An extra day can be taken to climb Wind River Peak, the southernmost 13er in the range; definitely a worthy summit, with amazing views from what I've heard. 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. Check Out Our Perks and Open Positions, Lets Get Spooky! Many short hikes here will lead up to a lake, giving you the chance to bring the fishing pole along and enjoy a few hours of fishing before heading back to the trailhead. Go south up the glacier to the top of Indian Pass. They were trying to avoid Crow warriors further north, on their return to St. Louis, Missouri from Astoria, Oregon. Vast views of the Wind River Ranges glaciers and towering peaks proudly give this lookout its name, where photographers come from all over the world to capture Wyomings iconic steep and jagged peaks. Toggle navigationHiking & Walking Home Destinations Take a left onto Fish Hatchery Road. 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. First, I experienced some great fishing for Rainbows on Ross Lake (big rainbows)and cutties from Hidden Lake. From Windy Lake Basin, make your way east to the top of the plateau, as described in Nancy Palister's book "Beyond Trails." Stuart's "Travel Memorandum" was left with President James Madison, but the War of 1812 preempted western exploration. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. The Wind River Range of Wyoming is a spectacular section of the Rocky Mountains. Historic South Pass, seen from the east looking westward towards, Map of southwestern Wyoming showing location of South Pass at the headwaters of the, U.S. National Register of Historic Places, United States Army Corps of Topographical Engineers, Oregon Buttes, Wyoming, Elevation: 8558 feet, 2608 meters, peakbagger.com, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=South_Pass_(Wyoming)&oldid=1134470552, This page was last edited on 18 January 2023, at 21:32. Stay right at the junction and continue. The archery range on Berlin Lake Wildlife Area is open sunrise-sunset, except during holidays, and is free-of-charge. 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. Both areas, located just west of the Continental Divide, are rich in outstanding scenery and recreation opportunities. This vast 110-mile uplifted spine offers limitless climbing and hiking in a remote setting. 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. You end at the Green River Lakes Trailhead, only 1.5 hours from Pinedale, WY. Marms Lake (near Dads Lake), is on one of the more popular treks in,. No matter what you call it, this trail is undeniably beautiful. Also, this section is described in Pallister's book. 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. 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). Trailhead Start: Big Sandy Trailhead "Follow your dreams, You can reach your goals, I'm living proof! Why you should go: Discover a hidden treasure while enjoying sweeping views along the Slide Lake Trail. 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. Great news: Dads Lake is a dog-friendly trail, just be sure to bring a leash along. These are handy for seeing the entire range, possible alternate . The town of Pinedale is the gateway into many of the Wind River trailheads. From Middle Fork Lake, it is approximately 2 trailless miles to Hall's Lake. There is apparently a non-technical route that goes northwest from the pond that traverses the cliffs above Little Sandy Creek. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 27 min to complete. Hike through forest and up the rolling trail for about another mile before arriving at Upper Silas Lake. The trails of the Wind River Range begin at a higher elevation than other ranges throughout the Mountain West. Hiking plays a part in just about everything I do. . 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. Its worth sharing the trail with more hikers, though, as the dramatic peaks surrounding the Big Sandy Lake Trail will not disappoint! (1), Southwest Arete Lost Temple Spire, IV, 5.10b. . Both locations are mind-bogglingly beautiful with plenty of features to lure the outdoor enthusiast. Hi. Dogs are allowed on National Forest trails as long as they are on leash. "[5]:112124, Stephen W. Kearny led the first military expedition to South Pass in 1845. USGS 7.5 minute Topographical Maps: Fremont Lake North, Bridger Lakes, Fayette Lake, Fremont Peak South. On day 2 we started out from Twin lakes and bushwacked our . This will avoid creating a new social trail that leads hikers astray. sunset, Big Sandy Lake, Wind River range, WY. 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. Judging from a recent picture, it may go, but only in late summer. From Hay Pass, drop south past the east of Dennis Lake, and past the west shores of Golden Lake, Lake Louise, and finally Upper Golden Lake. 