Anglers: There are golden trout in Thumb Lake. You can find her on Instagram at @aka_dmoney. 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. Additionally, from 1962 through 1983, a U.S. Steel iron ore mine operated in Atlantic City, and the company's Atlantic City Mine Railroad crossed South Pass. 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). 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. Its easy to reach the Lower Green River Lakeside Circuit from Dubois, and youll enjoy stellar views from start to finish on this scenic trail. 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. Utah may be a giant desert, but it's still got plenty of waterfalls for adventurous hikers to chase. 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. Also, they don't necessarily share the same parent. 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. Interested in Wind River Range backpacking but not going the distance in the Titcomb Basin? 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. Why you should go: Start at 10,000 feet and explore Rainbow Lake on this easy-going trail. Take a left onto Fish Hatchery Road. Granite peaks -- 40 of them over 13,000 feet high -- dominate the landscape. Pinedale, Wyoming Be sure to check area regulations prior to setting out, as campfires and campsites are restricted throughout the basin to help protect the wilderness area. Backpackers should also check snowpack levels in order to determine the best time to hit the trail without encountering too much snow. 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. Why, you ask? I wouldn't advise camping in the Cirque (according to guidebooks). Almost relentlessly rugged and physically and mentally taxing, with navigational challenges, and mile-for-mile arguably the most jaw-dropping trek through any mountain range in Americaand I've taken many of the very best over the past three decades, including the 10 years I spent as . 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. [5]:114,128. Odesa Ukraine By 1848, 18,487 Americans had crossed the pass, and over 300,000 by 1860. They live in Lander, WY, where they frequently hike in the foothills and mountains of the Wind River Range. Burnt Lake - Low use 8. Shooters must supply their own target holders, which must meet the approval of the shooting range attendant. As a family, we spend most weekends in the summer and fall hiking the local trails. One way to or from Lander Bruce's/Middle Fork $35 Wind River High Route Trailheads & Transportation Thru-hiking East side The most logical termini for a Wind River High Route thru-hike are on the range's east side: Bruce Bridge, 15 miles west of Lander, entirely on pavement Trail Lakes, 10 miles west of Dubois, mostly on gravel At both trailheads, you will find only a parking lot and an outhouse. smith lake alabama 10,470 Smith Lake Premium High Res Photos Browse 10,470 smith lake stock photos and images available, or search for lewis smith lake or lewis smith lake alabama to find more great stock photos and pictures. The Big Piney Ranger District hosts a wide variety of cultural and natural history, recreational opportunities, timber, range, mineral reserves, and wildlife. Should this affect the validity of this most grand route I have prepared? Its recommended for the Cirque of the Towers loop that you bring a map and compass and that you know how to use them. The Sweetwater River flows past the east side of the pass, and Pacific Creek rises on the west side. We caught our first on a day hike last summer. 2022 Best Places to Camp: Top 10 in the U.S. Follow it's north shore west to the unnamed pass between Native Lake and Faller Lake (maps show a trail from Native to Faler Lake, but reportedly it is unmaintained and almost non-existent. Outside of the Sierras, Wyoming's Wind River Range is home to the West's best golden trout fishing. 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. You can find directions easily from guidebooks. Although the Wind River Range is not quite as tall on average as the Rockies, altitude is still a major consideration for backpackers and hikers alike, particularly at elevations above 9,000 feet. Jedediah Smith's party, part of Ashley's Hundred, made the first crossing traveling east to west in Feb. 1824. Slide Creek Falls is a unique waterfall thats not very known unless you look at a topo map. Toggle navigationHiking & Walking Home Destinations Grab your next favorite hiking backpack from Gregorys website today! . Partway up, a short trail branches left to Bear Lakes. 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. There is apparently a non-technical route that goes northwest from the pond that traverses the cliffs above Little Sandy Creek. Directions from Pinedale: From the intersection of Pine Street (US 191) and . 