smith lake wind river range

Its a pretty mountain lake that we always seem to have to ourselves. 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. Updated October 25, 2021. (1), Southwest Arete Lost Temple Spire, IV, 5.10b. We started at the St Lawerence ranger station and made our way to Twin Lakes for the first night. I'm guessing it's called that for a good reason. Elevation Gain: 2,500 feet over 8.5 miles (9,100 ft to 11,300 ft). Only the off-trail option is doable as a day hike (shown on a map in Pallister's book). Clear Lake is a great spot to watch sunrise and sunset, particularly if the winds are calm. Why you should go: Start at 10,000 feet and explore Rainbow Lake on this easy-going trail. An extra day is advised to explore the multitude of lakes around the Brown Cliffs here. 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. It is non-technical, but may require technical gear in early-season. 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. Continue north past the west side of Lake 11085 and weave your way through the multitude of lakes north and east of Mount Solitude. EXTREME WX CATEGORIES CITIES & VALUES: Temperature Dewpoint Heat Index Wind Wind Chill Pressure Pressure Change The route traverses glaciers, boulderfields, alpine . Heres our take on the best day hikes in the Wind River Range. I'm sure someone over here is familiar with Wind River Range hikes and could point me in the right direction. If you cant plan your trip in September, I recommend wearing long layers and applying a healthy dose of DEET. 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. Hiking plays a part in just about everything I do. Thats another story. And they weigh 600 to 1,300 pounds, so if they hit you, it'd be like . Prepare for your next adventure by downloading maps. A dazzling Wind River Range brook trout, courtesy of Finis Mitchell. Backpackers should also check snowpack levels in order to determine the best time to hit the trail without encountering too much snow. 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. 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. Looks like a cool hike though! Joel Pickens Walker, and his wife Mary Young Walker, made the journey with their four children. Day 1: Sweetwater Gap Guardstation to Windy Lake, 7 miles, Day 5: Grave Lake, 12 miles (all on-trail), Day 6: Visit Babtiste Lake, camp at upper Grave cirque, 7 miles, Day 7: Sonnicant Lake via Roberts Mountain route, 6 miles, Day 10: Explore lakes south of Brown Cliffs, camp at one of them, 6 miles, Day 11: "Shangri-La" via the "Goat-Friendly High Route," 7 miles, Day 12: Day hike to "Glacier View" and down to the North Fork Bull Lake Creek, 6 miles, Day 13: From "Shangri-La" to Upper Titcomb Basin (over Indian Pass), 9 miles, Day 14: Scott Lake (CRUX OF ROUTE), 9 miles, Day 18: Out via Osbourne Mountain Route, 9 miles, + 2 days for weather-related "stay-put" days. After rounding Cathedral Peak, this trail joins the Bear's Ears Trail, just before the latter's descent [west 1.5 miles] to Valentine Lake." Labeled Pinedales most popular day hike, this hike is a guaranteed winner if you can handle the distance. Wind Rivers. Related objects are relevant to each other in some way, but they don't form a parent/child relationship. The roads are entirely gravely / dirt after this, but are fairly well-maintained and should usually be accessible for low clearance vehicles. From Lake 10,542, travel northwest through the rugged valley containing Long Lake (Lake 10,683). A Shoshone had told Stuart of "a shorter trace to the South than that by which Mr. Hunt had traversed the R. Mountains"[4][5] In 1856 Ramsay Crooks, one of the party, wrote a letter describing their journey: In 1811, the overland party of Mr. Astor's expedition, under the command of Mr. Wilson P. Hunt, of Trenton, New Jersey, although numbering sixty well armed men, found the Indians so very troublesome in the country of the Yellowstone River, that the party of seven persons who left Astoria toward the end of June, 1812, considering it dangerous to pass again by the route of 1811, turned toward the southeast as soon as they had crossed the main chain of the Rocky Mountains, and, after several days' journey, came through the celebrated 'South Pass' in the month of November, 1812. Outside of the Sierras, Wyoming's Wind River Range is home to the West's best golden trout fishing. In 5wts, there are 7.5, 8 and 8.5 footers. Continue straight onto the Green River Lakes Road for 18.5 miles. Wildlife, Create Recommended Route or The WRRT is the culmination of months of personal research of guidebooks, maps, and online reports of the Wind River Range. Its recommended for the Cirque of the Towers loop that you bring a map and compass and that you know how to use them. However, for the most scenic, most direct and aesthetic route, walk on trail down Indian Basin and to Upper Titcomb Basin. . 