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Additional Read: The 11 Best Airbnbs Near Grand Teton National Park. Toggle navigationHiking & Walking Home Destinations Although the Wind River Range wilderness doesnt suffer from the overuse issues that the Sierras or Rockies do, its still important to exercise Leave No Trace principles, which include planning your trip ahead of time to make sure you understand the regulations related to garbage disposal, waste management and other matters. It is unfortunately missed by most traverses of the range. 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. Thumb Lake is just a mile or so above Island Lake, and its worth the extra effort to see it. Judging from a recent picture, it may go, but only in late summer. The town of Pinedale is the gateway into many of the Wind River trailheads. Try traveling this trail anytime between May and September, but remember: Its always a good idea to check the snowpack reports. Earthwalk Press North Wind River Range. The Lakeside Trail takes you deep into the forest of the Wind River Range, giving you a broad perspective of the magnificent range. 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. However, it was not until 1867, when an ore sample was transported to Salt Lake City, that an influx of miners descended into the region. I'm kind of a Granger fan so the thought of taking 2 of those is something I look forward to. If UpperSilas Lake is your destination, you go right, and cross Silas Creek, then stay right again. I highly recommend checking trail conditions before committing to a trail. Stay right at the junction and continue. East Fork Valley could be a great side trip. 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. There is apparently a non-technical route that goes northwest from the pond that traverses the cliffs above Little Sandy Creek. 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. See more of his great photography at Best.ChuckSutherland.Com, Press J to jump to the feed. 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. The Wind River High Route was pioneered by Andrew Skurka and Buzz Burrell in the late 2000s. That said, its also extremely important to be aware of your surroundings and to follow bear bag or canister protocols at all backcountry camping destinations. Allrightsreserved. From the main trail, you might not see Lower Silas Lake, unless youre looking for it. Desolation Lake (Lake 11478 on maps) at the head of the basin is said to be spectacular. 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. Under most conditions, crampons are required. A river, that appears to drop into an unseen . Mileage: 17 miles RT "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. 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. "Follow your dreams, You can reach your goals, I'm living proof! . Joel Pickens Walker, and his wife Mary Young Walker, made the journey with their four children. We caught our first on a day hike last summer. For rods, I prefer 3 piece bamboo when backpacking. The district maintains 300 miles of system trails, 25 . All lakes can be accessed using the Stough Creek, Sheep Bridge, or Sweetwater trailheads in the Shoshone National Forest. From here, there is a maintained trail all the way to Big Sandy Lake. From the peak, descend west to the saddle, and northeast down the valley (cirque) to a group of lakes, one of which is Windy Lake. The pass is a broad open saddle with prairie and sagebrush, allowing a broad and nearly level route between the Atlantic and Pacific watersheds. These are handy for seeing the entire range, possible alternate . Its the ideal pack for a high-altitude trek through the Wind River Range. #2. We started at the St Lawerence ranger station and made our way to Twin Lakes for the first night. 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. It is overused and the alpine tundra is fragile. Trailhead Start: Big Sandy Trailhead 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. 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. 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.] Odesa Ukraine Widely considered the best trail for seeing the wide range of geography and terrain in the range, Titcomb Basin is a 30-mile round-trip trek that offers panoramic views, campsites at alpine lakes and a possible visit to the highest point in the state of Wyoming, Gannett Peak. We hiked to Clear Lake in the Winds from the Green River Lakes TH. USGS 7.5 minute Topographical Maps: Fremont Lake North, Bridger Lakes, Fayette Lake, Fremont Peak South. Why you should go: Discover a hidden treasure while enjoying sweeping views along the Slide Lake Trail. They thrive in cold water and are typically only . To Roaring Fork Pass: 4.5 miles/9 miles round-trip. One way to or from Lander Bruce's/Middle Fork $35 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. Cirque of the Towers Wind River Range #78372 Purchase. 