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. Continue climbing northeast, and ascend the south slopes of Atlantic Peak (class 2). Check Out Our Perks and Open Positions, Lets Get Spooky! 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. We started at the St Lawerence ranger station and made our way to Twin Lakes for the first night. The town of Pinedale is the gateway into many of the Wind River trailheads. The Pass lies in southwestern Fremont County, approximately 35 miles (56km) SSW of Lander. This article on Marfa camping is brought to you by OOFOS, whose womens footwear line is made with patented foam that enhances muscle recovery and, We recently asked our Facebook Campfire group for advice on camping with kids, and the responses flooded in with everything from let them help with, 2022 The Dyrt, Inc | All rights reserved, 4 Stunning Routes for Backpacking Through Wyomings Wind River Range, 6 Private Campgrounds to Book When Your Favorite National Parks are Full. 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. 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. 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. Wind River Range Backpacking Video. Boulder Lake-High use 9. says Kelsey. 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. Island Lake is beautiful! Trailhead Start: Elkhart Park Under most conditions, crampons are required. The gold rush led to the establishment of booming mining communities, such as South Pass City and Atlantic City. I have hope, however, that the Mammoth has receded enough that there is a possible non-glacier route following the southern edge of the glacier. 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. From Lake 10,542, travel northwest through the rugged valley containing Long Lake (Lake 10,683). AREA MAPS: Beartooth Publishing North Wind River Range. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 27 min to complete. Do this route early morning to avoid afternoon storms. Continue west until you get to the drainage of the Knife Point Glacier, your next destination. And also from going south from New Fork Lake past Lee Lake. Little Sandy - Low use 12. . Marms Lake (near Dads Lake), is on one of the more popular treks in,. We've spent the last week exploring the Wind River Range around Pinedale, WY. 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. Dads Lake also has the benefit of being at a slightly lower elevation than some of the classic Wind River Range backpacking trails, so seasonality can be a bit easier to handle. Headwaters of the Green River | Tuesday - Saturday, August 17-21, 2021. Though well known to Native Americans, South Pass was first traversed in 1812 by European American explorers who were seeking a safer way to return from the West Coast than they had taken to it. I feel that this is all the description needed to arrive safely, without spoiling the adventure too much. https://youtu.be/aeQ61IH9fv4A six day solo backpacking loop in Wyoming's Wind River Range starting at Boulder Canyon trail head. Continue northwest up the basin towards Lake 10,756, which is directly south of Hay Pass. You can do this by contacting the National Forest Service or looking at online reviews on sites such as AllTrails or Hiking Project. This vast 110-mile uplifted spine offers limitless climbing and hiking in a remote setting. In fact, my most epic day hike in the Wind River Range was on my birthday one year. 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. The trail cuts away from Seneca Lake and drops way, way down. Check the Map. Considering taking a trip with your trail pup? From Middle Fork Lake, it is approximately 2 trailless miles to Hall's Lake. Located in the southern section of the Wind River Range (or "Winds" for short), the cirque is a very popular destination for technical rock climbers. In the mid-1990s, Lander nurse and outdoorsman Bruce Cartwright introduced my family to the fine high-lake fishing on the Wind River Indian Reservation, which accounts for about a quarter of the land in the Winds. 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. 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. 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. Weve caught a lot of brook trout here, nothing big, but the catching is pretty good in our experience. The Wind River High Route was pioneered by Andrew Skurka and Buzz Burrell in the late 2000s. From Baptiste Lake, head due east for approximately 1.5 miles, then north to the upper Grave Creek Cirque. I wouldn't bet on it, however. 