The Wind River Range of Wyoming is a place that nearly every backcountry enthusiast dreams of visiting. Take a left onto Fish Hatchery Road. The Big Piney Ranger District hosts a wide variety of cultural and natural history, recreational opportunities, timber, range, mineral reserves, and wildlife. Wind Rivers. 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. An extra day is advised to explore the multitude of lakes around the Brown Cliffs here. Lander, WY 82520. Its in the name! It is advised that you camp in either of these spots rather than at Big Sandy Lake. 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. Trailhead Start: Elkhart Park 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. 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. Lake, continue around the shore of Upper Silas Lake on a nice trail that winds up and through the forest for another 1.5 miles or so before reaching Island Lake. The best times to visit this trail are June through October. If you only have time for a single day hike through the Wind River Range, follow the Pole Creek Trail to Photographers Point. Stretching over 100 miles along the Continental Divide, the Wind River Range in Wyoming is an oft-missed treasure trove for backcountry exploration. The Dyrt PRO lets you download maps and campgrounds without cell service. 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. A river, that appears to drop into an unseen . . 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. Last year on our Jerrys and my anniversary, we took the boys on a hiking and fishing trip to Silas. 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. The Wind River Range extends for more than 100 miles, the crest forming part of the Continental Divide. The Seneca Lake out-and-back trip is a modified version of the Wind River classic. Book a Tour. Grab your next favorite hiking backpack from Gregorys website today! 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. 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. 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. From Camp Lake, head northeast above Half-Fish Lake (Lake 9675) and continue above treeline up the slopes around 11,600 feet. From Lake 10,542, travel northwest through the rugged valley containing Long Lake (Lake 10,683). It is non-technical, but may require technical gear in early-season. 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. The passes furnish a natural crossing point of the Rockies. The Big Sandy Trailhead is located in the southern Wind River Range next to the Big Sandy River. Trip Type: Out-and-back 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 rest of the route is described in Nancy Palister's book, called the Goat-friendly High Route. We've spent the last week exploring the Wind River Range around Pinedale, WY. A widely-used trail, this route offers the chance to take in the Wind River Range wilderness in a way thats palatable to beginner through intermediate backpackers with a taste for 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). The historic pass became the route for emigrants on the Oregon, California, and Mormon trails to the West during the 19th century. Snow usually doesnt melt until mid-May and returns in October, so its a relatively short hiking season around here. 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. Clear Lake is a great spot to watch sunrise and sunset, particularly if the winds are calm. Visiting the Space Needle, exploring Pike Place Market, and touring the old underground city are staples on any Seattle trip, but youll need your hiking boots to discover the areas most majestic attractions. From Cheyenne to Jackson, Evanston to Casper to Gillette and everywhere in between. Between the five of us we caught about 18 trout in an hour. . I feel that this is all the description needed to arrive safely, without spoiling the adventure too much. 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 . 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. They live in Lander, WY, where they frequently hike in the foothills and mountains of the Wind River Range. It is unfortunately missed by most traverses of the range. In 3-pc 4wts, there are 7.5 and 8 footers. The Highline Trail begins at the campground and follows most of the length of the Wind River Range, 80 miles to the south. Approximately 4 miles south of Dubois, on Hwy 26/287. To Hike to Lake Louise: Its about 2.5 miles to Lake Louise, 5 miles roundtrip. The Winds of Change: Fifty Years Hiking and Climbing in the Wind River Range of Wyoming - Crooked Thumb Crooked Thumb December 6, 2021 Featured Photo: Middle Fork Lake with Pronghorn Peak and Mt Bonneville in the far background, Wind River Range, Wyoming "The Earth does not belong to man; man belongs to the Earth. 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. In his free time, Tyler can be found searching Portland for the next great food establishment or perusing the many bookshelves of Powell's. The 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. 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. 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. From the Elkhart trailhead parking lot, take the Pole Creek Trail directly adjacent to the restroom. It was also the first big wall climb outside of Yosemite to be rated at Grade VI, a very serious, multi-day rock climb with a long and arduous approach. East Fork Valley could be a great side trip. Anglers: There are golden trout in Thumb Lake. 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. When I was just 3 years old, my parents moved us from Iowa to Lander, Wyoming. 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. Following is a very short list of my personal favorite day hikes in Wind River Country: Trailhead: Glacier Trail. THUMB LAKE: Its about 6 miles to Thumb lake from the trailhead, 12 miles roundtrip. The Pass lies in southwestern Fremont County, approximately 35 miles (56km) SSW of Lander. Seneca Lake is right at the beginning of some of the most spectacular high alpine climbing and backpacking routes. 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 Bruces Bridge at the end of Sinks Canyon, and takes us all the way to Wind River Peak. Continue northwest up the basin towards Lake 10,756, which is directly south of Hay Pass. _The Peak Lake Area. Do this route early morning to avoid afternoon storms. The Rainbow Lake Trail begins at Dream Lake, which is right along the Continental Divide Trail. You then depart from the trail due northeast, following Blair Creek to the pond at 9590. 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. 