It offers panoramic views and excellent backcountry camping without the heavy mileage of its longer cousin. The height of Mt. Glaciers have left their mark in the form of U-shaped valleys, serrated peaks and ridges, and alpine cirques. In 3-pc 4wts, there are 7.5 and 8 footers. Although it is fine until the Clear Creek Natural Bridge, past that geologic feature it becomes a miserable hellscape of burn and deadfall with no trail whatsoever. The WRRT is the culmination of months of personal research of guidebooks, maps, and online reports of the Wind River Range. 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. 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. The town of Pinedale is the gateway into many of the Wind River trailheads. From Upper Golden, head north up to Lake 10787, the east down the slopes, and then north to Camp Lake. After rounding Cathedral Peak, this trail joins the Bear's Ears Trail, just before the latter's descent [west 1.5 miles] to Valentine Lake." Explore the numerous lakes in the area. Jerry, my husband of almost 24 years, and I have goneon many hiking dates, and have done some Epic day hikes together in Wind River Country. 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. No permit is required to use the range and a range attendant will not be present. "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. 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. This will avoid creating a new social trail that leads hikers astray. To first of the Stough Creek Basin lakes: 6.5 miles/13 miles round-trip. Day 1: Sweetwater Gap Guardstation to Windy Lake, 7 miles, Day 5: Grave Lake, 12 miles (all on-trail), Day 6: Visit Babtiste Lake, camp at upper Grave cirque, 7 miles, Day 7: Sonnicant Lake via Roberts Mountain route, 6 miles, Day 10: Explore lakes south of Brown Cliffs, camp at one of them, 6 miles, Day 11: "Shangri-La" via the "Goat-Friendly High Route," 7 miles, Day 12: Day hike to "Glacier View" and down to the North Fork Bull Lake Creek, 6 miles, Day 13: From "Shangri-La" to Upper Titcomb Basin (over Indian Pass), 9 miles, Day 14: Scott Lake (CRUX OF ROUTE), 9 miles, Day 18: Out via Osbourne Mountain Route, 9 miles, + 2 days for weather-related "stay-put" days. 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. According to Joe Kelsey, "Above treeline, while the Forest Service doesn't maintain the trail shown on the Temple Peak quad, you shouldn't have trouble switchbacking to Temple Pass, the 11,480-foot saddle between Temple and East Temple Peaks.". What if you could link nearly every major cirque and basin in the Winds with one non-technical route? The trail begins at the Big Sandy Campground and offers a wide, well-marked walking path up to the lake. When approaching from Temple Pass, avoid descending to Lake 10,839 by a messy traverse." After passage of the Pacific Telegraph Act of 1860, South Pass Station was established in 1861, at Last Crossing on the Sweetwater River. Slide Lake Trail is a wonderful, well-maintained trail thats the perfect addition to any adventure itinerary. If UpperSilas Lake is your destination, you go right, and cross Silas Creek, then stay right again. After about 1.2 miles, among a few small tarns above the basin floor, cut north to Split Mountain Pass. From Grave Lake by taking the Hailey Pass trail west to Pyramid Lake, then off-trail north up the East Fork Valley. The district maintains 300 miles of system trails, 25 . Rainbow Lake is a popular fishing destination, so hikers typically bring along fishing poles to spend a relaxing afternoon on the water. From Coon Lake, you go around the south shore, and walk to a small pond just west of the lake, perched above cliffs. As mentioned earlier, there are plenty of alpine lakes to go around this beautiful mountain range, creating world-renowned fly fishing. Dont let the length of the Big Sandy Lake Trail deter you! The section from Big Sandy Lake to the Cirque of the Towers will be the busiest part of the entire WRRT. Sign up for our free email to join thousands of readers getting epic travel, hiking, camping and gear ideas every week. 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. 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. Clarkston, WA. Judging from a recent picture, it may go, but only in late summer. Follow the trail around the large base of Roaring Fork Mountain to arrive at Tayo Park. View Wind River Range Traverse Image Gallery - 1 Images. Wyeth then established Fort Hall on the Snake River and the Lees settled the Willamette Valley. 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. Between the five of us we caught about 18 trout in an hour. 18.4 mi / 2280 ft gain The Wind River Range is one of the best backpacking + climbing wildernesses in the lower 48. This is one big lake but it seemed like a challenging place to find a campsite due to the steep, rocky shoreline. In 1841, Fitzpatrick led the Bartleson-Bidwell Party across the pass, the first wagon train. _The Peak Lake Area. Free Trail Guides. [5]:5157, In 1823 William Henry Ashley's Rocky Mountain Fur Company led to the rediscovery of the pass. The Highline Trail begins at the campground and follows most of the length of the Wind River Range, 80 miles to the south. According to the approximate route I traced on my phone, the total elevation gain is about 29,000 feet!! And the shores of Grave Lake (also pictured) have endless scenic camping spots. Mileage: 29-30 miles RT Interested in Wind River Range backpacking but not going the distance in the Titcomb Basin? Continue west until you get to the drainage of the Knife Point Glacier, your next destination. The passes furnish a natural crossing point of the Rockies. Consult guidebooks on the safest way to ascend Indian Pass. Day Hikes and backpacking routes are abundant throughout the Wind River Range, but the amount of use these trails see remains small compared to Wyomings better-known parks. The majority of the Wind River Ranges hikes and primary backpacking trails are at elevations of 9,000 feet or above, making them difficult and potentially dangerous for unprepared visitors. 