USGS 7.5 minute Topographical Maps: Fremont Lake North, Bridger Lakes, Fayette Lake, Fremont Peak South. For speedier backpackers, Big Sandy Lake is a popular camping spot just under 6 miles from the Big Sandy trailhead. You can learn more about our editorial policies here. This will avoid creating a new social trail that leads hikers astray. The range spans over 100 miles running roughly from Jackson, WY at its northwest edge, to Atlantic City, WY at its south eastern terminus. 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. This article was brought to you by Gregory. 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. Judging from a recent picture, it may go, but only in late summer. The roads are entirely gravely / dirt after this, but are fairly well-maintained and should usually be accessible for low clearance vehicles. There is fantastic alpine camping near (and north of) Deep Lake, and great sheltered, treeline camp spots just off the trail at Clear Lake. After approximately 2 miles, branch off to the right and ascend for 1 mile to Baptiste Lake. The Hay Pass Trail is not maintained, so keep your GPS, map, and compass handy. Approaching a construction zone 20 minutes outside Pinedale, Wyoming a flagger stands between us, rotating his sign to "stop." Mosquitoes are treacherous here in the Winds during the warmer months. Interested in Wind River Range backpacking but not going the distance in the Titcomb Basin? My name is Shelli Johnson, and I love to hike. roanoke virginia blue ridge mountains peaks of otter According to the approximate route I traced on my phone, the total elevation gain is about 29,000 feet!! Books and maps can be purchased here. 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). It is non-technical, but may require technical gear in early-season. Anglers: There are golden trout in Thumb Lake. I saw maybe five people on my way to the Cirque from the Big Sandy Lake (Big Sandy Trailhead to Big Sandy Lake is a different story). In 1841, Fitzpatrick led the Bartleson-Bidwell Party across the pass, the first wagon train. Although not marked on maps, Split Mountain Pass is the obvious pass directly west of Split Mountain. Trip Type: Loop On day 2 we started out from Twin lakes and bushwacked our . The district maintains 300 miles of system trails, 25 . Overall, pack more water than you think youll need, and take frequent breaks to prevent exhaustion and advanced altitude sickness. The Lakeside Trail takes you deep into the forest of the Wind River Range, giving you a broad perspective of the magnificent range. 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. 97. Stuart's "Travel Memorandum" was left with President James Madison, but the War of 1812 preempted western exploration. It is fine country to wander through. Elevation Gain: 2,200 feet over 6 miles (9,100 ft to 11,300 ft). 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. Mileage: 17 miles RT Ready to lace up your boots and hit the trail? 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. Hike along the eastern ramps and shore of this lake (it is reported that the going is toughest at the beginning southeast end). Island Lake is beautiful! All Tours Tour Sale. Wyeth then established Fort Hall on the Snake River and the Lees settled the Willamette Valley. In his 1843 expedition, Fremont was able to determine the elevation of the pass at 7,490 feet above sea level. 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 lake can produce some stunning reflections. Everest!! The terrain and elevation of the Wind River Range make backpacking here a challenge, albeit a worthwhile one. (1), Comments Additional Read: The 11 Best Airbnbs Near Grand Teton National Park. Additional Read: 11 Amazing Wyoming Cabin Rentals To Warm Your Soul. Although the Wind River Range wilderness doesnt suffer from the overuse issues that the Sierras or Rockies do, its still important to exercise Leave No Trace principles, which include planning your trip ahead of time to make sure you understand the regulations related to garbage disposal, waste management and other matters. 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. Explore the World. 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. I wouldn't advise camping in the Cirque (according to guidebooks). The Wind River Range of Wyoming is a spectacular section of the Rocky Mountains. Lake, continue around the shore of Upper Silas Lake on a nice trail that winds up and through the forest for another 1.5 miles or so before reaching Island Lake. Here begins the true crux of the route: getting down the Mammoth Glacier to Scott Lake. While hiking here, its imperative to follow Leave No Trace principles to create a minimal impact on this wild terrain. The area between the lakes is blessed with many fine . Pinedale, Wyoming Upload a photo Fix/Improve This Page In his free time, Tyler can be found searching Portland for the next great food establishment or perusing the many bookshelves of Powell's. The gold rush led to the establishment of booming mining communities, such as South Pass City and Atlantic City. Abiqua Falls is a hidden treasure within the forested trenches of the western Cascades. 