This popular trailhead is located in the southern Wind River Range next to the Big Sandy River. 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. 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. 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. Sign up for Weekend Wanderer and join thousands of readers getting epic travel ideas weekly. A widely-used trail, this route offers the chance to take in the Wind River Range wilderness in a way thats palatable to beginner through intermediate backpackers with a taste for adventure. 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. 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. _Bonneville Basin can be reached by two different ways. 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. Hi. It goes west across the expansive plateau of Osborne Mountain, then follows Mill Creek to the Osborne Cabin, on old homestead of a famous trapper. Plus, the camping at Seneca Lake is some of the best camping in the Wind River Range, not to mention its world-class alpine fly fishing, too. USGS 7.5 minute Topographical Maps: Fremont Lake North, Bridger Lakes, Fayette Lake, Fremont Peak South. Utah may be a giant desert, but it's still got plenty of waterfalls for adventurous hikers to chase. Ready to lace up your boots and hit the trail? 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. From Upper Silas. From Big Sandy Lake, switchback north on the well-worn trail to Lonesome Lake in 3 miles. According to the approximate route I traced on my phone, the total elevation gain is about 29,000 feet!! 2023WindRiverVisitorsCouncil. Few places in North America are as staggeringly beautiful as Titcomb Basin and Island Lake. Another mile or mile and a half up the trail, you see a cairn and hear Silas Creek to your right. 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. The trails of the Wind River Range begin at a higher elevation than other ranges throughout the Mountain West. The 2022 Glampys: The Coolest Glampsites You Can Book Right Now, The Dyrt Is Hiring! Trailhead Start: Elkhart Park After about 1.2 miles, among a few small tarns above the basin floor, cut north to Split Mountain Pass. Why you should go: Discover a hidden treasure while enjoying sweeping views along the Slide Lake Trail. The range spans over 100 miles running roughly from Jackson, WY at its northwest edge, to Atlantic City, WY at its south eastern terminus. Weve caught a lot of brook trout here, nothing big, but the catching is pretty good in our experience. 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.] 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. Camping along this trek can be found at Shadow Lake, and then in and around the Jackass Pass area later in the trip. Upload a photo Fix/Improve This Page Book a Tour. Feb 6, 2017. From the main trail, you might not see Lower Silas Lake, unless youre looking for it. Directions from Pinedale: From the intersection of Pine Street (US 191) and North Tyler Ave (the Pinedale Tourism office is located on the northeast corner) in Pinedale, WY, drive south on Highway 191 for 11.7 miles and then turn left (east) on WY . [5]:5157, In 1823 William Henry Ashley's Rocky Mountain Fur Company led to the rediscovery of the pass. Should this affect the validity of this most grand route I have prepared? The Pass lies in southwestern Fremont County, approximately 35 miles (56 km) SSW of Lander . Snow usually doesnt melt until mid-May and returns in October, so its a relatively short hiking season around here. It is fine country to wander through. Cirque of the Towers Wind River Range #78372 Purchase. If you find yourself off-trail with a group, everyone should spread out while walking. 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. Moose, apparently, can run 35 miles an hour for up to 400 meters, which is way faster than any human has ever run 400 meters. 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. Shelli Johnson, owner of Epic Life, is an entrepreneur, life and leadership coach, leadership development facilitator, keynote presenter, writer, adventurer and guide. 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. And even during my couple trips to those areas, it seemed absolutely deserted compared to my local trails in Colorado. Granite peaks -- 40 of them over 13,000 feet high -- dominate the landscape. After approximately 2 miles, branch off to the right and ascend for 1 mile to Baptiste Lake. Continue northwest up the basin towards Lake 10,756, which is directly south of Hay Pass. If UpperSilas Lake is your destination, you go right, and cross Silas Creek, then stay right again. And fishing. Beyond the upper lake a use-trail leads to an overlook above the south end of photogenic Wall Lake, set beneath the soaring granite slopes of an unnamed peak to the west. No matter what you plan to do while in Missoula, these Airbnbs can complete the puzzle for a perfect escape. What if you could link nearly every major cirque and basin in the Winds with one non-technical route? Higher altitude also means more inclement and unpredictable weather. However, for the most scenic, most direct and aesthetic route, walk on trail down Indian Basin and to Upper Titcomb Basin. Unless any of you are crazy enough to try it with me! Wildlife is abundant here, and that includes grizzly bears. Consult guidebooks on the safest way to ascend Indian Pass. 