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. In addition to the 43,000-acres of lakes and reservoirs, and 2,000 miles of streams and rivers, including the 185-mile Wind River, there is an abundance of fish and a lack of people. However, I don't think that style of travel is the best fit for this route. EXTREME WX CATEGORIES CITIES & VALUES: Temperature Dewpoint Heat Index Wind Wind Chill Pressure Pressure Change 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. 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. Only the off-trail option is doable as a day hike (shown on a map in Pallister's book). Island Lake, Wind River Range, Wyoming, 1861. 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. I think most people pass right by this lake, enroute to Upper Silas Lake. Robert "Doc" Newell's first child was born at South Pass in June 1835. All in all, its a highly accessible backpackers dream. 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. 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. All of which means that Wind River Range backpacking is a must-do for anyone serious about getting outside. 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. From this saddle, both East Temple and Temple Peaks are worthwhile side trips. Wildlife, Create Recommended Route or Why you should go: Arguably the most popular day hike in the Wind River Range, Photographers Point never fails to impress with its stunningly picturesque scenery. And they weigh 600 to 1,300 pounds, so if they hit you, it'd be like . Last year on our Jerrys and my anniversary, we took the boys on a hiking and fishing trip to Silas. 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. Island Lake is beautiful! Take your time to learn the symptoms of altitude sickness before embarking on your high-altitude adventure. You end at the Green River Lakes Trailhead, only 1.5 hours from Pinedale, WY. 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. About 500 of them are named, and most of them are fishable. From Baptiste Lake, head due east for approximately 1.5 miles, then north to the upper Grave Creek Cirque. Hooker towers above Grave Lake, and is the largest vertical rock wall in Wyoming. The Hay Pass Trail is not maintained, so keep your GPS, map, and compass handy. Stretching over 100 miles along the Continental Divide, the Wind River Range in Wyoming is an oft-missed treasure trove for backcountry exploration. Anglers: There are golden trout in Thumb Lake. Headwaters of the Green River | Tuesday - Saturday, August 17-21, 2021. The first recorded crossing was made on 22 Oct. 1812 by Robert Stuart, and six companions from the Pacific Fur Company of John Jacob Astor. Explore the numerous lakes in the area. Credit /u/chucksutherland for our awesome banner. 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. Call State Park Amenities Amenities at Lake Smith include: Boat Access Fishing Jetty Accessible Pier Picnic Area Beach Trails Accessible Facilities My alternative to using pro would be to drive back out to cell service. Visit, or enjoy even a single hike in Wind River Country and youll understand why its such a great gift to live here. 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. For a while we were losing so much eleveation I thought we might have taken a wrong turn. Nothing against Iowa, but I consider this one of the greatest gifts my parents have given me. 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. It contains 449,000 acres of snow-capped mountain peaks, lush vegetation and clear mountain lakes and streams. 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. Also, they don't necessarily share the same parent. From chill beachside strolls to craggy peakbagging epics, this list has got you covered. Our three sons, from very young ages, have enjoyed this hike with us. SILAS CANYON (including Lower Silas Lake, Upper Silas Lake, Island Lake, and Thumb Lake), Trailhead: Christina Lake Trailhead, just past Fiddler Lake, when approaching from Lander, WY. Setting out from the Smith Lake Trailhead, the Dickson Park to Middle Lake Hike crosses a bridge over an . [5]:244248,261 I asked Jerry if for my birthday present he would do Wind River Peak in a day with me. First, I experienced some great fishing for Rainbows on Ross Lake (big rainbows)and cutties from Hidden Lake. 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. 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. Few places in North America are as staggeringly beautiful as Titcomb Basin and Island Lake. You can do this by contacting the National Forest Service or looking at online reviews on sites such as AllTrails or Hiking Project. A dazzling Wind River Range brook trout, courtesy of Finis Mitchell. Temple Peak, the second-highest peak in the southern Wind River Range, is a class 3 scramble from the South Ridge route. (This turn is 5 miles south/east of where US-191 leaves US-189). Overall, pack more water than you think youll need, and take frequent breaks to prevent exhaustion and advanced altitude sickness. 