If you are flying in, we recommend the Riverton, Casper, Rock Springs, and Jackson airports. The Wind River Range is home to over 1,500 immaculate alpine lakes. Camping near Halls Lake or further along at the Golden Lakes (just north of Hay Pass in the next section) would be recommended. The 2022 Glampys: The Coolest Glampsites You Can Book Right Now, The Dyrt Is Hiring! Jedediah Smith's party, part of Ashley's Hundred, made the first crossing traveling east to west in Feb. 1824. [5]:114,128. On day 2 we started out from Twin lakes and bushwacked our . Another mile or mile and a half up the trail, you see a cairn and hear Silas Creek to your right. The placer gold in the streams was exhausted quickly, however, and by 1870 the miners began leaving the region. Many short hikes here will lead up to a lake, giving you the chance to bring the fishing pole along and enjoy a few hours of fishing before heading back to the trailhead. . Looking over Marms Lake Lakes dominate much of the Wind River Range, meaning you don't have to carry too much water. Elevation Gain: 2,200 feet over 6 miles (9,100 ft to 11,300 ft). Additional Read: The 11 Best Airbnbs Near Grand Teton National Park. The Pass lies in southwestern Fremont County, approximately 35 miles (56 km) SSW of Lander . 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 Wind Rivers humbly hide 30 peaks over 13,000 feet, including Wyoming's tallest mountain Gannett Peak. Call 307.438.970 or Email windrivershuttle@gmail.com to Book For point-to-point trips, we recommend we meet you at your take-out point and we shuttle you to your start location. Upper Silas Lake offers great fishing. The Dyrt PRO lets you download maps and campgrounds without cell service. I have crafted this route to be the boldest and most challenging trek ever proposed in the Wind Rivers. It lies in a broad high region, 35 miles (56km) wide, between the nearly 14,000ft (4,300m) Wind River Range to the north and the over 8,500ft (2,600m) Oregon Buttes[3] and arid, saline near-impassible Great Divide Basin to the south. 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. 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. Camping along this trek can be found at Shadow Lake, and then in and around the Jackass Pass area later in the trip. THUMB LAKE: Its about 6 miles to Thumb lake from the trailhead, 12 miles roundtrip. All Tours Tour Sale. 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. Wind river range Sept 1 - 11 2016 Days 1- 5. The Wind River Range is one of the best backpacking + climbing wildernesses in the lower 48. It was designated as a U.S. National Historic Landmark on January 20, 1961. wildflowers, Big Sandy Lake, Wind River range, WY. From Temple Pass, descend to the east shore of Temple Lake. Headwaters of the Green River | Tuesday - Saturday, August 17-21, 2021. Also, they don't necessarily share the same parent. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. The height of Mt. The trail to the lake, if done in one day, is long and tiring with lots of ups and downs. Highlights: 48 summits higher than 12,500 feet, Gannett Peak-Wyoming's highest, 7 of the largest glaciers in the Rocky Mountains, 2,900 lakes and ponds, hundreds of miles of hiking trails, many campgrounds and trailhead access points. Wind River High Route Trailheads & Transportation Thru-hiking East side The most logical termini for a Wind River High Route thru-hike are on the range's east side: Bruce Bridge, 15 miles west of Lander, entirely on pavement Trail Lakes, 10 miles west of Dubois, mostly on gravel At both trailheads, you will find only a parking lot and an outhouse. Elevation Gain: 2,400 feet over 13 miles 9,100 ft to 11,500 ft). I asked Jerry if for my birthday present he would do Wind River Peak in a day with me. Wagon ruts are still clearly visible at numerous sites within a few miles of the highway.[10]. From Lake 10,542, travel northwest through the rugged valley containing Long Lake (Lake 10,683). The Lander Cutoff Route crosses the Continental Divide at the far northwest end of the broad South Pass region, about 25 miles (40km) to the northwest of the South Passes, at an elevation of 8,030 feet (2,450m). Lonesome Lake was the first lake in the Wind Rivers to be deemed unsafe for drinking, and camping is strictly prohibited within 1/4 mile of the lake. However, for the most scenic, most direct and aesthetic route, walk on trail down Indian Basin and to Upper Titcomb Basin. Continue north past the west side of Lake 11085 and weave your way through the multitude of lakes north and east of Mount Solitude. It contains 449,000 acres of snow-capped mountain peaks, lush vegetation and clear mountain lakes and streams. From Cheyenne to Jackson, Evanston to Casper to Gillette and everywhere in between. From the east end of Grave Lake, follow the trail that goes west along the north shore. 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. Among the best ways to explore the Wind River Range is to travel one of the spectacular trails through the region. Wind River Range Backpacking Video. Matthew Dickerson July 18-25. #2. I'm kind of a Granger fan so the thought of taking 2 of those is something I look forward to. . 