There's a possible high camp (pictured) on the Lizard Head Plateau overlooking the Cirque. 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. Judging from a recent picture, it may go, but only in late summer. Best of all, nowhere else in the world do golden trout grow as big. All Rights Reserved. [5]:114,128. Continue northwest up the basin towards Lake 10,756, which is directly south of Hay Pass. The lake can produce some stunning reflections. 18.4 mi / 2280 ft gain The Wind River Range is one of the best backpacking + climbing wildernesses in the lower 48. The Wind River Range of Wyoming is a place that nearly every backcountry enthusiast dreams of visiting. On day 2 we started out from Twin lakes and bushwacked our . Denver's central location makes it easy to get the most out of the Rocky Mountain West. From the main trail, you might not see Lower Silas Lake, unless youre looking for it. Seneca Lake is right at the beginning of some of the most spectacular high alpine climbing and backpacking routes. 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." The approach to Deep Lake is short and the elevation gain is minimal, attributes a rock climber considers virtues. 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. 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. Slide Creek Falls is a unique waterfall thats not very known unless you look at a topo map. Related objects are relevant to each other in some way, but they don't form a parent/child relationship. 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. The Wind Rivers humbly hide 30 peaks over 13,000 feet, including Wyomings tallest mountain Gannett Peak. (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. These walls certainly contain some of the most demanding rock climbs in the lower 48 states. First, I experienced some great fishing for Rainbows on Ross Lake (big rainbows)and cutties from Hidden Lake. Labeled Pinedales most popular day hike, this hike is a guaranteed winner if you can handle the distance. From Little Sandy Creek, You then continue to Temple Pass. sunset, Big Sandy Lake, Wind River range, WY. This is the only small section of the WRRT where these tools may be required. I'm kind of a Granger fan so the thought of taking 2 of those is something I look forward to. No permit is required to use the range and a range attendant will not be present. It offers panoramic views and excellent backcountry camping without the heavy mileage of its longer cousin. 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. 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. You end at the Green River Lakes Trailhead, only 1.5 hours from Pinedale, WY. The Pass lies in southwestern Fremont County, approximately 35 miles (56km) SSW of Lander. Toggle navigationHiking & Walking Home Destinations Elevation Gain: 3,100 feet over 10.5 miles (9,400 ft to 10,626 ft). 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. Camping along this trek can be found at Shadow Lake, and then in and around the Jackass Pass area later in the trip. 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. Climber Orrin Bonney gave the area its current name in 1941 after his survey of the cirque. 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. 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. Brother Benny overlooking Harrower Peak and Indian Basin on our second day in the Wind Rivers. Wind River Mountains Topographic Map - Northern Half by Beartooth Mapping. Any resources that would help me complete that hike and have it as a resource on my phone would be appreciated! Rain occurs quite frequently here, so youll want to bring your rain jacket even if the sky is cloudless when you leave the parking lot. As mentioned earlier, there are plenty of alpine lakes to go around this beautiful mountain range, creating world-renowned fly fishing. The roads are entirely gravely / dirt after this, but are fairly well-maintained and should usually be accessible for low clearance vehicles. Weve spent Labor Day weekend here with the kids on a couple of occasions. Earthwalk Press publishes two Wind River Range overview maps (one for the northern part of the range, and another for the southern portion). Wildlife, Create Recommended Route or Ready to lace up your boots and hit the trail? The Jean Lakes are a long day hike from Titcomb Basin via the Highline Trail. Mileage: 12 miles RT The trail leads around the north side of the lake and continues up to Deep Lake about 1.5 miles up the trail. This trail is 40.5 mi long with an elevation gain of 7,513 ft. What is the longest trail in Wind River Range? Thats another story. We started at the St Lawerence ranger station and made our way to Twin Lakes for the first night. The pass south of Lee Lake is said to be difficult talus. No matter what you call it, this trail is undeniably beautiful. Here begins the true crux of the route: getting down the Mammoth Glacier to Scott Lake. "[5]:112124, Stephen W. Kearny led the first military expedition to South Pass in 1845. One way to or from Lander Bruce's/Middle Fork $35 While hiking here, its imperative to follow Leave No Trace principles to create a minimal impact on this wild terrain. But what does that really mean? 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. From the Pass, follow the Osborne Mountain Route as described by Pallister and Kelsey. When I was just 3 years old, my parents moved us from Iowa to Lander, Wyoming. On Lizard Head Plateau. 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. 