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. Both areas, located just west of the Continental Divide, are rich in outstanding scenery and recreation opportunities. East Temple Peak is a class 2 stroll directly northeast from Temple Pass. Hiking plays a part in just about everything I do. This is one big lake but it seemed like a challenging place to find a campsite due to the steep, rocky shoreline. The Bear's Ears Trail continues down the stream's west bank (headed north) and climbs west and descends to Grave Lake. (1), Southwest Arete Lost Temple Spire, IV, 5.10b. Hooker towers above Grave Lake, and is the largest vertical rock wall in Wyoming. The Wind River Range is one of the best backpacking + climbing wildernesses in the lower 48. 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. It is a beautiful lake! Justin Glass at a small tarn in the upper valley of Middle Fork Lake on the Wind River High Route, Wyoming. From this lake, continue southwest past Lake Kagevah to 11,290 foot Kagevah Pass. 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). (Joshua Bergan photo) Few mountain ranges in the world offer the outdoorsman as much as Wyoming's Wind River Range: Miles of trail to ride or backpack, glaciers to climb, some of the world's best granite for rock climbing. According to the approximate route I traced on my phone, the total elevation gain is about 29,000 feet!! For rods, I prefer 3 piece bamboo when backpacking. Smith Lake Lake Popular Destinations in Wyoming Cheyenne Casper Laramie Gillette The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes. 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. Depending on your experience and relative skill level, the Cirque of the Towers is another staple when it comes to Wind River Range backpacking. We released them all, but it was quite a day. Lonesome Lake was the first lake in the Wind Rivers to be deemed unsafe for drinking, and camping is strictly prohibited within 1/4 mile of the 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. 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. All Rights Reserved. You can learn more about our editorial policies, 10 of the Best Airbnbs in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, 11 Amazing Wyoming Cabin Rentals To Warm Your Soul, The 11 Best Airbnbs Near Grand Teton National Park, 12 Best Airbnbs in Wyoming for a Taste of the American West, 10 Free Things to Do in Colorado Springs, CO, The 15 Best Hikes Near Seattle, Washington, 7 Must-See Day Trips From Denver, Colorado, 9 Best Airbnbs & Vacation Rentals in Missoula, Montana, Black Tree Resort: Colorado Camping At Its Finest. Brother Benny overlooking Harrower Peak and Indian Basin on our second day in the Wind Rivers. The Wind River Range is one of America's most spectacular wilderness ranges. Smith Lake is a 7 mile blue singletrack trail located near Popo Agie Wilderness Wyoming. The placer gold in the streams was exhausted quickly, however, and by 1870 the miners began leaving the region. Climber Orrin Bonney gave the area its current name in 1941 after his survey of the cirque. Two years ago we came back and hiked to the Cirque of the Towers, so this year I thought it . While hiking here, its imperative to follow Leave No Trace principles to create a minimal impact on this wild terrain. Make your way north past a myriad of small lakes to Crescent Lake. 18.4 mi / 2280 ft gain The Wind River Range is one of the best backpacking + climbing wildernesses in the lower 48. Stay right at the junction and continue. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. And even during my couple trips to those areas, it seemed absolutely deserted compared to my local trails in Colorado. The archery range on Berlin Lake Wildlife Area is open sunrise-sunset, except during holidays, and is free-of-charge. Books and maps can be purchased here. The pass is a broad open saddle with prairie and sagebrush, allowing a broad and nearly level route between the Atlantic and Pacific watersheds. Lander, WY 82520. Related: 10 of the Best Airbnbs in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. 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. Continue north past the west side of Lake 11085 and weave your way through the multitude of lakes north and east of Mount Solitude. _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. 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. This would add about. They were trying to avoid Crow warriors further north, on their return to St. Louis, Missouri from Astoria, Oregon. Our three sons, from very young ages, have enjoyed this hike with us. Wildlife, Create Recommended Route or Joel Pickens Walker, and his wife Mary Young Walker, made the journey with their four children. Call State Park Amenities Amenities at Lake Smith include: Boat Access Fishing Jetty Accessible Pier Picnic Area Beach Trails Accessible Facilities First, I experienced some great fishing for Rainbows on Ross Lake (big rainbows)and cutties from Hidden Lake. 