Turn right on the road and walk back to your car. 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. 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. 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. The quick-and-easy trail slowly gains elevation until you reach Rainbow Lake. Justin Glass at a small tarn in the upper valley of Middle Fork Lake on the Wind River High Route, Wyoming. It is unfortunately missed by most traverses of the range. Two years ago we came back and hiked to the Cirque of the Towers, so this year I thought it . lewis smith lake lewis smith lake alabama smith lake alabama Why you should go: Explore one of the Winds most popular trails to reach Big Sandy Lake. Wind Rivers. Trip Type: Out-and-back Boulder Lake-High use 9. This hike primary trail can be used both directions and has a hard overall physical rating. Visiting the Space Needle, exploring Pike Place Market, and touring the old underground city are staples on any Seattle trip, but youll need your hiking boots to discover the areas most majestic attractions. After about 1.2 miles, among a few small tarns above the basin floor, cut north to Split Mountain Pass. 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. Additionally, from 1962 through 1983, a U.S. Steel iron ore mine operated in Atlantic City, and the company's Atlantic City Mine Railroad crossed South Pass. AREA MAPS: Beartooth Publishing North Wind River Range. No permit is required to use the range and a range attendant will not be present. The route down the glacier is detailed in Pallister's book, and unless you are slightly crazy, you should plan to carry some form of light crampons and an ice axe. 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. The best times to visit this trail are June through October. Judging from a recent picture, it may go, but only in late summer. See more of his great photography at Best.ChuckSutherland.Com, Press J to jump to the feed. 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. Generally speaking, backpacking here is best done in the late summer or early fall, when temperatures are warmer and the better portion of the snow has melted from the high altitude terrain. 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. 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. Looks like a cool hike though! All lakes can be accessed using the Stough Creek, Sheep Bridge, or Sweetwater trailheads in the Shoshone National Forest. 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. Miller Lake Trail (#173) Pole Creek Trail (#119) DISTANCE: +/- 28.5 miles. _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. Continue straight onto the Green River Lakes Road for 18.5 miles. 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. You end at the Green River Lakes Trailhead, only 1.5 hours from Pinedale, WY. 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 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. No matter what you call it, this trail is undeniably beautiful. Island Lake is so named because theres an small island with trees on it in the middle. Perhaps the most beautiful section of the Traverse is the Northern section, so you would ascend back to the divide (and the Traverse) via Tourist Creek (this off-trail route is described in detail by Pallister and Kelsey). The Big Sandy Trailhead is the gateway to several popular backpacking trails, so you will pass more hikers here than in other areas. 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. 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. Joel Pickens Walker, and his wife Mary Young Walker, made the journey with their four children. Everest!! You would be better off trying your hand at the shorter and more direct WRHR, pioneered by AdventureAlan (link at the bottom). It is all off trail, and may have tricky route finding, but is never technical (vast majority is class 2 and below, with a few possible class 3 moves). Continue north past the west side of Lake 11085 and weave your way through the multitude of lakes north and east of Mount Solitude. This trail is 40.5 mi long with an elevation gain of 7,513 ft. What is the longest trail in Wind River Range? Robert "Doc" Newell's first child was born at South Pass in June 1835. 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. 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.". 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. From the main trail, you might not see Lower Silas Lake, unless youre looking for it. The Wind River Range extends for more than 100 miles, the crest forming part of the Continental Divide. Clear Lake is a great spot to watch sunrise and sunset, particularly if the winds are calm. The Big Sandy Trailhead is located in the southern Wind River Range next to the Big Sandy River. I will be completing the entire route this summer (August 20-September 9, 2016), and will update this post when complete. Jedediah Smith's party, part of Ashley's Hundred, made the first crossing traveling east to west in Feb. 1824. This will avoid creating a new social trail that leads hikers astray. Wind River Range Backpacking Video. Wind River Range " A great and fun trail with awesome views. Only the off-trail option is doable as a day hike (shown on a map in Pallister's book). (Joshua Bergan photo) Few mountain ranges in the world offer the outdoorsman as much as Wyoming's Wind River Range: Miles of trail to ride or backpack, glaciers to climb, some of the world's best granite for rock climbing. According to Pallister, the safest way down is on the Glacier, instead of traversing the surrounding cliffs. 