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. A dazzling Wind River Range brook trout, courtesy of Finis Mitchell. You'll want to bring your friends and family to experience the sheer quantity (and quality) of scenic, unbeatable camping across Sublette County. Miller Lake Trail (#173) Pole Creek Trail (#119) DISTANCE: +/- 28.5 miles. To first of the Stough Creek Basin lakes: 6.5 miles/13 miles round-trip. Explore the World. Stay right at the junction and continue. https://youtu.be/aeQ61IH9fv4A six day solo backpacking loop in Wyoming's Wind River Range starting at Boulder Canyon trail head. Backpacking is popular from this trailhead and youll almost always find photographers at the lookout, so trail traffic will be heavier here than other areas. Considering taking on of the Wind River classics? Heres what to know before you get out on the trail: The Wind River Range is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, bighorn sheep, moose, bald eagles, wolverines and grizzly bears, making it an incredible location for viewing rarely seen animals in their natural habitat. 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. 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. 1,771 Smith Mountain Lake Premium High Res Photos Browse 1,771 smith mountain lake stock photos and images available, or search for roanoke virginia or blue ridge mountains to find more great stock photos and pictures. The small lake draws far fewer anglers than other hikes in the area, meaning hikers here will enjoy a quieter, more secluded trail. Continue northwest up the basin towards Lake 10,756, which is directly south of Hay Pass. He wrote, "it may be assumed to be about half-way between the Mississippi and the Pacific ocean, on the common traveling routethe emigrant road to Oregon. (1), Comments The Big Sandy Trailhead is located in the southern Wind River Range next to the Big Sandy River. These wild lands west of the divide and north of Gannet Peak (collectively known as Bear Basin) is easily the most magnificent trail-less section of the Wind Rivers. You end up where Palister calls "Shangri-La." [5]:7982, In 1834, Nathaniel Jarvis Wyeth led the first Methodist missionaries Jason Lee, Daniel Lee, and Cyrus Shepard across the pass. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 of which means that Wind River Range backpacking is a must-do for anyone serious about getting outside. The range is also home to some of North America's largest glaciers. When hiking in a group, you should always stay on the trail to avoid creating erosion. 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.] 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. 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. The passes furnish a natural crossing point of the Rockies. Upper Silas Lake is set beautifully amidst pine forest and a granite mountain. Nothing in fishing excites me as much as sight fishing mountain lakes with dry flies and the for the last 3 summers the Wind river range has been my go to place. It is apparent on topo maps, and there is a stream that follows it and drops to the creek. Feb 6, 2017. Wind River Range " A great and fun trail with awesome views. You can do this by contacting the National Forest Service or looking at online reviews on sites such as AllTrails or Hiking Project. Stay straight on the Smith Lake Trail and contour around Dishpan Butte. Wind River Backcountry Rock Location Wind River Range Season Summer - Fall Difficulty Moderate - Hard Duration 5 - 7 Days 1 2 Overview Jackson Hole Mountain Guides have been climbing in the Winds for decades, and have racked up an impressive list of ascents of many of their finest routes. The Big Piney Ranger District hosts a wide variety of cultural and natural history, recreational opportunities, timber, range, mineral reserves, and wildlife. One section of this trail lies along the Highline Trail/Continental Divide Trail, delivering epic views of the iconic Squaretop Mountain, White Rock, and Lower Green River Lake. Best reached from Pinedale, this trail goes by a few names. From Upper Silas. In 5wts, there are 7.5, 8 and 8.5 footers. 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. If you're looking for day-hikes out of GRL, try Slide or even Valaite . Call State Park Amenities Amenities at Lake Smith include: Boat Access Fishing Jetty Accessible Pier Picnic Area Beach Trails Accessible Facilities Directions from Pinedale: From the intersection of Pine Street (US 191) and . Ready to lace up your boots and hit the trail? 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. Why you should go: Dive deep into the Winds to gain views of its well-known high peaks and crystal alpine lakes. The large amount of elevation gain is absolutely worth the trek. Tyler Wildeck is a writer with a passion for all things outdoors. 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. Given the easy elevation gain and well maintained trail, this is a great choice for families. Climber Orrin Bonney gave the area its current name in 1941 after his survey of the cirque. East Temple Peak is a class 2 stroll directly northeast from Temple Pass. 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. Only the off-trail option is doable as a day hike (shown on a map in Pallister's book). After about 1.2 miles, among a few small tarns above the basin floor, cut north to Split Mountain Pass. P.O. In 3-pc 4wts, there are 7.5 and 8 footers. First, I experienced some great fishing for Rainbows on Ross Lake (big rainbows)and cutties from Hidden Lake. 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. Grand River and Spring Valley . When it comes to Wind River Range backpacking routes, there are a few premier trails to choose from, each varying in length, difficulty and terrain. The sight of the Continental Divide towering over the picturesque Dream Lake is fantastic, so plan to spend a few minutes here soaking in the views before you start your adventure. I noticed that most routes follow the lower highline trail, or skip the many magnificent areas including Stough Creek Lakes, Deep Lake Cirque, Grave Lake Cirque, North Fork Cirque (on the Wind River Indian Reservation), the Brown Cliffs, Scott Lake, and Bear Basin. Related: 10 of the Best Airbnbs in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. . 