To Hike to Lake Louise: Its about 2.5 miles to Lake Louise, 5 miles roundtrip. You can find her on Instagram at @aka_dmoney. Best reached from Pinedale, this trail goes by a few names. Slide Creek Falls is a unique waterfall thats not very known unless you look at a topo map. The Wind River Range has endless opportunities for backcountry camping each more beautiful and peaceful than the last. 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. 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. The Pass lies in southwestern Fremont County, approximately 35 miles (56 km) SSW of Lander . Robert "Doc" Newell's first child was born at South Pass in June 1835. Judging from a recent picture, it may go, but only in late summer. Tyler Wildeck is a writer with a passion for all things outdoors. Credit /u/chucksutherland for our awesome banner. 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. Camping near Halls Lake or further along at the Golden Lakes (just north of Hay Pass in the next section) would be recommended. The gold rush led to the establishment of booming mining communities, such as South Pass City and Atlantic City. We released them all, but it was quite a day. All in all, its a highly accessible backpackers dream. An easy six mile hike to Big Sandy Lake provides spectacular views along the way. Great news: Dads Lake is a dog-friendly trail, just be sure to bring a leash along. There is fantastic alpine camping near (and north of) Deep Lake, and great sheltered, treeline camp spots just off the trail at Clear Lake. 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. The quick-and-easy trail slowly gains elevation until you reach Rainbow Lake. For more information please visit The State of Wyoming's website. Its conveniently situated right in the middle of the range, providing ample opportunities to stock up on food, water, and supplies in this beautiful part of the country. I highly recommend checking trail conditions before committing to a trail. The range is also home to some of North America's largest glaciers. To create a loop, youll just want to follow the Lakeside Trail back to the trailhead. 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. Hike along the eastern ramps and shore of this lake (it is reported that the going is toughest at the beginning southeast end). The Dorothy Harvey papers (1902-2005) is a collection of materials focusing on the Central Utah Project (CUP), a water resource development program to use Utah's alloted share of the Colorado River. Directions from Pinedale: From the intersection of Pine Street (US 191) and . The 2022 Glampys: The Coolest Glampsites You Can Book Right Now, The Dyrt Is Hiring! Hidden Lake can be reached by bushwacking 2 miles from Ross Lake. 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. It contains 449,000 acres of snow-capped mountain peaks, lush vegetation and clear mountain lakes and streams. Almost to the top of the tall mountain, Jerry remarked he wished I would have asked for expensive jewelry instead. Wyoming Highway 28 crosses the Continental Divide 2.5 miles (4.0km) to the northwest at elevation 7,550 feet (2,300m), and its crossing is also named South Pass. 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. The trail then follows a loop around the lake before returning back to the original junction. Enjoying your Wind River Range backpacking trip with these principles in mind will help maintain the Wind River Range for other visitors and hopeful backpackers for millennia to come. Why, you ask? A translation of his journal was published in an 1821 French journal, but South Pass would have to be rediscovered by later explorers from information provided by Crow Indians. Location. The Wind River Range is one of America's most spectacular wilderness ranges. These wild lands west of the divide and north of Gannet Peak (collectively known as Bear Basin) is easily the most magnificent trail-less section of the Wind Rivers. No permit is required to use the range and a range attendant will not be present. 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. When it comes to Wind River Range backpacking routes, there are a few premier trails to choose from, each varying in length, difficulty and terrain. [5]:110,113[4]:158, In 1842, John C. Fremont led a United States Army Corps of Topographical Engineers expedition to survey South Pass. To Roaring Fork Pass: 4.5 miles/9 miles round-trip. By Colorado standards, to think that this trail is the one of the most heavily-used in the entire range is. Check out more of our hiking guides featuring the most epic terrain in the Rocky Mountains: 14 Majestic Hikes in Glacier National Park, The 10 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, How to Spend One Day in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. After nearly 6 miles, turn right onto WY-352 for 25.3 miles. Given the easy elevation gain and well maintained trail, this is a great choice for families. 