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. Between the five of us we caught about 18 trout in an hour. Continue straight onto the Green River Lakes Road for 18.5 miles. 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. Then to Fire Hole Lakes, to. However, I don't think that style of travel is the best fit for this route. For rods, I prefer 3 piece bamboo when backpacking. Burnt Lake - Low use 8. Instead, the expedition followed a northerly route up the Missouri River, crossing the Rockies over difficult passes in the Bitterroot Range between present-day Montana and Idaho. Pinedale, Wyoming Just continue north to shallow and picturesque Hay Pass. From the Elkhart trailhead parking lot, take the Pole Creek Trail directly adjacent to . The Wind Rivers humbly hide 30 peaks over 13,000 feet, including Wyomings tallest mountain Gannett Peak. 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. The region is considered to be one of the prime fishing destinations in the lower 48. Rainbow Lake is a popular fishing destination, so hikers typically bring along fishing poles to spend a relaxing afternoon on the water. Nothing in fishing excites me as much as sight fishing mountain lakes with dry flies and the for the last 3 summers the Wind river range has been my go to place. Joel Pickens Walker, and his wife Mary Young Walker, made the journey with their four children. By Colorado standards, to think that this trail is the one of the most heavily-used in the entire range is. Do this route early morning to avoid afternoon storms. Additional Read: 11 Amazing Wyoming Cabin Rentals To Warm Your Soul. Updated October 25, 2021. With little elevation change compared to most hikes in the Wind River Range, the Dickson Park to Middle Lake Hike is a perfect intermediate adventure. If you're not comfortable traversing the Mammoth Glacier described in Pallister's book, an alternate route is to go over Knapsack Col and down to Peak Lake, over Cube Rock Pass, and join the Highline Trail near Trail Creek Park. 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 Highline Trail begins at the campground and follows most of the length of the Wind River Range, 80 miles to the south. 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. After about 1.2 miles, among a few small tarns above the basin floor, cut north to Split Mountain Pass. _Bald Mountain Basin and Cook Lakes are accessed by descending south on the Hay Pass trail, the heading northwest passing Timico Lake, then on trails west to Baldy Lakes and north to Bald Mountain Basin. 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. Lander, WY 82520. Its also a great camping destination. From Temple Pass, descend to the east shore of Temple Lake. Drainages are intricate and minor obstacles abound, but by paying attention and consulting a map you can get where you're going without difficulty." We started at the St Lawerence ranger station and made our way to Twin Lakes for the first night. Ready to lace up your boots and hit the trail? You still must be in good shape and an experienced backpacker, be able to hike up to 12-mile days with thousands of feet in elevation gain, and be able to handle up to class 3 rock scrambling. If you're looking for day-hikes out of GRL, try Slide or even Valaite . Island Lake, Wind River Range, Wyoming, 1861. Higher altitude also means more inclement and unpredictable weather. . Mosquitoes are treacherous here in the Winds during the warmer months. Wildlife, Create Recommended Route or As far as camping, it sounds like you could potentially camp anywhere along this section. In fact, my most epic day hike in the Wind River Range was on my birthday one year. " Joan Pendleton OpenMapTiles OSM 36.2 Miles Point to Point 11,075' High 7,641' Low 5,946' Up 5,973' Down 6% Avg Grade (4) 52% Max Grade (28) Toolbox Plan in onX Backcountry First, up near Forks Lakes, where we did some backcountry hiking, and most recently near Boulder Lake, where we finally got some good fishing, and an unexpected wildfire. Shooters must supply their own target holders, which must meet the approval of the shooting range attendant. The Pass lies in southwestern Fremont County, approximately 35 miles (56 km) SSW of Lander . The Sweetwater River flows past the east side of the pass, and Pacific Creek rises on the west side. For more information please visit The State of Wyoming's website. Though well known to Native Americans, South Pass was first traversed in 1812 by European American explorers who were seeking a safer way to return from the West Coast than they had taken to it. If you only have time for a single day hike through the Wind River Range, follow the Pole Creek Trail to Photographers Point. It is a beautiful lake! Labeled Pinedales most popular day hike, this hike is a guaranteed winner if you can handle the distance. Only Island Lake and Titcomb Basin come close in popularity. . In the mid-1990s, Lander nurse and outdoorsman Bruce Cartwright introduced my family to the fine high-lake fishing on the Wind River Indian Reservation, which accounts for about a quarter of the land in the Winds. 