No matter what you call it, this trail is undeniably beautiful. Our three sons, from very young ages, have enjoyed this hike with us. To first of the Stough Creek Basin lakes: 6.5 miles/13 miles round-trip. Gold had been discovered in the gulches near the pass as early as 1842. I'm sure someone over here is familiar with Wind River Range hikes and could point me in the right direction. In 3-pc 4wts, there are 7.5 and 8 footers. And, for now anyways, theyre all permit-free. Tyler Wildeck is a writer with a passion for all things outdoors. From Grave Lake by taking the Hailey Pass trail west to Pyramid Lake, then off-trail north up the East Fork Valley. Upload a photo Fix/Improve This Page Two years ago we came back and hiked to the Cirque of the Towers, so this year I thought it . Scab Creek - Medium use 10. Rainbow Lake is a popular fishing destination, so hikers typically bring along fishing poles to spend a relaxing afternoon on the water. All in all, its a highly accessible backpackers dream. Instead, the expedition followed a northerly route up the Missouri River, crossing the Rockies over difficult passes in the Bitterroot Range between present-day Montana and Idaho. Seneca Lake is right at the beginning of some of the most spectacular high alpine climbing and backpacking routes. Last year on our Jerrys and my anniversary, we took the boys on a hiking and fishing trip to Silas. . 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. _Bonneville Basin can be reached by two different ways. From this saddle, both East Temple and Temple Peaks are worthwhile side trips. 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." From Temple Pass, descend to the east shore of Temple Lake. "Don and I both knew that it was possible to do a great high route in the Wind River Range," Alan wrote me in an email. These are handy for seeing the entire range, possible alternate . 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. Here begins the true crux of the route: getting down the Mammoth Glacier to Scott Lake. 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. Odesa Ukraine Credit /u/chucksutherland for our awesome banner. By 1848, 18,487 Americans had crossed the pass, and over 300,000 by 1860. Do this route early morning to avoid afternoon storms. We hiked to Clear Lake in the Winds from the Green River Lakes TH. For more information please visit The State of Wyoming's website. Pursuing from thence an easterly course, they fell upon the River Platte of the Missouri, where they passed the winter and reached St. Louis in April, 1813. An extra day is advised to explore the multitude of lakes around the Brown Cliffs here. According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Wind River Range is Washakie Pass Loop to Cirque of the Towers, which has a 4.5 star rating from 31 reviews. The passes furnish a natural crossing point of the Rockies. This section was inspired by Matt Lemke's trip report "Gone with the Winds." Follow the plateau northwest all the way to Lake 10528 in Stough Creek Basin. 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. Trailhead Start: Big Sandy Trailhead It is advised that you camp in either of these spots rather than at Big Sandy Lake. The East face of Mt. Mileage: 23-24 miles RT (1), Comments 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. 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. From Big Sandy Lake, switchback north on the well-worn trail to Lonesome Lake in 3 miles. . Island Lake, Wind River Range, Wyoming, 1861. Nothing against Iowa, but I consider this one of the greatest gifts my parents have given me. 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. #WindRiverCountry, Wind River Visitors Council As a family, we spend most weekends in the summer and fall hiking the local trails. "Follow your dreams, You can reach your goals, I'm living proof! Although it is fine until the Clear Creek Natural Bridge, past that geologic feature it becomes a miserable hellscape of burn and deadfall with no trail whatsoever. The Wind River Range is located in western Wyoming, just south of the Tetons and Jackson Hole. Also, this section is described in Pallister's book. Prior to this, few if any visitors had ventured into the cirque due to the remote location. 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. Make noise as youre hiking to avoid bear encounters, never hike alone, and bring bear spray or other protection. As mentioned earlier, there are plenty of alpine lakes to go around this beautiful mountain range, creating world-renowned fly fishing. If you find yourself off-trail with a group, everyone should spread out while walking. I feel that this is all the description needed to arrive safely, without spoiling the adventure too much. All of the areas I missed are accessible by reasonable day hikes off the WRRT, with the exception of the Northeast corner of the Range around Ross Lakes. Ashley subsequently established the first Rocky Mountain Rendezvous in 1825. Your jaw WILL drop (if it didn't already) when you reach the crest of Jackass Pass and overlook Lonesome Lake and the Cirque. Utah may be a giant desert, but it's still got plenty of waterfalls for adventurous hikers to chase. Elevation Gain: 3,100 feet over 10.5 miles (9,400 ft to 10,626 ft). . Continue northwest up the basin towards Lake 10,756, which is directly south of Hay Pass. Under most conditions, crampons are required. South Pass was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961. Continue straight onto the Green River Lakes Road for 18.5 miles. The trails of the Wind River Range begin at a higher elevation than other ranges throughout the Mountain West. 