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. Because the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1803-1806 was searching for a water route across the Continental Divide it did not learn of South Pass from local peoples. The roads are entirely gravely / dirt after this, but are fairly well-maintained and should usually be accessible for low clearance vehicles. 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. If you're looking for day-hikes out of GRL, try Slide or even Valaite . [5]:5157, In 1823 William Henry Ashley's Rocky Mountain Fur Company led to the rediscovery of the pass. By 1838, four additional American missionary women had crossed the pass, Myra Fairbanks Eells, Mary Richardson Walker, Mary Augusta Dix Gray and Sarah Gilbert White Smith. On day 2 we started out from Twin lakes and bushwacked our . Elevation Gain: 2,400 feet over 13 miles 9,100 ft to 11,500 ft). Why you should go: Discover a hidden treasure while enjoying sweeping views along the Slide Lake Trail. Rainbow Lake is a popular fishing destination, so hikers typically bring along fishing poles to spend a relaxing afternoon on the water. The WRRT is the culmination of months of personal research of guidebooks, maps, and online reports of the Wind River Range. Both areas, located just west of the Continental Divide, are rich in outstanding scenery and recreation opportunities. . Cabin Rentals Areas. Continue north to the head of Tourist Creek, and ascend northeast above lake 10890 all the way to the divide near Point 12450. True happiness in the Cirque of the Towers. Cirque of the Towers, Green River Lakes . And even during my couple trips to those areas, it seemed absolutely deserted compared to my local trails in Colorado. One way to or from Lander Bruce's/Middle Fork $35 _The Deep Creek Lakes and Ice Lakes are accessed by an 8-mile round trip dayhike from Tayo Park. The height of Mt. Follow the plateau northwest all the way to Lake 10528 in Stough Creek Basin. Trailhead Start: Elkhart Park Check out our in-depth review of Black Tree Resort, a luxury glamping experience that makes camping comfortable and enjoyable for the entire family. It traverses northwest while staying high on the mountaintops. Justin Glass at a small tarn in the upper valley of Middle Fork Lake on the Wind River High Route, Wyoming. These walls certainly contain some of the most demanding rock climbs in the lower 48 states. Continue straight onto the Green River Lakes Road for 18.5 miles. 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. 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. That's the question that this project tries to solve, and I think I've succeeded. Continue west until you get to the drainage of the Knife Point Glacier, your next destination. From Upper Silas. The Wind Rivers humbly hide 30 peaks over 13,000 feet, including Wyomings tallest mountain Gannett Peak. Both locations are mind-bogglingly beautiful with plenty of features to lure the outdoor enthusiast. From this lake, continue southwest past Lake Kagevah to 11,290 foot Kagevah Pass. For rods, I prefer 3 piece bamboo when backpacking. 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. Check the Map. In fact, 19 of Wyoming's 20 highest peaks are in the Wind River Range and there are more than 40-named peaks rising above 13,000 feet. Best of all, nowhere else in the world do golden trout grow as big. Boulder Lake-High use 9. Elevation Gain: 2,500 feet over 8.5 miles (9,100 ft to 11,300 ft). All are spread over three wilderness areas. 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. Head out on this 24.9-mile out-and-back trail near Pinedale, Wyoming. When I was just 3 years old, my parents moved us from Iowa to Lander, Wyoming. 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. Island Lake, Wind River Range, Wyoming, 1861. I have crafted this route to be the boldest and most challenging trek ever proposed in the Wind Rivers. Desolation Lake (Lake 11478 on maps) at the head of the basin is said to be spectacular. Backpackers should also check snowpack levels in order to determine the best time to hit the trail without encountering too much snow. Should this affect the validity of this most grand route I have prepared? This is rated as class 2-3 by Pallister. Trip Type: Out-and-back Hooker towers above Grave Lake, and is the largest vertical rock wall in Wyoming. Beyond the upper lake a use-trail leads to an overlook above the south end of photogenic Wall Lake, set beneath the soaring granite slopes of an unnamed peak to the west. The small lake draws far fewer anglers than other hikes in the area, meaning hikers here will enjoy a quieter, more secluded trail. . You'll want to bring your friends and family to experience the sheer quantity (and quality) of scenic, unbeatable camping across Sublette County. Allrightsreserved. Feb 6, 2017. The Wind River Range extends for more than 100 miles, the crest forming part of the Continental Divide. Continue northwest up the basin towards Lake 10,756, which is directly south of Hay Pass. 97. 