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. The quick-and-easy trail slowly gains elevation until you reach Rainbow Lake. Two years ago we came back and hiked to the Cirque of the Towers, so this year I thought it . Dads Lake also has the benefit of being at a slightly lower elevation than some of the classic Wind River Range backpacking trails, so seasonality can be a bit easier to handle. View Wind River Range Traverse Image Gallery - 1 Images. 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. And, for now anyways, theyre all permit-free. The best route from Baker Lake to Bear Lake is described in Pallister's book, and also Matt Lemke's excellent trip report. While the trip offers a number of different arrangements depending on how long you make it, the recommended path includes starting from the Elkhart Park Trailhead, which is located just a two-hour drive from Jackson. Seneca Lake is right at the beginning of some of the most spectacular high alpine climbing and backpacking routes. Cirque of the Towers Wind River Range #78372 Purchase. Tyler Wildeck is a writer with a passion for all things outdoors. However, for the most scenic, most direct and aesthetic route, walk on trail down Indian Basin and to Upper Titcomb Basin. . . The route traverses glaciers, boulderfields, alpine . Wyeth then established Fort Hall on the Snake River and the Lees settled the Willamette Valley. _The Deep Creek Lakes and Ice Lakes are accessed by an 8-mile round trip dayhike from Tayo Park. An extra day is advised to explore the multitude of lakes around the Brown Cliffs here. If UpperSilas Lake is your destination, you go right, and cross Silas Creek, then stay right again. The Seneca Lake out-and-back trip is a modified version of the Wind River classic. Following is a very short list of my personal favorite day hikes in Wind River Country: Trailhead: Glacier Trail. The Rainbow Lake Trail begins at Dream Lake, which is right along the Continental Divide Trail. Hooker towers above Grave Lake, and is the largest vertical rock wall in Wyoming. Another mile or mile and a half up the trail, you see a cairn and hear Silas Creek to your right. 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. Backpackers should also check snowpack levels in order to determine the best time to hit the trail without encountering too much snow. While hiking here, its imperative to follow Leave No Trace principles to create a minimal impact on this wild terrain. Nothing against Iowa, but I consider this one of the greatest gifts my parents have given me. 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). Once on the trail, consider spending the first night at Hobbs Lake or Seneca Lake and progressing on to Island Lake for the second. Its recommended for the Cirque of the Towers loop that you bring a map and compass and that you know how to use them. There is fantastic alpine camping near (and north of) Deep Lake, and great sheltered, treeline camp spots just off the trail at Clear Lake. by Joan Pendleton. Directions from Pinedale: From the intersection of Pine Street (US 191) and . Upper Silas Lake offers great fishing. The Big Sandy Trailhead is the gateway to several popular backpacking trails, so you will pass more hikers here than in other areas. "The ridge is most easily gained 0.5 miles from the summit; two couloirs nearer the summit are corniced early in summer and later filled with ice and loose rock. [7][5]:5377[4]:158, In 1832 Captain Benjamin Bonneville, aided by Michel Cerre and Joseph R. Walker, blazed a wagon road across the pass. 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. His favorite place he's ever visited is Alaska, and his favorite activity might be fishing or reading, depending on the day. 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. Location. Feb 6, 2017. 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. Lonesome Lake was the first lake in the Wind Rivers to be deemed unsafe for drinking, and camping is strictly prohibited within 1/4 mile of the lake. Wagon ruts are still clearly visible at numerous sites within a few miles of the highway.[10]. 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 . 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. [5]:244248,261 You then depart from the trail due northeast, following Blair Creek to the pond at 9590. 