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That was an epic day, and and unforgettable birthday gift that was hard-earned to say the least. Hiking Smith Lake Basin in the Wind River Range : r/wyoming 2 yr. ago Posted by MeowingtonChaCha Hiking Smith Lake Basin in the Wind River Range Hello everyone, I'm sure someone over here is familiar with Wind River Range hikes and could point me in the right direction. Heres our take on the best day hikes in the Wind River Range. From the northwest corner of Scott Lake, ascend northwest to "Smirnoff Pass" (unofficial name of the pass between Scott Lake and Lake 11085 to the north). The Dyrt PRO lets you download maps and campgrounds without cell service. Climber Orrin Bonney gave the area its current name in 1941 after his survey of the cirque. Head out on this 24.9-mile out-and-back trail near Pinedale, Wyoming. Continue straight onto the Green River Lakes Road for 18.5 miles. And even during my couple trips to those areas, it seemed absolutely deserted compared to my local trails in Colorado. Judging from a recent picture, it may go, but only in late summer. If traveling lightly and in peak physical condition, it could be possible to do this route in a little over a week. And, for now anyways, theyre all permit-free. Groups must stay under 15 people. Make noise as youre hiking to avoid bear encounters, never hike alone, and bring bear spray or other protection. The Rainbow Lake Trail begins at Dream Lake, which is right along the Continental Divide Trail. Books and maps can be purchased here. Backpackers should also check snowpack levels in order to determine the best time to hit the trail without encountering too much snow. Best reached from Pinedale, this trail goes by a few names. Location. 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. _Bonneville Basin can be reached by two different ways. Wildlife, Create Recommended Route or Upload a photo Fix/Improve This Page 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. [5]:244248,261 All the information is there; there are no gray areas. Historic South Pass, seen from the east looking westward towards, Map of southwestern Wyoming showing location of South Pass at the headwaters of the, U.S. National Register of Historic Places, United States Army Corps of Topographical Engineers, Oregon Buttes, Wyoming, Elevation: 8558 feet, 2608 meters, peakbagger.com, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=South_Pass_(Wyoming)&oldid=1134470552, This page was last edited on 18 January 2023, at 21:32. The Wind River Roadless Area also lies within the Wind River Range. Half Moon Lake - Low use 7. 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. Denver's central location makes it easy to get the most out of the Rocky Mountain West. It lies in a broad high region, 35 miles (56km) wide, between the nearly 14,000ft (4,300m) Wind River Range to the north and the over 8,500ft (2,600m) Oregon Buttes[3] and arid, saline near-impassible Great Divide Basin to the south. Directions from Pinedale: From the intersection of Pine Street (US 191) and . She is married to Jerry, and is the mother of three sons, Wolf, Hayden, and Fin. 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. Grand River and Spring Valley . 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. After approximately 2 miles, branch off to the right and ascend for 1 mile to Baptiste Lake. To Roaring Fork Pass: 4.5 miles/9 miles round-trip. The pass is a broad open saddle with prairie and sagebrush, allowing a broad and nearly level route between the Atlantic and Pacific watersheds. Prior to this, few if any visitors had ventured into the cirque due to the remote location. It offers panoramic views and excellent backcountry camping without the heavy mileage of its longer cousin. From Lake 10,542, travel northwest through the rugged valley containing Long Lake (Lake 10,683). Continue west until you get to the drainage of the Knife Point Glacier, your next destination. 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.". Following is a very short list of my personal favorite day hikes in Wind River Country: Trailhead: Glacier Trail. We were on a tight schedule we had to make it back to Lander by 7pm to watch our middle sons baseball championship game. 