Earthwalk Press North Wind River Range. " 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? No permit is required to use the range and a range attendant will not be present. I highly recommend checking trail conditions before committing to a trail. Partway up, a short trail branches left to Bear Lakes. Approximately 4 miles south of Dubois, on Hwy 26/287. 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. And fishing. After passage of the Pacific Telegraph Act of 1860, South Pass Station was established in 1861, at Last Crossing on the Sweetwater River. All are spread over three wilderness areas. Sign up for our free email to join thousands of readers getting epic travel, hiking, camping and gear ideas every week. 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. For the last five years the mythical Wind Rivers have eluded my presence. And they weigh 600 to 1,300 pounds, so if they hit you, it'd be like . Stuart's "Travel Memorandum" was left with President James Madison, but the War of 1812 preempted western exploration. The first mile is a nice forested trail with some small ups and downs before reaching a trail junction, where you can head left toward Christina Lake, or head right toward Upper Silas, Island and Thumb lakes. His favorite place he's ever visited is Alaska, and his favorite activity might be fishing or reading, depending on the day. Elevation Gain: 3,100 feet over 10.5 miles (9,400 ft to 10,626 ft). As with Titcomb Basin, snowpack is often the determining factor in how early or late in the season you should aim to start your trip. From the main trail, you might not see Lower Silas Lake, unless youre looking for it. Higher altitude also means more inclement and unpredictable weather. Everest!! Should this affect the validity of this most grand route I have prepared? Your jaw WILL drop (if it didn't already) when you reach the crest of Jackass Pass and overlook Lonesome Lake and the Cirque. From Little Sandy Creek, You then continue to Temple Pass. Drainages are intricate and minor obstacles abound, but by paying attention and consulting a map you can get where you're going without difficulty." The town of Pinedale is the gateway into many of the Wind River trailheads. sunset, Big Sandy Lake, Wind River range, WY. 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. We started at the St Lawerence ranger station and made our way to Twin Lakes for the first night. 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. [2][9], Wyoming Highway 28 traverses the modern pass, roughly following the route of the Oregon Trail. You end up where Palister calls "Shangri-La." Rainbow Lake is a popular fishing destination, so hikers typically bring along fishing poles to spend a relaxing afternoon on the water. 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. 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. Sign up for Weekend Wanderer and join thousands of readers getting epic travel ideas weekly. Ashley sold out to Smith, William Sublette, and David Jackson in 1826, becoming their supplier. Seneca Lake is right at the beginning of some of the most spectacular high alpine climbing and backpacking routes. First, up near Forks Lakes, where we did some backcountry hiking, and most recently near Boulder Lake, where we finally got some good fishing, and an unexpected wildfire. Snow sticks around here pretty late, and the lake can be icy until then, too, so be sure to check trail conditions before heading out to avoid a snowy surprise. The best route from Baker Lake to Bear Lake is described in Pallister's book, and also Matt Lemke's excellent trip report. It is overused and the alpine tundra is fragile. Though its neighbor, Colorado, takes up most of the outdoor attention in the central western United States, the Wind River Range offers a fair share of notable outdoor attractions in its own right. Given its location and proximity to the Big Sandy Campground, day traffic here can be heavy; however, once you arrive at the lake, campsites abound in and around the lake area, and theres usually a place to find some solitude. Welcome to /r/wyoming! You'll want to bring your friends and family to experience the sheer quantity (and quality) of scenic, unbeatable camping across Sublette County. Then to Fire Hole Lakes, to. Scab Creek - Medium use 10. Do this route early morning to avoid afternoon storms. The height of Mt. Vast views of the Wind River Ranges glaciers and towering peaks proudly give this lookout its name, where photographers come from all over the world to capture Wyomings iconic steep and jagged peaks. All Tours Tour Sale. South Pass was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961. View Wind River Range Traverse Image Gallery - 1 Images. It traverses northwest while staying high on the mountaintops. Trailhead Start: Elkhart Park Continue west until you get to the drainage of the Knife Point Glacier, your next destination. 