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. Why you should go: Explore one of the Winds most popular trails to reach Big Sandy Lake. However, I don't think that style of travel is the best fit for this route. The Wind River Roadless Area also lies within the Wind River Range. From this saddle, both East Temple and Temple Peaks are worthwhile side trips. Though it approaches a mile and a half high, South Pass is the lowest point on the Continental Divide between the Central and Southern Rocky Mountains. 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. Best of all, nowhere else in the world do golden trout grow as big. The region is considered to be one of the prime fishing destinations in the lower 48. Outside of the Sierras, Wyoming's Wind River Range is home to the West's best golden trout fishing. Should this affect the validity of this most grand route I have prepared? Mileage: 17 miles RT Mosquitoes are treacherous here in the Winds during the warmer months. We always see fish and big fish at that but were seldom able to trick them into biting our line. [5]:110,113[4]:158, In 1842, John C. Fremont led a United States Army Corps of Topographical Engineers expedition to survey South Pass. However, it was not until 1867, when an ore sample was transported to Salt Lake City, that an influx of miners descended into the region. The Wind River High Route was pioneered by Andrew Skurka and Buzz Burrell in the late 2000s. A translation of his journal was published in an 1821 French journal, but South Pass would have to be rediscovered by later explorers from information provided by Crow Indians. by Daniell LaFleur The Wind River Range has endless opportunities for backcountry camping each more beautiful and peaceful than the last. Drainages are intricate and minor obstacles abound, but by paying attention and consulting a map you can get where you're going without difficulty." It is non-technical, but may require technical gear in early-season. An easy six mile hike to Big Sandy Lake provides spectacular views along the way. The Pass lies in southwestern Fremont County, approximately 35 miles (56 km) SSW of Lander . The lake can produce some stunning reflections. Elevation Gain: 2,200 feet over 6 miles (9,100 ft to 11,300 ft). That said, its also extremely important to be aware of your surroundings and to follow bear bag or canister protocols at all backcountry camping destinations. For a while we were losing so much eleveation I thought we might have taken a wrong turn. Additional Read: The 11 Best Airbnbs Near Grand Teton National Park. . 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. #WindRiverCountry, Wind River Visitors Council 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. Hidden Lake can be reached by bushwacking 2 miles from Ross Lake. 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. Prior to this, few if any visitors had ventured into the cirque due to the remote location. ), But I digress. The rest of the route is described in Nancy Palister's book, called the Goat-friendly High Route. Directions from Pinedale: From the intersection of Pine Street (US 191) and . 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. The roads are entirely gravely / dirt after this, but are fairly well-maintained and should usually be accessible for low clearance vehicles. According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Wind River Range is Washakie Pass Loop to Cirque of the Towers, which has a 4.5 star rating from 31 reviews. Why, you ask? Wind river range Sept 1 - 11 2016 Days 1- 5. Explore the World. lewis smith lake lewis smith lake alabama smith lake alabama Temple Peak, the second-highest peak in the southern Wind River Range, is a class 3 scramble from the South Ridge route. 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. This trail is great for backpacking, birding, and camping, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Snow sticks around here pretty late, and the lake can be icy until then, too, so be sure to check trail conditions before heading out to avoid a snowy surprise. Denver's central location makes it easy to get the most out of the Rocky Mountain West. Follow the top of the divide north for approximately 1.5 miles, then drop down west to the north shore of Baker Lake. From Baptiste Lake, head due east for approximately 1.5 miles, then north to the upper Grave Creek Cirque. Keep following the trail past Poison Lake, and finally to Coon Lake. Joel Pickens Walker, and his wife Mary Young Walker, made the journey with their four children. Earthwalk press makes the best maps for the winds. Lander, WY 82520. Mileage: 23-24 miles RT He wrote, "it may be assumed to be about half-way between the Mississippi and the Pacific ocean, on the common traveling routethe emigrant road to Oregon. 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 . 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. 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