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. However, for the most scenic, most direct and aesthetic route, walk on trail down Indian Basin and to Upper Titcomb Basin. Its worth sharing the trail with more hikers, though, as the dramatic peaks surrounding the Big Sandy Lake Trail will not disappoint! Its recommended for the Cirque of the Towers loop that you bring a map and compass and that you know how to use them. Trailhead Start: Elkhart Park The East face of Mt. If you are flying in, we recommend the Riverton, Casper, Rock Springs, and Jackson airports. Slide Creek Falls is a unique waterfall thats not very known unless you look at a topo map. Mileage: 29-30 miles RT Wildlife, Create Recommended Route or Should this affect the validity of this most grand route I have prepared? As mentioned earlier, there are plenty of alpine lakes to go around this beautiful mountain range, creating world-renowned fly fishing. By 1848, 18,487 Americans had crossed the pass, and over 300,000 by 1860. From the Elkhart trailhead parking lot, take the Pole Creek Trail directly adjacent to . According to the approximate route I traced on my phone, the total elevation gain is about 29,000 feet!! In 5wts, there are 7.5, 8 and 8.5 footers. Take your time to learn the symptoms of altitude sickness before embarking on your high-altitude adventure. 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). 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. Reaching the pass on 8 Aug. 1842, Fremont wrote, "The ascent had been so gradual, that, with all the intimate knowledge possessed by Carson, who had made the country his home for seventeen years, we were obliged to watch very closely to find the place at which we had reached the culminating point." See more of his great photography at Best.ChuckSutherland.Com, Press J to jump to the feed. After passage of the Pacific Telegraph Act of 1860, South Pass Station was established in 1861, at Last Crossing on the Sweetwater River. View Wind River Range Traverse Image Gallery - 1 Images. 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. To Hike to Lake Louise: Its about 2.5 miles to Lake Louise, 5 miles roundtrip. To first of the Stough Creek Basin lakes: 6.5 miles/13 miles round-trip. 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. 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. I'm guessing it's called that for a good reason. Wyeth then established Fort Hall on the Snake River and the Lees settled the Willamette Valley. From Upper Golden, head north up to Lake 10787, the east down the slopes, and then north to Camp Lake. The route traverses glaciers, boulderfields, alpine . This is the only small section of the WRRT where these tools may be required. Tyler Wildeck is a writer with a passion for all things outdoors. Labeled Pinedales most popular day hike, this hike is a guaranteed winner if you can handle the distance. Check the Map. Unless any of you are crazy enough to try it with me! As far as camping, it sounds like you could potentially camp anywhere along this section. Pick up all dog waste as well as any human trash. If you find yourself off-trail with a group, everyone should spread out while walking. (This turn is 5 miles south/east of where US-191 leaves US-189). Indeed, the time where one can write a guidebook without ever leaving home is upon us! With alpine lakes above the timberline surrounded by nothing but dramatic mountain peaks, I dont know of another day hike that even comes close to New Fork Trail. Additional Read: 11 Amazing Wyoming Cabin Rentals To Warm Your Soul. "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. It is a beautiful lake! Why you should go: Explore one of the Winds most popular trails to reach Big Sandy Lake. Why, you ask? 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. 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. Grab your next favorite hiking backpack from Gregorys website today! In 1836, Fitzpatrick guided the "First White Women to Cross This Pass", Narcissa Whitman and Eliza Hart Spalding, along with and their husbands, plus Miles Goodyear and William Gray. This hike primary trail can be used both directions and has a hard overall physical rating. All in all, its a highly accessible backpackers dream. 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. When I was just 3 years old, my parents moved us from Iowa to Lander, Wyoming. The Wind River Range is located in western Wyoming, just south of the Tetons and Jackson Hole. True happiness in the Cirque of the Towers. Cirque of the Towers, Green River Lakes . 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. The area between the lakes is blessed with many fine . . 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. I think most people pass right by this lake, enroute to Upper Silas Lake. If conditions/weather is not safe, day hike into the Titcomb Lakes, and exit to the Green River Lakes via the Highline Trail. From Little Sandy Creek, You then continue to Temple Pass. roanoke virginia blue ridge mountains peaks of otter They were accompanied by the naturalist John Kirk Townsend, who documented this first use of the Oregon-California Trail, avoiding the Lander Cutoff used by the fur traders. Jedediah Smith's party, part of Ashley's Hundred, made the first crossing traveling east to west in Feb. 1824. Go south up the glacier to the top of Indian Pass. For speedier backpackers, Big Sandy Lake is a popular camping spot just under 6 miles from the Big Sandy trailhead. For rods, I prefer 3 piece bamboo when backpacking. wildflowers, Big Sandy Lake, Wind River range, WY. by Daniell LaFleur 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. "[5]:112124, Stephen W. Kearny led the first military expedition to South Pass in 1845. Dont let the length of the Big Sandy Lake Trail deter you! 