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. Wind River Range Backpacking Video. Once on the trail, consider spending the first night at Hobbs Lake or Seneca Lake and progressing on to Island Lake for the second. Wildlife is abundant here, and that includes grizzly bears. The archery range on Berlin Lake Wildlife Area is open sunrise-sunset, except during holidays, and is free-of-charge. 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. Looks like a cool hike though! Call 307.438.970 or Email windrivershuttle@gmail.com to Book For point-to-point trips, we recommend we meet you at your take-out point and we shuttle you to your start location. Ready to lace up your boots and hit the trail? 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.". For the last five years the mythical Wind Rivers have eluded my presence. That's the question that this project tries to solve, and I think I've succeeded. It is fine country to wander through. 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. 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. A dazzling Wind River Range brook trout, courtesy of Finis Mitchell. Weve spent Labor Day weekend here with the kids on a couple of occasions. This is one big lake but it seemed like a challenging place to find a campsite due to the steep, rocky shoreline. If so, I believe only slightly, for I've done my research based on the authorities on the Wind Rivers. From Big Sandy Lake, switchback north on the well-worn trail to Lonesome Lake in 3 miles. [5]:110,113[4]:158, In 1842, John C. Fremont led a United States Army Corps of Topographical Engineers expedition to survey South Pass. Anglers: There are golden trout in Thumb Lake. Try traveling this trail anytime between May and September, but remember: Its always a good idea to check the snowpack reports. 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. 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. Best of all, nowhere else in the world do golden trout grow as big. Backpackers should also check snowpack levels in order to determine the best time to hit the trail without encountering too much snow. Trip Type: Out-and-back 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. There are a few creek crossings along this trail that can be tricky during high-water seasons, though, so checking the trail conditions is a must for this one. It was also the first big wall climb outside of Yosemite to be rated at Grade VI, a very serious, multi-day rock climb with a long and arduous approach. Slide Lake Trail is a wonderful, well-maintained trail thats the perfect addition to any adventure itinerary. My name is Shelli Johnson, and I love to hike. From this lake, continue southwest past Lake Kagevah to 11,290 foot Kagevah Pass. From here, there is a maintained trail all the way to Big Sandy Lake. The Pass lies in southwestern Fremont County, approximately 35 miles (56km) SSW of Lander. EXTREME WX CATEGORIES CITIES & VALUES: Temperature Dewpoint Heat Index Wind Wind Chill Pressure Pressure Change 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. Mosquitoes are treacherous here in the Winds during the warmer months. This we know. Earthwalk Press publishes two Wind River Range overview maps (one for the northern part of the range, and another for the southern portion). . Depending on where you decide to camp, there may or may not be trees large enough to create bear hangs, so bear canisters may be the most sensible option. Additional Read: 11 Amazing Wyoming Cabin Rentals To Warm Your Soul. 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. 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. The Big Piney Ranger District hosts a wide variety of cultural and natural history, recreational opportunities, timber, range, mineral reserves, and wildlife. 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. After approximately 2 miles, branch off to the right and ascend for 1 mile to Baptiste Lake. Rainbow Lake is a popular fishing destination, so hikers typically bring along fishing poles to spend a relaxing afternoon on the water. From the Pole Creek Trail, you will see a trail that diverts and is labeled as Photographers Point. 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. 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. 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. Should this affect the validity of this most grand route I have prepared? 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. 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. Island Lake is so named because theres an small island with trees on it in the middle. It is overused and the alpine tundra is fragile. 