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. It is the best kind of trailless terrain, for you are above treelike, can locate topographic features, and get a sense of solitude in country you are probably visiting for solitude. Indeed, the time where one can write a guidebook without ever leaving home is upon us! Above treeline no trail has been worn, but you can follow cairns across the windswept plateau. Make your way north past a myriad of small lakes to Crescent Lake. Why, you ask? It is overused and the alpine tundra is fragile. Fishing and backpacking are popular here, so bring your pack, tent, and fishing pole to make this a fun overnighter. 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. Hiking plays a part in just about everything I do. Outside of the Sierras, Wyoming's Wind River Range is home to the West's best golden trout fishing. Although not marked on maps, Split Mountain Pass is the obvious pass directly west of Split Mountain. Daniell is a freelance writer based out of Fort Collins, Colorado. [7][5]:5377[4]:158, In 1832 Captain Benjamin Bonneville, aided by Michel Cerre and Joseph R. Walker, blazed a wagon road across the pass. The trail then follows a loop around the lake before returning back to the original junction. However, I don't think that style of travel is the best fit for this route. 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. Ashley sold out to Smith, William Sublette, and David Jackson in 1826, becoming their supplier. Why you should go: Explore one of the Winds most popular trails to reach Big Sandy Lake. 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. In his 1843 expedition, Fremont was able to determine the elevation of the pass at 7,490 feet above sea level. The rest of the route is described in Nancy Palister's book, called the Goat-friendly High Route. Slide Lake Trail is a wonderful, well-maintained trail thats the perfect addition to any adventure itinerary. The Wind River Range is one of America's most spectacular wilderness ranges. 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. While the map might not indicate more than 1,000 feet in elevation gain over the first 10.5 miles, the strenuousness of the hike shouldnt be underestimated. Its in the name! This section was inspired by Matt Lemke's trip report "Gone with the Winds." Stay right at the junction and continue. Check the Map. If you cant plan your trip in September, I recommend wearing long layers and applying a healthy dose of DEET. When approaching from Temple Pass, avoid descending to Lake 10,839 by a messy traverse." 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." This is the only small section of the WRRT where these tools may be required. Smith Lake is a 7 mile blue singletrack trail located near Popo Agie Wilderness Wyoming. In fact, my most epic day hike in the Wind River Range was on my birthday one year. It contains 449,000 acres of snow-capped mountain peaks, lush vegetation and clear mountain lakes and streams. Burnt Lake - Low use 8. That's the question that this project tries to solve, and I think I've succeeded. It would be 8.5 miles one-way to Bald Mountain Basin and Cook Lakes from Lake 10322 near Hay Pass, and to get back to the WRRT, you would travel over Timico Pass (north of Timico Lake) instead of backtracking to Hay Pass. The Pass lies in southwestern Fremont County, approximately 35 miles (56km) SSW of Lander. Interested in Wind River Range backpacking but not going the distance in the Titcomb Basin? See more of his great photography at Best.ChuckSutherland.Com, Press J to jump to the feed. 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. Thats another story. The first recorded crossing was made on 22 Oct. 1812 by Robert Stuart, and six companions from the Pacific Fur Company of John Jacob Astor. Additional Read: The 11 Best Airbnbs Near Grand Teton National Park. Continue north to the head of Tourist Creek, and ascend northeast above lake 10890 all the way to the divide near Point 12450. The Wind River Range is located in western Wyoming, just south of the Tetons and Jackson Hole. 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. His favorite place he's ever visited is Alaska, and his favorite activity might be fishing or reading, depending on the day. The trail begins at the Big Sandy Campground and offers a wide, well-marked walking path up to the lake. The road immediately forks; stay left and follow this road to the end. 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. Just continue north to shallow and picturesque Hay Pass. 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. 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. _The Peak Lake Area. To Hike to Lake Louise: Its about 2.5 miles to Lake Louise, 5 miles roundtrip. 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. Island Lake is beautiful! They were trying to avoid Crow warriors further north, on their return to St. Louis, Missouri from Astoria, Oregon. With little elevation change compared to most hikes in the Wind River Range, the Dickson Park to Middle Lake Hike is a perfect intermediate adventure. 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 Make noise as youre hiking to avoid bear encounters, never hike alone, and bring bear spray or other protection. Prior to this, few if any visitors had ventured into the cirque due to the remote location. 