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. Generally speaking, backpacking here is best done in the late summer or early fall, when temperatures are warmer and the better portion of the snow has melted from the high altitude terrain. Cabin Rentals Areas. No permit is required to use the range and a range attendant will not be present. The foreground streaks in from the right front of the canvas, a rocky outcropping with trees, some fallen, and verdant grasses invite the viewer into the painting to take a moment before looking out over the edge of the cliff into the vast wilderness. Depending on your experience and relative skill level, the Cirque of the Towers is another staple when it comes to Wind River Range backpacking. Use caution when going off trail to look for campsites, and, above all, leave nothing behind throughout your journey. #WindRiverCountry, Wind River Visitors Council 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. 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." If you cant plan your trip in September, I recommend wearing long layers and applying a healthy dose of DEET. 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. By Colorado standards, to think that this trail is the one of the most heavily-used in the entire range is. Earthwalk Press publishes two Wind River Range overview maps (one for the northern part of the range, and another for the southern portion). 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. If you're not comfortable traversing the Mammoth Glacier described in Pallister's book, an alternate route is to go over Knapsack Col and down to Peak Lake, over Cube Rock Pass, and join the Highline Trail near Trail Creek Park. 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. 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. The Wind River Range has endless opportunities for backcountry camping each more beautiful and peaceful than the last. We ended up at Boulder Lake Campground through another gift of serendipity. We started at the St Lawerence ranger station and made our way to Twin Lakes for the first night. Just continue north to shallow and picturesque Hay Pass. Book a Tour. 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. Ashley sold out to Smith, William Sublette, and David Jackson in 1826, becoming their supplier. Check the Map. Backpackers should also check snowpack levels in order to determine the best time to hit the trail without encountering too much snow. Mileage: 23-24 miles RT 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. sunset, Big Sandy Lake, Wind River range, WY. This is the only small section of the WRRT where these tools may be required. And, for now anyways, theyre all permit-free. Both locations are mind-bogglingly beautiful with plenty of features to lure the outdoor enthusiast. And also from going south from New Fork Lake past Lee Lake. As far as camping, it sounds like you could potentially camp anywhere along this section. That was an epic day, and and unforgettable birthday gift that was hard-earned to say the least. By 1848, 18,487 Americans had crossed the pass, and over 300,000 by 1860. UPPER SILAS LAKE: Its about 3 miles from the trailhead to Upper Silas Lake, 6 miles roundtrip. Sign up for Weekend Wanderer and join thousands of readers getting epic travel ideas weekly. An extra day is advised to explore the multitude of lakes around the Brown Cliffs here. As mentioned earlier, there are plenty of alpine lakes to go around this beautiful mountain range, creating world-renowned fly fishing. _The Deep Creek Lakes and Ice Lakes are accessed by an 8-mile round trip dayhike from Tayo Park. That's the question that this project tries to solve, and I think I've succeeded. The rest of the route is described in Nancy Palister's book, called the Goat-friendly High Route. The district maintains 300 miles of system trails, 25 . Why is this hike so popular? Seven Nights in the Wind River Range: Visiting the Popo Agie Wilderness of the Shoshone National Forest, and Catching Cutthroat Trout and Brook Trout by the Score. The Wind Rivers humbly hide 30 peaks over 13,000 feet, including Wyomings tallest mountain Gannett Peak. From here, there is a maintained trail all the way to Big Sandy Lake. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts, https://www.yellowstonepark.com/things-to-do/smith-lake-basin-in-wyomings-wind-river-range-is-a-hikers-haven. As a natural crossing point of the Rockies its pioneering was a significant but surprisingly difficult achievement in the westward expansion of the United States. The gold rush led to the establishment of booming mining communities, such as South Pass City and Atlantic City. The Wind River Range of Wyoming is a spectacular section of the Rocky Mountains. You see a cairn and hear Silas Creek to your Right in Fremont. Out of GRL, try Slide or even Valaite drops to the east shore of Temple Lake Grand National. Is long and tiring with lots of ups and downs has endless opportunities for backcountry camping each beautiful. Silas Lake: Its about 3 miles from the east shore of Temple Lake through rugged!, made the first crossing traveling east to west in Feb. 1824 mining communities, such as Pass! 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