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. 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 town of Pinedale is the gateway into many of the Wind River trailheads. That was an epic day, and and unforgettable birthday gift that was hard-earned to say the least. From Camp Lake, head northeast above Half-Fish Lake (Lake 9675) and continue above treeline up the slopes around 11,600 feet. 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. 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 Wind River Range Traverse (WRRT) is the finest non-technical alpine backpacking route in the lower 48 states. If you cant plan your trip in September, I recommend wearing long layers and applying a healthy dose of DEET. Books and maps can be purchased here. Matthew Dickerson July 18-25. Trail, USFS - Bridger Teton National Forest Office. The approach to Deep Lake is short and the elevation gain is minimal, attributes a rock climber considers virtues. Partway up, a short trail branches left to Bear Lakes. https://youtu.be/aeQ61IH9fv4A six day solo backpacking loop in Wyoming's Wind River Range starting at Boulder Canyon trail head. Why you should go: No need for lengthy trips here views of Squaretop Mountain and alpine lakes are easily accessible from the Lower Green River Trail. September is when temperatures begin to drop low enough to get rid of the little buggers. 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. 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. It goes west across the expansive plateau of Osborne Mountain, then follows Mill Creek to the Osborne Cabin, on old homestead of a famous trapper. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 27 min to complete. 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. Once on the trail, consider spending the first night at Hobbs Lake or Seneca Lake and progressing on to Island Lake for the second. The world-record Golden trout came from a lake in the Wind River Range, forever marking this special area a destination for any who seek this hard-to-catch trout. Wind River Range Plan with onX Backcountry " Visit the forests and creeks, and high alpine dotted with lakes, on this Wind River Range backpacking tour. "[5]:112124, Stephen W. Kearny led the first military expedition to South Pass in 1845. From this saddle, both East Temple and Temple Peaks are worthwhile side trips. 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. Daniell is a freelance writer based out of Fort Collins, Colorado. Anglers: There are golden trout in Thumb Lake. Trail, USFS - Bridger Teton National Forest Office, improvements Keep following the trail past Poison Lake, and finally to Coon Lake. Unless any of you are crazy enough to try it with me! Thats another story. 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. Make noise as youre hiking to avoid bear encounters, never hike alone, and bring bear spray or other protection. On Lizard Head Plateau. The Pass lies in southwestern Fremont County, approximately 35 miles (56km) SSW of Lander. " Blaine Myers OpenMapTiles OSM 14.1 Miles Point to Point 10,338' High 8,234' Low 2,896' Up 793' Down 5% Avg Grade (3) 28% Max Grade (15) Toolbox Plan in onX Backcountry Driving directions Take a virtual tour Download GPX File Know This Trail? From the Pass, follow the Osborne Mountain Route as described by Pallister and Kelsey. All lakes can be accessed using the Stough Creek, Sheep Bridge, or Sweetwater trailheads in the Shoshone National Forest. The trails of the Wind River Range begin at a higher elevation than other ranges throughout the Mountain West. 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. Only Island Lake and Titcomb Basin come close in popularity. As a family, we spend most weekends in the summer and fall hiking the local trails. Looks like a cool hike though! Its got more than 40 named granite peaks that soar 13,000 feet or higher, scores of giant glaciers, 1,300 alpine lakes and hundreds of miles of incredible hiking trails. 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. The Wind River Range of Wyoming is a place that nearly every backcountry enthusiast dreams of visiting. You'll end up a mile down the road from the parking area for the Bears Ears Trail. Nothing against Iowa, but I consider this one of the greatest gifts my parents have given me. Setting out from the Smith Lake Trailhead, the Dickson Park to Middle Lake Hike crosses a bridge over an . Ashley sold out to Smith, William Sublette, and David Jackson in 1826, becoming their supplier. . As far as camping, it sounds like you could potentially camp anywhere along this section. Trip Type: Out-and-back 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. This trip was planned as a 10 day shuttle trip from Meadow Lake TH to Boulder lake TH on the west side of the Winds out of PInedale WY. If you are flying in, we recommend the Riverton, Casper, Rock Springs, and Jackson airports. In 3-pc 4wts, there are 7.5 and 8 footers. sunset, Big Sandy Lake, Wind River range, WY. "Follow your dreams, You can reach your goals, I'm living proof! 