Shoeing in to Smith Wilderness

[Mike Landis]

Little off subject for this.  I'm thinking about shoeing in and over-nighting in the Smith Wilderness the next time we get a decent weekend, either getting in to Alaska Basin or just going up to Table Mountain .  I talked to my coworker at the ranger station in Driggs and he said it's not very traveled except by snowshoers and backcountry skiers so it would be pretty quiet.  He couldn't tell me what the snow was like or how deep in that valley, but I think it's doable.  I think I'll solo if I have to but figured I'd put a feeler out there, bring a shovel, shoes, camping gear, and snowboard/skis?.

[Jerry Painter]

I have skied into Alaska Basin for a two-night stay with friends before. It was a great trip made sweet by the scenery and friends. My son and I spent two nights in Darby Canyon last year. We went up South Darby Canyon. The avalanche danger held us back from going too far in both cases. We had ideas of coming out the east side into the park. A day or so after the Darby trip, two guys and their dog got munched by an avalanche in Darby Canyon — one of the guys died. I would recommend skis over snowshoes unless you go late in the season when the snow is hard packed. I was in South Teton Canyon in mid January (2009) and all of the chutes within the first two miles from the trailhead had slid. It's one of those years.

[Mike Landis]

Thanks, I'll def keep it in mind.  Like I said, might just run up to Table Mountain and spend the night.  Not sure what the danger is with that hike.