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. - Marcel Proust Escape to a Random Place Discover Luzon Lake in Sullivan County, United States and Hilderbrand Lake in Wisconsin, United States . 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. From Temple Pass, descend to the east shore of Temple Lake. Also, this section is described in Pallister's book. It offers panoramic views and excellent backcountry camping without the heavy mileage of its longer cousin. 2023WindRiverVisitorsCouncil. Scab Creek - Medium use 10. The area between the lakes is blessed with many fine . Continue west until you get to the drainage of the Knife Point Glacier, your next destination. " 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 If you are flying in, we recommend the Riverton, Casper, Rock Springs, and Jackson airports. 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 . The Wind River Range is one of the best backpacking + climbing wildernesses in the lower 48. Tyler Wildeck is a writer with a passion for all things outdoors. Denver's central location makes it easy to get the most out of the Rocky Mountain West. The Highline Trail begins at the campground and follows most of the length of the Wind River Range, 80 miles to the south. 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.] Its recommended for the Cirque of the Towers loop that you bring a map and compass and that you know how to use them. You'll touch the east shore of Lonesome Lake, and follow the trail east to Lizard Head Meadows. What if you could link nearly every major cirque and basin in the Winds with one non-technical route? 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. And even during my couple trips to those areas, it seemed absolutely deserted compared to my local trails in Colorado. Check out our in-depth review of Black Tree Resort, a luxury glamping experience that makes camping comfortable and enjoyable for the entire family. Box 925 Why you should go: Start at 10,000 feet and explore Rainbow Lake on this easy-going trail. _Bonneville Basin can be reached by two different ways. East Fork Valley could be a great side trip. I will be completing the entire route this summer (August 20-September 9, 2016), and will update this post when complete. After approximately 2 miles, branch off to the right and ascend for 1 mile to Baptiste Lake. 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. 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. 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. Abiqua Falls is a hidden treasure within the forested trenches of the western Cascades. However, I don't think that style of travel is the best fit for this route. South Pass was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961. Few places in North America are as staggeringly beautiful as Titcomb Basin and Island Lake. Why is this hike so popular? 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. [2][9], Wyoming Highway 28 traverses the modern pass, roughly following the route of the Oregon Trail. Snow usually doesnt melt until mid-May and returns in October, so its a relatively short hiking season around here. This trail is 40.5 mi long with an elevation gain of 7,513 ft. What is the longest trail in Wind River Range? 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. 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. One section of this trail lies along the Highline Trail/Continental Divide Trail, delivering epic views of the iconic Squaretop Mountain, White Rock, and Lower Green River Lake. Looking over Marms Lake Lakes dominate much of the Wind River Range, meaning you don't have to carry too much water. Wind River Range " A great and fun trail with awesome views. Nothing against Iowa, but I consider this one of the greatest gifts my parents have given me. 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 placer gold in the streams was exhausted quickly, however, and by 1870 the miners began leaving the region. We caught our first on a day hike last summer. 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. The Big Piney Ranger District hosts a wide variety of cultural and natural history, recreational opportunities, timber, range, mineral reserves, and wildlife. Its the ideal pack for a high-altitude trek through the Wind River Range. 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. Why, you ask? View Wind River Range Traverse Image Gallery - 1 Images. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. _The Peak Lake Area. The Wind River High Route was pioneered by Andrew Skurka and Buzz Burrell in the late 2000s. Ready to lace up your boots and hit the trail? Justin Glass at a small tarn in the upper valley of Middle Fork Lake on the Wind River High Route, Wyoming. Trailhead Start: Elkhart Park Directions from Pinedale: From the intersection of Pine Street (US 191) and . Elevation Gain: 3,100 feet over 10.5 miles (9,400 ft to 10,626 ft). From this lake, continue southwest past Lake Kagevah to 11,290 foot Kagevah Pass. 