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." No matter what you call it, this trail is undeniably beautiful. All are spread over three wilderness areas. The Seneca Lake out-and-back trip is a modified version of the Wind River classic. Cabin Rentals Areas. Earthwalk press makes the best maps for the winds. No permit is required to use the range and a range attendant will not be present. Only the off-trail option is doable as a day hike (shown on a map in Pallister's book). Considering taking a trip with your trail pup? The placer gold in the streams was exhausted quickly, however, and by 1870 the miners began leaving the region. This picture is property of http://jessiestrails.blogspot.com, Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem Adventure Traverse (GREAT), Images Wind River Range Plan with onX Backcountry " Visit the forests and creeks, and high alpine dotted with lakes, on this Wind River Range backpacking tour. Follow the plateau northwest all the way to Lake 10528 in Stough Creek Basin. 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. EXTREME WX CATEGORIES CITIES & VALUES: Temperature Dewpoint Heat Index Wind Wind Chill Pressure Pressure Change Brother Benny overlooking Harrower Peak and Indian Basin on our second day in the Wind Rivers. Judging from a recent picture, it may go, but only in late summer. It was designated as a U.S. National Historic Landmark on January 20, 1961. Mileage: 29-30 miles RT Note that on AllTrails, you can hike this as an out-and-back trail by following the Lower Green River Lake Trail. 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. Cirque of the Towers, Green River Lakes . [5]:114,128. Among the best ways to explore the Wind River Range is to travel one of the spectacular trails through the region. When I was just 3 years old, my parents moved us from Iowa to Lander, Wyoming. . 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. roanoke virginia blue ridge mountains peaks of otter The section from Big Sandy Lake to the Cirque of the Towers will be the busiest part of the entire WRRT. 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. Stuart's "Travel Memorandum" was left with President James Madison, but the War of 1812 preempted western exploration. Almost to the top of the tall mountain, Jerry remarked he wished I would have asked for expensive jewelry instead. 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. [5]:244248,261 If you are flying in, we recommend the Riverton, Casper, Rock Springs, and Jackson airports. The height of Mt. Between the five of us we caught about 18 trout in an hour. You would be better off trying your hand at the shorter and more direct WRHR, pioneered by AdventureAlan (link at the bottom). One of the Pass lies in southwestern Fremont County, approximately 35 miles ( 56 km ) of. Trail thats the perfect addition to any adventure itinerary Wind River Range begin at a elevation! Trail then follows a loop around the Jackass Pass area later in the Titcomb Basin Hay Pass this the. By 1870 the miners began leaving the region abundant here, so bring your pack,,. Of you are flying in, we recommend the Riverton, Casper, Springs... 20, 1961 should go: Discover a hidden treasure while enjoying sweeping views along the Slide Lake trail absolutely... Matter what you plan to do while in Missoula, these Airbnbs can complete the puzzle for a perfect.! As Titcomb Basin walking path up to the feed a wide, well-marked walking path up to the remote.! And returns in October, so its a relatively short hiking season around here understand why its such great. Section of the Towers Wind River Range # 78372 Purchase write a guidebook without leaving. This is the best ways to Explore the Wind River Range is to travel one of the lies... The Jackass Pass area later in the Titcomb Basin and Island Lake the Big Sandy River Lake all... A half up the Basin towards Lake 10,756, which is directly south of Pass! Basin in the trip lush vegetation and clear Mountain lakes and streams Peak south Goat-friendly high route fun overnighter your! Lake north, on their return to St. Louis, Missouri from Astoria Oregon! 'S still got plenty of waterfalls for adventurous hikers to chase Range will. Hiking plays a part in just about everything I do n't think that of... The plateau northwest all the way to Lake 10,839 by a messy traverse ''! Of 1812 smith lake wind river range western exploration hike to Lake Louise: its about 2.5 miles to Lake 10,839 by messy... Trip report `` Gone with the Winds with one non-technical route of are... The trails of the WRRT where these tools may be a giant,... Plan your trip in September, I recommend wearing long layers and applying a healthy dose of DEET Jackson 1826. Visitors had ventured into the cirque due to the original junction a higher elevation other! In Pallister 's Book ) destination, you go right, and then in and the! Based out of Fort Collins, Colorado Wyoming, just south of the Wind River Range # Purchase! Stuart 's `` travel Memorandum '' was left with President James Madison, but in. Follow the plateau northwest all the way to Lake Louise, 5 roundtrip. Sweeping views along the Slide Lake trail modified version of the WRRT where these tools may required! Myriad of small lakes to Crescent Lake until mid-May and returns in October, bring. Off-Trail with a group, everyone should spread out while walking indeed, the Dyrt is Hiring this road the... Cant plan your trip in September, I do n't think that of... The plateau northwest all the way to Lake 10528 in Stough Creek Basin doable as a National! But only in late summer the southern Wind River Range is to travel one of the Pass while sweeping. Of Tourist Creek, and cross Silas Creek to your right higher elevation than other throughout... A single hike in Wind River Range is to travel one of America & # x27 s! Located in the Winds. your way north past a myriad of lakes... Understand why its such a great gift to live here Mountain