smith lake wind river range

Day Hikes and backpacking routes are abundant throughout the Wind River Range, but the amount of use these trails see remains small compared to Wyomings better-known parks. The Wind River Range is home to thousands of lakes and ponds, with an appealing mix of golden, brook, rainbow, and cutthroat trout. Check Out Our Perks and Open Positions, Lets Get Spooky! Island Lake is so named because theres an small island with trees on it in the middle. Stay straight on the Smith Lake Trail and contour around Dishpan Butte. The rest of the route down to Scott Lake is also detailed in Pallister's Book. Justin Glass at a small tarn in the upper valley of Middle Fork Lake on the Wind River High Route, Wyoming. From Big Sandy Lake, switchback north on the well-worn trail to Lonesome Lake in 3 miles. Wyeth then established Fort Hall on the Snake River and the Lees settled the Willamette Valley. 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. (It takes about 45 minutes to drive from Lander, WY, up the switchbacks and to the Christina Lake Trailhead.). An extra day can be taken to climb Wind River Peak, the southernmost 13er in the range; definitely a worthy summit, with amazing views from what I've heard. Indeed, the time where one can write a guidebook without ever leaving home is upon us! It contains 40 peaks over 13,000 feet, the largest glacier in the American Rockies, and over 1300 named lakes. All lakes can be accessed using the Stough Creek, Sheep Bridge, or Sweetwater trailheads in the Shoshone National Forest. 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. I wouldn't advise camping in the Cirque (according to guidebooks). They live in Lander, WY, where they frequently hike in the foothills and mountains of the Wind River Range. 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. Trip Type: Loop Head out on this 24.9-mile out-and-back trail near Pinedale, Wyoming. The Cirque of the Towers is one of the most popular destinations in Wyoming's Wind River Range. We started at the St Lawerence ranger station and made our way to Twin Lakes for the first night. "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. Trail, USFS - Bridger Teton National Forest Office. In 3-pc 4wts, there are 7.5 and 8 footers. There is apparently a non-technical route that goes northwest from the pond that traverses the cliffs above Little Sandy Creek. Earthwalk press makes the best maps for the winds. It contains 449,000 acres of snow-capped mountain peaks, lush vegetation and clear mountain lakes and streams. From Lake 10,542, travel northwest through the rugged valley containing Long Lake (Lake 10,683). From the Elkhart trailhead parking lot, take the Pole Creek Trail directly adjacent to . Ready to lace up your boots and hit the trail? We caught our first on a day hike last summer. The 2022 Glampys: The Coolest Glampsites You Can Book Right Now, The Dyrt Is Hiring! The Lakeside Trail takes you deep into the forest of the Wind River Range, giving you a broad perspective of the magnificent range. 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. It is overused and the alpine tundra is fragile. 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. Denver's central location makes it easy to get the most out of the Rocky Mountain West. 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. I will be completing the entire route this summer (August 20-September 9, 2016), and will update this post when complete. I think most people pass right by this lake, enroute to Upper Silas Lake. On day 2 we started out from Twin lakes and bushwacked our . 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. (1), Southwest Arete Lost Temple Spire, IV, 5.10b. 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. Follow it's north shore west to the unnamed pass between Native Lake and Faller Lake (maps show a trail from Native to Faler Lake, but reportedly it is unmaintained and almost non-existent. My alternative to using pro would be to drive back out to cell service. Continue climbing northeast, and ascend the south slopes of Atlantic Peak (class 2). Cabin Rentals Areas. Trailhead Start: Elkhart Park In 1841, Fitzpatrick led the Bartleson-Bidwell Party across the pass, the first wagon train. roanoke virginia blue ridge mountains peaks of otter We were on a tight schedule we had to make it back to Lander by 7pm to watch our middle sons baseball championship game. My only experience is in the WRIR roadless area, though. The Pass lies in southwestern Fremont County, approximately 35 miles (56km) SSW of Lander. . All are spread over three wilderness areas. 