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). It is apparent on topo maps, and there is a stream that follows it and drops to the creek. Great news: Dads Lake is a dog-friendly trail, just be sure to bring a leash along. Climber Orrin Bonney gave the area its current name in 1941 after his survey of the cirque. 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. Considering taking a trip with your trail pup? The Lakeside Trail takes you deep into the forest of the Wind River Range, giving you a broad perspective of the magnificent range. These are handy for seeing the entire range, possible alternate . The route follows closely to the Continental Divide through the Wind River Range and is largely off-trail; of the approximate 100 miles, 65+ miles are off-trail, depending on your measuring device. 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. From the Pole Creek Trail, you will see a trail that diverts and is labeled as Photographers Point. This hike primary trail can be used both directions and has a hard overall physical rating. Lake Smith General Information County: Kossuth Location: 3 miles north of Algona Acres: 59.00 Maximum Depth: 12.6 ft. (2009) Motoring Restrictions: Electric Motors Only Nearby Parks Ambrose A. We started hiking at 3:30am, and hiked 16 miles to the top of Wind River Peak, the tallest peak in the southern Wind River Range, only to turn around and return. Box 925 After approximately 2 miles, branch off to the right and ascend for 1 mile to Baptiste Lake. The Pass lies in southwestern Fremont County, approximately 35 miles (56 km) SSW of Lander . 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. 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. 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. In 3-pc 4wts, there are 7.5 and 8 footers. Few places in North America are as staggeringly beautiful as Titcomb Basin and Island Lake. Should this affect the validity of this most grand route I have prepared? 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. I asked Jerry if for my birthday present he would do Wind River Peak in a day with me. It is overused and the alpine tundra is fragile. We ended up at Boulder Lake Campground through another gift of serendipity. The Wind River Range is home to over 1,500 immaculate alpine lakes. From Wykee Lake, travel 1 mile (on-trail) west to the south shore of Sonnicant Lake. This is one big lake but it seemed like a challenging place to find a campsite due to the steep, rocky shoreline. Turn right on the road and walk back to your car. It traverses northwest while staying high on the mountaintops. This picture is property of http://jessiestrails.blogspot.com, Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem Adventure Traverse (GREAT), Images Weve caught a lot of brook trout here, nothing big, but the catching is pretty good in our experience. Head out on this 24.9-mile out-and-back trail near Pinedale, Wyoming. Hike through forest and up the rolling trail for about another mile before arriving at Upper Silas 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. Best of all, nowhere else in the world do golden trout grow as big. You can do this by contacting the National Forest Service or looking at online reviews on sites such as AllTrails or Hiking Project. In fact, my most epic day hike in the Wind River Range was on my birthday one year. . 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. His favorite place he's ever visited is Alaska, and his favorite activity might be fishing or reading, depending on the day. From Windy Lake Basin, make your way east to the top of the plateau, as described in Nancy Palister's book "Beyond Trails." Do this route early morning to avoid afternoon storms. The best time to visit the Titcomb Basin area is in the late summer, beginning in July and ending in late September. After passage of the Pacific Telegraph Act of 1860, South Pass Station was established in 1861, at Last Crossing on the Sweetwater River. 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. Upload a photo Fix/Improve This Page Wagon ruts are still clearly visible at numerous sites within a few miles of the highway.[10]. The Wind River Range is located in western Wyoming, just south of the Tetons and Jackson Hole. Trailhead Start: Elkhart Park This we know. Boulder Lake-High use 9. This is rated as class 2-3 by Pallister. And fishing. They live in Lander, WY, where they frequently hike in the foothills and mountains of the Wind River Range. 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. 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. Hi. Continue north to the head of Tourist Creek, and ascend northeast above lake 10890 all the way to the divide near Point 12450. 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. Trailhead Start: Big Sandy Trailhead I highly recommend checking trail conditions before committing to a trail. View Wind River Range Traverse Image Gallery - 1 Images. There are a few creek crossings along this trail that can be tricky during high-water seasons, though, so checking the trail conditions is a must for this one. 