Brother Benny overlooking Harrower Peak and Indian Basin on our second day in the Wind Rivers. The rest of the route is described in Nancy Palister's book, called the Goat-friendly High Route. _Bonneville Basin can be reached by two different ways. 97. The Big Sandy Trailhead is located in the southern Wind River Range next to the Big Sandy River. Gold had been discovered in the gulches near the pass as early as 1842. Its conveniently situated right in the middle of the range, providing ample opportunities to stock up on food, water, and supplies in this beautiful part of the country. The gold rush led to the establishment of booming mining communities, such as South Pass City and Atlantic City. Location. Shelli Johnson, owner of Epic Life, is an entrepreneur, life and leadership coach, leadership development facilitator, keynote presenter, writer, adventurer and guide. The Seneca Lake out-and-back trip is a modified version of the Wind River classic. There is apparently a non-technical route that goes northwest from the pond that traverses the cliffs above Little Sandy Creek. However, I don't think that style of travel is the best fit for this route. All of the areas I missed are accessible by reasonable day hikes off the WRRT, with the exception of the Northeast corner of the Range around Ross Lakes. Overall, pack more water than you think youll need, and take frequent breaks to prevent exhaustion and advanced altitude sickness. Ashley sold out to Smith, William Sublette, and David Jackson in 1826, becoming their supplier. Earthwalk Press North Wind River Range. From Grave Lake by taking the Hailey Pass trail west to Pyramid Lake, then off-trail north up the East Fork Valley. For speedier backpackers, Big Sandy Lake is a popular camping spot just under 6 miles from the Big Sandy trailhead. By 1838, four additional American missionary women had crossed the pass, Myra Fairbanks Eells, Mary Richardson Walker, Mary Augusta Dix Gray and Sarah Gilbert White Smith. All are spread over three wilderness areas. For rods, I prefer 3 piece bamboo when backpacking. From the Elkhart trailhead parking lot, take the Pole Creek Trail directly adjacent to . Cirque of the Towers Wind River Range #78372 Purchase. Also in 1835, Thomas Fitzpatrick led Protestant missionaries Samuel Parker and Dr. Marcus Whitman across the pass. Continue straight onto the Green River Lakes Road for 18.5 miles. 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. The Big Piney Ranger District hosts a wide variety of cultural and natural history, recreational opportunities, timber, range, mineral reserves, and wildlife. The pass south of Lee Lake is said to be difficult talus. Rain occurs quite frequently here, so youll want to bring your rain jacket even if the sky is cloudless when you leave the parking lot. Hiking Smith Lake Basin in the Wind River Range : r/wyoming 2 yr. ago Posted by MeowingtonChaCha Hiking Smith Lake Basin in the Wind River Range Hello everyone, I'm sure someone over here is familiar with Wind River Range hikes and could point me in the right direction. The approach to Deep Lake is short and the elevation gain is minimal, attributes a rock climber considers virtues. To Roaring Fork Pass: 4.5 miles/9 miles round-trip. Judging from a recent picture, it may go, but only in late summer. And they weigh 600 to 1,300 pounds, so if they hit you, it'd be like . Mileage: 23-24 miles RT Wind River Range Backpacking Video. East Temple Peak is a class 2 stroll directly northeast from Temple Pass. Miller Lake Trail (#173) Pole Creek Trail (#119) DISTANCE: +/- 28.5 miles. Why, you ask? --Eric C. The Deep Lake Cirque from Deep Lake, Wind River Range. On Lizard Head Plateau. Lake, continue around the shore of Upper Silas Lake on a nice trail that winds up and through the forest for another 1.5 miles or so before reaching Island Lake. EXTREME WX CATEGORIES CITIES & VALUES: Temperature Dewpoint Heat Index Wind Wind Chill Pressure Pressure Change Generally speaking, backpacking here is best done in the late summer or early fall, when temperatures are warmer and the better portion of the snow has melted from the high altitude terrain. Its the ideal pack for a high-altitude trek through the Wind River Range. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 27 min to complete. 18.4 mi / 2280 ft gain The Wind River Range is one of the best backpacking + climbing wildernesses in the lower 48. If UpperSilas Lake is your destination, you go right, and cross Silas Creek, then stay right again. The first recorded crossing was made on 22 Oct. 1812 by Robert Stuart, and six companions from the Pacific Fur Company of John Jacob Astor. She is married to Jerry, and is the mother of three sons, Wolf, Hayden, and Fin. 13 Halloween Camping Activities, The Checklist Every First Time RVer Needs, Everything You Need To Know About Wifi For Your RV, 14 Wilderness Survival Tools You Should Have in The Backcountry, How Marfa Became the Art and Glamping Capital of Texas, 30+ Tips on Camping with Kids, From Parents Who Have Been There. After guiding several trips through the