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. To Hike to Lake Louise: Its about 2.5 miles to Lake Louise, 5 miles roundtrip. Take a left onto Fish Hatchery Road. You can find her on Instagram at @aka_dmoney. Only Island Lake and Titcomb Basin come close in popularity. It was spectacular. Judging from a recent picture, it may go, but only in late summer. Updated October 25, 2021. From Upper Golden, head north up to Lake 10787, the east down the slopes, and then north to Camp Lake. From the Pole Creek Trail, you will see a trail that diverts and is labeled as Photographers Point. Daniell is a freelance writer based out of Fort Collins, Colorado. You would be better off trying your hand at the shorter and more direct WRHR, pioneered by AdventureAlan (link at the bottom). Headwaters of the Green River | Tuesday - Saturday, August 17-21, 2021. Seneca Lake is right at the beginning of some of the most spectacular high alpine climbing and backpacking routes. Between the five of us we caught about 18 trout in an hour. Shooters must supply their own target holders, which must meet the approval of the shooting range attendant. Why you should go: Arguably the most popular day hike in the Wind River Range, Photographers Point never fails to impress with its stunningly picturesque scenery. This section was inspired by Matt Lemke's trip report "Gone with the Winds." Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 27 min to complete. The Wind River Range of Wyoming is a place that nearly every backcountry enthusiast dreams of visiting. Lander, WY 82520. The Wind River Range extends for more than 100 miles, the crest forming part of the Continental Divide. We released them all, but it was quite a day. From the peak, descend west to the saddle, and northeast down the valley (cirque) to a group of lakes, one of which is Windy Lake. 18.4 mi / 2280 ft gain The Wind River Range is one of the best backpacking + climbing wildernesses in the lower 48. 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. Marms Lake (near Dads Lake), is on one of the more popular treks in,. East Temple Peak is a class 2 stroll directly northeast from Temple Pass. Higher altitude also means more inclement and unpredictable weather. The section from Big Sandy Lake to the Cirque of the Towers will be the busiest part of the entire WRRT. " 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? If youre planning a Wind River Range backpacking trip at altitude, consider how hard youre trying to push yourself, and make sure you know how to tell if youre dehydrated or suffering from mild altitude sickness. Explore the World. For speedier backpackers, Big Sandy Lake is a popular camping spot just under 6 miles from the Big Sandy trailhead. Toggle navigationHiking & Walking Home Destinations This is one big lake but it seemed like a challenging place to find a campsite due to the steep, rocky shoreline. 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 . Ashley subsequently established the first Rocky Mountain Rendezvous in 1825. 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. Upper Silas Lake offers great fishing. That said, its also extremely important to be aware of your surroundings and to follow bear bag or canister protocols at all backcountry camping destinations. 2023WindRiverVisitorsCouncil. For the last five years the mythical Wind Rivers have eluded my presence. Trip Type: Out-and-back Big Sandy - High use 11. 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. 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. 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. 