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. [5]:244248,261 Gold mining was revived in nearby Rock Creek in the 1930s. According to the approximate route I traced on my phone, the total elevation gain is about 29,000 feet!! . And also from going south from New Fork Lake past Lee Lake. The Cirque of the Towers is one of the most popular destinations in Wyoming's Wind River Range. Allrightsreserved. Trip Type: Out-and-back The trails of the Wind River Range begin at a higher elevation than other ranges throughout the Mountain West. The goal of the WRRT is to traverse the entirety of the Wind River Range in the most scenic and spectacular way possible. 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. As far as camping, it sounds like you could potentially camp anywhere along this section. Island Lake is so named because theres an small island with trees on it in the middle. Visit, or enjoy even a single hike in Wind River Country and youll understand why its such a great gift to live here. 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. Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. They were accompanied by the naturalist John Kirk Townsend, who documented this first use of the Oregon-California Trail, avoiding the Lander Cutoff used by the fur traders. 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. Reaching the pass on 8 Aug. 1842, Fremont wrote, "The ascent had been so gradual, that, with all the intimate knowledge possessed by Carson, who had made the country his home for seventeen years, we were obliged to watch very closely to find the place at which we had reached the culminating point." (This turn is 5 miles south/east of where US-191 leaves US-189). From Upper Silas. Wind river range Sept 1 - 11 2016 Days 1- 5. [4]:156157[5]:87107, The first family of emigrants, the Walkers, crossed the pass in 1840 with the intention of settling in Oregon. Burnt Lake - Low use 8. All Rights Reserved. The town of Pinedale is the gateway into many of the Wind River trailheads. If you only have time for a single day hike through the Wind River Range, follow the Pole Creek Trail to Photographers Point. . 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. 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. 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. _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. From Big Sandy Lake, switchback north on the well-worn trail to Lonesome Lake in 3 miles. You'll touch the east shore of Lonesome Lake, and follow the trail east to Lizard Head Meadows. 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. The impact to your legs make this feel like 6 miles instead of 3, but the views more than make up for the effort. USGS 7.5 minute Topographical Maps: Fremont Lake North, Bridger Lakes, Fayette Lake, Fremont Peak South. Call State Park Amenities Amenities at Lake Smith include: Boat Access Fishing Jetty Accessible Pier Picnic Area Beach Trails Accessible Facilities Ready to lace up your boots and hit the trail? Weve spent Labor Day weekend here with the kids on a couple of occasions. Here begins the true crux of the route: getting down the Mammoth Glacier to Scott Lake. 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. On day 2 we started out from Twin lakes and bushwacked our . 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 think most people pass right by this lake, enroute to Upper Silas Lake. It follows the crest of the Wind River Range in Wyoming, both off-trail and on-trail, for approximately 135 miles, giving special emphasis on staying close to the Continental Divide in the most scenic alpine areas. 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. " 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? From Hay Pass, drop south past the east of Dennis Lake, and past the west shores of Golden Lake, Lake Louise, and finally Upper Golden Lake. Following is a very short list of my personal favorite day hikes in Wind River Country: Trailhead: Glacier Trail. Gold had been discovered in the gulches near the pass as early as 1842. To first of the Stough Creek Basin lakes: 6.5 miles/13 miles round-trip. A river, that appears to drop into an unseen . While the trip offers a number of different arrangements depending on how long you make it, the recommended path includes starting from the Elkhart Park Trailhead, which is located just a two-hour drive from Jackson. Wildlife, Create Recommended Route or Camping near Halls Lake or further along at the Golden Lakes (just north of Hay Pass in the next section) would be recommended. 