Take a left onto Fish Hatchery Road. Dont let the length of the Big Sandy Lake Trail deter you! 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. This is a great destination because you can sit on granite slabs that slide into the lake in many places, and there are granite mountains all around you. I looked on AllTrails but couldn't find anything. To Hike to Lake Louise: Its about 2.5 miles to Lake Louise, 5 miles roundtrip. And, for now anyways, theyre all permit-free. 2022 Best Places to Camp: Top 10 in the U.S. And also from going south from New Fork Lake past Lee Lake. South Pass was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961. Cabin Rentals Areas. Historic South Pass, seen from the east looking westward towards, Map of southwestern Wyoming showing location of South Pass at the headwaters of the, U.S. National Register of Historic Places, United States Army Corps of Topographical Engineers, Oregon Buttes, Wyoming, Elevation: 8558 feet, 2608 meters, peakbagger.com, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=South_Pass_(Wyoming)&oldid=1134470552, This page was last edited on 18 January 2023, at 21:32. Slide Lake Trail is a wonderful, well-maintained trail thats the perfect addition to any adventure itinerary. The road immediately forks; stay left and follow this road to the end. Boulder Lake-High use 9. The section from Big Sandy Lake to the Cirque of the Towers will be the busiest part of the entire WRRT. 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. Once on the trail, consider spending the first night at Hobbs Lake or Seneca Lake and progressing on to Island Lake for the second. When hiking in a group, you should always stay on the trail to avoid creating erosion. Burnt Lake - Low use 8. With alpine lakes above the timberline surrounded by nothing but dramatic mountain peaks, I dont know of another day hike that even comes close to New Fork Trail. Groups must stay under 15 people. 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. Last year on our Jerrys and my anniversary, we took the boys on a hiking and fishing trip to Silas. East Temple Peak is a class 2 stroll directly northeast from Temple Pass. Stay straight on the Smith Lake Trail and contour around Dishpan Butte. Follow the plateau northwest all the way to Lake 10528 in Stough Creek Basin. Smith Lake is a 7 mile blue singletrack trail located near Popo Agie Wilderness Wyoming. Your jaw WILL drop (if it didn't already) when you reach the crest of Jackass Pass and overlook Lonesome Lake and the Cirque. [5]:244248,261 "Don and I both knew that it was possible to do a great high route in the Wind River Range," Alan wrote me in an email. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. 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. 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. There is apparently a non-technical route that goes northwest from the pond that traverses the cliffs above Little Sandy Creek. Free Trail Guides. The roads are entirely gravely / dirt after this, but are fairly well-maintained and should usually be accessible for low clearance vehicles. Jedediah Smith's party, part of Ashley's Hundred, made the first crossing traveling east to west in Feb. 1824. An easy six mile hike to Big Sandy Lake provides spectacular views along the way. If you only have time for a single day hike through the Wind River Range, follow the Pole Creek Trail to Photographers Point. Head out on this 24.9-mile out-and-back trail near Pinedale, Wyoming. "The ridge is most easily gained 0.5 miles from the summit; two couloirs nearer the summit are corniced early in summer and later filled with ice and loose rock. In 1841, Fitzpatrick led the Bartleson-Bidwell Party across the pass, the first wagon train. In 3-pc 4wts, there are 7.5 and 8 footers. Toggle navigationHiking & Walking Home Destinations 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. Upper Silas Lake is set beautifully amidst pine forest and a granite mountain. . A translation of his journal was published in an 1821 French journal, but South Pass would have to be rediscovered by later explorers from information provided by Crow Indians. smith lake alabama 10,470 Smith Lake Premium High Res Photos Browse 10,470 smith lake stock photos and images available, or search for lewis smith lake or lewis smith lake alabama to find more great stock photos and pictures. Sign up for our free email to join thousands of readers getting epic travel, hiking, camping and gear ideas every week. Only the off-trail option is doable as a day hike (shown on a map in Pallister's book). Updated October 25, 2021. 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. It is apparent on topo maps, and there is a stream that follows it and drops to the creek. The height of Mt. Pinedale, Wyoming Also, they don't necessarily share the same parent. Day 1: Sweetwater Gap Guardstation to Windy Lake, 7 miles, Day 5: Grave Lake, 12 miles (all on-trail), Day 6: Visit Babtiste Lake, camp at upper Grave cirque, 7 miles, Day 7: Sonnicant Lake via Roberts Mountain route, 6 miles, Day 10: Explore lakes south of Brown Cliffs, camp at one of them, 6 miles, Day 11: "Shangri-La" via the "Goat-Friendly High Route," 7 miles, Day 12: Day hike to "Glacier View" and down to the North Fork Bull Lake Creek, 6 miles, Day 13: From "Shangri-La" to Upper Titcomb Basin (over Indian Pass), 9 miles, Day 14: Scott Lake (CRUX OF ROUTE), 9 miles, Day 18: Out via Osbourne Mountain Route, 9 miles, + 2 days for weather-related "stay-put" days. 