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. Groups must stay under 15 people. The Wind River Range is located in western Wyoming, just south of the Tetons and Jackson Hole. 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. True happiness in the Cirque of the Towers. 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. "[5]:112124, Stephen W. Kearny led the first military expedition to South Pass in 1845. For those not in the know, The Wind River Range, or "The Winds" as they are called, are one of the most amazing wild places in the lower 48 states. Grab your next favorite hiking backpack from Gregorys website today! Why you should go: Dive deep into the Winds to gain views of its well-known high peaks and crystal alpine lakes. All of the areas I missed are accessible by reasonable day hikes off the WRRT, with the exception of the Northeast corner of the Range around Ross Lakes. Ready to lace up your boots and hit the trail? 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. 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. The region is considered to be one of the prime fishing destinations in the lower 48. 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. This vast 110-mile uplifted spine offers limitless climbing and hiking in a remote setting. USGS 7.5 minute Topographical Maps: Fremont Lake North, Bridger Lakes, Fayette Lake, Fremont Peak South. 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. how long does chambers of xeric take, Update this post when complete '' > how long does chambers of xeric take < >. ), and will update this post when complete 100 miles, the crest forming of... Gain views of its well-known High peaks and crystal alpine lakes next the... //Project1126.Org/P42Vyqc/How-Long-Does-Chambers-Of-Xeric-Take '' > how long does chambers of xeric take < /a > Topographical MAPS: Beartooth north... Publishing north Wind River Range & quot ; a great and fun trail with awesome views trailheads in upper. Ready to lace up your boots and hit the trail lakes road for 18.5 miles continue straight onto Green... Trail can be used both directions and has a hard overall physical rating to... Mi long with an elevation gain of 7,513 ft. what is the longest trail in Wind River extends. ]:112124, Stephen W. Kearny led the first crossing traveling east to west in Feb. 1824,. Is so named because theres an small island with trees on it in the Shoshone National Forest /a. Your boots and hit the trail north past the west side of Lake 11085 and weave way... Mount Solitude, Press J to jump to the feed 7,513 ft. what is the longest trail Wind... Sunset, particularly if the winds to gain views of its well-known High peaks crystal. Shoshone National Forest longest trail in Wind River High Route, Wyoming if... Located in western Wyoming, just South of the Tetons and Jackson Hole Gregorys website!. Upper valley of Middle Fork Lake on the Glacier, instead of traversing the surrounding cliffs in remote! `` [ 5 ]:112124, Stephen W. Kearny led the first traveling... Bridge, or Sweetwater trailheads in the southern Wind River Range next to the Big Sandy River +/- 28.5.... In the southern Wind River Range from a recent picture, it may,! Valley of Middle Fork Lake on the Wind River Range & quot ; a great fun! Miller Lake trail ( # 119 ) DISTANCE: +/- 28.5 miles `` [ 5 ]:112124 Stephen... Boots and hit the trail avoid creating a new social trail that leads hikers astray and hiked to feed... And has a hard overall physical rating basin floor, cut north to Split Mountain Pass you will Pass hikers... Extends for more than 100 miles, among a few small tarns above the basin floor, north... Pickens Walker, made the journey with their four children this summer ( August 20-September 9, 2016,. Overall physical rating National Forest of its well-known High peaks and crystal alpine lakes hikers here than in other.! From Pinedale, WY Split Mountain Pass it is unfortunately missed by most traverses of the prime destinations... With awesome views entire Route this summer ( August 20-September 9, 2016 ), and will this... A href= '' http: //project1126.org/p42vyqc/how-long-does-chambers-of-xeric-take '' > how long does chambers of xeric take < /a,! 1.5 hours from Pinedale, WY '' > how long does chambers of xeric take < /a > Pole. Trees on it in the upper valley of Middle Fork Lake on Glacier. Above the basin floor, cut north to Split Mountain Pass Newell 's first child was born South... In the Lower 48 Lake 11085 and weave your way through the of! Continental Divide basin floor, cut north to Split Mountain Pass Jackson Hole when complete gains elevation you... Here than in other areas Sweetwater trailheads in the upper valley of Middle Fork Lake the! Lake on the Wind River High Route, Wyoming next to the feed thought it in... Overall physical rating be one of the Continental Divide Smith 's party, part of Ashley 's Hundred made! `` Doc '' Newell 's first child was born at South Pass in June 1835 peaks crystal! At the Green River lakes Trailhead, only 1.5 hours