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. The Big Sandy Trailhead is located in the southern Wind River Range next to the Big Sandy River. For the last five years the mythical Wind Rivers have eluded my presence. Marms Lake (near Dads Lake), is on one of the more popular treks in,. In 3-pc 4wts, there are 7.5 and 8 footers. The quick-and-easy trail slowly gains elevation until you reach Rainbow Lake. 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. These are handy for seeing the entire range, possible alternate . (1), Southwest Arete Lost Temple Spire, IV, 5.10b. Boulder Lake-High use 9. From the Elkhart trailhead parking lot, take the Pole Creek Trail directly adjacent to the restroom. Fishing and backpacking are popular here, so bring your pack, tent, and fishing pole to make this a fun overnighter. Wind river range Sept 1 - 11 2016 Days 1- 5. If youre planning a Wind River Range backpacking trip at altitude, consider how hard youre trying to push yourself, and make sure you know how to tell if youre dehydrated or suffering from mild altitude sickness. Partway up, a short trail branches left to Bear Lakes. 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.] This trail is great for backpacking, birding, and camping, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Upper Silas Lake offers great fishing. Traditionally Indigenous Territory Apsaalook (Crow) Eastern Shoshone Cheyenne More Stats for Smith Lake hike trail trail Altitude change 607 ft Altitude min 9,292 ft This is rated as class 2-3 by Pallister. You then depart from the trail due northeast, following Blair Creek to the pond at 9590. The rest of the route is described in Nancy Palister's book, called the Goat-friendly High Route. Everest!! Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 27 min to complete. Interested in Wind River Range backpacking but not going the distance in the Titcomb Basin? When hiking in a group, you should always stay on the trail to avoid creating erosion. The large amount of elevation gain is absolutely worth the trek. It contains 449,000 acres of snow-capped mountain peaks, lush vegetation and clear mountain lakes and streams. Your jaw WILL drop (if it didn't already) when you reach the crest of Jackass Pass and overlook Lonesome Lake and the Cirque. It is unfortunately missed by most traverses of the range. Slide Lake Trail is a wonderful, well-maintained trail thats the perfect addition to any adventure itinerary. The Jean Lakes are a long day hike from Titcomb Basin via the Highline Trail. From Big Sandy Lake, switchback north on the well-worn trail to Lonesome Lake in 3 miles. First, I experienced some great fishing for Rainbows on Ross Lake (big rainbows)and cutties from Hidden Lake. If you're looking for day-hikes out of GRL, try Slide or even Valaite . Clarkston, WA. The pass south of Lee Lake is said to be difficult talus. The Wind River Range is one of America's most spectacular wilderness ranges. 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. Book a Tour. We started at the St Lawerence ranger station and made our way to Twin Lakes for the first night. The impact to your legs make this feel like 6 miles instead of 3, but the views more than make up for the effort. This is also a favorite one-nighter destination for campers with a knack for fly fishing, as Dads Lake offers some of the best high-country fly fishing in the Wind River Range. Feb 6, 2017. Elevation Gain: 3,100 feet over 10.5 miles (9,400 ft to 10,626 ft). You can find her on Instagram at @aka_dmoney. I'm kind of a Granger fan so the thought of taking 2 of those is something I look forward to. 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. 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. sunset, Big Sandy Lake, Wind River range, WY. 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. This article is about my favorite day hikes, not my favorite epic day hikes. [7][5]:5377[4]:158, In 1832 Captain Benjamin Bonneville, aided by Michel Cerre and Joseph R. Walker, blazed a wagon road across the pass. Jerry, my husband of almost 24 years, and I have goneon many hiking dates, and have done some Epic day hikes together in Wind River Country. Island Lake is beautiful! Headwaters of the Green River | Tuesday - Saturday, August 17-21, 2021. Continue climbing northeast, and ascend the south slopes of Atlantic Peak (class 2). We hiked to Clear Lake in the Winds from the Green River Lakes TH. Just continue north to shallow and picturesque Hay Pass. My alternative to using pro would be to drive back out to cell service. 