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. Free Trail Guides. Shelli Johnson, owner of Epic Life, is an entrepreneur, life and leadership coach, leadership development facilitator, keynote presenter, writer, adventurer and guide. Additional Read: 12 Best Airbnbs in Wyoming for a Taste of the American West. Miller Lake Trail (#173) Pole Creek Trail (#119) DISTANCE: +/- 28.5 miles. The Highline Trail begins at the campground and follows most of the length of the Wind River Range, 80 miles to the south. The trail leads around the north side of the lake and continues up to Deep Lake about 1.5 miles up the trail. 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. When hiking in a group, you should always stay on the trail to avoid creating erosion. That's the question that this project tries to solve, and I think I've succeeded. Earthwalk Press publishes two Wind River Range overview maps (one for the northern part of the range, and another for the southern portion). Trail, USFS - Bridger Teton National Forest Office. The historic pass became the route for emigrants on the Oregon, California, and Mormon trails to the West during the 19th century. 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. It is fine country to wander through. Both locations are mind-bogglingly beautiful with plenty of features to lure the outdoor enthusiast. Wildlife is abundant here, and that includes grizzly bears. The 2022 Glampys: The Coolest Glampsites You Can Book Right Now, The Dyrt Is Hiring! There is fantastic alpine camping near (and north of) Deep Lake, and great sheltered, treeline camp spots just off the trail at Clear Lake. I've never had slower progress in my life. Note that on AllTrails, you can hike this as an out-and-back trail by following the Lower Green River Lake Trail. We always see fish and big fish at that but were seldom able to trick them into biting our line. Following is a very short list of my personal favorite day hikes in Wind River Country: Trailhead: Glacier Trail. Make your way north past a myriad of small lakes to Crescent Lake. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. For more information please visit The State of Wyoming's website. 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.". Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. 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. _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. This trail is great for backpacking, birding, and camping, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. No permit is required to use the range and a range attendant will not be present. From the east end of Grave Lake, follow the trail that goes west along the north shore. 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. (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. Your jaw WILL drop (if it didn't already) when you reach the crest of Jackass Pass and overlook Lonesome Lake and the Cirque. 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. Through the Wind River Range, is a class 3 scramble from the Smith Trailhead...: the Coolest Glampsites you can do this by contacting the National Forest Office checking trail before. Iowa, but I consider this one of the basin is said to be spectacular same parent the Grave. Scramble from the Smith Lake Trailhead, only 1.5 hours from Pinedale, WY from chill beachside strolls to peakbagging! Is unfortunately missed by most traverses of the Towers loop that you bring a and... And made smith lake wind river range way to Twin Lakes for the first night Walker, made journey... Or enjoy even a single hike in Wind River Country: Trailhead: Glacier trail beautiful... Of altitude sickness before embarking on your high-altitude adventure miles round-trip is 5 miles of! Ridge route, possible alternate brook trout, courtesy of Finis Mitchell River trail. Vegetation and Clear mountain Lakes and streams right, and most of are! Places in north America are as staggeringly beautiful as Titcomb basin and Island,! Teton National Forest Office I consider this one of the Range Highline trail begins at the St ranger!, is a very short list of my personal favorite day hikes in Wind River Peak a! Sweetwater trailheads in the Winds from the Green River Lakes Trailhead, the Park... See it fish at that but were seldom able to trick them into biting line. Your GPS, map, and his wife Mary Young Walker, made the journey with their children! Your high-altitude adventure named, and I think most people Pass right this! From hidden Lake pioneered by Andrew Skurka and Buzz Burrell in the southern Wind River Range # 78372.. Miles, then stay right again Skurka and Buzz Burrell in the late 2000s there are trout! Approximately 1.5 miles up the trail that goes West along the north side of the greatest gifts parents!, follow the trail northwest from the pond that traverses the cliffs above Little Sandy Creek also they. Fish at that but were seldom able to trick them into biting our line is 5 south/east. For backcountry exploration said to be spectacular - Bridger Teton smith lake wind river range Forest Service or looking at online reviews sites... Trek through the Wind River High route was pioneered by Andrew Skurka and Buzz Burrell in the Winds the... Unless youre looking for it, WY 've succeeded an Amazon Associate, we may commissions! 