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. lewis smith lake lewis smith lake alabama smith lake alabama 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. This picture is property of http://jessiestrails.blogspot.com, Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem Adventure Traverse (GREAT), Images Everest!! 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.". [5]:5157, In 1823 William Henry Ashley's Rocky Mountain Fur Company led to the rediscovery of the pass. Ashley sold out to Smith, William Sublette, and David Jackson in 1826, becoming their supplier. This is one big lake but it seemed like a challenging place to find a campsite due to the steep, rocky shoreline. From the Pass, follow the Osborne Mountain Route as described by Pallister and Kelsey. Allrightsreserved. And they weigh 600 to 1,300 pounds, so if they hit you, it'd be like . Try traveling this trail anytime between May and September, but remember: Its always a good idea to check the snowpack reports. . 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. The world-record Golden trout came from a lake in the Wind River Range, forever marking this special area a destination for any who seek this hard-to-catch trout. The Big Piney Ranger District hosts a wide variety of cultural and natural history, recreational opportunities, timber, range, mineral reserves, and wildlife. 2022 Best Places to Camp: Top 10 in the U.S. It is a beautiful lake! The Wind River Roadless Area also lies within the Wind River Range. Daniell is a freelance writer based out of Fort Collins, Colorado. (This turn is 5 miles south/east of where US-191 leaves US-189). The district maintains 300 miles of system trails, 25 . Its a pretty mountain lake that we always seem to have to ourselves. 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. 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 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. From Coon Lake, you go around the south shore, and walk to a small pond just west of the lake, perched above cliffs. Slide Lake Trail is a wonderful, well-maintained trail thats the perfect addition to any adventure itinerary. Upper Silas Lake offers great fishing. 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. 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. The roads are entirely gravely / dirt after this, but are fairly well-maintained and should usually be accessible for low clearance vehicles. The Highline Trail begins at the campground and follows most of the length of the Wind River Range, 80 miles to the south. It is non-technical, but may require technical gear in early-season. The biggest trout - in the 25- to 27-inch range were in relatively deep water near the outlet, but those were the wiliest . This popular trailhead is located in the southern Wind River Range next to the Big Sandy River. The goal of the WRRT is to traverse the entirety of the Wind River Range in the most scenic and spectacular way possible. From here, there is a maintained trail all the way to Big Sandy Lake. It traverses northwest while staying high on the mountaintops. You would be better off trying your hand at the shorter and more direct WRHR, pioneered by AdventureAlan (link at the bottom). Approaching a construction zone 20 minutes outside Pinedale, Wyoming a flagger stands between us, rotating his sign to "stop." 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. 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. Between the five of us we caught about 18 trout in an hour. Hike through forest and up the rolling trail for about another mile before arriving at Upper Silas Lake. Heres our take on the best day hikes in the Wind River Range. Directions from Pinedale: From the intersection of Pine Street (US 191) and . Earthwalk press makes the best maps for the winds. The trail then follows a loop around the lake before returning back to the original junction. The Wind River Range has endless opportunities for backcountry camping each more beautiful and peaceful than the last. 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 are spread over three wilderness areas. If traveling lightly and in peak physical condition, it could be possible to do this route in a little over a week. Box 925 A river, that appears to drop into an unseen . Boulder Lake-High use 9. This we know. 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. Head out on this 24.9-mile out-and-back trail near Pinedale, Wyoming. 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. The Wind River Range of Wyoming is a spectacular section of the Rocky Mountains. When approaching from Temple Pass, avoid descending to Lake 10,839 by a messy traverse." roanoke virginia blue ridge mountains peaks of otter . If you only have time for a single day hike through the Wind River Range, follow the Pole Creek Trail to Photographers Point. https://youtu.be/aeQ61IH9fv4A six day solo backpacking loop in Wyoming's Wind River Range starting at Boulder Canyon trail head. 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. This trail is 40.5 mi long with an elevation gain of 7,513 ft. What is the longest trail in Wind River Range? When I was just 3 years old, my parents moved us from Iowa to Lander, Wyoming. East Temple Peak is a class 2 stroll directly northeast from Temple Pass. You then depart from the trail due northeast, following Blair Creek to the pond at 9590. The best times to visit this trail are June through October. 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