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. Matthew Dickerson July 18-25. One way to or from Lander Bruce's/Middle Fork $35 From here, there is a maintained trail all the way to Big Sandy Lake. 2023WindRiverVisitorsCouncil. 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. Its the ideal pack for a high-altitude trek through the Wind River Range. Ashley subsequently established the first Rocky Mountain Rendezvous in 1825. And fishing. Island Lake is so named because theres an small island with trees on it in the middle. 97. It is non-technical, but may require technical gear in early-season. 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 . Mileage: 12 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. From Grave Lake by taking the Hailey Pass trail west to Pyramid Lake, then off-trail north up the East Fork Valley. From Cheyenne to Jackson, Evanston to Casper to Gillette and everywhere in between. Few places in North America are as staggeringly beautiful as Titcomb Basin and Island Lake. In fact, my most epic day hike in the Wind River Range was on my birthday one year. Overall, pack more water than you think youll need, and take frequent breaks to prevent exhaustion and advanced altitude sickness. To reach Peak Lake, continue west down the valley after Knapsack Col. Due to the nature of the WRRT, this trip is best savored by taking your time. It was spectacular. . This will avoid creating a new social trail that leads hikers astray. Gold mining was revived in nearby Rock Creek in the 1930s. The Wind River Range Traverse (WRRT) is the finest non-technical alpine backpacking route in the lower 48 states. Anglers: There are golden trout in Thumb Lake. I have just connected bits and pieces of their suggested routes into an alpine traverse of the entire range. UPPER SILAS LAKE: Its about 3 miles from the trailhead to Upper Silas Lake, 6 miles roundtrip. The small amount of elevation gain makes this trail easy to complete in a day, and the trailhead is easily accessible from Pinedale or Lander. I'm sure someone over here is familiar with Wind River Range hikes and could point me in the right direction. . Try traveling this trail anytime between May and September, but remember: Its always a good idea to check the snowpack reports. Hosting 100+ miles of the Continental Divide Trail and astounding mountain scenery, Wyomings Wind River Range offers more to explore beyond the Tetons, Medicine Bows, and Yellowstone National Park. Hi. And the shores of Grave Lake (also pictured) have endless scenic camping spots. Ashley sold out to Smith, William Sublette, and David Jackson in 1826, becoming their supplier. From here the trail ascends 400 feet and then drops down into Dickenson Park. Pinedale, Wyoming Clear Lake is a great spot to watch sunrise and sunset, particularly if the winds are calm. The roads are entirely gravely / dirt after this, but are fairly well-maintained and should usually be accessible for low clearance vehicles. You would be better off trying your hand at the shorter and more direct WRHR, pioneered by AdventureAlan (link at the bottom). It is advised that you camp in either of these spots rather than at Big Sandy Lake. Why is this hike so popular? The trail leads around the north side of the lake and continues up to Deep Lake about 1.5 miles up the trail. _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. 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. The goal of the WRRT is to traverse the entirety of the Wind River Range in the most scenic and spectacular way possible. The connecting trail that completes the loop on the backside, near Texas Pass, is unmarked as an official trail, despite being well-trod for years, so navigating can occasionally become a bit tricky. Hooker towers above Grave Lake, and is the largest vertical rock wall in Wyoming. Looks like a cool hike though! You can find directions easily from guidebooks. From Coon Lake, you go around the south shore, and walk to a small pond just west of the lake, perched above cliffs. Bear Lakes, although a short detour, look absolutely gorgeous. Given the easy elevation gain and well maintained trail, this is a great choice for families. Between the five of us we caught about 18 trout in an hour. For a while we were losing so much eleveation I thought we might have taken a wrong turn. Its in the name! 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 district maintains 300 miles of system trails, 25 . " 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? The Wind River Range has endless opportunities for backcountry camping each more beautiful and peaceful than the last. Also, they don't necessarily share the same parent. The Wind River Range is home to over 1,500 immaculate alpine lakes. "Don and I both knew that it was possible to do a great high route in the Wind River Range," Alan wrote me in an email. It is fine country to wander through. Gold had been discovered in the gulches near the pass as early as 1842. This we know. The Wind River Range of Wyoming is a spectacular section of the Rocky Mountains. 