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. Stretching over 100 miles along the Continental Divide, the Wind River Range in Wyoming is an oft-missed treasure trove for backcountry exploration. Consult guidebooks on the safest way to ascend Indian Pass. The Wind River High Route was pioneered by Andrew Skurka and Buzz Burrell in the late 2000s. According to the approximate route I traced on my phone, the total elevation gain is about 29,000 feet!! Directions from Pinedale: From the intersection of Pine Street (US 191) and . AREA MAPS: Beartooth Publishing North Wind River Range. "Follow your dreams, You can reach your goals, I'm living proof! [5]:7982, In 1834, Nathaniel Jarvis Wyeth led the first Methodist missionaries Jason Lee, Daniel Lee, and Cyrus Shepard across the pass. Two years ago we came back and hiked to the Cirque of the Towers, so this year I thought it . What if you could link nearly every major cirque and basin in the Winds with one non-technical route? To first of the Stough Creek Basin lakes: 6.5 miles/13 miles round-trip. wildflowers, Big Sandy Lake, Wind River range, WY. If you only have time for a single day hike through the Wind River Range, follow the Pole Creek Trail to Photographers Point. 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 . 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. Keep following the trail past Poison Lake, and finally to Coon Lake. Last year on our Jerrys and my anniversary, we took the boys on a hiking and fishing trip to Silas. They were trying to avoid Crow warriors further north, on their return to St. Louis, Missouri from Astoria, Oregon. 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. Snow usually doesnt melt until mid-May and returns in October, so its a relatively short hiking season around here. 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. You can learn more about our editorial policies here. Additional Read: 11 Amazing Wyoming Cabin Rentals To Warm Your Soul. Lower Silas Lake: Its about 2 miles to Lower Silas Lake, 4 miles roundtrip. (It takes about 45 minutes to drive from Lander, WY, up the switchbacks and to the Christina Lake Trailhead.). 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. Best reached from Pinedale, this trail goes by a few names. That was an epic day, and and unforgettable birthday gift that was hard-earned to say the least. Continue straight onto the Green River Lakes Road for 18.5 miles. 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. It is fine country to wander through. . _Bonneville Basin can be reached by two different ways. Continue northwest up the basin towards Lake 10,756, which is directly south of Hay Pass. This picture is property of http://jessiestrails.blogspot.com, Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem Adventure Traverse (GREAT), Images It contains 449,000 acres of snow-capped mountain peaks, lush vegetation and clear mountain lakes and streams. If conditions/weather is not safe, day hike into the Titcomb Lakes, and exit to the Green River Lakes via the Highline Trail. Seneca Lake is right at the beginning of some of the most spectacular high alpine climbing and backpacking routes. For rods, I prefer 3 piece bamboo when backpacking. The region is considered to be one of the prime fishing destinations in the lower 48. (This turn is 5 miles south/east of where US-191 leaves US-189). The gold rush led to the establishment of booming mining communities, such as South Pass City and Atlantic City. Desolation Lake (Lake 11478 on maps) at the head of the basin is said to be spectacular. Once on the trail, consider spending the first night at Hobbs Lake or Seneca Lake and progressing on to Island Lake for the second. 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. On Lizard Head Plateau. My name is Shelli Johnson, and I love to hike. 2023WindRiverVisitorsCouncil. 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). 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 Pass lies in southwestern Fremont County, approximately 35 miles (56 km) SSW of Lander . As you make your way under the gigantic shadow of Warbonnet Peak, there are many ups and downs and rocky sections to shift your gaze to your feet. 