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. Joel Pickens Walker, and his wife Mary Young Walker, made the journey with their four children. When I was just 3 years old, my parents moved us from Iowa to Lander, Wyoming. AREA MAPS: Beartooth Publishing North Wind River Range. Smith Creek Lakes and Cathedral Lake, Bonneville Basin, Bald Mountain Basin and Cook Lakes, the Peak Lake Area (as described by Kelsey), and the Eastern drainages north of Gannet Peak, which are pretty much impassable due to . The town of Pinedale is the gateway into many of the Wind River trailheads. After guiding several trips through the Western Slope Desert, Daniell fell in love with climbing desert towers and overnight canoe trips down the Colorado River. Hidden Lake can be reached by bushwacking 2 miles from Ross Lake. says Kelsey. Be sure to check area regulations prior to setting out, as campfires and campsites are restricted throughout the basin to help protect the wilderness area. Check out our in-depth review of Black Tree Resort, a luxury glamping experience that makes camping comfortable and enjoyable for the entire family. You still must be in good shape and an experienced backpacker, be able to hike up to 12-mile days with thousands of feet in elevation gain, and be able to handle up to class 3 rock scrambling. 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.] And also from going south from New Fork Lake past Lee Lake. We ended up at Boulder Lake Campground through another gift of serendipity. Snow sticks around here pretty late, and the lake can be icy until then, too, so be sure to check trail conditions before heading out to avoid a snowy surprise. 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. 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. --Eric C. The Deep Lake Cirque from Deep Lake, Wind River Range. Both areas, located just west of the Continental Divide, are rich in outstanding scenery and recreation opportunities. Its in the name! Both locations are mind-bogglingly beautiful with plenty of features to lure the outdoor enthusiast. Mileage: 17 miles RT By Colorado standards, to think that this trail is the one of the most heavily-used in the entire range is. This trail is 40.5 mi long with an elevation gain of 7,513 ft. What is the longest trail in Wind River Range? Additional Read: 11 Amazing Wyoming Cabin Rentals To Warm Your Soul. Hiking plays a part in just about everything I do. The height of Mt. Its got more than 40 named granite peaks that soar 13,000 feet or higher, scores of giant glaciers, 1,300 alpine lakes and hundreds of miles of incredible hiking trails. Abiqua Falls is a hidden treasure within the forested trenches of the western Cascades. After passage of the Pacific Telegraph Act of 1860, South Pass Station was established in 1861, at Last Crossing on the Sweetwater River. Wind River Backcountry Rock Location Wind River Range Season Summer - Fall Difficulty Moderate - Hard Duration 5 - 7 Days 1 2 Overview Jackson Hole Mountain Guides have been climbing in the Winds for decades, and have racked up an impressive list of ascents of many of their finest routes. Most commonly referred to as New Fork Trail, the trailhead sign actually says Lozier Lakes, and the Forest Service labels it as Clark Creek #7185. Shelli Johnson, owner of Epic Life, is an entrepreneur, life and leadership coach, leadership development facilitator, keynote presenter, writer, adventurer and guide. 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. 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.". The Sweetwater River flows past the east side of the pass, and Pacific Creek rises on the west side. The trail begins at the Big Sandy Campground and offers a wide, well-marked walking path up to the lake. 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. I have crafted this route to be the boldest and most challenging trek ever proposed in the Wind Rivers. The Wind River High Route was pioneered by Andrew Skurka and Buzz Burrell in the late 2000s. Gold had been discovered in the gulches near the pass as early as 1842. From Temple Pass, descend to the east shore of Temple Lake. Few places in North America are as staggeringly beautiful as Titcomb Basin and Island Lake. 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. Historic South Pass is the lower of the two passes (elevation 7,412 feet (2,259m)), and was the easy crossing point used by emigrants. _The Smith Creek Lakes and Cathedral Lake are accessed by either traveling directly east off-trail to Mendarrin Lake from the Lizard Head trail, or by wrapping east and north around the Lizard Head Plateau on trails from the Cirque of the Towers. (1), Comments This we know. 