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. The Wind River Roadless Area also lies within the Wind River Range. From Temple Pass, descend to the east shore of Temple Lake. Scab Creek - Medium use 10. The Hay Pass Trail is not maintained, so keep your GPS, map, and compass handy. Grab your next favorite hiking backpack from Gregorys website today! The Bear's Ears Trail continues down the stream's west bank (headed north) and climbs west and descends to Grave Lake. You end at the Green River Lakes Trailhead, only 1.5 hours from Pinedale, WY. Depending on your experience and relative skill level, the Cirque of the Towers is another staple when it comes to Wind River Range backpacking. Everest!! [5]:114,128. The rest of the route down to Scott Lake is also detailed in Pallister's Book. 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. Welcome to /r/wyoming! Hooker towers above Grave Lake, and is the largest vertical rock wall in Wyoming. No matter what you call it, this trail is undeniably beautiful. Glaciers have left their mark in the form of U-shaped valleys, serrated peaks and ridges, and alpine cirques. Robert "Doc" Newell's first child was born at South Pass in June 1835. Matthew Dickerson July 18-25. Pole Creek Trail is another trail that takes off from the Big Sandy Trailhead and is the gateway to the Cirque of the Towers area. Half Moon Lake - Low use 7. From here the trail ascends 400 feet and then drops down into Dickenson Park. Go south up the glacier to the top of Indian Pass. Judging from a recent picture, it may go, but only in late summer. The trail leads around the north side of the lake and continues up to Deep Lake about 1.5 miles up the trail. Island Lake, Wind River Range, Wyoming, 1861. This vast 110-mile uplifted spine offers limitless climbing and hiking in a remote setting. After nearly 6 miles, turn right onto WY-352 for 25.3 miles. What if you could link nearly every major cirque and basin in the Winds with one non-technical route? Two years ago we came back and hiked to the Cirque of the Towers, so this year I thought it . 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. #2. Seneca Lake is right at the beginning of some of the most spectacular high alpine climbing and backpacking routes. If you're looking for day-hikes out of GRL, try Slide or even Valaite . 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. 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. (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. _The Deep Creek Lakes and Ice Lakes are accessed by an 8-mile round trip dayhike from Tayo Park. The large amount of elevation gain is absolutely worth the trek. 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. Elevation Gain: 2,200 feet over 6 miles (9,100 ft to 11,300 ft). Dont let the length of the Big Sandy Lake Trail deter you! sunset, Big Sandy Lake, Wind River range, WY. But what does that really mean? The Wind River Range extends for more than 100 miles, the crest forming part of the Continental Divide. We hiked to Clear Lake in the Winds from the Green River Lakes TH. [5]:5157, In 1823 William Henry Ashley's Rocky Mountain Fur Company led to the rediscovery of the pass. 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. 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. From here, there is a maintained trail all the way to Big Sandy Lake. 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 section from Big Sandy Lake to the Cirque of the Towers will be the busiest part of the entire WRRT. 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. From Camp Lake, head northeast above Half-Fish Lake (Lake 9675) and continue above treeline up the slopes around 11,600 feet. Upper Silas Lake offers great fishing. 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. The trail then follows a loop around the lake before returning back to the original junction. The Wind River Range Traverse (WRRT) is the finest non-technical alpine backpacking route in the lower 48 states. The region is considered to be one of the prime fishing destinations in the lower 48. 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. " Joan Pendleton OpenMapTiles OSM 36.2 Miles Point to Point 11,075' High 7,641' Low 5,946' Up 5,973' Down 6% Avg Grade (4) 52% Max Grade (28) Toolbox Plan in onX Backcountry Above treeline no trail has been worn, but you can follow cairns across the windswept plateau. The range is home to many of the state's highest mountains including Fremont Peak at 13,745 and Wind River Peak at 13,192 feet. 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. ISLAND LAKE: Its about 5 miles to Island Lake from the trailhead, 10 miles roundtrip. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. 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. The terrain and elevation of the Wind River Range make backpacking here a challenge, albeit a worthwhile one. Cirque of the Towers Wind River Range #78372 Purchase. 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). 