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 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. Its recommended for the Cirque of the Towers loop that you bring a map and compass and that you know how to use them. 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 . The Big Sandy Trailhead is the gateway to several popular backpacking trails, so you will pass more hikers here than in other areas. The Wind River Range of Wyoming is a spectacular section of the Rocky Mountains. 18.4 mi / 2280 ft gain The Wind River Range is one of the best backpacking + climbing wildernesses in the lower 48. Earthwalk Press publishes two Wind River Range overview maps (one for the northern part of the range, and another for the southern portion). These walls certainly contain some of the most demanding rock climbs in the lower 48 states. USGS 7.5 minute Topographical Maps: Fremont Lake North, Bridger Lakes, Fayette Lake, Fremont Peak South. The Big Sandy Trailhead is located in the southern Wind River Range next to the Big Sandy River. Climber Orrin Bonney gave the area its current name in 1941 after his survey of the cirque. Continue north to the head of Tourist Creek, and ascend northeast above lake 10890 all the way to the divide near Point 12450. Miller Lake Trail (#173) Pole Creek Trail (#119) DISTANCE: +/- 28.5 miles. Abiqua Falls is a hidden treasure within the forested trenches of the western Cascades. Stay right at the junction and continue. From Grave Lake by taking the Hailey Pass trail west to Pyramid Lake, then off-trail north up the East Fork Valley. The road immediately forks; stay left and follow this road to the end. If you cant plan your trip in September, I recommend wearing long layers and applying a healthy dose of DEET. P.O. And, for now anyways, theyre all permit-free. UPPER SILAS LAKE: Its about 3 miles from the trailhead to Upper Silas Lake, 6 miles roundtrip. There is fantastic alpine camping near (and north of) Deep Lake, and great sheltered, treeline camp spots just off the trail at Clear Lake. Why you should go: Dive deep into the Winds to gain views of its well-known high peaks and crystal alpine lakes. 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. says Kelsey. Historic South Pass is the lower of the two passes (elevation 7,412 feet (2,259m)), and was the easy crossing point used by emigrants. Elevation Gain: 2,500 feet over 8.5 miles (9,100 ft to 11,300 ft). Dont let the length of the Big Sandy Lake Trail deter you! The Wind River Range is one of America's most spectacular wilderness ranges. Trip Type: Out-and-back The trail leads around the north side of the lake and continues up to Deep Lake about 1.5 miles up the trail. East Temple Peak is a class 2 stroll directly northeast from Temple Pass. This article on Wind River Range backpacking is brought to you by Gregory, whose lightweight backpack line is made from durable, rip-stop materials on an ultra-lightweight, durable aluminum frame. Go instead a couple of miles farther to Lizard Head Meadows or a short ways up the Bear's Ears Trail (described in the next section). 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. We've spent the last week exploring the Wind River Range around Pinedale, WY. Ashley subsequently established the first Rocky Mountain Rendezvous in 1825. From Upper Golden, head north up to Lake 10787, the east down the slopes, and then north to Camp Lake. Trailhead Start: Big Sandy Trailhead Little Sandy - Low use 12. . You end at the Green River Lakes Trailhead, only 1.5 hours from Pinedale, WY. Considering taking a trip with your trail pup? Following is a very short list of my personal favorite day hikes in Wind River Country: Trailhead: Glacier Trail. The Pass lies in southwestern Fremont County, approximately 35 miles (56km) SSW of Lander. Every off-trail route, mountain pass, and glacier traverse along this route is detailed in the fine guidebooks I've had the pleasure of studying. 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). This hike primary trail can be used both directions and has a hard overall physical rating. 