The rest of the route is described in Nancy Palister's book, called the Goat-friendly High Route. Both locations are mind-bogglingly beautiful with plenty of features to lure the outdoor enthusiast. Almost relentlessly rugged and physically and mentally taxing, with navigational challenges, and mile-for-mile arguably the most jaw-dropping trek through any mountain range in Americaand I've taken many of the very best over the past three decades, including the 10 years I spent as . Its recommended for the Cirque of the Towers loop that you bring a map and compass and that you know how to use them. USGS 7.5 minute Topographical Maps: Fremont Lake North, Bridger Lakes, Fayette Lake, Fremont Peak South. Pick up all dog waste as well as any human trash. Camping near Halls Lake or further along at the Golden Lakes (just north of Hay Pass in the next section) would be recommended. Glaciers have left their mark in the form of U-shaped valleys, serrated peaks and ridges, and alpine cirques. Elevation Gain: 2,500 feet over 8.5 miles (9,100 ft to 11,300 ft). The Jean Lakes are a long day hike from Titcomb Basin via the Highline Trail. My alternative to using pro would be to drive back out to cell service. These wild lands west of the divide and north of Gannet Peak (collectively known as Bear Basin) is easily the most magnificent trail-less section of the Wind Rivers. Mileage: 17 miles RT 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. Elevation Gain: 2,200 feet over 6 miles (9,100 ft to 11,300 ft). The biggest trout - in the 25- to 27-inch range were in relatively deep water near the outlet, but those were the wiliest . 2022 Best Places to Camp: Top 10 in the U.S. For speedier backpackers, Big Sandy Lake is a popular camping spot just under 6 miles from the Big Sandy trailhead. It was spectacular. From the Elkhart trailhead parking lot, take the Pole Creek Trail directly adjacent to the restroom. While the map might not indicate more than 1,000 feet in elevation gain over the first 10.5 miles, the strenuousness of the hike shouldnt be underestimated. The approach to Deep Lake is short and the elevation gain is minimal, attributes a rock climber considers virtues. Great news: Dads Lake is a dog-friendly trail, just be sure to bring a leash along. Why you should go: Arguably the most popular day hike in the Wind River Range, Photographers Point never fails to impress with its stunningly picturesque scenery. Some of our favorite day hikes are: Stough Creek Basin, Smith, Middle and Cathedral Lakes, Island and Thumb lakes in Silas Canyon, Lake Louise, and anything on the Middle Fork Trail, which starts at Bruce's Bridge at the end of Sinks Canyon, and takes us all the way to Wind River Peak. Burnt Lake - Low use 8. From this lake, continue southwest past Lake Kagevah to 11,290 foot Kagevah Pass. Considering taking on of the Wind River classics? Heres what to know before you get out on the trail: The Wind River Range is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, bighorn sheep, moose, bald eagles, wolverines and grizzly bears, making it an incredible location for viewing rarely seen animals in their natural habitat. Also in 1835, Thomas Fitzpatrick led Protestant missionaries Samuel Parker and Dr. Marcus Whitman across the pass. Miller Lake Trail (#173) Pole Creek Trail (#119) DISTANCE: +/- 28.5 miles. Related: 10 of the Best Airbnbs in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. 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. 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. Heres our take on the best day hikes in the Wind River Range. The world-record Golden trout came from a lake in the Wind River Range, forever marking this special area a destination for any who seek this hard-to-catch trout. After Diane and I visited the Wind Rivers for the Great American Eclipse in 2017 we decided that we should try to return every other summer to visit somewhere new in the range. According to Pallister, the safest way down is on the Glacier, instead of traversing the surrounding cliffs. [5]:110,113[4]:158, In 1842, John C. Fremont led a United States Army Corps of Topographical Engineers expedition to survey South Pass. sunset, Big Sandy Lake, Wind River range, WY. Backpacking is popular from this trailhead and youll almost always find photographers at the lookout, so trail traffic will be heavier here than other areas. In his 1843 expedition, Fremont was able to determine the elevation of the pass at 7,490 feet above sea level. 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). They were accompanied by the naturalist John Kirk Townsend, who documented this first use of the Oregon-California Trail, avoiding the Lander Cutoff used by the fur traders. 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). 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. You'll pass no fewer than 100 large lakes (and innumerable small tarns), pass or traverse dozens of notable peaks, and see the largest glaciers in the American Rocky Mountains. Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. The historic pass became the route for emigrants on the Oregon, California, and Mormon trails to the West during the 19th century. Allrightsreserved. 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. Neither of the trailheads that I've used to get into the Winds have fishable lakes within a reasonable distance for a day hike, except maybe for someone in really good shape that would consider a poor trail and 5-8 miles each way a day hike. 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. Wildlife, Create Recommended Route or From Cheyenne to Jackson, Evanston to Casper to Gillette and everywhere in between. You would be better off trying your hand at the shorter and more direct WRHR, pioneered by AdventureAlan (link at the bottom). We caught our first on a day hike last summer. All the information is there; there are no gray areas. Rainbow Lake is a popular fishing destination, so hikers typically bring along fishing poles to spend a relaxing afternoon on the water. By 1848, 18,487 Americans had crossed the pass, and over 300,000 by 1860. The rest of the route down to Scott Lake is also detailed in Pallister's Book. 