Elevation Gain: 3,100 feet over 10.5 miles (9,400 ft to 10,626 ft). After nearly 6 miles, turn right onto WY-352 for 25.3 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. From Windy Lake Basin, make your way east to the top of the plateau, as described in Nancy Palister's book "Beyond Trails." You must round Valentine Lake's north shore and descend to 10,000 feet and the Little Wind River's South Fork which may require a wade. And they weigh 600 to 1,300 pounds, so if they hit you, it'd be like . 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. Indeed, the time where one can write a guidebook without ever leaving home is upon us! 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. Why is this hike so popular? As mentioned earlier, there are plenty of alpine lakes to go around this beautiful mountain range, creating world-renowned fly fishing. Why you should go: No need for lengthy trips here views of Squaretop Mountain and alpine lakes are easily accessible from the Lower Green River Trail. It would be 8.5 miles one-way to Bald Mountain Basin and Cook Lakes from Lake 10322 near Hay Pass, and to get back to the WRRT, you would travel over Timico Pass (north of Timico Lake) instead of backtracking to Hay Pass. Burnt Lake - Low use 8. The Hay Pass Trail is not maintained, so keep your GPS, map, and compass handy. 2023WindRiverVisitorsCouncil. Our three sons, from very young ages, have enjoyed this hike with us. Miller Lake Trail (#173) Pole Creek Trail (#119) DISTANCE: +/- 28.5 miles. This is the only small section of the WRRT where these tools may be required. Weve caught a lot of brook trout here, nothing big, but the catching is pretty good in our experience. The Dyrt PRO lets you download maps and campgrounds without cell service. Pinedale, Wyoming The best times to visit this trail are June through October. Best of all, nowhere else in the world do golden trout grow as big. UPPER SILAS LAKE: Its about 3 miles from the trailhead to Upper Silas Lake, 6 miles roundtrip. From Baptiste Lake, head due east for approximately 1.5 miles, then north to the upper Grave Creek Cirque. Grand River and Spring Valley . Cirque of the Towers, Green River Lakes . Its worth sharing the trail with more hikers, though, as the dramatic peaks surrounding the Big Sandy Lake Trail will not disappoint! 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. Ashley sold out to Smith, William Sublette, and David Jackson in 1826, becoming their supplier. . 18.4 mi / 2280 ft gain The Wind River Range is one of the best backpacking + climbing wildernesses in the lower 48. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. 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. Higher altitude also means more inclement and unpredictable weather. Looks like a cool hike though! roanoke virginia blue ridge mountains peaks of otter (1), Comments From the main trail, you might not see Lower Silas Lake, unless youre looking for it. Glaciers have left their mark in the form of U-shaped valleys, serrated peaks and ridges, and alpine cirques. wildflowers, Big Sandy Lake, Wind River range, WY. Joe Kelsey describes the first 5.5 miles of this trail as the Lizard Head Trail as follows: "Lizard Head Meadows are an opening along the North Popo Agie 2 miles below Lonesome Lake. From here the trail ascends 400 feet and then drops down into Dickenson Park. Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. 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. Additional Read: The 11 Best Airbnbs Near Grand Teton National Park. Why you should go: Explore one of the Winds most popular trails to reach Big Sandy Lake. 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. 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. 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. All Tours Tour Sale. (1), Southwest Arete Lost Temple Spire, IV, 5.10b. Elevation Gain: 2,200 feet over 6 miles (9,100 ft to 11,300 ft). Earthwalk press makes the best maps for the winds. Your jaw WILL drop (if it didn't already) when you reach the crest of Jackass Pass and overlook Lonesome Lake and the Cirque. 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. The Wind River Range is home to thousands of lakes and ponds, with an appealing mix of golden, brook, rainbow, and cutthroat trout. Follow the plateau northwest all the way to Lake 10528 in Stough Creek Basin. It is advised that you camp in either of these spots rather than at Big Sandy Lake. . Under most conditions, crampons are required. Explore the World. The placer gold in the streams was exhausted quickly, however, and by 1870 the miners began leaving the region. 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. AREA MAPS: Beartooth Publishing North Wind River Range. Upper Silas Lake is set beautifully amidst pine forest and a granite mountain. Denver's central location makes it easy to get the most out of the Rocky Mountain West. From Hall's Lake, travel west under the shadow of Horseshoe Ridge and north of Medina Mountain to Lake 10,542 (EC Lake) in Europe Canyon. According to the approximate route I traced on my phone, the total elevation gain is about 29,000 feet!! Day Hikes and backpacking routes are abundant throughout the Wind River Range, but the amount of use these trails see remains small compared to Wyomings better-known parks. 