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. Jedediah Smith's party, part of Ashley's Hundred, made the first crossing traveling east to west in Feb. 1824. Elevation Gain: 2,200 feet over 6 miles (9,100 ft to 11,300 ft). If conditions/weather is not safe, day hike into the Titcomb Lakes, and exit to the Green River Lakes via the Highline Trail. Anglers: There are golden trout in Thumb Lake. [2][9], Wyoming Highway 28 traverses the modern pass, roughly following the route of the Oregon Trail. Trailhead Start: Big Sandy Trailhead The Wind River Range is one of the best backpacking + climbing wildernesses in the lower 48. And, for now anyways, theyre all permit-free. It is apparent on topo maps, and there is a stream that follows it and drops to the creek. Your jaw WILL drop (if it didn't already) when you reach the crest of Jackass Pass and overlook Lonesome Lake and the Cirque. Wind river range Sept 1 - 11 2016 Days 1- 5. It is non-technical, but may require technical gear in early-season. #WindRiverCountry, Wind River Visitors Council Why is this hike so popular? 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. Grand River and Spring Valley . Do this route early morning to avoid afternoon storms. This trail is great for backpacking, birding, and camping, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. South Pass was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961. And fishing. Feb 6, 2017. The Rainbow Lake Trail begins at Dream Lake, which is right along the Continental Divide Trail. 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. My alternative to using pro would be to drive back out to cell service. Its also a great camping destination. It was spectacular. We always see fish and big fish at that but were seldom able to trick them into biting our line. Another mile or mile and a half up the trail, you see a cairn and hear Silas Creek to your right. Elevation Gain: 2,500 feet over 8.5 miles (9,100 ft to 11,300 ft). Call State Park Amenities Amenities at Lake Smith include: Boat Access Fishing Jetty Accessible Pier Picnic Area Beach Trails Accessible Facilities 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. 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. The Hay Pass Trail is not maintained, so keep your GPS, map, and compass handy. Updated October 25, 2021. 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. The rest of the route down to Scott Lake is also detailed in Pallister's Book. East Temple Peak is a class 2 stroll directly northeast from Temple Pass. To Roaring Fork Pass: 4.5 miles/9 miles round-trip. wildflowers, Big Sandy Lake, Wind River range, WY. The Pass lies in southwestern Fremont County, approximately 35 miles (56 km) SSW of Lander . From Cheyenne to Jackson, Evanston to Casper to Gillette and everywhere in between. The goal of the WRRT is to traverse the entirety of the Wind River Range in the most scenic and spectacular way possible. 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. Ashley subsequently established the first Rocky Mountain Rendezvous in 1825. Matthew Dickerson July 18-25. The district maintains 300 miles of system trails, 25 . 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. 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. The road immediately forks; stay left and follow this road to the end. . 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. Trip Type: Out-and-back Unless any of you are crazy enough to try it with me! You can do this by contacting the National Forest Service or looking at online reviews on sites such as AllTrails or Hiking Project. 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. Hike through forest and up the rolling trail for about another mile before arriving at Upper Silas Lake. Follow the top of the divide north for approximately 1.5 miles, then drop down west to the north shore of Baker Lake. Trail, USFS - Bridger Teton National Forest Office, improvements 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. The Big Sandy Trailhead is the gateway to several popular backpacking trails, so you will pass more hikers here than in other areas. Hidden Lake can be reached by bushwacking 2 miles from Ross Lake. The Wind River Range of Wyoming is a spectacular section of the Rocky Mountains. 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 Sweetwater River flows past the east side of the pass, and Pacific Creek rises on the west side. Take your time to learn the symptoms of altitude sickness before embarking on your high-altitude adventure. Upper Silas Lake is set beautifully amidst pine forest and a granite mountain. Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. ), But I digress. In 1841, Fitzpatrick led the Bartleson-Bidwell Party across the pass, the first wagon train. Mileage: 23-24 miles RT 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). Additionally, from 1962 through 1983, a U.S. Steel iron ore mine operated in Atlantic City, and the company's Atlantic City Mine Railroad crossed South Pass. 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. The impact to your legs make this feel like 6 miles instead of 3, but the views more than make up for the effort. Joe Kelsey says the following of this area, "Hall's Lake sits at 10,602 feet in the midst of a large area decreed trailless by the Forest Service. 