Western Slope Desert, Daniell fell in love with climbing desert towers and overnight canoe trips down the Colorado River. The 2022 Glampys: The Coolest Glampsites You Can Book Right Now, The Dyrt Is Hiring! South Pass (elevation 7,412ft (2,259m) and 7,550ft (2,300m)) is the collective term for two mountain passes on the American Continental Divide, in the Rocky Mountains in southwestern Wyoming. The Wind River Roadless Area also lies within the Wind River Range. Drop down to Lake 10,566 and follow the East Fork River and pick up the same trail (from Pyramid Lake) further down at Skull Lake.] Directions from Pinedale: From the intersection of Pine Street (US 191) and North Tyler Ave (the Pinedale Tourism office is located on the northeast corner) in Pinedale, WY, drive south on Highway 191 for 11.7 miles and then turn left (east) on WY . Pursuing from thence an easterly course, they fell upon the River Platte of the Missouri, where they passed the winter and reached St. Louis in April, 1813. These walls certainly contain some of the most demanding rock climbs in the lower 48 states. From the main trail, you might not see Lower Silas Lake, unless youre looking for it. We always see fish and big fish at that but were seldom able to trick them into biting our line. The Wind Rivers humbly hide 30 peaks over 13,000 feet, including Wyoming's tallest mountain Gannett Peak. Try traveling this trail anytime between May and September, but remember: Its always a good idea to check the snowpack reports. After nearly 6 miles, turn right onto WY-352 for 25.3 miles. It was designated as a U.S. National Historic Landmark on January 20, 1961. Every off-trail route, mountain pass, and glacier traverse along this route is detailed in the fine guidebooks I've had the pleasure of studying. My alternative to using pro would be to drive back out to cell service. Why you should go: No need for lengthy trips here views of Squaretop Mountain and alpine lakes are easily accessible from the Lower Green River Trail. Enjoying your Wind River Range backpacking trip with these principles in mind will help maintain the Wind River Range for other visitors and hopeful backpackers for millennia to come. This trip was planned as a 10 day shuttle trip from Meadow Lake TH to Boulder lake TH on the west side of the Winds out of PInedale WY. To go to Lower Silas Lake, stay left and continue straight and down the trail toward Lower Silas Lake, which you should be able to see. This is a great destination because you can sit on granite slabs that slide into the lake in many places, and there are granite mountains all around you. As a natural crossing point of the Rockies its pioneering was a significant but surprisingly difficult achievement in the westward expansion of the United States. Explore the World. I'm kind of a Granger fan so the thought of taking 2 of those is something I look forward to. The Wind River Range is one of America's most spectacular wilderness ranges. Hi. " Blaine Myers OpenMapTiles OSM 14.1 Miles Point to Point 10,338' High 8,234' Low 2,896' Up 793' Down 5% Avg Grade (3) 28% Max Grade (15) Toolbox Plan in onX Backcountry Driving directions Take a virtual tour Download GPX File Know This Trail? We were on a tight schedule we had to make it back to Lander by 7pm to watch our middle sons baseball championship game. From the Upper Basin, about 1.5 miles past the north-most lake, ascend west to Knapsack Col. From the Col, travel west while staying above (north) of the Peak Lake drainage. Almost to the top of the tall mountain, Jerry remarked he wished I would have asked for expensive jewelry instead. Allrightsreserved. For avid backcountry anglers, this route offers excellent opportunities for side trips to nearby lakes and alpine streams, where the trout are avid for summer fly hatches. Follow the trail around the large base of Roaring Fork Mountain to arrive at Tayo Park. Glaciers have left their mark in the form of U-shaped valleys, serrated peaks and ridges, and alpine cirques. . As mentioned earlier, there are plenty of alpine lakes to go around this beautiful mountain range, creating world-renowned fly fishing. The impact to your legs make this feel like 6 miles instead of 3, but the views more than make up for the effort. Highlights: 48 summits higher than 12,500 feet, Gannett Peak-Wyoming's highest, 7 of the largest glaciers in the Rocky Mountains, 2,900 lakes and ponds, hundreds of miles of hiking trails, many campgrounds and trailhead access points. Its easy to reach the Lower Green River Lakeside Circuit from Dubois, and youll enjoy stellar views from start to finish on this scenic trail. From Windy Lake Basin, make your way east to the top of the plateau, as described in Nancy Palister's book "Beyond Trails." Also, they don't necessarily share the same parent. Wind River High Route Trailheads & Transportation Thru-hiking East side The most logical termini for a Wind River High Route thru-hike are on the range's east side: Bruce Bridge, 15 miles west of Lander, entirely on pavement Trail Lakes, 10 miles west of Dubois, mostly on gravel