Slide Creek Falls is a unique waterfall thats not very known unless you look at a topo map. From Wykee Lake, travel 1 mile (on-trail) west to the south shore of Sonnicant Lake. " 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? After nearly 6 miles, turn right onto WY-352 for 25.3 miles. Feb 6, 2017. The archery range on Berlin Lake Wildlife Area is open sunrise-sunset, except during holidays, and is free-of-charge. Weve caught a lot of brook trout here, nothing big, but the catching is pretty good in our experience. [2][9], Wyoming Highway 28 traverses the modern pass, roughly following the route of the Oregon Trail. Trailhead Start: Elkhart Park If you cant plan your trip in September, I recommend wearing long layers and applying a healthy dose of DEET. You'll touch the east shore of Lonesome Lake, and follow the trail east to Lizard Head Meadows. The falls run right along the Slide Lake Trail, so no extra hiking is required to reach this though youll definitely want a top map to help you find the waterfall. The Wind River High Route was pioneered by Andrew Skurka and Buzz Burrell in the late 2000s. Make your way north past a myriad of small lakes to Crescent Lake. 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. We were on a tight schedule we had to make it back to Lander by 7pm to watch our middle sons baseball championship game. 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. 97. Thats another story. East Temple Peak is a class 2 stroll directly northeast from Temple Pass. 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. Related: 10 of the Best Airbnbs in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Tyler Wildeck is a writer with a passion for all things outdoors. The Seneca Lake out-and-back trip is a modified version of the Wind River classic. Wildlife is abundant here, and that includes grizzly bears. Atlantic Peak is the southernmost 12er in the Wind Rivers (and really the southernmost mountain of any note): the perfect place to start a comprehensive south-north traverse of the range. Lower Silas Lake: Its about 2 miles to Lower Silas Lake, 4 miles roundtrip. The passes furnish a natural crossing point of the Rockies. Camping near Halls Lake or further along at the Golden Lakes (just north of Hay Pass in the next section) would be recommended. As you make your way under the gigantic shadow of Warbonnet Peak, there are many ups and downs and rocky sections to shift your gaze to your feet. Boulder Lake-High use 9. 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. 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. Its the ideal pack for a high-altitude trek through the Wind River Range. "[5]:112124, Stephen W. Kearny led the first military expedition to South Pass in 1845. In 3-pc 4wts, there are 7.5 and 8 footers. No permit is required to use the range and a range attendant will not be present. That's the question that this project tries to solve, and I think I've succeeded. From Cheyenne to Jackson, Evanston to Casper to Gillette and everywhere in between. Sign up for our free email to join thousands of readers getting epic travel, hiking, camping and gear ideas every week. Turn right on the road and walk back to your car. The range is also home to some of North America's largest glaciers. The best times to visit this trail are June through October. The majority of the Wind River Ranges hikes and primary backpacking trails are at elevations of 9,000 feet or above, making them difficult and potentially dangerous for unprepared visitors. 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. The Highline Trail begins at the campground and follows most of the length of the Wind River Range, 80 miles to the south. Burnt Lake - Low use 8. _Bonneville Basin can be reached by two different ways. It is advised that you camp in either of these spots rather than at Big Sandy Lake. Here begins the true crux of the route: getting down the Mammoth Glacier to Scott Lake. One way to or from Lander Bruce's/Middle Fork $35 Groups must stay under 15 people. 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. Directions from Pinedale: From the intersection of Pine Street (US 191) and . The historic pass became the route for emigrants on the Oregon, California, and Mormon trails to the West during the 19th century. 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. From Windy Lake Basin, make your way east to the top of the plateau, as described in Nancy Palister's book "Beyond Trails." 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. 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. Cabin Rentals Areas. 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. I feel that this is all the description needed to arrive safely, without spoiling the adventure too much. 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. Updated October 25, 2021. ), But I digress. 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. No matter what you call it, this trail is undeniably beautiful. Elevation Gain: 3,100 feet over 10.5 miles (9,400 ft to 10,626 ft). Stay straight on the Smith Lake Trail and contour around Dishpan Butte. This popular trailhead is located in the southern Wind River Range next to the Big Sandy River. You then depart from the trail due northeast, following Blair Creek to the pond at 9590. 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. Cirque of the Towers Wind River Range #78372 Purchase. From Temple Pass, descend to the east shore of Temple Lake. Hidden Lake can be reached by bushwacking 2 miles from Ross Lake. . The Sweetwater River flows past the east side of the pass, and Pacific Creek rises on the west side. The Dyrt PRO lets you download maps and campgrounds without cell service. Marms Lake (near Dads Lake), is on one of the more popular treks in,. To first of the Stough Creek Basin lakes: 6.5 miles/13 miles round-trip. sunset, Big Sandy Lake, Wind River range, WY. Hike along the eastern ramps and shore of this lake (it is reported that the going is toughest at the beginning southeast end). Also in 1835, Thomas Fitzpatrick led Protestant missionaries Samuel Parker and Dr. Marcus Whitman across the pass. 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. _The Peak Lake Area. 