Geographically, Gannett Peak is the highest point in the
Central Rockies, the largely continuous chain of mountains occupying the states of
Wyoming,
Idaho, and
Montana. Named in 1906 for American geographer
Henry Gannett, the peak is also the high point of the
Wind River Range. The mountain slopes are located in both
Bridger-Teton National Forest and
Shoshone National Forest. Gannett is the highest peak within what is better known as the
Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and is the highest peak in the Rocky Mountains outside of
Colorado. The
Gannett Glacier, which is likely the largest single
glacier in the American portion of the Rocky Mountains, extends across the northern slopes of the mountain.
Minor Glacier is situated in the western cirque of the peak while
Dinwoody and
Gooseneck Glaciers can be found on the southeast side of the mountain. Gannett Peak is in the heart of a remote and rugged wilderness. Because of this, its elevation, and extreme weather, it is often considered by
mountaineers to be one of the most difficult
U.S. state high points to reach, after
Denali and possibly
Granite Peak. ==Climate==