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. In AdventureAlan's trip report of his long-distance Wind River Trip (linked below), he advises not to camp at the upper part of the basin containing Long Lake (the particular lake is Lake 10,555) due to poor campsites and unpleasant-tasting water. Wildlife, Create Recommended Route or Mosquitoes are treacherous here in the Winds during the warmer months. AREA MAPS: Beartooth Publishing North Wind River Range. Why you should go: Dive deep into the Winds to gain views of its well-known high peaks and crystal alpine lakes. Two years ago we came back and hiked to the Cirque of the Towers, so this year I thought it . See more of his great photography at Best.ChuckSutherland.Com, Press J to jump to the feed. Desolation Lake (Lake 11478 on maps) at the head of the basin is said to be spectacular. 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. 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. 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. Stuart's "Travel Memorandum" was left with President James Madison, but the War of 1812 preempted western exploration. 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. Related: 10 of the Best Airbnbs in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. says Kelsey. Just continue north to shallow and picturesque Hay Pass. You would be better off trying your hand at the shorter and more direct WRHR, pioneered by AdventureAlan (link at the bottom). The biggest trout - in the 25- to 27-inch range were in relatively deep water near the outlet, but those were the wiliest . [5]:110,113[4]:158, In 1842, John C. Fremont led a United States Army Corps of Topographical Engineers expedition to survey South Pass. I highly recommend checking trail conditions before committing to a trail. Pick up all dog waste as well as any human trash. Why you should go: Start at 10,000 feet and explore Rainbow Lake on this easy-going trail. . The Wind River Range is home to thousands of lakes and ponds, with an appealing mix of golden, brook, rainbow, and cutthroat trout. In fact, my most epic day hike in the Wind River Range was on my birthday one year. I'm sure someone over here is familiar with Wind River Range hikes and could point me in the right direction. Camping along this trek can be found at Shadow Lake, and then in and around the Jackass Pass area later in the trip. The Wind Rivers humbly hide 30 peaks over 13,000 feet, including Wyoming's tallest mountain Gannett Peak. Lower Silas Lake: Its about 2 miles to Lower Silas Lake, 4 miles roundtrip. Pinedale, Wyoming Call 307.438.970 or Email windrivershuttle@gmail.com to Book For point-to-point trips, we recommend we meet you at your take-out point and we shuttle you to your start location. From Middle Fork Lake, it is approximately 2 trailless miles to Hall's Lake. This popular trailhead is located in the southern Wind River Range next to the Big Sandy River. Higher altitude also means more inclement and unpredictable weather. The placer gold in the streams was exhausted quickly, however, and by 1870 the miners began leaving the region. Rainbow Lake is a popular fishing destination, so hikers typically bring along fishing poles to spend a relaxing afternoon on the water. Island Lake, Wind River Range, Wyoming, 1861. 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. Island Lake is beautiful! Trailhead Start: Elkhart Park Labeled Pinedales most popular day hike, this hike is a guaranteed winner if you can handle the distance. Sprawled in the shadow of 14,115-foot Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs is the type of city that boasts the best of all worlds. After about 1.2 miles, among a few small tarns above the basin floor, cut north to Split Mountain Pass. Denver's central location makes it easy to get the most out of the Rocky Mountain West. Backpackers should also check snowpack levels in order to determine the best time to hit the trail without encountering too much snow. In 5wts, there are 7.5, 8 and 8.5 footers. Why you should go: Discover a hidden treasure while enjoying sweeping views along the Slide Lake Trail. [5]:7982, In 1834, Nathaniel Jarvis Wyeth led the first Methodist missionaries Jason Lee, Daniel Lee, and Cyrus Shepard across the pass. You can do this by contacting the National Forest Service or looking at online reviews on sites such as AllTrails or Hiking Project. Prior to this, few if any visitors had ventured into the cirque due to the remote location. . He wrote, "it may be assumed to be about half-way between the Mississippi and the Pacific ocean, on the common traveling routethe emigrant road to Oregon. She is married to Jerry, and is the mother of three sons, Wolf, Hayden, and Fin. Continue west until you get to the drainage of the Knife Point Glacier, your next destination. Little Sandy - Low use 12. . 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. Brother Benny overlooking Harrower Peak and Indian Basin on our second day in the Wind Rivers. 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. The falls run right along the Slide Lake Trail, so no extra hiking is required to reach this though youll definitely want a top map to help you find the waterfall. It lies in a broad high region, 35 miles (56 km) wide, between the nearly 14,000 ft (4,300 m) Wind River Range to the north and the over 8,500 ft (2,600 m) Oregon Buttes [3] and arid, saline near-impassible Great Divide Basin to the south. 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. Check Out Our Perks and Open Positions, Lets Get Spooky! 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. Toggle navigationHiking & Walking Home Destinations Located on the way up to the Cirque of the Towers, Dads Lake is a pristine alpine setting that offers even the least experienced backpackers the chance to test their trail legs. A dazzling Wind River Range brook trout, courtesy of Finis Mitchell. Wyeth then established Fort Hall on the Snake River and the Lees settled the Willamette Valley. Bear Lakes, although a short detour, look absolutely gorgeous. All Rights Reserved. Box 925 I'm kind of a Granger fan so the thought of taking 2 of those is something I look forward to. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Slide Lake Trail is a wonderful, well-maintained trail thats the perfect addition to any adventure itinerary. Ashley sold out to Smith, William Sublette, and David Jackson in 1826, becoming their supplier. South Pass was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961. No matter what you plan to do while in Missoula, these Airbnbs can complete the puzzle for a perfect escape. Its a pretty mountain lake that we always seem to have to ourselves. Daniell is a freelance writer based out of Fort Collins, Colorado. 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