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. East Fork Valley could be a great side trip. Only Island Lake and Titcomb Basin come close in popularity. Grab your next favorite hiking backpack from Gregorys website today! Its the ideal pack for a high-altitude trek through the Wind River Range. I'm very interested in this hike right here: https://www.yellowstonepark.com/things-to-do/smith-lake-basin-in-wyomings-wind-river-range-is-a-hikers-haven and I am wondering if anyone could point me to a trail map or something along those lines to visualize what I would be doing. The trail then follows a loop around the lake before returning back to the original junction. Given the easy elevation gain and well maintained trail, this is a great choice for families. by Joan Pendleton. Beefcake!" 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. Continue north past the west side of Lake 11085 and weave your way through the multitude of lakes north and east of Mount Solitude. As far as camping, it sounds like you could potentially camp anywhere along this section. Seneca Lake is right at the beginning of some of the most spectacular high alpine climbing and backpacking routes. 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. Joe Kelsey says the following of this area, "Hall's Lake sits at 10,602 feet in the midst of a large area decreed trailless by the Forest Service. 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. [5]:7982, In 1834, Nathaniel Jarvis Wyeth led the first Methodist missionaries Jason Lee, Daniel Lee, and Cyrus Shepard across the pass. Wind River Backcountry Rock Location Wind River Range Season Summer - Fall Difficulty Moderate - Hard Duration 5 - 7 Days 1 2 Overview Jackson Hole Mountain Guides have been climbing in the Winds for decades, and have racked up an impressive list of ascents of many of their finest routes. Mileage: 23-24 miles RT From the cabin, simply follow trails for less than a mile, crossing west over the Green River bridge, to the Green River Lakes TH. The section from Big Sandy Lake to the Cirque of the Towers will be the busiest part of the entire WRRT. Following the partly maintained Christina Pass Trail starting east of the trailhead at Sweetwater Guard Station (not at the end of the 2-mile dirt road to the normal Sweetwater Gap TH), you hike approximately 3 miles to the intersection with the North Fork of Blair Creek. Lander, WY 82520. Check Out Our Perks and Open Positions, Lets Get Spooky! Additional Read: 12 Best Airbnbs in Wyoming for a Taste of the American West. The trail cuts away from Seneca Lake and drops way, way down. From Lake 10,542, travel northwest through the rugged valley containing Long Lake (Lake 10,683). - Marcel Proust Escape to a Random Place Discover Luzon Lake in Sullivan County, United States and Hilderbrand Lake in Wisconsin, United States . Matthew Dickerson July 18-25. Approximately 4 miles south of Dubois, on Hwy 26/287. 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. 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. Indeed, the time where one can write a guidebook without ever leaving home is upon us! 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. It was designated as a U.S. National Historic Landmark on January 20, 1961. From Windy Lake Basin, make your way east to the top of the plateau, as described in Nancy Palister's book "Beyond Trails." I'm kind of a Granger fan so the thought of taking 2 of those is something I look forward to. We ended up at Boulder Lake Campground through another gift of serendipity. When approaching from Temple Pass, avoid descending to Lake 10,839 by a messy traverse." (It takes about 45 minutes to drive from Lander, WY, up the switchbacks and to the Christina Lake Trailhead.). Wind River Mountains Topographic Map - Northern Half by Beartooth Mapping. For a while we were losing so much eleveation I thought we might have taken a wrong turn. 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. Elevation Gain: 3,100 feet over 10.5 miles (9,400 ft to 10,626 ft). Stretching over 100 miles along the Continental Divide, the Wind River Range in Wyoming is an oft-missed treasure trove for backcountry exploration. Wind River Range " A great and fun trail with awesome views. The Seneca Lake out-and-back trip is a modified version of the Wind River classic. Trailhead Start: Big Sandy Trailhead Brother Benny overlooking Harrower Peak and Indian Basin on our second day in the Wind Rivers. https://youtu.be/aeQ61IH9fv4A six day solo backpacking loop in Wyoming's Wind River Range starting at Boulder Canyon trail head. Wildlife, Create Recommended Route or Thumb Lake is just a mile or so above Island Lake, and its worth the extra effort to see it. wildflowers, Big Sandy Lake, Wind River range, WY. Slide Lake Trail features beautiful views throughout. Almost to the top of the tall mountain, Jerry remarked he wished I would have asked for expensive jewelry instead. 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. You end at the Green River Lakes Trailhead, only 1.5 hours from Pinedale, WY. We always see fish and big fish at that but were seldom able to trick them into biting our line. In addition to the 43,000-acres of lakes and reservoirs, and 2,000 miles of streams and rivers, including the 185-mile Wind River, there is an abundance of fish and a lack of people. Daniell is a freelance writer based out of Fort Collins, Colorado. Its also a great camping destination. 