At both trailheads, you will find only a parking lot and an outhouse. This article was brought to you by Gregory. Hooker towers above Grave Lake, and is the largest vertical rock wall in Wyoming. Ashley subsequently established the first Rocky Mountain Rendezvous in 1825. Clarkston, WA. Weve spent Labor Day weekend here with the kids on a couple of occasions. Beyond the upper lake a use-trail leads to an overlook above the south end of photogenic Wall Lake, set beneath the soaring granite slopes of an unnamed peak to the west. by Daniell LaFleur While the Wind River Range receives barely half the traffic that its more popular counterparts do (think the Sierra Nevadas or the Rockies), the Cirque of the Towers loop remains one of the most popular trails in the region, both for short backpacking trips and dedicated climbers who set up base camps below the towering Cirque spires. Though its neighbor, Colorado, takes up most of the outdoor attention in the central western United States, the Wind River Range offers a fair share of notable outdoor attractions in its own right. They thrive in cold water and are typically only . Be sure to check area regulations prior to setting out, as campfires and campsites are restricted throughout the basin to help protect the wilderness area. This will avoid creating a new social trail that leads hikers astray. Wagon ruts are still clearly visible at numerous sites within a few miles of the highway.[10]. From Lake 10,542, travel northwest through the rugged valley containing Long Lake (Lake 10,683). Trail, USFS - Bridger Teton National Forest Office, improvements "Don and I both knew that it was possible to do a great high route in the Wind River Range," Alan wrote me in an email. Snow usually doesnt melt until mid-May and returns in October, so its a relatively short hiking season around here. While hiking here, its imperative to follow Leave No Trace principles to create a minimal impact on this wild terrain. The Wind River Range of Wyoming is a spectacular section of the Rocky Mountains. (It takes about 45 minutes to drive from Lander, WY, up the switchbacks and to the Christina Lake Trailhead.). In fact, my most epic day hike in the Wind River Range was on my birthday one year. Mileage: 17 miles RT From this saddle, both East Temple and Temple Peaks are worthwhile side trips. For example, theAconcagua mountain page has the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits' asparents and is a parent itself to many routes, photos, and Trip Reports. Boulder Lake-High use 9. Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. Widely considered the best trail for seeing the wide range of geography and terrain in the range, Titcomb Basin is a 30-mile round-trip trek that offers panoramic views, campsites at alpine lakes and a possible visit to the highest point in the state of Wyoming, Gannett Peak. The connecting trail that completes the loop on the backside, near Texas Pass, is unmarked as an official trail, despite being well-trod for years, so navigating can occasionally become a bit tricky. Indeed, the time where one can write a guidebook without ever leaving home is upon us! The trail to the lake, if done in one day, is long and tiring with lots of ups and downs. Shooters must supply their own target holders, which must meet the approval of the shooting range attendant. The route follows closely to the Continental Divide through the Wind River Range and is largely off-trail; of the approximate 100 miles, 65+ miles are off-trail, depending on your measuring device. Related: 10 of the Best Airbnbs in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. From Little Sandy Creek, You then continue to Temple Pass. I'm sure someone over here is familiar with Wind River Range hikes and could point me in the right direction. Slide Lake Trail is a wonderful, well-maintained trail thats the perfect addition to any adventure itinerary. Matthew Dickerson July 18-25. From the east end of Grave Lake, follow the trail that goes west along the north shore. From the Pass, follow the Osborne Mountain Route as described by Pallister and Kelsey. Here begins the true crux of the route: getting down the Mammoth Glacier to Scott Lake. You can find her on Instagram at @aka_dmoney. With alpine lakes above the timberline surrounded by nothing but dramatic mountain peaks, I dont know of another day hike that even comes close to New Fork Trail. If conditions/weather is not safe, day hike into the Titcomb Lakes, and exit to the Green River Lakes via the Highline Trail. According to Pallister, the safest way down is on the Glacier, instead of traversing the surrounding cliffs. Smith Lake is a 7 mile blue singletrack trail located near Popo Agie Wilderness Wyoming. Anglers: There are golden trout in Thumb Lake. Continue north past the west side of Lake 11085 and weave your way through the multitude of lakes north and east of Mount Solitude. [5]:110,113[4]:158, In 1842, John C. Fremont led a United States Army Corps of Topographical Engineers expedition to survey South Pass. From Baptiste Lake, head due