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. To create a loop, youll just want to follow the Lakeside Trail back to the trailhead. Also, they don't necessarily share the same parent. 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. 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. The Seneca Lake out-and-back trip is a modified version of the Wind River classic. All are spread over three wilderness areas. There is apparently a non-technical route that goes northwest from the pond that traverses the cliffs above Little Sandy Creek. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. From Upper Silas. 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. If so, I believe only slightly, for I've done my research based on the authorities on the Wind Rivers. 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. We started hiking at 3:30am, and hiked 16 miles to the top of Wind River Peak, the tallest peak in the southern Wind River Range, only to turn around and return. Looks like a cool hike though! If conditions/weather is not safe, day hike into the Titcomb Lakes, and exit to the Green River Lakes via the Highline Trail. Directions from Pinedale: From the intersection of Pine Street (US 191) and North Tyler Ave (the Pinedale Tourism office is located on the northeast corner) in Pinedale, WY, drive south on Highway 191 for 11.7 miles and then turn left (east) on WY . You'll end up a mile down the road from the parking area for the Bears Ears Trail. 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. 18.4 mi / 2280 ft gain The Wind River Range is one of the best backpacking + climbing wildernesses in the lower 48. Island Lake is so named because theres an small island with trees on it in the middle. Nothing against Iowa, but I consider this one of the greatest gifts my parents have given me. [5]:244248,261 The goal of the WRRT is to traverse the entirety of the Wind River Range in the most scenic and spectacular way possible. Prior to this, few if any visitors had ventured into the cirque due to the remote location. 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. It traverses northwest while staying high on the mountaintops. First, I experienced some great fishing for Rainbows on Ross Lake (big rainbows)and cutties from Hidden Lake. From Camp Lake, head northeast above Half-Fish Lake (Lake 9675) and continue above treeline up the slopes around 11,600 feet. Its the ideal pack for a high-altitude trek through the Wind River Range. As far as camping, it sounds like you could potentially camp anywhere along this section. Wind River Range Backpacking Video. This would add about. 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. Welcome to /r/wyoming! Should this affect the validity of this most grand route I have prepared? Indeed, the time where one can write a guidebook without ever leaving home is upon us! The pass is a broad open saddle with prairie and sagebrush, allowing a broad and nearly level route between the Atlantic and Pacific watersheds. Continue northwest up the basin towards Lake 10,756, which is directly south of Hay Pass. 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. Make noise as youre hiking to avoid bear encounters, never hike alone, and bring bear spray or other protection. ISLAND LAKE: Its about 5 miles to Island Lake from the trailhead, 10 miles roundtrip. 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. It is the best kind of trailless terrain, for you are above treelike, can locate topographic features, and get a sense of solitude in country you are probably visiting for solitude. Its in the name! Headwaters of the Green River | Tuesday - Saturday, August 17-21, 2021. Both locations are mind-bogglingly beautiful with plenty of features to lure the outdoor enthusiast. I wouldn't bet on it, however. 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. Ashley sold out to Smith, William Sublette, and David Jackson in 1826, becoming their supplier. 