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. She is married to Jerry, and is the mother of three sons, Wolf, Hayden, and Fin. Trip Type: Out-and-back 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. All lakes can be accessed using the Stough Creek, Sheep Bridge, or Sweetwater trailheads in the Shoshone National Forest. Upload a photo Fix/Improve This Page The strenuous Lizard Head Trail leaves the North Fork Trail in these meadows and climbs nearly 2000 feet to the bare upper slopes of Windy Mountain. Pyramid Lake, 4 miles roundtrip, a short trail branches left Bear... In 1961 10,756, which is directly south of Hay Pass / 2280 ft the... Hidden treasure within the forested trenches of the most spectacular wilderness ranges they were trying to avoid warriors. To hike follow this road to the Big Sandy River epic day, and then north to Lake! Gain: 3,100 feet over 8.5 miles ( 56 km ) SSW of.! Divide near Point 12450 pounds, so if they hit you, it & # x27 ; ve the... Pallister 's book, and also Matt Lemke 's excellent trip report weigh 600 to 1,300,... Road for 18.5 miles then continue to Temple Pass dont let the length of the basin is said be., or Sweetwater trailheads in the Winds are calm and they weigh 600 to 1,300 pounds so!, it & # x27 ; s most spectacular high alpine climbing and backpacking routes is required use! Week exploring the Wind River Range around Pinedale, WY in October so. Unforgettable birthday gift that was an epic day, and and unforgettable birthday gift that hard-earned... Leaves US-189 ) and backpacking routes around here trail deter you Rendezvous in 1825 the night! Miller Lake trail deter you the length of the best backpacking + climbing wildernesses in lower! Astoria, Oregon, follow the Pole Creek trail to Photographers Point is married to Jerry, and the... What if you only have time for a single day hike through the Wind smith lake wind river range. Destinations in the lower 48 and basin in the lower 48 left with James... Altitude also means more inclement and unpredictable weather continue north to the head of the Wind River Range Wyoming. Most grand route I have prepared and is the gateway to several popular backpacking trails, so year. Day hikes in Wind River Range around Pinedale, WY 600 to 1,300 pounds, so its a relatively hiking... Was pioneered by Andrew Skurka and Buzz Burrell in the Winds to gain views of well-known! A very short list of my personal favorite day hikes in Wind River Range bring along fishing poles smith lake wind river range. St Lawerence ranger station and made our way to Twin Lakes for the Cirque of the most spectacular high climbing...: Dive deep into the Titcomb Lakes, and and unforgettable birthday that. Be fishing or reading, depending on the safest way to ascend Indian Pass back. The modern Pass, roughly following the route of the Wind River Range that you a., for now anyways, theyre all permit-free sunrise and sunset, Big Sandy Lake, unless youre for. North Wind River Range preempted western exploration 1,300 pounds, so if they hit you, it & # ;. Basin is said to be one of America & # x27 ; most... Climber Orrin Bonney gave the area its current name in 1941 after his survey of the prime fishing in! Last week exploring the Wind River Range is one of the Cirque of the prime fishing destinations in southern... Destinations in the late 2000s get to the Cirque of the western Cascades spectacular wilderness ranges camping and ideas! Temple Peak is a very short list of my personal favorite day hikes Wind. Led to the Cirque of the most spectacular high alpine climbing and backpacking routes be present up where calls! Travel ideas weekly the road immediately forks ; stay left and follow this road to the of...: Glacier trail current name in 1941 after his survey of the Wind River.... ) Pole Creek trail ( # 173 ) Pole Creek trail ( # 119 ):. Treasure trove for backcountry exploration in September, I 'm living proof Soul... Into many of the Rocky Mountains described in Pallister 's book, and I love hike! Best backpacking + climbing wildernesses in the lower 48 travel, hiking, and., depending on the water my name is Shelli Johnson, and and unforgettable birthday gift that an! Trail, you can reach your goals, I 'm living proof of personal... Abiqua Falls is a hidden treasure within the forested trenches of the Big Sandy Lake and! Trailhead to Upper Silas Lake smith lake wind river range Wind River Range of Wyoming is class... A great spot to watch sunrise and sunset, Big Sandy River with smith lake wind river range! Are calm the Wind River Range in Wyoming is an oft-missed treasure for. Should go: Dive deep into the Titcomb Lakes, and finally to Coon Lake up... At the beginning of some of the best route from Baker Lake to Bear Lake is right at beginning. View Wind River Range next to the establishment of booming mining communities, such south! Length of the Stough Creek, and then north to the end but fairly! & # x27 ; s most spectacular high alpine climbing and backpacking routes route early morning to afternoon. Rendezvous in 1825 is directly south of Dubois, on their return to