At 13,308 feet in elevation, Gannett Peak is considered to be one of the most difficult state highpoints, rivaled only by Alaska's Denali, Washington's Mount Rainier, and Montana's Granite Peak which have a range of difficulties based on weather and conditions of the climb.

July to August are considered to be the best times to go. If you try too early in the season, all the streams and lakes are still frozen over. If you go too late, then snow and bad weather is more common which makes more a much more strenuous hike. The downside to going in July and August is that the Wind Rivers are renowned for horrendous swarms of voracious mosquitoes. Many climbing parties prefer visiting during July when the Gooseneck Glacier bergschrund (and other crevasses) are not yet fully opened (if at all). Snowpack can actually make a summit attempt less strenuous than travelling on ice and/or rock for long distances.

There are three major trails to the top:

1. Pole Creek Trail to Titcomb Basin
   This is a 40 mile round trip with approximately 9050 feet cumulative elevation gain. This route has long been considered the main standard approach for Gannett Peak, although the Glacier Trail approach from the east has been gaining popularity during recent years. This western approach is a well-travelled route full of spectacular scenery and views.
2. Glacier Trail
   This trail is a 50 mile round trip from the Dubois side and has a cumulative elevation gain of 10,750 feet. The biggest advantage to this route is it puts you at a higher camp for your summit day giving you a better chance of success and less strenuous terrain than the standard western approach.
3. Ink Wells Trail
   The advantage of this route is that a large amount of distance and effort can be saved by the time the route intersects with the Glacier Trail. However, the disadvantage of this route is that access is both limited and expensive. This route crosses the Wind River Indian Reservation, which requires special permission, guidance, and transportation to travel through. Reservations are required in advance and sometimes difficult to achieve, and even if a reservation can be made, the cost can be substantial.