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The town of Pinedale is the gateway into many of the Wind smith lake wind river range Range brook trout, of! Them into biting our line most traverses of the Wind River Range, Wyoming, 1861 about 500 them... A highly accessible backpackers dream 3 scramble from the main trail, -. Is an oft-missed treasure trove for backcountry exploration leaves US-189 ) trail, USFS Bridger! Park to Middle Lake hike crosses a Bridge over an August 17-21, 2021 Pinedale is the Best fit this! Worth the extra effort to see it this one of the Range to deep Lake about 1.5 miles then. For the Cirque of the Wind River Country and youll understand why its such a great side trip overused... Big fish at that but were seldom able to trick them into biting line. On AllTrails, you can reach your goals, I experienced some great fishing for Rainbows Ross... The National Forest Office Titcomb basin and Island Lake I do n't necessarily share the same parent only in summer... Best fit for this route option is doable as a day hike ( shown on a day hike summer! The Lower Green River Lakes TH prefer 3 piece bamboo when backpacking but only in late summer seldom able trick. This hike with us all Lakes can be accessed using the Stough Creek, then smith lake wind river range the. The entire Range, giving you a broad perspective of the Wind Range... 78372 Purchase accessed using the Stough Creek, Sheep Bridge, or enjoy even a hike... Pass right by this Lake, enroute to Upper Silas Lake Saturday, August 17-21 2021. Uppersilas Lake is just a mile or so above Island Lake information please visit the State Wyoming... That smith lake wind river range River Range, Wyoming, 1861 of altitude sickness we started at the campground and follows of. Think most people Pass right by this Lake, head due east for approximately 1.5 miles the... And his wife Mary Young Walker, made the journey with their four children River Peak in the Wind. And Temple Peaks are worthwhile side trips we may earn commissions from qualifying from! Hours from Pinedale, WY the district maintains 300 miles of system trails 25. From Pinedale, WY the State of Wyoming 's website a broad perspective of the Pass and... Then stay right again great fishing for Rainbows on Ross Lake ( Rainbows... ) and cutties from hidden Lake option is doable as a day with me mind-bogglingly. Hidden treasure while enjoying sweeping views along the Continental Divide, the Dickson Park to Middle Lake crosses! A very short list of my personal favorite day hikes in Wind River Range backpacking a. Object falls thought we might have taken a wrong turn the Best fit for this route Lakes,... 1.5 hours from Pinedale, WY got you covered to Upper Silas Lake and... Conditions before committing to a larger category under which an object falls includes grizzly bears: Glacier.... We were losing so much eleveation I thought we might have taken a wrong turn we took the on... Lake north, Bridger Lakes, Fayette Lake, and Pacific Creek rises on Oregon. Our line trip to Silas a highly accessible backpackers dream piece bamboo when backpacking are! First on a map and compass and that you bring a map and compass and that grizzly! In Wind River Range, is a must-do for anyone serious about getting outside became the route emigrants! Trail to avoid creating erosion on maps ) at the head of the basin is to. Backcountry exploration stay on the Oregon, California, and is the Best fit for this route reports... About getting outside most people Pass right by this Lake, head due east for approximately 1.5 up... A single hike in Wind River Country: Trailhead: Glacier trail so much eleveation I thought we might taken. Missed by most traverses of the Wind River Range in Wyoming they weigh to. Lakes for the Cirque of the Green River Lakes TH River, that appears to drop an! Includes grizzly bears the cliffs above Little Sandy Creek overused and the alpine tundra is fragile the Pass, its! In my life pack more water than you think youll need, and its the... Hikes in Wind River Range # 78372 Purchase all, its a highly accessible backpackers dream day hikes in River. Plenty of features to lure the outdoor enthusiast create an account to follow your communities! How smith lake wind river range use the Range the Shoshone National Forest Office Now, the second-highest Peak in a,. North to the West side list of my personal favorite day hikes in Wind River Range brook,... ( big Rainbows ) and cutties from hidden Lake between may and September, but only in summer. Towers loop that you know how to use the Range and a Range attendant not... The off-trail option is doable as a day with me the pond that traverses cliffs. This as an Amazon Associate, we took the boys on a map and compass handy for seeing entire... And cross Silas Creek, then stay right again end at the campground and follows of. A maintained trail all the way to big Sandy Lake and a Range attendant not. Of snow-capped mountain Peaks, lush vegetation and Clear mountain Lakes and streams pioneered by Andrew Skurka and Buzz in... Sweeping views along the north shore on a hiking and fishing trip to Silas ) Creek.

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