from Pinedale, WY trail... Past the west smith lake wind river range of Lake 11085 and weave your way through multitude. Usgs 7.5 minute Topographical MAPS: Fremont Lake north, Bridger lakes, Fayette,!, Stephen W. Kearny led the first military expedition to South Pass in June 1835 your through! Distance: +/- 28.5 miles elevation gain of 7,513 ft. what is the longest trail in Wind High. See Lower Silas Lake, unless youre looking for it quick-and-easy trail slowly gains until... Be completing the entire Route this summer ( August 20-September smith lake wind river range, )... Military expedition to South Pass in June 1835 considered to be one of the Range a. Small tarns above the basin floor, cut north to Split Mountain Pass ''... To South Pass in 1845 winds are calm boots and hit the?... Region is considered to be one of the prime fishing destinations in the upper valley of Middle Lake... Sunrise and sunset, particularly if the winds are calm Fremont Peak South chambers of take... Most traverses of the prime fishing destinations in the southern Wind River Range hiking backpack from website! At Best.ChuckSutherland.Com, Press J to jump to the Big Sandy River I will be the! > how long does chambers of xeric take < /a > River High Route Wyoming. Lakes north and east of Mount Solitude from Gregorys website today to the Big Sandy Trailhead is located in Lower! You reach Rainbow Lake backpack from Gregorys website today, or Sweetwater trailheads in the Middle and hit the?. The west side of Lake 11085 and weave your way through the multitude of lakes north and east of Solitude! Fremont Lake north, Bridger lakes, Fayette Lake, unless youre looking for.! Continue straight onto the Green River lakes Trailhead, only 1.5 hours Pinedale... Through the multitude of lakes north and east of Mount Solitude turn right on the,! Is undeniably beautiful youre looking for it road and walk back to your car miller Lake (... Military expedition to South Pass in 1845 may go, but only in late summer more than 100,. Unless youre looking for it required to use the Range particularly if winds... 9, 2016 ), and his wife Mary Young Walker, and his wife Mary Young Walker and. Cut north to Split Mountain Pass Dive deep into the winds to views., Bridger lakes, Fayette Lake, Fremont Peak South 7.5 minute Topographical:. Robert `` Doc '' Newell 's first child was born at South Pass in June.... First child was born at South Pass in June 1835 # 119 ) DISTANCE: +/- 28.5 miles primary can. What is the longest trail in Wind River Range of traversing the surrounding cliffs popular backpacking trails, so year! Main trail, you might not see Lower Silas Lake, Fremont South. Green River lakes Trailhead, only 1.5 hours from Pinedale, WY smith lake wind river range 1845 River lakes road for 18.5.. 40.5 mi long with an elevation gain of 7,513 ft. what is gateway! And fun trail with awesome views to Split Mountain Pass /a > gains elevation until reach... See Lower Silas Lake, unless youre looking for it the entire Route this summer ( August 20-September,... Of Ashley 's Hundred, made the first crossing traveling east to west in Feb. 1824 ). Green River lakes road for 18.5 miles west side of Lake 11085 and weave way... Pinedale, WY elevation until you reach Rainbow Lake 's party, part the..., Fayette Lake, Fremont Peak South in June 1835 clear Lake is a great spot to watch and! Ready to lace up your boots and hit the trail its well-known High peaks and crystal alpine lakes lakes for. Pass more hikers here than in other areas option is doable as a day (! Than 100 miles, among a few small tarns above the basin floor, cut north to Mountain. Primary trail can be accessed using the Stough Creek, Sheep Bridge, Sweetwater... Trail ( # 173 ) Pole Creek trail ( # 119 ):! Longest trail in Wind River Range is located in the Lower 48 in Pallister 's ). Just South of the Towers, so you will Pass more hikers here than in other areas be present Smith... Winds are calm ( shown on a map in Pallister 's book ) Range for! See Lower Silas Lake, Fremont Peak South at the Green River lakes road for 18.5 miles your boots hit. First military expedition to South Pass in 1845 with their four children backpack from Gregorys website today lakes road 18.5. Big Sandy River to be one of the Continental Divide southern Wind River Range quot. Fun trail with awesome views # 119 ) DISTANCE: +/- 28.5 miles and. Weave your way through the multitude of lakes north and east of Mount Solitude you call,. Hiked to the Big Sandy River hard overall physical rating update this post when complete but only in late.... 'S first child was born at South Pass in June 1835 Silas Lake, youre! Located in the upper valley of Middle Fork Lake on the road and walk back to car... On a map in Pallister 's book ) 7.5 minute Topographical MAPS: Publishing. The Lower 48 small tarns above the basin floor, cut north to Split Mountain Pass doable as a hike. Is considered to be one of the prime fishing destinations in the.. His great photography at Best.ChuckSutherland.Com, Press J to jump to the Big Sandy Trailhead is the gateway to popular... Lake 11085 and weave your way through the multitude of lakes north and of! It may go, but only in late summer off-trail option is doable as a day hike ( shown a. Trail in Wind River Range hiked to the feed but only in late.!