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). From Baptiste Lake, head due east for approximately 1.5 miles, then north to the upper Grave Creek Cirque. Island Lake is beautiful! The town of Pinedale is the gateway into many of the Wind River trailheads. However, I don't think that style of travel is the best fit for this route. Just continue north to shallow and picturesque Hay Pass. The goal of the WRRT is to traverse the entirety of the Wind River Range in the most scenic and spectacular way possible. They were trying to avoid Crow warriors further north, on their return to St. Louis, Missouri from Astoria, Oregon. 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. Granite peaks -- 40 of them over 13,000 feet high -- dominate the landscape. From this lake, continue southwest past Lake Kagevah to 11,290 foot Kagevah Pass. We always see fish and big fish at that but were seldom able to trick them into biting our line. Trailhead Start: Elkhart Park 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. If traveling lightly and in peak physical condition, it could be possible to do this route in a little over a week. Interested in Wind River Range backpacking but not going the distance in the Titcomb Basin? 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. Explore the World. Both areas, located just west of the Continental Divide, are rich in outstanding scenery and recreation opportunities. Hiking Smith Lake Basin in the Wind River Range : r/wyoming 2 yr. ago Posted by MeowingtonChaCha Hiking Smith Lake Basin in the Wind River Range Hello everyone, I'm sure someone over here is familiar with Wind River Range hikes and could point me in the right direction. _Bald Mountain Basin and Cook Lakes are accessed by descending south on the Hay Pass trail, the heading northwest passing Timico Lake, then on trails west to Baldy Lakes and north to Bald Mountain Basin. Its a pretty mountain lake that we always seem to have to ourselves. Higher altitude also means more inclement and unpredictable weather. 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. Its also a great camping destination. By 1838, four additional American missionary women had crossed the pass, Myra Fairbanks Eells, Mary Richardson Walker, Mary Augusta Dix Gray and Sarah Gilbert White Smith. The lake can produce some stunning reflections. Mileage: 17 miles RT We've spent the last week exploring the Wind River Range around Pinedale, WY. The range is home to many of the state's highest mountains including Fremont Peak at 13,745 and Wind River Peak at 13,192 feet. From the cabin, simply follow trails for less than a mile, crossing west over the Green River bridge, to the Green River Lakes TH. 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. Why is this hike so popular? Wildlife is abundant here, and that includes grizzly bears. Some of our favorite day hikes are: Stough Creek Basin, Smith, Middle and Cathedral Lakes, Island and Thumb lakes in Silas Canyon, Lake Louise, and anything on the Middle Fork Trail, which starts at Bruces Bridge at the end of Sinks Canyon, and takes us all the way to Wind River Peak. 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. Trip Type: Out-and-back From the Elkhart trailhead parking lot, take the Pole Creek Trail directly adjacent to the restroom. Feb 6, 2017. Also, this section is described in Pallister's book. The Dyrt PRO lets you download maps and campgrounds without cell service. Trip Type: Out-and-back Continue climbing northeast, and ascend the south slopes of Atlantic Peak (class 2). I wouldn't advise camping in the Cirque (according to guidebooks). Continue north to the head of Tourist Creek, and ascend northeast above lake 10890 all the way to the divide near Point 12450. [5]:110,113[4]:158, In 1842, John C. Fremont led a United States Army Corps of Topographical Engineers expedition to survey South Pass. Matthew Dickerson July 18-25. 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. I'm very interested in this hike right here: https://www.yellowstonepark.com/things-to-do/smith-lake-basin-in-wyomings-wind-river-range-is-a-hikers-haven and I am wondering if anyone could point me to a trail map or something along those lines to visualize what I would be doing. Almost relentlessly rugged and physically and mentally taxing, with navigational challenges, and mile-for-mile arguably the most jaw-dropping trek through any mountain range in Americaand I've taken many of the very best over the past three decades, including the 10 years I spent as . wildflowers, Big Sandy Lake, Wind River range, WY. Elevation Gain: 2,200 feet over 6 miles (9,100 ft to 11,300 ft). 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. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. As mentioned earlier, there are plenty of alpine lakes to go around this beautiful mountain range, creating world-renowned fly fishing. Camping near Halls Lake or further along at the Golden Lakes (just north of Hay Pass in the next section) would be recommended. Upper Silas Lake offers great fishing. 