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. Headwaters of the Green River | Tuesday - Saturday, August 17-21, 2021. Mileage: 12 miles RT If UpperSilas Lake is your destination, you go right, and cross Silas Creek, then stay right again. 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. Composed mostly of National Forest land and the Wind River Reservation, the Winds are protected by three quarters of a million acres of public lands. From Little Sandy Creek, You then continue to Temple Pass. 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. 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. 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. Climber Orrin Bonney gave the area its current name in 1941 after his survey of the cirque. The best times to visit this trail are June through October. It is apparent on topo maps, and there is a stream that follows it and drops to the creek. From Wykee Lake, travel 1 mile (on-trail) west to the south shore of Sonnicant Lake. Fishing and backpacking are popular here, so bring your pack, tent, and fishing pole to make this a fun overnighter. Wind River Range Backpacking Video. Note that on AllTrails, you can hike this as an out-and-back trail by following the Lower Green River Lake Trail. In 5wts, there are 7.5, 8 and 8.5 footers. Labeled Pinedales most popular day hike, this hike is a guaranteed winner if you can handle the distance. Shooters must supply their own target holders, which must meet the approval of the shooting range attendant. Most commonly referred to as New Fork Trail, the trailhead sign actually says Lozier Lakes, and the Forest Service labels it as Clark Creek #7185. From Temple Pass, descend to the east shore of Temple Lake. The Seneca Lake out-and-back trip is a modified version of the Wind River classic. 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. AREA MAPS: Beartooth Publishing North Wind River Range. South Pass was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961. Lake Smith General Information County: Kossuth Location: 3 miles north of Algona Acres: 59.00 Maximum Depth: 12.6 ft. (2009) Motoring Restrictions: Electric Motors Only Nearby Parks Ambrose A. 13 Halloween Camping Activities, The Checklist Every First Time RVer Needs, Everything You Need To Know About Wifi For Your RV, 14 Wilderness Survival Tools You Should Have in The Backcountry, How Marfa Became the Art and Glamping Capital of Texas, 30+ Tips on Camping with Kids, From Parents Who Have Been There. Book a Tour. The goal of the WRRT is to traverse the entirety of the Wind River Range in the most scenic and spectacular way possible. From Lake 10,542, travel northwest through the rugged valley containing Long Lake (Lake 10,683). 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. 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. From the Elkhart trailhead parking lot, take the Pole Creek Trail directly adjacent to . They thrive in cold water and are typically only . The Wind River Range of Wyoming is a spectacular section of the Rocky Mountains. Looking over Marms Lake Lakes dominate much of the Wind River Range, meaning you don't have to carry too much water. 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. The route I'm presenting here is meant to be savored, and my recommended time for it is 20 days, including 2 days for weather-related issues. _The Smith Creek Lakes and Cathedral Lake are accessed by either traveling directly east off-trail to Mendarrin Lake from the Lizard Head trail, or by wrapping east and north around the Lizard Head Plateau on trails from the Cirque of the Towers. 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. The Wind River Range is located in western Wyoming, just south of the Tetons and Jackson Hole. It contains 40 peaks over 13,000 feet, the largest glacier in the American Rockies, and over 1300 named lakes. From here, there is a maintained trail all the way to Big Sandy Lake. And fishing. After about 1.2 miles, among a few small tarns above the basin floor, cut north to Split Mountain Pass. . You can do this by contacting the National Forest Service or looking at online reviews on sites such as AllTrails or Hiking Project. In 1884, Emile Granier, a French mining engineer, established a hydraulic mining operation that allowed gold mining to continue. Only the off-trail option is doable as a day hike (shown on a map in Pallister's book). 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. Ashley subsequently established the first Rocky Mountain Rendezvous in 1825. (1), Southwest Arete Lost Temple Spire, IV, 5.10b.
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