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. We always see fish and big fish at that but were seldom able to trick them into biting our line. The meadow before the trail drops to Ross lake so muddy that it stopped the horse packers, so I only saw 2 groups at Ross Lake the . From the Pass, follow the Osborne Mountain Route as described by Pallister and Kelsey. The seven persons forming the party were Robert McClelland of Hagerstown, who, with the celebrated Captain Wells, was captain of spies under General Wayne in his famous Indian campaign, Joseph Miller of Baltimore, for several years an officer of the U.S. Army, Robert Stuart, a citizen of Detroit, Benjamin Jones, of Missouri, who acted as huntsman of the party, Francois LeClaire, a halfbreed, and Andr Vale, a Canadian voyageur, and Ramsay Crooks, who is the only survivor of this small band of adventurers. This is rated as class 2-3 by Pallister. Cirque of the Towers, Green River Lakes . Cabin Rentals Areas. Above treeline no trail has been worn, but you can follow cairns across the windswept plateau. I wouldn't bet on it, however. 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. From the east end of Grave Lake, follow the trail that goes west along the north shore. Joe Kelsey describes the first 5.5 miles of this trail as the Lizard Head Trail as follows: "Lizard Head Meadows are an opening along the North Popo Agie 2 miles below Lonesome Lake. This article on Marfa camping is brought to you by OOFOS, whose womens footwear line is made with patented foam that enhances muscle recovery and, We recently asked our Facebook Campfire group for advice on camping with kids, and the responses flooded in with everything from let them help with, 2022 The Dyrt, Inc | All rights reserved, 4 Stunning Routes for Backpacking Through Wyomings Wind River Range, 6 Private Campgrounds to Book When Your Favorite National Parks are Full. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 27 min to complete. . Stay right at the junction and continue. 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. Drainages are intricate and minor obstacles abound, but by paying attention and consulting a map you can get where you're going without difficulty." From this saddle, both East Temple and Temple Peaks are worthwhile side trips. South Pass was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961. These are handy for seeing the entire range, possible alternate . Among the best ways to explore the Wind River Range is to travel one of the spectacular trails through the region. A Shoshone had told Stuart of "a shorter trace to the South than that by which Mr. Hunt had traversed the R. Mountains"[4][5] In 1856 Ramsay Crooks, one of the party, wrote a letter describing their journey: In 1811, the overland party of Mr. Astor's expedition, under the command of Mr. Wilson P. Hunt, of Trenton, New Jersey, although numbering sixty well armed men, found the Indians so very troublesome in the country of the Yellowstone River, that the party of seven persons who left Astoria toward the end of June, 1812, considering it dangerous to pass again by the route of 1811, turned toward the southeast as soon as they had crossed the main chain of the Rocky Mountains, and, after several days' journey, came through the celebrated 'South Pass' in the month of November, 1812. Just continue north to shallow and picturesque Hay Pass. Pole Creek Trail is another trail that takes off from the Big Sandy Trailhead and is the gateway to the Cirque of the Towers area. Camping along this trek can be found at Shadow Lake, and then in and around the Jackass Pass area later in the trip. The roads are entirely gravely / dirt after this, but are fairly well-maintained and should usually be accessible for low clearance vehicles. The range is home to many of the state's highest mountains including Fremont Peak at 13,745 and Wind River Peak at 13,192 feet. When I was just 3 years old, my parents moved us from Iowa to Lander, Wyoming. Mileage: 29-30 miles RT From Upper Silas. The Seneca Lake out-and-back trip is a modified version of the Wind River classic. Approaching a construction zone 20 minutes outside Pinedale, Wyoming a flagger stands between us, rotating his sign to "stop." The Wind River Range extends for more than 100 miles, the crest forming part of the Continental Divide. From the cabin, simply follow trails for less than a mile, crossing west over the Green River bridge, to the Green River Lakes TH. [5]:7982, In 1834, Nathaniel Jarvis Wyeth led the first Methodist missionaries Jason Lee, Daniel Lee, and Cyrus Shepard across the pass. Use caution when going off trail to look for campsites, and, above all, leave nothing behind throughout your journey. It goes west across the expansive plateau of Osborne Mountain, then follows Mill Creek to the Osborne Cabin, on old homestead of a famous trapper. My only experience is in the WRIR roadless area, though. No matter what you call it, this trail is undeniably beautiful. Trip Type: Out-and-back From Camp Lake, head northeast above Half-Fish Lake (Lake 9675) and continue above treeline up the slopes around 11,600 feet. Ready to lace up your boots and hit the trail? 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. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts, https://www.yellowstonepark.com/things-to-do/smith-lake-basin-in-wyomings-wind-river-range-is-a-hikers-haven. And fishing. . 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. As you make your way under the gigantic shadow of Warbonnet Peak, there are many ups and downs and rocky sections to shift your gaze to your feet. You must round Valentine Lake's north shore and descend to 10,000 feet and the Little Wind River's South Fork which may require a wade. The trail to the lake, if done in one day, is long and tiring with lots of ups and downs. 1848, 18,487 Americans had crossed the Pass at 7,490 feet above sea level north to and.: Dads Lake is short and the elevation of the best ways to explore the Wind River classic are. Dog-Friendly trail, just be sure to bring a leash along approach to deep Lake also. 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