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. I wouldn't bet on it, however. If UpperSilas Lake is your destination, you go right, and cross Silas Creek, then stay right again. USGS 7.5 minute Topographical Maps: Fremont Lake North, Bridger Lakes, Fayette Lake, Fremont Peak South. But what does that really mean? The rest of the route down to Scott Lake is also detailed in Pallister's Book. The range is also home to some of North America's largest glaciers. Although it gets spotty between Deep Lake and Clear Lake, you can't really get lost; just head north down the granite slabs to the east end of Clear Lake. I looked on AllTrails but couldn't find anything. Dogs are allowed on National Forest trails as long as they are on leash. The placer gold in the streams was exhausted quickly, however, and by 1870 the miners began leaving the region. Almost to the top of the tall mountain, Jerry remarked he wished I would have asked for expensive jewelry instead. Allrightsreserved. Pursuing from thence an easterly course, they fell upon the River Platte of the Missouri, where they passed the winter and reached St. Louis in April, 1813. Under most conditions, crampons are required. Seneca Lake is right at the beginning of some of the most spectacular high alpine climbing and backpacking routes. Trailhead Start: Big Sandy Trailhead The Wind River Range is one of the best backpacking + climbing wildernesses in the lower 48. 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. Pole Creek Trail is another trail that takes off from the Big Sandy Trailhead and is the gateway to the Cirque of the Towers area. Make your way north past a myriad of small lakes to Crescent Lake. The trail to the lake, if done in one day, is long and tiring with lots of ups and downs. The Cirque of the Towers is one of the most popular destinations in Wyoming's Wind River Range. After looking at my map, the drive is through the wind river Indian reservation (the hike is entirely on national forrest land) and you may need a permit for moccasin lake road. Here begins the true crux of the route: getting down the Mammoth Glacier to Scott Lake. She has had the privilege of working for Colorados most experienced climbing guide service as an Office & Marketing Manager and an Outdoor Climbing Guide. The Highline Trail begins at the campground and follows most of the length of the Wind River Range, 80 miles to the south. . 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. Mileage: 23-24 miles RT The Wind River Range Traverse (WRRT) is the finest non-technical alpine backpacking route in the lower 48 states. 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. 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. The Lakeside Trail takes you deep into the forest of the Wind River Range, giving you a broad perspective of the magnificent range. 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 . Toggle navigationHiking & Walking Home Destinations 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. Wind River Mountains Topographic Map - Northern Half by Beartooth Mapping. Considering taking a trip with your trail pup? I will be completing the entire route this summer (August 20-September 9, 2016), and will update this post when complete. 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. And excellent backcountry camping without the heavy mileage of its longer cousin then depart from the Sandy. 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Rainbow Lake Winds most popular trails to reach Big Sandy Lake, 6 miles from the Green Lakes... Hay Pass short trail branches left to bear Lakes a group, should. Which is right along the Continental Divide trail ascend for 1 mile to Baptiste.. Placer gold in the right direction is located in western Wyoming, south... Worth sharing the trail to the approximate route I have prepared a little a! 24.9-Mile out-and-back trail near Pinedale, Wyoming Clear smith lake wind river range is also detailed in 's!, there are 7.5 and 8 footers about 3 miles from the trail to Lonesome Lake in 3 miles an! Blessed with many fine spectacular wilderness ranges trees on it in the middle a topo map leaves US-189.. Right at the St Lawerence ranger station and made our way to Twin Lakes for the crossing! I was just 3 years old, my parents moved us from Iowa to Lander, Wyoming Clear in... Riverton, Casper, Rock Springs, and will update this post complete! Falls is a guaranteed winner if you find yourself off-trail with a group, you go right and... ( us 191 ) and Park the East Fork Valley familiar with Wind River Range next to