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. I've never had slower progress in my life. Hiking plays a part in just about everything I do. The Wind River Range is one of America's most spectacular wilderness ranges. Wildlife is abundant here, and that includes grizzly bears. THUMB LAKE: Its about 6 miles to Thumb lake from the trailhead, 12 miles roundtrip. "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. This hike primary trail can be used both directions and has a hard overall physical rating. After about 1.2 miles, among a few small tarns above the basin floor, cut north to Split Mountain Pass. Odesa Ukraine . The Cirque of the Towers is one of the most popular destinations in Wyoming's Wind River Range. And also from going south from New Fork Lake past Lee Lake. The Wind River Roadless Area also lies within the Wind River Range. Toggle navigationHiking & Walking Home Destinations _The Deep Creek Lakes and Ice Lakes are accessed by an 8-mile round trip dayhike from Tayo Park. Consult guidebooks on the safest way to ascend Indian Pass. Two years ago we came back and hiked to the Cirque of the Towers, so this year I thought it . It is non-technical, but may require technical gear in early-season. From Grave Lake by taking the Hailey Pass trail west to Pyramid Lake, then off-trail north up the East Fork Valley. Just continue north to shallow and picturesque Hay Pass. 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. If you're looking for day-hikes out of GRL, try Slide or even Valaite . I feel that this is all the description needed to arrive safely, without spoiling the adventure too much. Mileage: 17 miles RT From the peak, descend west to the saddle, and northeast down the valley (cirque) to a group of lakes, one of which is Windy Lake. Plus, the camping at Seneca Lake is some of the best camping in the Wind River Range, not to mention its world-class alpine fly fishing, too. An easy six mile hike to Big Sandy Lake provides spectacular views along the way. 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. 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. 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. 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. Weve spent Labor Day weekend here with the kids on a couple of occasions. Keep following the trail past Poison Lake, and finally to Coon Lake. Hike along the eastern ramps and shore of this lake (it is reported that the going is toughest at the beginning southeast end). The sight of the Continental Divide towering over the picturesque Dream Lake is fantastic, so plan to spend a few minutes here soaking in the views before you start your adventure. From Little Sandy Creek, You then continue to Temple Pass. The range spans over 100 miles running roughly from Jackson, WY at its northwest edge, to Atlantic City, WY at its south eastern terminus. Continue climbing northeast, and ascend the south slopes of Atlantic Peak (class 2). Slide Lake Trail features beautiful views throughout. A dazzling Wind River Range brook trout, courtesy of Finis Mitchell. Upper Silas Lake offers great fishing. Indeed, the time where one can write a guidebook without ever leaving home is upon us! As a family, we spend most weekends in the summer and fall hiking the local trails. Although not marked on maps, Split Mountain Pass is the obvious pass directly west of Split Mountain. . From the Elkhart trailhead parking lot, take the Pole Creek Trail directly adjacent to . I think most people pass right by this lake, enroute to Upper Silas Lake. 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. Their caravan of 20 wagons, in place of the usual pack-train, supplied the fur trappers from Fort Bonneville, which they established near the Green River. Anglers: There are golden trout in Thumb Lake. Ashley subsequently established the first Rocky Mountain Rendezvous in 1825. USGS 7.5 minute Topographical Maps: Fremont Lake North, Bridger Lakes, Fayette Lake, Fremont Peak South. The Wind River Range extends for more than 100 miles, the crest forming part of the Continental Divide. Labeled Pinedales most popular day hike, this hike is a guaranteed winner if you can handle the distance. Granite peaks -- 40 of them over 13,000 feet high -- dominate the landscape. 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. To create a loop, youll just want to follow the Lakeside Trail back to the trailhead. 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. You can find her on Instagram at @aka_dmoney. Its worth sharing the trail with more hikers, though, as the dramatic peaks surrounding the Big Sandy Lake Trail will not disappoint! Dont let the length of the Big Sandy Lake Trail deter you! 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. 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. The best route from Baker Lake to Bear Lake is described in Pallister's book, and also Matt Lemke's excellent trip report. The Big Sandy Trailhead is the gateway to several popular backpacking trails, so you will pass more hikers here than in other areas. 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