east for approximately 1.5 miles, then north to the upper Grave Creek Cirque. This is one big lake but it seemed like a challenging place to find a campsite due to the steep, rocky shoreline. The strenuous Lizard Head Trail leaves the North Fork Trail in these meadows and climbs nearly 2000 feet to the bare upper slopes of Windy Mountain. The district maintains 300 miles of system trails, 25 . From the northwest corner of Scott Lake, ascend northwest to "Smirnoff Pass" (unofficial name of the pass between Scott Lake and Lake 11085 to the north). Abiqua Falls is a hidden treasure within the forested trenches of the western Cascades. It lies in a broad high region, 35 miles (56 km) wide, between the nearly 14,000 ft (4,300 m) Wind River Range to the north and the over 8,500 ft (2,600 m) Oregon Buttes [3] and arid, saline near-impassible Great Divide Basin to the south. Everest!! This we know. In 1836, Fitzpatrick guided the "First White Women to Cross This Pass", Narcissa Whitman and Eliza Hart Spalding, along with and their husbands, plus Miles Goodyear and William Gray. From Coon Lake, you go around the south shore, and walk to a small pond just west of the lake, perched above cliffs. Between the five of us we caught about 18 trout in an hour. The East face of Mt. Given the easy elevation gain and well maintained trail, this is a great choice for families. Its got more than 40 named granite peaks that soar 13,000 feet or higher, scores of giant glaciers, 1,300 alpine lakes and hundreds of miles of incredible hiking trails. Twelve lakes were within the Tayo, Deep, and Ice creek drainages in the Wind River Peak area, and one along the mainstem Middle Fork Popo Agie River. Hidden Lake can be reached by bushwacking 2 miles from Ross Lake. Credit /u/chucksutherland for our awesome banner. Turn right on the road and walk back to your car. Daniell is a freelance writer based out of Fort Collins, Colorado. ), But I digress. UPPER SILAS LAKE: Its about 3 miles from the trailhead to Upper Silas Lake, 6 miles roundtrip. His favorite place he's ever visited is Alaska, and his favorite activity might be fishing or reading, depending on the day. (1), Southwest Arete Lost Temple Spire, IV, 5.10b. Reaching the pass on 8 Aug. 1842, Fremont wrote, "The ascent had been so gradual, that, with all the intimate knowledge possessed by Carson, who had made the country his home for seventeen years, we were obliged to watch very closely to find the place at which we had reached the culminating point." The best times to visit this trail are June through October. Go instead a couple of miles farther to Lizard Head Meadows or a short ways up the Bear's Ears Trail (described in the next section). The Pass lies in southwestern Fremont County, approximately 35 miles (56km) SSW of Lander. Island Lake is beautiful! My only experience is in the WRIR roadless area, though. Mosquitoes are treacherous here in the Winds during the warmer months. Continue climbing northeast, and ascend the south slopes of Atlantic Peak (class 2). The large amount of elevation gain is absolutely worth the trek. In his 1843 expedition, Fremont was able to determine the elevation of the pass at 7,490 feet above sea level. Moose, apparently, can run 35 miles an hour for up to 400 meters, which is way faster than any human has ever run 400 meters. Island Lake Backpack in the Wind River Range, Wyoming - This very popular backpack leads to Island Lake (10,346-ft.), a stunning destination with great day hiking, good fishing and scenic campsites. Half Moon Lake - Low use 7. 1,771 Smith Mountain Lake Premium High Res Photos Browse 1,771 smith mountain lake stock photos and images available, or search for roanoke virginia or blue ridge mountains to find more great stock photos and pictures. The route down the glacier is detailed in Pallister's book, and unless you are slightly crazy, you should plan to carry some form of light crampons and an ice axe. Upload a photo Fix/Improve This Page The terrain and elevation of the Wind River Range make backpacking here a challenge, albeit a worthwhile one. Stretching over 100 miles along the Continental Divide, the Wind River Range in Wyoming is an oft-missed treasure trove for backcountry exploration. The placer gold in the streams was exhausted quickly, however, and by 1870 the miners began leaving the region. By 1848, 18,487 Americans had crossed the pass, and over 300,000 by 1860. Another mile or mile and a half up the trail, you see a cairn and hear Silas Creek to your right. Heres our take on the best day hikes in the Wind River Range. Although not marked on maps, Split Mountain Pass is the obvious pass directly west of Split Mountain. Drainages are intricate and minor obstacles abound, but by paying attention and consulting a map you can get where you're going without difficulty." The Wind River Range Traverse (WRRT) is the finest non-technical alpine backpacking route in the lower 48 states. Tyler Wildeck is a writer with a passion for all things outdoors. The quick-and-easy trail slowly gains elevation until you reach Rainbow Lake. It offers