smith lake wind river range

And, for now anyways, theyre all permit-free. As you make your way under the gigantic shadow of Warbonnet Peak, there are many ups and downs and rocky sections to shift your gaze to your feet. If traveling lightly and in peak physical condition, it could be possible to do this route in a little over a week. "[5]:112124, Stephen W. Kearny led the first military expedition to South Pass in 1845. You'll touch the east shore of Lonesome Lake, and follow the trail east to Lizard Head Meadows. Unless any of you are crazy enough to try it with me! I wouldn't bet on it, however. " Joan Pendleton OpenMapTiles OSM 36.2 Miles Point to Point 11,075' High 7,641' Low 5,946' Up 5,973' Down 6% Avg Grade (4) 52% Max Grade (28) Toolbox Plan in onX Backcountry The Wind River Range is located in western Wyoming, just south of the Tetons and Jackson Hole. Earthwalk Press publishes two Wind River Range overview maps (one for the northern part of the range, and another for the southern portion). On day 2 we started out from Twin lakes and bushwacked our . Head out on this 24.9-mile out-and-back trail near Pinedale, Wyoming. Seneca Lake is right at the beginning of some of the most spectacular high alpine climbing and backpacking routes. "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. 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. 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. 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. Only Island Lake and Titcomb Basin come close in popularity. 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. 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. The Wind River Range of Wyoming is a spectacular section of the Rocky Mountains. 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. It is a beautiful lake! USGS 7.5 minute Topographical Maps: Fremont Lake North, Bridger Lakes, Fayette Lake, Fremont Peak South. It contains 449,000 acres of snow-capped mountain peaks, lush vegetation and clear mountain lakes and streams. Make noise as youre hiking to avoid bear encounters, never hike alone, and bring bear spray or other protection. Slide Lake Trail features beautiful views throughout. I feel that this is all the description needed to arrive safely, without spoiling the adventure too much. You'll pass no fewer than 100 large lakes (and innumerable small tarns), pass or traverse dozens of notable peaks, and see the largest glaciers in the American Rocky Mountains. 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. Temple Peak, the second-highest peak in the southern Wind River Range, is a class 3 scramble from the South Ridge route. Vast views of the Wind River Ranges glaciers and towering peaks proudly give this lookout its name, where photographers come from all over the world to capture Wyomings iconic steep and jagged peaks. Trailhead Start: Elkhart Park He wrote, "it may be assumed to be about half-way between the Mississippi and the Pacific ocean, on the common traveling routethe emigrant road to Oregon. Why you should go: Start at 10,000 feet and explore Rainbow Lake on this easy-going trail. You end up where Palister calls "Shangri-La." by Joan Pendleton. Free Trail Guides. From this saddle, both East Temple and Temple Peaks are worthwhile side trips. You'll want to bring your friends and family to experience the sheer quantity (and quality) of scenic, unbeatable camping across Sublette County. The Wind River Range of Wyoming is a place that nearly every backcountry enthusiast dreams of visiting. 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. I'm kind of a Granger fan so the thought of taking 2 of those is something I look forward to. Half Moon Lake - Low use 7. 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. And the shores of Grave Lake (also pictured) have endless scenic camping spots. We hiked to Clear Lake in the Winds from the Green River Lakes TH. The Jean Lakes are a long day hike from Titcomb Basin via the Highline Trail. Wyeth then established Fort Hall on the Snake River and the Lees settled the Willamette Valley. "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. Mileage: 29-30 miles RT #2. All Rights Reserved. Beefcake!" Follow the plateau northwest all the way to Lake 10528 in Stough Creek Basin. Pole Creek Trail is another trail that takes off from the Big Sandy Trailhead and is the gateway to the Cirque of the Towers area. Wind River Mountains Topographic Map - Northern Half by Beartooth Mapping. A dazzling Wind River Range brook trout, courtesy of Finis Mitchell. Cirque of the Towers, Green River Lakes . Clarkston, WA. The Bear's Ears Trail continues down the stream's west bank (headed north) and climbs west and descends to Grave Lake. _Bonneville Basin can be reached by two different ways. Interested in Wind River Range backpacking but not going the distance in the Titcomb Basin? Dads Lake also has the benefit of being at a slightly lower elevation than some of the classic Wind River Range backpacking trails, so seasonality can be a bit easier to handle. I highly recommend checking trail conditions before committing to a trail. 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. 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. Go south up the glacier to the top of Indian Pass. You then depart from the trail due northeast, following Blair Creek to the pond at 9590. This article was brought to you by Gregory. You can find her on Instagram at @aka_dmoney. Wildlife, Create Recommended Route or [2][9], Wyoming Highway 28 traverses the modern pass, roughly following the route of the Oregon Trail. 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. I have hope, however, that the Mammoth has receded enough that there is a possible non-glacier route following the southern edge of the glacier. Note that on AllTrails, you can hike this as an out-and-back trail by following the Lower Green River Lake Trail. From Cheyenne to Jackson, Evanston to Casper to Gillette and everywhere in between. Follow the trail around the large base of Roaring Fork Mountain to arrive at Tayo Park. Check Out Our Perks and Open Positions, Lets Get Spooky! On Lizard Head Plateau. This vast 110-mile uplifted spine offers limitless climbing and hiking in a remote setting. - Marcel Proust Escape to a Random Place Discover Luzon Lake in Sullivan County, United States and Hilderbrand Lake in Wisconsin, United States . (1), Southwest Arete Lost Temple Spire, IV, 5.10b. Overall, pack more water than you think youll need, and take frequent breaks to prevent exhaustion and advanced altitude sickness. AREA MAPS: Beartooth Publishing North Wind River Range. 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. 