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. 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. Elevation Gain: 2,500 feet over 8.5 miles (9,100 ft to 11,300 ft). If UpperSilas Lake is your destination, you go right, and cross Silas Creek, then stay right again. Burnt Lake - Low use 8. 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. This article is about my favorite day hikes, not my favorite epic day hikes. The Lakeside Trail takes you deep into the forest of the Wind River Range, giving you a broad perspective of the magnificent range. Hike through forest and up the rolling trail for about another mile before arriving at Upper Silas Lake. We hiked to Clear Lake in the Winds from the Green River Lakes TH. Unless any of you are crazy enough to try it with me! (1), Comments One of these lakes goes by the alias "Flying Monkey Lake" (not on maps), and is the home of the largest Golden Trout in the world. From Grave Lake by taking the Hailey Pass trail west to Pyramid Lake, then off-trail north up the East Fork Valley. The pass south of Lee Lake is said to be difficult talus. The best times to visit this trail are June through October. The rest of the route is described in Nancy Palister's book, called the Goat-friendly High Route. The East face of Mt. 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. They thrive in cold water and are typically only . I think most people pass right by this lake, enroute to Upper Silas Lake. This is the only small section of the WRRT where these tools may be required. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. Our three sons, from very young ages, have enjoyed this hike with us. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Allrightsreserved. Hike along the eastern ramps and shore of this lake (it is reported that the going is toughest at the beginning southeast end). . The district maintains 300 miles of system trails, 25 . Titcomb Basin, along with the Cirque of the Towers area, may be the only sections where you will see more than a small handful of people. Trip Type: Out-and-back 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. Lower Silas Lake: Its about 2 miles to Lower Silas Lake, 4 miles roundtrip. From Temple Pass, descend to the east shore of Temple Lake. To create a loop, youll just want to follow the Lakeside Trail back to the trailhead. Includes correspondence, Harvey's writing drafts and notes for an unpublished book on the CUP, federal documents, project litigation materials, subject files, news clippings, newsletters, programs . Gold mining was revived in nearby Rock Creek in the 1930s. Although the Wind River Range is not quite as tall on average as the Rockies, altitude is still a major consideration for backpackers and hikers alike, particularly at elevations above 9,000 feet. 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. Considering taking a trip with your trail pup? Mileage: 17 miles RT "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. Weve caught a lot of brook trout here, nothing big, but the catching is pretty good in our experience. 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. 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. You would be better off trying your hand at the shorter and more direct WRHR, pioneered by AdventureAlan (link at the bottom). The Dyrt PRO lets you download maps and campgrounds without cell service. Sprawled in the shadow of 14,115-foot Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs is the type of city that boasts the best of all worlds. The goal of the WRRT is to traverse the entirety of the Wind River Range in the most scenic and spectacular way possible. It follows the crest of the Wind River Range in Wyoming, both off-trail and on-trail, for approximately 135 miles, giving special emphasis on staying close to the Continental Divide in the most scenic alpine areas. The trail begins at the Big Sandy Campground and offers a wide, well-marked walking path up to the lake. 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 . 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 Highline Trail begins at the campground and follows most of the length of the Wind River Range, 80 miles to the south. UPPER SILAS LAKE: Its about 3 miles from the trailhead to Upper Silas Lake, 6 miles roundtrip. I will be completing the entire route this summer (August 20-September 9, 2016), and will update this post when complete. 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. In his 1843 expedition, Fremont was able to determine the elevation of the pass at 7,490 feet above sea level. Mileage: 29-30 miles RT by Daniell LaFleur This hike primary trail can be used both directions and has a hard overall physical rating. The Wind River Range Traverse (WRRT) is the finest non-technical alpine backpacking route in the lower 48 states. 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. In fact, my most epic day hike in the Wind River Range was on my birthday one year. You end up where Palister calls "Shangri-La." 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