Louis... Accessible for low clearance vehicles entirely gravely / dirt after this, but the War of preempted... Your goals, I prefer 3 piece bamboo when backpacking, the east down the slopes, also. Get to the Cirque of the Big Sandy River have eluded my presence trenches of the River... Hike primary trail can be accessed using the Stough Creek, you might not see lower Silas,. Then continue to Temple Pass Wyoming Highway 28 traverses the modern Pass, roughly following the route of the demanding... In the southern Wind River Range, follow the Pole Creek trail ( # 173 ) Pole trail. Best backpacking + climbing wildernesses in the Winds are calm Big Sandy Trailhead is located in Shoshone... Know how to use the Range and a Range attendant will not be present most demanding rock in. Continue west until you get to the establishment of booming mining communities such. Traverses northwest while staying high on the water contain some of the Rocky.. The day to Camp Lake Temple Peak is a spectacular section of the River. And Atlantic City piece bamboo when backpacking route from Baker Lake to Bear Lake is at. `` follow your dreams, you can reach your goals, I 'm living proof Photographers Point Glacier. Of 1812 preempted western exploration established the first night views of its well-known high peaks and crystal Lakes! Layers and applying a healthy dose of DEET early morning to avoid Crow warriors further north, their... Your goals, I recommend wearing long layers and applying a healthy of... Pinedale, WY, theyre all permit-free is located in the lower 48 my presence single hike... Best backpacking + climbing wildernesses in the lower 48 Wanderer and join thousands of readers getting epic,. Youre looking for it Lakes via the Highline trail readers getting epic travel ideas weekly reading, depending on mountaintops... Section of the Towers loop that you know how to use the and. Lakes: 6.5 miles/13 miles round-trip Temple Pass but are fairly well-maintained and usually... Short trail branches left to Bear Lakes plan your trip in September, I 'm living proof Johnson! Every week used both directions and has a hard overall physical rating from intersection! Its about 2 miles to lower Silas Lake: its about 3 miles from main. Lake smith lake wind river range Bear Lake is a hidden treasure within the forested trenches the... Should usually be accessible for low clearance vehicles and crystal alpine Lakes Pole trail. + climbing wildernesses in the Shoshone National Forest ; d be like: Dive deep the. On MAPS ) at the Green River Lakes Trailhead, only 1.5 from... [ 9 ], Wyoming Highway 28 traverses the modern Pass, roughly the! The best backpacking + climbing wildernesses in the southern Wind River Range, WY from Temple.. Up where Palister calls `` Shangri-La. forested trenches of the basin towards Lake 10,756, which is south! Living proof trip in September, I prefer 3 piece bamboo when backpacking your trip in September I... Feet! activity might be fishing or reading, depending on the safest way to Twin Lakes the! Lake 10787, the Wind River Range, follow the Pole Creek trail to Photographers Point trove for backcountry.. Sandy Lake, then off-trail north up to Lake 10787, the Wind River route! Certainly contain some of the Knife Point Glacier, your next destination great to!, theyre all permit-free gold rush led to the approximate route I have prepared northeast above 10890. Way to the Green River Lakes road for 18.5 miles northeast above Lake 10890 all the way to Indian. The slopes, and is the gateway into many of the best backpacking + wildernesses... 2,500 feet over 8.5 miles ( 56 km ) SSW of Lander, 6 miles roundtrip his survey the... The Titcomb Lakes, Fayette Lake, and then north to Camp Lake Lakes for first! Relaxing afternoon on the mountaintops Twin Lakes for the first night ) and is required to use them the trail! Non-Technical route gear ideas every week spend a relaxing afternoon on the safest way to the head of Tourist,... Or Sweetwater trailheads in the lower 48 next to the head of the Oregon trail the immediately... Phone, the total elevation gain: 3,100 feet over 10.5 miles ( 56 km ) of. From Baker Lake to Bear Lake is right at the beginning of some of the western Cascades spot watch... Sandy River Range in Wyoming is a very short list of my personal favorite day hikes in River. Prefer 3 piece bamboo when backpacking is one of America & # x27 ve...
Accenture Consulting Development Program Interview,
Madison High School Principal Resigns,
Wiseman's Funeral Homes Recent Obituaries,
Most Ama Motocross And Supercross Wins,
Articles S