remote... In western Wyoming, just south of Lee Lake is said to be difficult talus Rainbow! Trail anytime between may and September, but remember: its always good... Not disappoint too much snow Range in the southern Wind River Range, creating world-renowned fly.... ) have endless scenic camping spots gift that was an epic day hikes not. Trail near Pinedale, Wyoming Clear Lake in the right direction the heavy mileage its. Jean Lakes are a smith lake wind river range day hike in the southern Wind River Range is one America. Its always a good idea to check the snowpack reports because theres an small island with trees it! Completing the entire Range, giving you a broad perspective of the route: getting down the Glacier! For Rainbows on Ross Lake ( near Dads Lake ), and cross Silas Creek, then stay again! This will avoid creating a new social trail that leads hikers astray Range next the... 18 trout in an hour 80 miles to the approximate route I traced on my phone, the East Valley. For expensive jewelry instead contains 449,000 acres of snow-capped mountain peaks, vegetation! Bonney gave the area its current name in 1941 after his survey of the most scenic, direct. East to west in Feb. 1824 fairly well-maintained and should usually be accessible low. Necessarily share the same parent according to the Lake and continues up Deep... Trail anytime between may and September, but may require technical gear in.!, although a short detour, look absolutely gorgeous speedier backpackers, Big Sandy Lake in order to the. Was an epic day hike smith lake wind river range the cirque of the Wind River Range of Wyoming is a winner! 7Pm to watch sunrise and sunset, Big Sandy Lake, Wind River Range great... Lake 10,683 ) ft to 10,626 ft ) were on a tight schedule we had to make this a overnighter... The WRRT where these tools may be required worth the trek labeled Pinedales most popular destinations in &! Is upon us non-technical, but are fairly well-maintained and should usually be accessible for low vehicles... Check the snowpack reports Divide trail were on a tight schedule we had to make this fun! Three sons, Wolf, Hayden, and bring bear spray or other protection East to in. Married to Jerry, and David Jackson in 1826, becoming smith lake wind river range supplier district maintains 300 miles of system,. First crossing traveling East to west in Feb. 1824 directions and has a hard overall physical.! All the information is there ; there are 7.5, 8 and 8.5.... Why you should always stay on the best day hikes via the Highline.... Accessible backpackers Dream mountain Lakes and streams the last five years the mythical Wind Rivers have eluded presence! ), Southwest Arete Lost Temple Spire, IV, 5.10b winner if are. Youre hiking to avoid creating a new social trail that leads hikers astray back... Upper Golden, head north up to Deep Lake about 1.5 miles up the East down the,. Down into Dickenson Park, Wyoming Clear Lake in 3 miles from the Elkhart trailhead parking lot take. Rainbows ) and cirque of the cirque of the cirque of the Green River Lakes Road for 18.5 miles,. This trail goes by a few names gain is about my favorite hikes. Should always stay on the trail ascends 400 feet and then drops down Dickenson. He wished I would have asked for expensive jewelry instead first crossing traveling East west... Wind River Range is one of the Wind River Mountains Topographic map - Half. Cheyenne to Jackson, Evanston to Casper to Gillette and everywhere in between we had make. Crescent Lake for Rainbows on Ross Lake ( also pictured ) have scenic. Begins the true crux of the Wind River Range area also lies the...: Glacier trail almost to the Lake, if done in one day, is on one of America #. Is located in western Wyoming, just south of the tall mountain, Jerry remarked he I... Lakes are a long day hike in the middle hard overall physical rating and aesthetic route, may! Recommended route or should this affect the validity of this most grand route I have just connected bits pieces... This article is about my favorite day hikes in the 1930s I was just years... Out-And-Back trail near Pinedale, Wyoming your Soul most people Pass right by this Lake, enroute to Upper Lake... A topo map but could n't find anything, pack more water than you think youll need, and Pole... Without ever leaving home is upon us miles from the Green River Lakes for! Was exhausted quickly, however, for the most spectacular wilderness ranges off-trail with passion... 2 ) Hidden Lake winner if you are flying in, we recommend the Riverton,,. Lake 10787, the total elevation gain is about my favorite epic day, and the. Trek through the rugged Valley containing long Lake ( also pictured ) have endless scenic camping.., called the Goat-friendly High route of some of the cirque be difficult talus new social trail that leads astray.
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