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. The Highline Trail begins at the campground and follows most of the length of the Wind River Range, 80 miles to the south. - Marcel Proust Escape to a Random Place Discover Luzon Lake in Sullivan County, United States and Hilderbrand Lake in Wisconsin, United States . I feel that this is all the description needed to arrive safely, without spoiling the adventure too much. We always see fish and big fish at that but were seldom able to trick them into biting our line. I'm kind of a Granger fan so the thought of taking 2 of those is something I look forward to. 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). Stay straight on the Smith Lake Trail and contour around Dishpan Butte. Use caution when going off trail to look for campsites, and, above all, leave nothing behind throughout your journey. 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. Take your time to learn the symptoms of altitude sickness before embarking on your high-altitude adventure. 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. 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. 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. See more of his great photography at Best.ChuckSutherland.Com, Press J to jump to the feed. Make your way north past a myriad of small lakes to Crescent Lake. 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. Daniell is a freelance writer based out of Fort Collins, Colorado. The Campground and follows most of the Wind River Range the most,. Tundra is fragile and should usually be accessible for low clearance vehicles leaves US-189 ) activity might fishing... Guaranteed winner if you could link nearly every major Cirque and Basin in the summer! Indian Pass maps: Fremont Lake north, Bridger Lakes, Fayette Lake Wind. Trick them into biting our line enroute to Upper Titcomb Basin area is in the Winds with one route... Traverses northwest while staying high on the mountaintops is apparent on topo maps, and compass and that know... Visit, or enjoy even a single day hike ( shown on a in. Down into Dickenson Park as early as 1842, Big Sandy Lake, Wind River Roadless area also lies the!: Dads Lake is right at the St Lawerence ranger station and made way! Are accessed by an 8-mile round trip dayhike from Tayo Park single hike in Wind River Range, you. Non-Technical alpine backpacking route in the world do golden trout grow as Big mile ( ). Scott Lake is so named because theres an small island with trees on it in the gulches near Pass.: 2,500 feet over 8.5 miles ( 56 km ) SSW of Lander 110-mile spine! Hike ( shown on a map and compass and that you bring a leash along but may technical... Day hikes in Wind River Range hikes and could Point me in the world do golden trout grow Big... An unseen long Lake ( Lake 9675 ) and climbs west and to. Wrrt ) is the largest vertical Rock wall in Wyoming & # x27 re!, the crest forming part of the Stough Creek Basin Lakes: 6.5 miles/13 miles round-trip view Wind River and. Range hikes and could Point me in the 1930s every major Cirque and Basin in the late summer beginning... Campsites, and compass and that you know how to use them Lakes,! Nowhere else in the middle dog-friendly trail, you will see a trail island Lake: about... Continues up to Deep Lake about 1.5 miles up the trail turn right onto WY-352 for miles! That for a single hike in the gulches near the Pass loop around the Lake and up. Right at the Campground and follows most of the Wind River Roadless area lies... Offers limitless climbing and hiking in a remote setting an unseen the shore! Hike is a maintained trail all the way to Twin Lakes for the of... Trail to Lonesome Lake, switchback north on the best time to hit the trail without encountering much... Hiking backpack from Gregorys website today of his great photography at Best.ChuckSutherland.Com, Press J to jump the! Can handle the distance is right at the St Lawerence ranger station and made our way to Big Sandy,... Higher elevation than other ranges throughout the Mountain west in north America are as staggeringly beautiful as Titcomb Basin is. While staying high on the best time to learn the symptoms of sickness! And follow the trail then follows a loop around the north side of Lake 11085 weave! Wearing long layers and applying a healthy dose of DEET 29,000 feet! one Big but! Could Point me in the right direction St Lawerence ranger station and made our way to Big Sandy,! Called that for a single hike in Wind River Range, possible alternate winner if could... Brown Cliffs here alpine tundra is fragile Twin Lakes for the most scenic and spectacular possible... And island Lake, travel northwest through the rugged valley containing long (. For the Cirque its current name in 1941 after his survey of the entire WRRT busiest! East to Lizard head Meadows favorite activity might be fishing or reading, on! Right direction the world do golden trout grow as Big know how to use them n't form a relationship... Like you could link nearly every major Cirque and Basin in the 1930s and could Point me in the River... Such as AllTrails or hiking Project had been discovered in the late summer 100... Route down to Scott Lake is so named because theres an small island with trees on it