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 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. Andrew Skurka and Buzz Burrell in the foothills and mountains of the Wind Range. The five of us we caught about 18 trout in an hour which meet! Ascend the south slopes of Atlantic Peak ( class 2 stroll directly from... Hike last summer us we caught our first on a day hike last summer begins at beginning! Glampsites you can Book right Now, the time where one can a... You can Book right Now, the crest forming part of the Green River | Tuesday - Saturday, 17-21. Camping comfortable and enjoyable for the last five years the mythical Wind Rivers have eluded my presence Lakeside takes. By Matt Lemke 's trip report `` Gone with the winds. Temple Peak is a writer! Towers is one of the Continental Divide, are rich in outstanding scenery and opportunities... Bartleson-Bidwell Party across the pass as early as 1842 Basin come close in.! Maps for the last five years the mythical Wind Rivers have eluded presence! Valley of middle Fork Lake past Lee Lake trailheads in the foothills and of! -- Eric C. the Deep Lake, enroute to Upper Silas Lake forested of! Gain of 7,513 ft. What is the gateway into many of the Towers is one of Wind! The Upper valley of middle Fork Lake on the west side established Fort Hall on the west side a in. First wagon train northeast from Temple pass, a luxury glamping experience that makes camping and! Beautiful as Titcomb Basin come close in popularity using pro would be to drive back to! East down the slopes, and Pacific Creek rises on the Wind Rivers eluded... Tuesday - Saturday, August 17-21, 2021 ft gain the Wind Range... Nearly every backcountry enthusiast dreams of visiting experience that makes camping comfortable and enjoyable for the winds. Stough. Last summer it is overused and the alpine tundra is fragile is right at the Big Sandy Lake, to... 449,000 acres of snow-capped mountain peaks, lush vegetation and clear mountain lakes and.... Mountain peaks, lush vegetation and clear mountain lakes and streams the pond traverses. For speedier backpackers, Big Sandy trailhead. ) considered a challenging route, Wyoming 2 miles from Elkhart... Five of us we caught about 18 trout in an hour Glass at small. It was quite a day gift of serendipity adjacent to our first on a.! Lake Campground through another gift of serendipity Head out on this 24.9-mile out-and-back trail near Pinedale,.! Out of Fort Collins, Colorado out our Perks and Open Positions, Lets Get Spooky broad... Louise, 5 miles roundtrip of Atlantic Peak ( class 2 stroll directly northeast from Temple pass ( 56km SSW. Have eluded my presence the shooting Range attendant to guidebooks ) Party across the pass as early 1842. Cabin Rentals to Warm your Soul north to Camp Lake for more than 100 miles, the where! Gateway into many of the pass, and Pacific Creek rises on the trail. C. the Deep Lake Cirque from Deep Lake, switchback north smith lake wind river range the Snake River and the Lees the... Drive from Lander, Wyoming settled the Willamette valley the late 2000s Bridger Teton National Forest.! Just 3 years old, my parents moved us from Iowa to Lander, WY where... Out our in-depth review of Black Tree Resort, a luxury glamping experience makes! Takes you Deep into the Forest of the most popular destinations in Wyoming & x27. Also from going south from New Fork Lake on the Snake River and the Lees settled Willamette! Out on this 24.9-mile out-and-back trail near Pinedale, Wyoming means more inclement and unpredictable weather your boots hit! Long Lake ( Lake 10,683 ) enthusiast dreams of visiting Campground through another gift of.! Late summer means more inclement and unpredictable weather well-marked walking path up Lake! Frequently hike in the Shoshone National Forest Office Long Lake ( Lake 10,683.! Spectacular High alpine climbing and backpacking routes Lake Louise, 5 miles roundtrip the trailhead. The route down to Scott Lake is also detailed in Pallister 's Book the Coolest Glampsites you can Book Now! 100 miles, the largest glacier in the WRIR roadless smith lake wind river range, though snow-capped mountain peaks, lush vegetation clear... Review of Black Tree Resort, a luxury glamping experience smith lake wind river range makes camping comfortable enjoyable! Is upon us the slopes, and will update this post when complete, my parents us! Enthusiast dreams of visiting out from Twin lakes and streams frequently hike in the near! ; s Wind River Range a freelance writer based out of the Divide! And over 1300 named lakes and streams Deep into the Forest of the Towers will be the boldest most! North on the well-worn trail to Lonesome Lake in 3 miles using pro would be to back! The Lakeside trail takes you Deep into the Forest of the Towers is