McDougal Peak
Overview
The route described in Tom Turino's Select Peaks of Greater Yellowstone is a Class 1 climb from the Kleinstick Mine, through grassy slopes to the peak top.
Early June will find that route almost certainly covered with deep soft snow. We intended on using that route but all the mushy snow on that steep a slope made it unsafe in my opinion. The route we took is as described below.
Getting There
East approach.....
From Alpine Wyoming, on the Wyoming Idaho border, turn onto the scenic Greys River road. Follow this road for 37 miles and then turn left onto the McDougal Gap road. Drive just past the Gap (you will know it when see it) and park in the large parking lot on the left (north) side of the road.
West approach....
From Pinedale Wyoming follow Hwy 191 west to the Daniel Junction and turn left. Drive a short distance, perhaps 3 miles, and turn right onto the one and only paved road for many many miles. This road is paved for only a short distance and turns to gravel. Drive exactly 14 miles to a junction (Cottonwood road) and turn right. Follow this road another 10 miles and look for the sign directing you to the McDougal Gap/Greys River Road. Drive another 8 miles or so to the "Gap" and park in the large parking lot on the right (north) side of the road.
Route Description
From the Wyoming Range National Recreation Trail parking lot at the top of the 'Gap", head up the old road (North) for +- 300 yards at the point where the old road passes into the trees. Cross country west for a few hundred yards until you come to a low but steep ridge (steep to the west). Follow this ridge as it gains altitude gently at first and then very steep near the top. When deep snow is present you will have to negotiate a short section of class 4 climbing just a 100 yards from the top.
Along the way you will have to avoid three cliff bands, the first one to the right, and the second two to the left. (The short section at the top, described above, is unavoidable when deep snow is present).
Bob!
The route described in Tom Turino's Select Peaks of Greater Yellowstone is a Class 1 climb from the Kleinstick Mine, through grassy slopes to the peak top.
Early June will find that route almost certainly covered with deep soft snow. We intended on using that route but all the mushy snow on that steep a slope made it unsafe in my opinion. The route we took is as described below.
Getting There
East approach.....
From Alpine Wyoming, on the Wyoming Idaho border, turn onto the scenic Greys River road. Follow this road for 37 miles and then turn left onto the McDougal Gap road. Drive just past the Gap (you will know it when see it) and park in the large parking lot on the left (north) side of the road.
West approach....
From Pinedale Wyoming follow Hwy 191 west to the Daniel Junction and turn left. Drive a short distance, perhaps 3 miles, and turn right onto the one and only paved road for many many miles. This road is paved for only a short distance and turns to gravel. Drive exactly 14 miles to a junction (Cottonwood road) and turn right. Follow this road another 10 miles and look for the sign directing you to the McDougal Gap/Greys River Road. Drive another 8 miles or so to the "Gap" and park in the large parking lot on the right (north) side of the road.
Route Description
From the Wyoming Range National Recreation Trail parking lot at the top of the 'Gap", head up the old road (North) for +- 300 yards at the point where the old road passes into the trees. Cross country west for a few hundred yards until you come to a low but steep ridge (steep to the west). Follow this ridge as it gains altitude gently at first and then very steep near the top. When deep snow is present you will have to negotiate a short section of class 4 climbing just a 100 yards from the top.
Along the way you will have to avoid three cliff bands, the first one to the right, and the second two to the left. (The short section at the top, described above, is unavoidable when deep snow is present).
Bob!
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