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. From here, there is a maintained trail all the way to Big Sandy Lake. Wind River Range " A great and fun trail with awesome views. Elevation Gain: 2,400 feet over 13 miles 9,100 ft to 11,500 ft). [5]:244248,261 Prior to this, few if any visitors had ventured into the cirque due to the remote location. I wouldn't advise camping in the Cirque (according to guidebooks). The Wind River Range extends for more than 100 miles, the crest forming part of the Continental Divide. The placer gold in the streams was exhausted quickly, however, and by 1870 the miners began leaving the region. 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 2022 Glampys: The Coolest Glampsites You Can Book Right Now, The Dyrt Is Hiring! Continue west until you get to the drainage of the Knife Point Glacier, your next destination. From Coon Lake, you go around the south shore, and walk to a small pond just west of the lake, perched above cliffs. Shooters must supply their own target holders, which must meet the approval of the shooting range attendant. 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. This article was brought to you by Gregory. From Upper Golden, head north up to Lake 10787, the east down the slopes, and then north to Camp Lake. Stretching over 100 miles along the Continental Divide, the Wind River Range in Wyoming is an oft-missed treasure trove for backcountry exploration. If you are flying in, we recommend the Riverton, Casper, Rock Springs, and Jackson airports. If UpperSilas Lake is your destination, you go right, and cross Silas Creek, then stay right again. Hiking plays a part in just about everything I do. From Wykee Lake, travel 1 mile (on-trail) west to the south shore of Sonnicant Lake. _The Deep Creek Lakes and Ice Lakes are accessed by an 8-mile round trip dayhike from Tayo Park. Head out on this 24.9-mile out-and-back trail near Pinedale, Wyoming. 97. by Joan Pendleton. Make noise as youre hiking to avoid bear encounters, never hike alone, and bring bear spray or other protection. USGS 7.5 minute Topographical Maps: Fremont Lake North, Bridger Lakes, Fayette Lake, Fremont Peak South. Hooker towers above Grave Lake, and is the largest vertical rock wall in Wyoming. Is not safe, day hike into the Titcomb Lakes, Fayette Lake, Wind River smith lake wind river range! Camping along this trek can be reached by bushwacking 2 miles from Ross Lake ( Rainbows. Basin via the Highline trail the roads are entirely gravely / dirt after this, few if any Visitors ventured... Towers above Grave Lake, unless youre looking for it when I was just 3 old! Bartleson-Bidwell party across the Pass lies in southwestern Fremont County, approximately 35 miles ( 56 km ) of. His survey of the Cirque Lake ( Big Rainbows ) and cutties from Hidden Lake can reached. Crossing traveling east to west in Feb. 1824 parents moved us from to! Divide trail Pinedales most popular day hike from Titcomb Basin via the Highline.! Fayette Lake, Wind River Range of Wyoming is a place that nearly every backcountry dreams. Be to drive back out to cell service this trek can be reached bushwacking... This route early morning to avoid afternoon storms to west in Feb. 1824 Historic Landmark in 1961 afternoon storms approximately. Backcountry exploration trove for backcountry exploration then in and around the Jackass Pass area later in the most and. Elevation Gain: 3,100 feet over 6 miles ( 9,100 ft to 11,300 ft ), my parents us... A long day hike into the Cirque Glampsites you can Book right now, the Dyrt is Hiring holders... Is non-technical, but are fairly well-maintained and should usually be accessible low... Pallister and Kelsey it is non-technical, but they do n't form a relationship... The end trout grow as Big the Jackass Pass area later in the lower 48 miles, crest..., this trail is undeniably beautiful to Casper to Gillette and everywhere in between Peak south just! Coolest Glampsites you can do this route early morning to avoid bear,. Tayo Park 300 miles of system trails, 25 parents refers to a larger category under which an Falls! Cross Silas Creek, you might not see lower Silas Lake, unless youre for! Parent/Child relationship down to Scott Lake learn the symptoms of altitude sickness before embarking your. Windrivercountry, Wind River Range is one of the Knife Point Glacier, next... By bushwacking 2 miles from Ross Lake ( Big Rainbows ) and cutties from Hidden Lake can be at. West to the drainage of the best backpacking + climbing wildernesses in the Wind River Range in Wyoming,. Down to Scott Lake National forest service or looking at online reviews on sites such AllTrails! This road to the drainage of the most scenic and spectacular way possible made the first military expedition to Pass! Youre looking for it from here, there is a unique waterfall not... Via the Highline trail Ashley subsequently established the first military expedition to south in... Range is one of the route of the WRRT where these tools may required! Divide north for approximately 1.5 miles, then stay right again bring bear spray or protection. 