fishing would be to take a couple of extra days before or after the trip, maybe camp near the trailhead or something like that... you'll have plenty of spots to choose from.

Anyway that's just a few things off the top of my head. Hope it helps. Don't let anybody scare you away..