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.] EXTREME WX CATEGORIES CITIES & VALUES: Temperature Dewpoint Heat Index Wind Wind Chill Pressure Pressure Change The Pass lies in southwestern Fremont County, approximately 35 miles (56 km) SSW of Lander . Labeled Pinedales most popular day hike, this hike is a guaranteed winner if you can handle the distance. 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. 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. 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. 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. Book a Tour. 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. Half Moon Lake - Low use 7. I'm kind of a Granger fan so the thought of taking 2 of those is something I look forward to. 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. You'll want to bring your friends and family to experience the sheer quantity (and quality) of scenic, unbeatable camping across Sublette County. For a while we were losing so much eleveation I thought we might have taken a wrong turn. I've never had slower progress in my life. 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. _Bonneville Basin can be reached by two different ways. The impact to your legs make this feel like 6 miles instead of 3, but the views more than make up for the effort. The best times to visit this trail are June through October. Few places in North America are as staggeringly beautiful as Titcomb Basin and Island Lake. Hidden Lake can be reached by bushwacking 2 miles from Ross Lake. She is married to Jerry, and is the mother of three sons, Wolf, Hayden, and Fin. An extra day is advised to explore the multitude of lakes around the Brown Cliffs here. Thumb Lake is just a mile or so above Island Lake, and its worth the extra effort to see it. It contains 449,000 acres of snow-capped mountain peaks, lush vegetation and clear mountain lakes and streams. The district maintains 300 miles of system trails, 25 . The Wind River Range of Wyoming is a spectacular section of the Rocky Mountains. I have taken backpacking trips to the Cirque of the Towers and Temple Lake area, as well as the Titcomb Basin area; however, I have not completed the WRRT yet. 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. Continue north to the head of Tourist Creek, and ascend northeast above lake 10890 all the way to the divide near Point 12450. " 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? Miller Lake Trail (#173) Pole Creek Trail (#119) DISTANCE: +/- 28.5 miles. Credit /u/chucksutherland for our awesome banner. It offers panoramic views and excellent backcountry camping without the heavy mileage of its longer cousin. 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 Highline Trail begins at the campground and follows most of the length of the Wind River Range, 80 miles to the south. The height of Mt. Mileage: 29-30 miles RT For the last five years the mythical Wind Rivers have eluded my presence. 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. Robert "Doc" Newell's first child was born at South Pass in June 1835. [4]:156157[5]:87107, The first family of emigrants, the Walkers, crossed the pass in 1840 with the intention of settling in Oregon. After passage of the Pacific Telegraph Act of 1860, South Pass Station was established in 1861, at Last Crossing on the Sweetwater River. Mosquitoes are treacherous here in the Winds during the warmer months. As mentioned earlier, there are plenty of alpine lakes to go around this beautiful mountain range, creating world-renowned fly fishing. Overall, pack more water than you think youll need, and take frequent breaks to prevent exhaustion and advanced altitude sickness. An extra day can be taken to climb Wind River Peak, the southernmost 13er in the range; definitely a worthy summit, with amazing views from what I've heard. 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. This is rated as class 2-3 by Pallister. This section was inspired by Matt Lemke's trip report "Gone with the Winds." She has had the privilege of working for Colorados most experienced climbing guide service as an Office & Marketing Manager and an Outdoor Climbing Guide. On day 2 we started out from Twin lakes and bushwacked our . 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 town of Pinedale is the gateway into many of the Wind River trailheads. , located just west of the length of the Knife Point Glacier, your destination. Map and compass and that you know how to use them Benny overlooking Harrower Peak and Indian on... West bank ( headed north ) and not going the distance it takes an average of 11 h 27 to! 2 stroll directly northeast from Temple Pass those areas, located just west of the Wind Range. East of Mount Solitude Bear 's Ears trail continues down the stream 's west bank ( headed )... 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