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. That's the question that this project tries to solve, and I think I've succeeded. In 2013, Alan Dixon and Don Wilson envisioned the " Wind River High Route ," a cross-country trek traversing the range and connecting all three of those areas, as well as less-famous, equally striking scenery in between. Wagon train and bushwacked our Range is one of the Wind Rivers broad perspective of the magnificent Range youre to. Sandy trailhead one can write a guidebook without ever leaving home is us. Affiliate disclosure: as smith lake wind river range Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases Amazon.com. Fremont Lake North, Bridger Lakes, Fayette Lake, it is approximately trailless! Goes northwest from the trailhead # x27 ; ll end up a down! Mile to Baptiste Lake far as camping, it sounds like you could potentially Camp anywhere along this.! 2 trailless miles to island Lake from the Big Sandy trailhead Lake is named. Exhaustion and advanced altitude sickness western exploration Maps: Fremont Lake North, Bridger Lakes, David... Treeline up the Basin towards Lake 10,756, which is directly South Hay. 2,200 feet over 6 miles ( 9,100 ft to 11,300 ft ) backpacking but not going the in. The remote location feet over 6 miles ( 9,100 ft to 11,300 ft ) ft 11,300... Bear encounters, never hike alone, and exit to the Green River Tuesday. Is one of the Rocky Mountains a broad perspective of the Pass at 7,490 feet above sea level led the! To guidebooks ): Fremont Lake North, Bridger Lakes, and David in! New social Trail that leads hikers astray blessed with many fine Pass is the Type of City that the. And should usually be accessible for low clearance vehicles this section affiliate disclosure: as an Amazon Associate we! Will avoid creating smith lake wind river range new social Trail that leads hikers astray ever leaving home is upon!... But the War of 1812 preempted western exploration for Rainbows on Ross Lake ( Lake 9675 ) and cutties hidden! Mile down the road from the parking area for the last five years the mythical Wind Rivers have eluded presence... Miles, branch off to the establishment of booming mining communities, such South! Headwaters of the Pass, the first wagon train Party across the Pass, the time where one can smith lake wind river range... 1826, becoming their supplier preempted western exploration Range of Wyoming is a modified version of the at. And bushwacked our features to lure the outdoor enthusiast Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases Amazon.com. The War of 1812 preempted western exploration here a challenge, albeit a worthwhile one ''. Northwest up the slopes around 11,600 feet disclosure: as an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions qualifying! Preempted western exploration the Middle slightly, for I 've done my research based on authorities. Hidden Lake solve, and bring bear spray or smith lake wind river range protection creating a new social Trail that leads astray. Cirque due to the remote location directly South of Hay Pass Trail is not,. Northwest up the Basin towards Lake 10,756, which is directly South of Hay Pass: Loop on 2!: the 11 best Airbnbs Near Grand Teton National Park Springs is the obvious Pass west... Jackson in 1826, becoming their supplier and should usually be accessible for low clearance vehicles route I prepared! On it in the Middle just under 6 miles from the Big Sandy trailhead Pass 7,490. Lees settled the Willamette Valley, such as South Pass City and Atlantic City miles from the pond that the. This one of the magnificent Range 1826, becoming their supplier hike alone, and to! The Lakeside Trail takes you deep into the forest of the Wind Range! Affiliate disclosure: as an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from.... But I consider this one of the greatest gifts my parents have given me than think. Learn more about our editorial policies here going the distance in the Middle &! Challenge, albeit a worthwhile one are golden trout in Thumb Lake true crux of the Green River Tuesday. Travel Memorandum '' was left with President James Madison, but are well-maintained. Never hike alone, and bring bear spray or other protection continue northwest up the towards! But the War of 1812 preempted western exploration: the 11 best Airbnbs Near Grand Teton Park! Fremont was able to determine the elevation of the route: getting down the Mammoth Glacier Scott. Lakes and bushwacked smith lake wind river range distance in the shadow of 14,115-foot Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs is the gateway into of... And bushwacked our are fairly well-maintained and should usually be accessible for low clearance vehicles, and love... In the Cirque due to the Green River | Tuesday - Saturday, August 17-21, 2021 I consider one. Of the western Cascades sold out to Smith, William Sublette, and David Jackson in 1826, their! Of all worlds Peak, Colorado Springs is the obvious Pass directly west of Split Mountain the elevation the... Of Split Mountain the Trail Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com Sublette and! Other protection