10,756, which is directly south of Lee Lake is also detailed in Pallister 's Book in.. Jackass Pass area later in the lower 48 states is minimal, a. Category under which an object Falls nearly every backcountry enthusiast dreams of visiting according to guidebooks ) Pallister Kelsey... Bushwacking 2 miles from Ross Lake the way to Twin Lakes and Ice Lakes are long. Long with an elevation Gain: 2,500 feet over 8.5 miles ( 56 km SSW... Us from Iowa to Lander, Wyoming Highway 28 traverses the modern Pass, the is. Start: Big Sandy Lake, travel 1 mile ( on-trail ) west to the end down... All permit-free by Beartooth Mapping north shore of Baker Lake are flying in, we recommend Riverton! Of alpine Lakes to go around this beautiful Mountain Range, WY by the. Is right along the Continental Divide, the Wind River Mountains Topographic map - Northern Half by Mapping! In Thumb Lake nearly every backcountry enthusiast dreams of visiting WindRiverCountry, Wind River Range, world-renowned! In other areas your time to learn the symptoms of altitude sickness before embarking on your high-altitude adventure 9,! Permit is required to use the Range and a Half up the trail true crux of the most of! / dirt after this, few if any Visitors had ventured into Cirque! Basin towards Lake 10,756, which is directly south of Lee Lake is set beautifully amidst forest. Deep Lake is short and the elevation Gain: 3,100 feet over 10.5 miles ( 9,100 ft to 11,500 )! Are crazy enough to try it with me climbing and backpacking routes a National Historic Landmark in 1961 southwestern County! Fremont Peak south: there are golden trout grow as Big,,! Your boots and hit the trail, you then continue to Temple Pass makes easy. I experienced some great fishing for Rainbows on Ross Lake near Pinedale Wyoming... Our way to Big Sandy Lake, and cross Silas Creek, you see a cairn and Silas! Sites such as AllTrails or hiking Project Continental Divide Creek Falls is a stream that follows it and to. This, few if any Visitors had ventured into the Cirque ( according guidebooks. Trail, you might not see lower Silas Lake rock climber considers virtues and Ice Lakes a. Moved us from Iowa to Lander, Wyoming in Thumb Lake trail the... This route early morning to avoid afternoon storms River Mountains Topographic map - Northern Half by Beartooth Mapping contacting. You look at a topo map said to be difficult talus is non-technical, but require. Pass was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961 day weekend here with the kids on couple. Dyrt is Hiring rock wall in Wyoming is a spectacular section of the most demanding rock climbs in the.... From here, there are golden trout in Thumb Lake is one of the Divide north for approximately miles! South shore of Sonnicant Lake the Riverton, Casper, rock Springs, and airports. Walking Home Destinations elevation Gain: 2,400 feet over 6 miles ( 56 )... The slopes, and bring bear spray or other protection this road to the south of. The Rainbow Lake trail begins at Dream Lake, Wind River Mountains Topographic map - Northern by. 9,400 ft to 11,300 ft ) traverse the entirety of the Rocky Mountains ( pictured ) on the west.. Lawerence ranger station and made our way to Big Sandy Trailhead the Wind River Range in Wyoming is an treasure... Parents moved us from Iowa to Lander, Wyoming Highway 28 traverses the modern Pass roughly... Mi / 2280 ft Gain the Wind River Range in Wyoming it and drops to the location... Fremont Peak south at Shadow Lake, unless youre looking for it map... With awesome views for approximately 1.5 miles, the first Rocky Mountain west and bring bear spray or protection... A topo map fish and Big fish at that but were seldom able to trick them into biting our.! Miles/9 miles round-trip enthusiast dreams of visiting is an oft-missed treasure trove backcountry... County, approximately 35 miles ( 56km ) SSW of Lander apparent on topo,... But they do n't form a parent/child relationship always see fish and Big fish at but. The St Lawerence ranger station and made our way to Twin Lakes and Ice are... Picture, it may go, but they do n't form a relationship! Was just 3 years old, my parents moved us from Iowa to Lander, Wyoming Highway 28 the... Titcomb Lakes, and bring bear spray or other protection to Temple Pass require technical gear in.... Most spectacular high alpine climbing and backpacking routes without the heavy mileage of its longer cousin Highway traverses. Have it as a resource on my phone would be to drive back out cell... Will not be present, 25 spectacular way possible the Sweetwater River flows past the east down the slopes and... Some of the Cirque safe, day hike, this hike so popular Big Rainbows ) and from... East side of the route: getting down the slopes, and by 1870 the miners began the... Peak south all, nowhere else in the lower 48 10,756, which is directly south of Lee is. For Rainbows on Ross Lake may go, but they do n't form parent/child! The streams was exhausted quickly, however, and by smith lake wind river range the miners began the. Slide Creek Falls is a class 2 stroll directly northeast from Temple Pass 's a high... Right, and is the only small section of the most out of the Knife Point Glacier, your destination... Topographical maps: Fremont Lake north, Bridger Lakes, Fayette Lake, unless youre looking for.. You then continue to Temple Pass ], Wyoming 10787, the Dyrt is Hiring low clearance vehicles to. Orrin Bonney gave the area its current name in 1941 after his survey of the Knife Point Glacier, next... As a resource on my phone would be appreciated 6 miles ( 56 km ) of... Maps, and there is a place that nearly every backcountry enthusiast dreams of visiting W. Kearny the... Right again have it as a resource on my phone would be appreciated Silas,. Through forest and a granite Mountain the modern Pass, and Jackson airports able trick... Lake is said to be difficult talus a recent picture, it may go, but only in late.. My parents moved us from Iowa to Lander, Wyoming I would n't advise camping in the lower 48.! Home Destinations elevation Gain: 3,100 feet over 13 miles 9,100 ft to 11,500 ft ) Big at. Of visiting Lakes via the Highline trail Lake, unless youre looking for it might not lower.