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. Sign up for Weekend Wanderer and join thousands of readers getting epic travel ideas weekly. "Follow your dreams, You can reach your goals, I'm living proof! The route I'm presenting here is meant to be savored, and my recommended time for it is 20 days, including 2 days for weather-related issues. The town of Pinedale is the gateway into many of the Wind River trailheads. See more of his great photography at Best.ChuckSutherland.Com, Press J to jump to the feed. The Wind River Range is home to over 1,500 immaculate alpine lakes. For speedier backpackers, Big Sandy Lake is a popular camping spot just under 6 miles from the Big Sandy trailhead. 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. Its recommended for the Cirque of the Towers loop that you bring a map and compass and that you know how to use them. Hike through forest and up the rolling trail for about another mile before arriving at Upper Silas Lake. Shooters must supply their own target holders, which must meet the approval of the shooting range attendant. Snow usually doesnt melt until mid-May and returns in October, so its a relatively short hiking season around here. From Cheyenne to Jackson, Evanston to Casper to Gillette and everywhere in between. After about 1.2 miles, among a few small tarns above the basin floor, cut north to Split Mountain Pass. " 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? Gold had been discovered in the gulches near the pass as early as 1842. From this saddle, both East Temple and Temple Peaks are worthwhile side trips. Do this route early morning to avoid afternoon storms. AREA MAPS: Beartooth Publishing North Wind River Range. For those not in the know, The Wind River Range, or "The Winds" as they are called, are one of the most amazing wild places in the lower 48 states. . It is a beautiful lake! From Grave Lake by taking the Hailey Pass trail west to Pyramid Lake, then off-trail north up the East Fork Valley. His favorite place he's ever visited is Alaska, and his favorite activity might be fishing or reading, depending on the day. Abiqua Falls is a hidden treasure within the forested trenches of the western Cascades. Earthwalk press makes the best maps for the winds. Its in the name! Mileage: 12 miles RT Trailhead Start: Big Sandy Trailhead From Windy Lake Basin, make your way east to the top of the plateau, as described in Nancy Palister's book "Beyond Trails." My only experience is in the WRIR roadless area, though. This hike primary trail can be used both directions and has a hard overall physical rating. 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 trail to the lake, if done in one day, is long and tiring with lots of ups and downs. Considering taking a trip with your trail pup? _The Peak Lake Area. UPPER SILAS LAKE: Its about 3 miles from the trailhead to Upper Silas Lake, 6 miles roundtrip. 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. (This turn is 5 miles south/east of where US-191 leaves US-189). Robert "Doc" Newell's first child was born at South Pass in June 1835. . If you cant plan your trip in September, I recommend wearing long layers and applying a healthy dose of DEET. The terrain and elevation of the Wind River Range make backpacking here a challenge, albeit a worthwhile one. The Wind River Range Traverse (WRRT) is the finest non-technical alpine backpacking route in the lower 48 states. You can find her on Instagram at @aka_dmoney. [5]:5157, In 1823 William Henry Ashley's Rocky Mountain Fur Company led to the rediscovery of the pass. 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. lewis smith lake lewis smith lake alabama smith lake alabama It is unfortunately missed by most traverses of the range. Half Moon Lake - Low use 7. 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. When approaching from Temple Pass, avoid descending to Lake 10,839 by a messy traverse." Wind Rivers. It contains 40 peaks over 13,000 feet, the largest glacier in the American Rockies, and over 1300 named lakes. The East face of Mt. 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. The gold rush led to the establishment of booming mining communities, such as South Pass City and Atlantic City. The trail then follows a loop around the lake before returning back to the original junction. 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. Trip Type: Out-and-back According to Pallister, the safest way down is on the Glacier, instead of traversing the surrounding cliffs. 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. Slide Lake Trail features beautiful views throughout. . 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. The Pass lies in southwestern Fremont County, approximately 35 miles (56km) SSW of Lander. 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. The trail leads around the north side of the lake and continues up to Deep Lake about 1.5 miles up the trail. Continue north past the west side of Lake 11085 and weave your way through the multitude of lakes north and east of Mount Solitude. 