panoramic views and excellent backcountry camping without the heavy mileage of its longer cousin. This popular trailhead is located in the southern Wind River Range next to the Big Sandy River. It would be 8.5 miles one-way to Bald Mountain Basin and Cook Lakes from Lake 10322 near Hay Pass, and to get back to the WRRT, you would travel over Timico Pass (north of Timico Lake) instead of backtracking to Hay Pass. No matter what you plan to do while in Missoula, these Airbnbs can complete the puzzle for a perfect escape. Explore the numerous lakes in the area. Check out more of our hiking guides featuring the most epic terrain in the Rocky Mountains: 14 Majestic Hikes in Glacier National Park, The 10 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, How to Spend One Day in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. The Sweetwater River flows past the east side of the pass, and Pacific Creek rises on the west side. Just continue north to shallow and picturesque Hay Pass. Wildlife, Create Recommended Route or From Upper Golden, head north up to Lake 10787, the east down the slopes, and then north to Camp Lake. The passes furnish a natural crossing point of the Rockies. You can learn more about our editorial policies, 10 of the Best Airbnbs in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, 11 Amazing Wyoming Cabin Rentals To Warm Your Soul, The 11 Best Airbnbs Near Grand Teton National Park, 12 Best Airbnbs in Wyoming for a Taste of the American West, 10 Free Things to Do in Colorado Springs, CO, The 15 Best Hikes Near Seattle, Washington, 7 Must-See Day Trips From Denver, Colorado, 9 Best Airbnbs & Vacation Rentals in Missoula, Montana, Black Tree Resort: Colorado Camping At Its Finest. This article on Wind River Range backpacking is brought to you by Gregory, whose lightweight backpack line is made from durable, rip-stop materials on an ultra-lightweight, durable aluminum frame. To create a loop, youll just want to follow the Lakeside Trail back to the trailhead. Books and maps can be purchased here. Trip Type: Out-and-back The Highline Trail begins at the campground and follows most of the length of the Wind River Range, 80 miles to the south. Burnt Lake - Low use 8. From this lake, continue southwest past Lake Kagevah to 11,290 foot Kagevah Pass. The lake can produce some stunning reflections. The foreground streaks in from the right front of the canvas, a rocky outcropping with trees, some fallen, and verdant grasses invite the viewer into the painting to take a moment before looking out over the edge of the cliff into the vast wilderness. It is advised that you camp in either of these spots rather than at Big Sandy Lake. 2022 Best Places to Camp: Top 10 in the U.S. Because the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1803-1806 was searching for a water route across the Continental Divide it did not learn of South Pass from local peoples. The Wind River Range is located in western Wyoming, just south of the Tetons and Jackson Hole. Among the best ways to explore the Wind River Range is to travel one of the spectacular trails through the region. The WRRT is the culmination of months of personal research of guidebooks, maps, and online reports of the Wind River Range. Your jaw WILL drop (if it didn't already) when you reach the crest of Jackass Pass and overlook Lonesome Lake and the Cirque. Continue north to the head of Tourist Creek, and ascend northeast above lake 10890 all the way to the divide near Point 12450. Drop down from the pass and round the south shore of Bewmark Lake, and descend the west slopes from the lake, while staying well above the north shore of Middle Fork Lake. Few places in North America are as staggeringly beautiful as Titcomb Basin and Island Lake. Located on the way up to the Cirque of the Towers, Dads Lake is a pristine alpine setting that offers even the least experienced backpackers the chance to test their trail legs. Hiking plays a part in just about everything I do. This section was inspired by Matt Lemke's trip report "Gone with the Winds." September is when temperatures begin to drop low enough to get rid of the little buggers. I highly recommend checking trail conditions before committing to a trail. You can find directions easily from guidebooks. I have hope, however, that the Mammoth has receded enough that there is a possible non-glacier route following the southern edge of the glacier. Best reached from Pinedale, this trail goes by a few names. These are handy for seeing the entire range, possible alternate . Grab your next favorite hiking backpack from Gregorys website today! The route I'm presenting here is meant to be savored, and my recommended time for it is 20 days, including 2 days for weather-related issues. Wind River Mountains Topographic Map - Northern Half by Beartooth Mapping. To Hike to Lake Louise: Its about 2.5 miles to Lake Louise, 5 miles roundtrip. https://youtu.be/aeQ61IH9fv4A six day solo backpacking loop in Wyoming's Wind River Range starting at Boulder Canyon trail head. 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