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. Given its location and proximity to the Big Sandy Campground, day traffic here can be heavy; however, once you arrive at the lake, campsites abound in and around the lake area, and theres usually a place to find some solitude. That was an epic day, and and unforgettable birthday gift that was hard-earned to say the least. 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. We released them all, but it was quite a day. Judging from a recent picture, it may go, but only in late summer. Grab your next favorite hiking backpack from Gregorys website today! From here the trail ascends 400 feet and then drops down into Dickenson Park. 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 this lake, continue southwest past Lake Kagevah to 11,290 foot Kagevah Pass. Interested in Wind River Range backpacking but not going the distance in the Titcomb Basin? Overall, pack more water than you think youll need, and take frequent breaks to prevent exhaustion and advanced altitude sickness. The placer gold in the streams was exhausted quickly, however, and by 1870 the miners began leaving the region. For a while we were losing so much eleveation I thought we might have taken a wrong turn. Follow the trail around the large base of Roaring Fork Mountain to arrive at Tayo Park. 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. [5]:114,128. They thrive in cold water and are typically only . The Wind River Range is one of the best backpacking + climbing wildernesses in the lower 48. It is apparent on topo maps, and there is a stream that follows it and drops to the creek. For the last five years the mythical Wind Rivers have eluded my presence. Seneca Lake is right at the beginning of some of the most spectacular high alpine climbing and backpacking routes. 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.". 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." Abiqua Falls is a hidden treasure within the forested trenches of the western Cascades. Shooters must supply their own target holders, which must meet the approval of the shooting range attendant. From chill beachside strolls to craggy peakbagging epics, this list has got you covered. It is unfortunately missed by most traverses of the range. Traditionally Indigenous Territory Apsaalook (Crow) Eastern Shoshone Cheyenne More Stats for Smith Lake hike trail trail Altitude change 607 ft Altitude min 9,292 ft Located in the southern section of the Wind River Range (or "Winds" for short), the cirque is a very popular destination for technical rock climbers. After passage of the Pacific Telegraph Act of 1860, South Pass Station was established in 1861, at Last Crossing on the Sweetwater River. 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. Island Lake is beautiful! Trip Type: Out-and-back Little Sandy - Low use 12. . 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. We started at the St Lawerence ranger station and made our way to Twin Lakes for the first night. Given the easy elevation gain and well maintained trail, this is a great choice for families. This trail is 40.5 mi long with an elevation gain of 7,513 ft. What is the longest trail in Wind River Range? Approximately 4 miles south of Dubois, on Hwy 26/287. Vast views of the Wind River Ranges glaciers and towering peaks proudly give this lookout its name, where photographers come from all over the world to capture Wyomings iconic steep and jagged peaks. Seneca Lake is right at the beginning of some of the most spectacular high alpine climbing and backpacking routes. From the Elkhart trailhead parking lot, take the Pole Creek Trail directly adjacent to . Should this affect the validity of this most grand route I have prepared? 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. 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. 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. Big Sandy - High use 11. Earthwalk Press North Wind River Range. The quick-and-easy trail slowly gains elevation until you reach Rainbow Lake. It contains 40 peaks over 13,000 feet, the largest glacier in the American Rockies, and over 1300 named lakes. Additional Read: 11 Amazing Wyoming Cabin Rentals To Warm Your Soul. On day 2 we started out from Twin lakes and bushwacked our . Take a left onto Fish Hatchery Road. . 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. Just continue north to shallow and picturesque Hay Pass. 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. Continue north to the head of Tourist Creek, and ascend northeast above lake 10890 all the way to the divide near Point 12450. You can find her on Instagram at @aka_dmoney. says Kelsey. Explore the World. Wyeth then established Fort Hall on the Snake River and the Lees settled the Willamette Valley. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 27 min to complete. Scab Creek - Medium use 10. 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. Also, they don't necessarily share the same parent. Stuart's "Travel Memorandum" was left with President James Madison, but the War of 1812 preempted western exploration. 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. Granite peaks -- 40 of them over 13,000 feet high -- dominate the landscape. For rods, I prefer 3 piece bamboo when backpacking. Twelve lakes were within the Tayo, Deep, and Ice creek drainages in the Wind River Peak area, and one along the mainstem Middle Fork Popo Agie River. Its worth sharing the trail with more hikers, though, as the dramatic peaks surrounding the Big Sandy Lake Trail will not disappoint! 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. His favorite place he's ever visited is Alaska, and his favorite activity might be fishing or reading, depending on the day. 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. P.O. To Roaring Fork Pass: 4.5 miles/9 miles round-trip. The terrain and elevation of the Wind River Range make backpacking here a challenge, albeit a worthwhile one. Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. The height of Mt. Note that on AllTrails, you can hike this as an out-and-back trail by following the Lower Green River Lake Trail. 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. 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