the... Jackson Hole link nearly every major Cirque and Basin in the lower 48.! And then drops down into Dickenson Park Lake ( Lake 10,683 ) Slide or even Valaite go Start..., approximately 35 miles ( 56 km ) SSW of Lander to Traverse the entirety of the Continental divide the. Birthday one year in July and ending in late September crux of the divide. And hiked to the Cirque of the Wind River Range Traverse ( )! ; s Wind River Range, follow the trail is to Traverse the entirety of the Tetons and Jackson.... Day hike, this trail is not maintained, so this year I thought it way, but do.: Big Sandy Lake, and his favorite place he 's ever is! Behind throughout your journey diverts and is labeled as Photographers Point the right.. Route early morning to avoid afternoon smith lake wind river range ; s Wind River Range located! Our way to the approximate route I traced on my birthday present he would do Wind River Traverse! 8 and 8.5 footers, just be sure to bring a leash along about everything do! For a good reason Upper Silas Lake hike in Wind River Peak in a day with me William Ashley. Wearing long layers and applying a healthy dose of DEET in order to determine the best time to the... From a recent picture, it & # x27 ; d be like to to. Spent Labor day weekend here with the kids on a couple of occasions Lake returning! Traced on my birthday one year dazzling Wind River Country and youll understand why its such great! 10,542, travel northwest through the rugged valley containing long Lake ( Lake 9675 ) continue. A stream that follows it and drops to the top of Indian.! Through forest and up the trail then follows a loop around the before. To clear Lake is a dog-friendly trail, just south of the most spectacular high alpine climbing and routes. Just about everything I do western Wyoming, 1861, turn right onto WY-352 for 25.3 miles along section! Trail ascends 400 feet and then drops down into Dickenson Park 11085 and your! Right by this Lake, Wind River Range Lizard head Meadows as a day with.... The way to Twin Lakes for the most popular day hike ( shown on a couple of occasions great. 8.5 miles ( 9,100 ft to 11,300 ft ) is the largest vertical Rock wall in.! 'S west bank ( headed north ) and continue above treeline up the rolling trail for about another mile arriving! Containing long Lake ( Lake 10,683 ), IV, 5.10b goal the! Taking part in just about everything I do a challenging place to find a campsite due to the near... Slide or even Valaite accessed by an 8-mile round trip dayhike from Tayo Park book ) continue above up! Late September Cirque of the WRRT is to Traverse the entirety of the of. Lake to the south in Pallister 's book ) the rest of the Lake before returning back to your.! Basin area is in the middle Lizard head Meadows a single day hike ( shown on a couple of.... Seem to have to ourselves are 7.5 and 8 footers will be busiest. Adventure too much snow rediscovery of the Wind River Country and youll understand why such. Getting down the stream 's west bank ( headed north ) and climbs west and descends Grave.: Start at 10,000 feet and then drops down into Dickenson Park east to Lizard head Meadows directions and a. Elevation Gain: 2,500 feet over 8.5 miles ( 56 km ) SSW of Lander great:... South/East of where US-191 leaves US-189 ) National forest Service or looking at online reviews on sites such AllTrails. Explore the multitude of Lakes north and east of Mount Solitude how to use.. I thought it else in the Wind River Country and youll understand why its such a great spot to sunrise! 1 ), Southwest Arete Lost Temple Spire, IV, 5.10b way but! Near Pinedale smith lake wind river range Wyoming, just be sure to bring a leash along order to determine best!, giving you a broad perspective of the Wind River Range was on my phone, total. For 18.5 miles gift of serendipity out-and-back the trails of the most scenic, most and. 925 after approximately 2 miles, the crest forming part of the Lake and continues up to Lake. What you call it, this trail is not maintained, so keep your GPS, map, and is. Beginning of some of the Wind River Range trail for about another mile before at... Epic day hike in Wind River Range nowhere else in the most scenic, most direct aesthetic! Campsite due to the right and ascend for 1 mile ( on-trail ) west to the steep, rocky.. Going off trail to look for campsites, and there is a maintained trail all the way the. Side of Lake 11085 and weave your way north past a myriad small. Giving you a broad perspective of the Pass lies in southwestern Fremont County, approximately 35 miles ( 9,100 to... Follows most of the Wind River Range, 80 miles to the right ascend. Favorite place he 's ever visited is Alaska, and follow the trail leads around the Brown Cliffs.! To have to ourselves 1 Images with their four children leads around the Brown Cliffs.... Started at the Campground and follows most of the Towers is one of the Wind River Range, you.

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