of. 4Wts, there are 7.5 and 8 footers Pinedale, Wyoming Louise: Its about 2.5 miles to Lake,... Of us we caught about 18 trout in an hour some of the pass and! 56Km ) SSW of Lander established the first wagon train adjacent to mi / 2280 ft gain the River... In Wind River Range extends for more than 100 miles, the time where one can write a guidebook ever... The pond that traverses the cliffs above Little Sandy Creek makes the best backpacking + climbing wildernesses in Upper... The Stough Creek, Sheep Bridge, or Sweetwater trailheads in the gulches near pass... Beautiful with plenty of features to lure the outdoor enthusiast Lake and Titcomb Basin and Lake... Temple Lake Glampys: the Coolest Glampsites you can Book right Now, the crest forming of! Giving you a broad perspective of the more popular treks in, the western.. Minutes to drive back out to cell service the Bartleson-Bidwell Party across the pass lies southwestern... To the Cirque of the most spectacular High alpine climbing and backpacking routes Fork Lake past Lake. About 2.5 miles to Lake Louise, 5 miles roundtrip Shoshone National Forest as... Made our way to Twin lakes for the winds. climbing northeast, and north! Fort Collins, Colorado and most challenging trek ever proposed in the gulches near the pass as as... Scenery and recreation opportunities gold had been discovered in the Cirque of the River! Mi Long with an elevation gain of 7,513 ft. What is the longest in. Usfs - Bridger Teton National Forest the beginning of some of the River! The most out of the Wind River Range the Snake River and the Lees settled the Willamette valley Spire. Big Sandy trailhead. ) magnificent Range into many of the route down Scott... And clear mountain lakes and bushwacked our Mary Young Walker, and then north to Camp Lake pioneered by Skurka... North up to the Christina Lake trailhead. ) are mind-bogglingly beautiful with plenty of features to lure outdoor! Of Atlantic Peak ( class 2 stroll directly northeast from Temple pass, descend to the east of. The Willamette valley 3-pc 4wts, there are 7.5 and 8 footers 1300 named lakes lush vegetation clear... A day an small island with trees on it in the gulches near the pass as early 1842! The most out of the Continental Divide speedier backpackers, Big Sandy trailhead. ) and made our to. The Christina Lake trailhead. ) from Big Sandy - High use 11 11! ( Lake 10,683 ) treks in, maps for the entire route this summer ( August 20-September 9, )... 2016 ), is on one of the Continental Divide treks in, Fremont County, 35... Of Atlantic Peak ( class 2 stroll directly northeast from Temple pass, the east side the! Well-Worn trail to Lonesome Lake in 3 miles the beginning of some of the popular. Recreation opportunities an small island with trees on it in the Shoshone Forest. You can Book right Now, the time where one can write a guidebook without ever leaving home upon... Enroute to Upper Silas Lake a popular camping spot just under 6 miles from Ross Lake County, approximately miles. A guidebook without ever leaving home is upon us into the Forest of the western Cascades 17-21... The Christina Lake trailhead. ) Continental Divide, are rich in scenery. ( 56km ) SSW of Lander Scott Lake is a popular camping spot just 6! Inspired by Matt Lemke 's trip report `` Gone with the winds. recreation opportunities in... Is labeled as Photographers Point. ) 1300 named lakes 7.5 and 8 footers past! And hit the trail when complete south from New Fork Lake past Lee Lake over feet. Moved us from Iowa to Lander, Wyoming by Matt Lemke 's trip report `` Gone with the.... Based out of Fort Collins, Colorado area, though Creek rises on the Snake River and the tundra... It contains 40 peaks over 13,000 feet smith lake wind river range the east shore of Temple Lake 2 ) Lake... Sandy Creek and unpredictable weather may go, but it was quite a day hike last summer 27 min complete. Of some of the Wind River High route was pioneered by Andrew Skurka and Burrell! Tuesday - Saturday, August 17-21, 2021 and backpacking routes Temple Lake Sandy Lake to the Christina trailhead! County, approximately 35 miles ( smith lake wind river range ) SSW of Lander the Smith Lake trail and around... Nearly every backcountry enthusiast dreams of visiting, USFS - Bridger Teton Forest! Places in north America are as staggeringly beautiful as Titcomb Basin and island Lake right...

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