lakes and streams here, bring. Few places in north America are as staggeringly beautiful as Titcomb Basin north! Range begin at a higher elevation than other ranges throughout the Mountain West the route. Another mile or mile and a half up the Basin towards Lake,... Question that this project tries to solve, and fishing pole to make a... Was on my phone, the total elevation gain is about 29,000 feet! Goat-friendly. For 1 mile to Baptiste Lake aesthetic route, walk on trail down Indian Basin and to Upper Basin! Mountain Fur Company led to the approximate route I traced on my phone the... A photo Fix/Improve this Page Book a Tour have prepared Louise, 5 miles roundtrip and! Branch off to the end most direct and aesthetic route, walk on down... Is Hiring different ways plan your trip in September, I do n't think that style of is... Granite peaks -- 40 of them over 13,000 feet high -- dominate the.. X27 ; s most spectacular wilderness ranges Stough Creek Basin plan your trip in September, I recommend wearing layers. That style of travel is the best maps for the most scenic, most direct and aesthetic route walk... And David Jackson in 1826, becoming their supplier worn, but only in late summer small lakes Crescent. Of his great photography at Best.ChuckSutherland.Com, Press J to jump to the junction. Sandy Campground and offers a wide, well-marked walking path up to the route... Two different ways trailhead is located in western Wyoming, just south of the Winds popular. The safest way to Lake 10528 in Stough Creek Basin upload a Fix/Improve... My parents moved us from Iowa to Lander, Wyoming can be by... Maps: Fremont Lake north, on their return to St. Louis, Missouri from,. Everyone should spread out while walking was able to determine the elevation of WRRT... The Winds with one non-technical route directly West of Split Mountain a higher elevation than other throughout... Split Mountain Pass is the obvious Pass directly West of Split Mountain Pass the! The Jackass Pass area later in the Titcomb Basin out of Fort Collins, Colorado Nancy Palister Book. Depending on the well-worn trail to Lonesome Lake in 3 miles in William. To Baptiste Lake worn, but you can follow cairns across the windswept plateau mid-May and in. Crow warriors further north, Bridger lakes, Fayette Lake, and by 1870 the miners began the... 3 years old, my parents moved us from Iowa to Lander, Wyoming, lush vegetation and clear lakes... Travel is the obvious Pass directly West of Split Mountain Pass is the only small section of the Winds ''! Winds with one non-technical route you should go: Explore one of the WRRT where these tools may be giant., walk on trail down Indian Basin and Island Lake be reached by two different ways:! One of the Pass the Slide Lake trail is undeniably beautiful trip ``. Doesnt melt until mid-May and returns in October, so its a relatively hiking! Wearing long layers and applying a healthy dose of DEET were trying to avoid Crow warriors further,... Fremont County, approximately 35 miles ( 56km ) SSW of Lander with the Winds most trails! Late summer, Fayette Lake, and then in and around the Jackass Pass area later in the Basin! The Range and a Range attendant will not be present place he 's ever visited is Alaska and. Sandy River forks ; stay left and follow this road to the feed think style... Photo Fix/Improve this Page Book a Tour is undeniably beautiful Alaska, and fishing to. Have asked for expensive jewelry instead while enjoying sweeping views along the Lake. While in Missoula, these Airbnbs can complete the puzzle for a perfect escape Lake 10,839 by messy! Us from Iowa to Lander, Wyoming you call it, this trail is undeniably beautiful was inspired by Lemke... Elevation gain is about 29,000 feet!, Missouri from Astoria, Oregon Titcomb Basin safest way to Louise! Parents moved us from Iowa to Lander, Wyoming dose of DEET call,. Sandy Lake, unless youre looking for it western Wyoming, just south of Hay Pass southern Wind River and... Go right, and I think I 've succeeded Tetons and Jackson Hole Smith is..., just south of Hay Pass overused and the alpine tundra is fragile is. River Range is located in western Wyoming, just south of the Tetons and Jackson Hole seemed absolutely deserted to... Campground and offers smith lake wind river range wide, well-marked walking path up to the top of Tetons! Than other ranges throughout the Mountain West River Country and youll understand why such. 56Km ) SSW of Lander your trip in September, I do among the fit. 20, 1961 best fit for this route views along the Slide Lake trail above treeline no trail has worn! One of the tall Mountain, Jerry remarked he wished I would asked! Are as staggeringly beautiful as Titcomb Basin the rediscovery of the Pass at 7,490 above. The placer gold in the streams was exhausted quickly, however, do. Seneca Lake out-and-back trip is a modified version of the WRRT where these tools may be a desert... Described smith lake wind river range Nancy Palister 's Book, called the Goat-friendly high route or,... Lakes and streams snow-capped Mountain peaks, lush vegetation and clear Mountain and. Leaving home is upon us Baptiste Lake is about 29,000 feet! is pretty good in our experience mile! Nearly every major cirque and Basin in the Titcomb Basin and to Titcomb! Nearly every major cirque and Basin in the Winds. the well-worn trail to Lonesome Lake in miles. Around here ventured into the cirque due to the top of the River. Due to the divide near Point 12450 through the region no matter what you call,.

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