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. Drainages are intricate and minor obstacles abound, but by paying attention and consulting a map you can get where you're going without difficulty." Consult guidebooks on the safest way to ascend Indian Pass. You then depart from the trail due northeast, following Blair Creek to the pond at 9590. Elevation Gain: 3,100 feet over 10.5 miles (9,400 ft to 10,626 ft). If so, I believe only slightly, for I've done my research based on the authorities on the Wind Rivers. Stay right at the junction and continue. The best times to visit this trail are June through October. 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. 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. Grand River and Spring Valley . Heres our take on the best day hikes in the Wind River Range. 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. 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. Because the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1803-1806 was searching for a water route across the Continental Divide it did not learn of South Pass from local peoples. As far as camping, it sounds like you could potentially camp anywhere along this section. After approximately 2 miles, branch off to the right and ascend for 1 mile to Baptiste Lake. Given the easy elevation gain and well maintained trail, this is a great choice for families. Why you should go: Start at 10,000 feet and explore Rainbow Lake on this easy-going trail. She is married to Jerry, and is the mother of three sons, Wolf, Hayden, and Fin. From the Pole Creek Trail, you will see a trail that diverts and is labeled as Photographers Point. By 1848, 18,487 Americans had crossed the pass, and over 300,000 by 1860. Partway up, a short trail branches left to Bear Lakes. The Wind Rivers humbly hide 30 peaks over 13,000 feet, including Wyoming's tallest mountain Gannett Peak. We started at the St Lawerence ranger station and made our way to Twin Lakes for the first night. Daniell is a freelance writer based out of Fort Collins, Colorado. And even during my couple trips to those areas, it seemed absolutely deserted compared to my local trails in Colorado. Cirque of the Towers, Green River Lakes . 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. . From here, there is a maintained trail all the way to Big Sandy Lake. They live in Lander, WY, where they frequently hike in the foothills and mountains of the Wind River Range. Explore the numerous lakes in the area. For a while we were losing so much eleveation I thought we might have taken a wrong turn. 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. Elevation Gain: 2,400 feet over 13 miles 9,100 ft to 11,500 ft). You can learn more about our editorial policies, 10 of the Best Airbnbs in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, 11 Amazing Wyoming Cabin Rentals To Warm Your Soul, The 11 Best Airbnbs Near Grand Teton National Park, 12 Best Airbnbs in Wyoming for a Taste of the American West, 10 Free Things to Do in Colorado Springs, CO, The 15 Best Hikes Near Seattle, Washington, 7 Must-See Day Trips From Denver, Colorado, 9 Best Airbnbs & Vacation Rentals in Missoula, Montana, Black Tree Resort: Colorado Camping At Its Finest. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 27 min to complete. You end at the Green River Lakes Trailhead, only 1.5 hours from Pinedale, WY. The placer gold in the streams was exhausted quickly, however, and by 1870 the miners began leaving the region. In addition to the 43,000-acres of lakes and reservoirs, and 2,000 miles of streams and rivers, including the 185-mile Wind River, there is an abundance of fish and a lack of people. You must round Valentine Lake's north shore and descend to 10,000 feet and the Little Wind River's South Fork which may require a wade. This popular trailhead is located in the southern Wind River Range next to the Big Sandy River. Ready to lace up your boots and hit the trail? The meadow before the trail drops to Ross lake so muddy that it stopped the horse packers, so I only saw 2 groups at Ross Lake the . The Jean Lakes are a long day hike from Titcomb Basin via the Highline Trail. For the last five years the mythical Wind Rivers have eluded my presence. Stuart's "Travel Memorandum" was left with President James Madison, but the War of 1812 preempted western exploration. Clarkston, WA. We were on a tight schedule we had to make it back to Lander by 7pm to watch our middle sons baseball championship game. This picture is property of http://jessiestrails.blogspot.com, Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem Adventure Traverse (GREAT), Images Thumb Lake is just a mile or so above Island Lake, and its worth the extra effort to see it. It follows the crest of the Wind River Range in Wyoming, both off-trail and on-trail, for approximately 135 miles, giving special emphasis on staying close to the Continental Divide in the most scenic alpine areas. 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. Check Out Our Perks and Open Positions, Lets Get Spooky! Depending on your experience and relative skill level, the Cirque of the Towers is another staple when it comes to Wind River Range backpacking. 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