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 the east end of Grave Lake, follow the trail that goes west along the north shore. From Coon Lake, you go around the south shore, and walk to a small pond just west of the lake, perched above cliffs. The height of Mt. Big Sandy - High use 11. 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. Little Sandy - Low use 12. . Composed mostly of National Forest land and the Wind River Reservation, the Winds are protected by three quarters of a million acres of public lands. The trail to the lake, if done in one day, is long and tiring with lots of ups and downs. sunset, Big Sandy Lake, Wind River range, WY. If traveling lightly and in peak physical condition, it could be possible to do this route in a little over a week. You'll pass no fewer than 100 large lakes (and innumerable small tarns), pass or traverse dozens of notable peaks, and see the largest glaciers in the American Rocky Mountains. It contains 40 peaks over 13,000 feet, the largest glacier in the American Rockies, and over 1300 named lakes. It was spectacular. 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. I think most people pass right by this lake, enroute to Upper Silas Lake. Groups must stay under 15 people. The roads are entirely gravely / dirt after this, but are fairly well-maintained and should usually be accessible for low clearance vehicles. 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. From Wykee Lake, travel 1 mile (on-trail) west to the south shore of Sonnicant Lake. 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. It offers panoramic views and excellent backcountry camping without the heavy mileage of its longer cousin. 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. 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. Drainages are intricate and minor obstacles abound, but by paying attention and consulting a map you can get where you're going without difficulty." While the map might not indicate more than 1,000 feet in elevation gain over the first 10.5 miles, the strenuousness of the hike shouldnt be underestimated. Backpackers should also check snowpack levels in order to determine the best time to hit the trail without encountering too much snow. My alternative to using pro would be to drive back out to cell service. The Big Sandy Trailhead is located in the southern Wind River Range next to the Big Sandy River. 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. Welcome to /r/wyoming! Directions from Pinedale: From the intersection of Pine Street (US 191) and . says Kelsey. Clarkston, WA. The area between the lakes is blessed with many fine . My name is Shelli Johnson, and I love to hike. You can find directions easily from guidebooks. Mosquitoes are treacherous here in the Winds during the warmer months. The Wind River Range of Wyoming is a place that nearly every backcountry enthusiast dreams of visiting. In 3-pc 4wts, there are 7.5 and 8 footers. For rods, I prefer 3 piece bamboo when backpacking. Only the off-trail option is doable as a day hike (shown on a map in Pallister's book). 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. 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. 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. Only Island Lake and Titcomb Basin come close in popularity. 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.] Given the easy elevation gain and well maintained trail, this is a great choice for families. 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. This we know. The trail leads around the north side of the lake and continues up to Deep Lake about 1.5 miles up the trail. 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. Visit, or enjoy even a single hike in Wind River Country and youll understand why its such a great gift to live here. The range spans over 100 miles running roughly from Jackson, WY at its northwest edge, to Atlantic City, WY at its south eastern terminus. Trip Type: Out-and-back Between the five of us we caught about 18 trout in an hour. From Temple Pass, descend to the east shore of Temple Lake. 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. 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. 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 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. . 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. Contains 40 peaks over 13,000 feet, the largest glacier in the world do trout. Backpacking + climbing wildernesses in the American Rockies, and by 1870 the miners began leaving the region hike shown. Climbing wildernesses in the Winds you download maps and campgrounds without cell service are treacherous here in the lower.... 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