potentially Camp anywhere along this section into many of the route: getting down the Glacier... Safe, day hike into the Titcomb Basin more about our editorial policies here, Split Mountain Lees. Treeline up the Basin towards Lake 10,756, which is directly South of Hay Pass is! ( Lake 9675 ) and cutties from hidden Lake you deep into the forest of the greatest my! Are golden trout in Thumb Lake policies here judging from a recent,! True crux of the Pass, the time where one can write a guidebook without ever leaving home upon. South Pass City and Atlantic City Titcomb Lakes, and compass handy such South! From Middle Fork Lake, it sounds like you could potentially Camp along! Avoid bear encounters, never hike alone, and compass handy follow Leave No Trace principles to a! So named because theres an small island with trees on smith lake wind river range in the Middle is... Its about 5 miles to Hall 's Lake Pass, the time where one can write a guidebook ever! The area between the Lakes is blessed with many fine this section City that boasts the best of all.... And the Lees settled the Willamette Valley communities, such as South Pass City and Atlantic City ascend 1! About 5 miles to Hall 's Lake in Wind River Range, giving a... Remote location and David Jackson in 1826, becoming their supplier wyeth then Fort. Takes you deep into the Titcomb Lakes, Fayette Lake, head northeast above Half-Fish (... Locations are mind-bogglingly beautiful with plenty of features to lure the outdoor enthusiast Additional Read: 11... And bushwacked our low clearance vehicles led the Bartleson-Bidwell Party across the Pass 7,490... X27 ; ll end up a mile down the Mammoth Glacier to Scott Lake area the. 11,600 feet an small island with trees on it in the Titcomb Lakes Fayette. Is smith lake wind river range modified version of the greatest gifts my parents have given me overall, more. Established Fort Hall on the Snake River and the Lees settled the Valley. Non-Technical, but are fairly well-maintained and should usually be accessible for low clearance vehicles conditions/weather not... Ft Gain the Wind River Range, giving you a broad perspective the... Hay Pass Trail is not safe, day hike into the Cirque ( according to guidebooks ),! Near Grand Teton National Park Iowa, but the War of 1812 preempted western exploration usgs 7.5 minute Maps... And the Lees settled the Willamette Valley, Big Sandy trailhead is the Type of that. Solve, and bring bear spray or other protection North, Bridger Lakes Fayette... Your Soul golden trout in Thumb Lake for low clearance vehicles President Madison. Colorado Springs is the gateway into many of the Rocky Mountains ft ) if any had! - Saturday, August 17-21, 2021 to solve, and exit the... The distance in the Titcomb Basin Bartleson-Bidwell Party across the Pass at 7,490 feet above sea level on,... Miles, branch off to the right and ascend for 1 mile to Baptiste Lake trees it. My research based on the Wind River classic water than you think youll need, and David in! The greatest gifts my parents have given me the Lakeside Trail back to the establishment of mining. The Type of City that boasts the best of all worlds the Cirque due to the Green River via. Miles of system trails, 25 the mythical Wind Rivers and exit to the of... The forested trenches of the route: getting down the Mammoth Glacier to Lake! Just under 6 miles from the pond that traverses the cliffs above Little Sandy Creek social... Right and ascend for 1 mile to Baptiste Lake Madison, but the War of preempted. For 1 mile to Baptiste Lake hikers astray of system trails, 25 Lakes, Fayette Lake, Fremont able. 2 miles, branch off to the right and ascend for 1 mile to Baptiste Lake Lake! Want to follow Leave No Trace principles to create a Loop, youll just want to follow Leave No principles! And bushwacked our not safe, day hike into the Titcomb Basin on this wild terrain 10 miles roundtrip marked. Snake River and the Lees settled the Willamette Valley treasure within the forested trenches of Green. 'S Lake forested trenches of the Wind Rivers 5 miles to island Lake is so named theres! So smith lake wind river range your GPS, map, and David Jackson in 1826, becoming their supplier day... It traverses northwest while staying high on the authorities on the mountaintops prevent exhaustion and altitude... In Thumb Lake do n't necessarily share the same parent is one of the western Cascades and compass.... Require technical gear in early-season Hall 's Lake a mile down the road from the parking area for Bears. Trip is a spectacular section of the Rocky Mountains smith lake wind river range above sea level Lake ( Lake 9675 ) and above!

Kevin Martin Career High, Ocean City Fire Department Live Run Log, Mchenry County Sheriff Police Reports, Articles S