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. I noticed that most routes follow the lower highline trail, or skip the many magnificent areas including Stough Creek Lakes, Deep Lake Cirque, Grave Lake Cirque, North Fork Cirque (on the Wind River Indian Reservation), the Brown Cliffs, Scott Lake, and Bear Basin. When approaching from Temple Pass, avoid descending to Lake 10,839 by a messy traverse." From Little Sandy Creek, You then continue to Temple Pass. Sprawled in the shadow of 14,115-foot Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs is the type of city that boasts the best of all worlds. See more of his great photography at Best.ChuckSutherland.Com, Press J to jump to the feed. 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. A dazzling Wind River Range brook trout, courtesy of Finis Mitchell. Everest!! 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. Few places in North America are as staggeringly beautiful as Titcomb Basin and Island Lake. It offers panoramic views and excellent backcountry camping without the heavy mileage of its longer cousin. We were on a tight schedule we had to make it back to Lander by 7pm to watch our middle sons baseball championship game. It is fine country to wander through. Located in the southern section of the Wind River Range (or "Winds" for short), the cirque is a very popular destination for technical rock climbers. You would be better off trying your hand at the shorter and more direct WRHR, pioneered by AdventureAlan (link at the bottom). No matter what you plan to do while in Missoula, these Airbnbs can complete the puzzle for a perfect escape. 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. You can find directions easily from guidebooks. 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. Smith Creek Lakes and Cathedral Lake, Bonneville Basin, Bald Mountain Basin and Cook Lakes, the Peak Lake Area (as described by Kelsey), and the Eastern drainages north of Gannet Peak, which are pretty much impassable due to . Fishing and backpacking are popular here, so bring your pack, tent, and fishing pole to make this a fun overnighter. Weve spent Labor Day weekend here with the kids on a couple of occasions. For speedier backpackers, Big Sandy Lake is a popular camping spot just under 6 miles from the Big Sandy trailhead. 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. Temple Peak, the second-highest peak in the southern Wind River Range, is a class 3 scramble from the South Ridge route. 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. 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. The trail to the lake, if done in one day, is long and tiring with lots of ups and downs. Any resources that would help me complete that hike and have it as a resource on my phone would be appreciated! . Sign up for our free email to join thousands of readers getting epic travel, hiking, camping and gear ideas every week. When hiking in a group, you should always stay on the trail to avoid creating erosion. Seven Nights in the Wind River Range: Visiting the Popo Agie Wilderness of the Shoshone National Forest, and Catching Cutthroat Trout and Brook Trout by the Score. I have taken backpacking trips to the Cirque of the Towers and Temple Lake area, as well as the Titcomb Basin area; however, I have not completed the WRRT yet. I will be completing the entire route this summer (August 20-September 9, 2016), and will update this post when complete. These walls certainly contain some of the most demanding rock climbs in the lower 48 states. I think most people pass right by this lake, enroute to Upper Silas Lake. Island Lake is beautiful! The only major areas I had to bypass are (from South to North) the Deep Creek Lakes and Ice Lakes, Smith Creek Lakes and Cathedral Lake, Bonneville Basin, Bald Mountain Basin and Cook Lakes, the Peak Lake Area (as described by Kelsey), and the Eastern drainages north of Gannet Peak, which are pretty much impassable due to rough terrain and massive glaciers. This trail is great for backpacking, birding, and camping, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. You'll end up a mile down the road from the parking area for the Bears Ears Trail. Smith Lake is a 7 mile blue singletrack trail located near Popo Agie Wilderness Wyoming. Make your way north past a myriad of small lakes to Crescent Lake. Related objects are relevant to each other in some way, but they don't form a parent/child relationship. The ancient mountain range boasts the most extensive glacial network in the lower 48 states, featuring 130 glaciers and 1,300 pristine alpine lakes filled with trout. 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