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. Seneca Lake is right at the beginning of some of the most spectacular high alpine climbing and backpacking routes. No matter what you call it, this trail is undeniably beautiful. 18.4 mi / 2280 ft gain The Wind River Range is one of the best backpacking + climbing wildernesses in the lower 48. Drainages are intricate and minor obstacles abound, but by paying attention and consulting a map you can get where you're going without difficulty." Smith Lake is a 7 mile blue singletrack trail located near Popo Agie Wilderness Wyoming. You would be better off trying your hand at the shorter and more direct WRHR, pioneered by AdventureAlan (link at the bottom). The range is also home to some of North America's largest glaciers. From Grave Lake by taking the Hailey Pass trail west to Pyramid Lake, then off-trail north up the East Fork Valley. 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. Your jaw WILL drop (if it didn't already) when you reach the crest of Jackass Pass and overlook Lonesome Lake and the Cirque. I have taken backpacking trips to the Cirque of the Towers and Temple Lake area, as well as the Titcomb Basin area; however, I have not completed the WRRT yet. Feb 6, 2017. Little Sandy - Low use 12. . The roads are entirely gravely / dirt after this, but are fairly well-maintained and should usually be accessible for low clearance vehicles. 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. 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. All in all, its a highly accessible backpackers dream. The historic pass became the route for emigrants on the Oregon, California, and Mormon trails to the West during the 19th century. 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. Hike along the eastern ramps and shore of this lake (it is reported that the going is toughest at the beginning southeast end). I have just connected bits and pieces of their suggested routes into an alpine traverse of the entire range. Trip Type: Out-and-back Shooters must supply their own target holders, which must meet the approval of the shooting range attendant. wildflowers, Big Sandy Lake, Wind River range, WY. I have crafted this route to be the boldest and most challenging trek ever proposed in the Wind Rivers. From Upper Golden, head north up to Lake 10787, the east down the slopes, and then north to Camp Lake. Tyler Wildeck is a writer with a passion for all things outdoors. 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. The WRRT is the culmination of months of personal research of guidebooks, maps, and online reports of the Wind River Range. 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. P.O. 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. 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. 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. The Big Sandy Trailhead is located in the southern Wind River Range next to the Big Sandy River. Trip Type: Out-and-back For the last five years the mythical Wind Rivers have eluded my presence. 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. To Hike to Lake Louise: Its about 2.5 miles to Lake Louise, 5 miles roundtrip. 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. For speedier backpackers, Big Sandy Lake is a popular camping spot just under 6 miles from the Big Sandy trailhead. Almost to the top of the tall mountain, Jerry remarked he wished I would have asked for expensive jewelry instead. As a family, we spend most weekends in the summer and fall hiking the local trails. Mosquitoes are treacherous here in the Winds during the warmer months. Explore the World. Follow the top of the divide north for approximately 1.5 miles, then drop down west to the north shore of Baker Lake. The Big Sandy Trailhead is the gateway to several popular backpacking trails, so you will pass more hikers here than in other areas. Although it gets spotty between Deep Lake and Clear Lake, you can't really get lost; just head north down the granite slabs to the east end of Clear Lake. Their caravan of 20 wagons, in place of the usual pack-train, supplied the fur trappers from Fort Bonneville, which they established near the Green River. 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. Stretching over 100 miles along the Continental Divide, the Wind River Range in Wyoming is an oft-missed treasure trove for backcountry exploration. Should this affect the validity of this most grand route I have prepared? Desolation Lake (Lake 11478 on maps) at the head of the basin is said to be spectacular. The Lakeside Trail takes you deep into the forest of the Wind River Range, giving you a broad perspective of the magnificent range. Toggle navigationHiking & Walking Home Destinations As far as camping, it sounds like you could potentially camp anywhere along this section. [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. You can learn more about our editorial policies here. . 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. The quick-and-easy trail slowly gains elevation until you reach Rainbow Lake. His favorite place he's ever visited is Alaska, and his favorite activity might be fishing or reading, depending on the day. Outside of the Sierras, Wyoming's Wind River Range is home to the West's best golden trout fishing. I looked on AllTrails but couldn't find anything. #WindRiverCountry, Wind River Visitors Council Wyoming Highway 28 crosses the Continental Divide 2.5 miles (4.0km) to the northwest at elevation 7,550 feet (2,300m), and its crossing is also named South Pass. In the mid-1990s, Lander nurse and outdoorsman Bruce Cartwright introduced my family to the fine high-lake fishing on the Wind River Indian Reservation, which accounts for about a quarter of the land in the Winds. 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. The biggest trout - in the 25- to 27-inch range were in relatively deep water near the outlet, but those were the wiliest . Here begins the true crux of the route: getting down the Mammoth Glacier to Scott Lake. It is overused and the alpine tundra is fragile. lewis smith lake lewis smith lake alabama smith lake alabama Sign up for Weekend Wanderer and join thousands of readers getting epic travel ideas weekly. 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. --Eric C. The Deep Lake Cirque from Deep Lake, Wind River Range. Hooker towers above Grave Lake, and is the largest vertical rock wall in Wyoming. 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. 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. The Wind River Roadless Area also lies within the Wind River Range. (It takes about 45 minutes to drive from Lander, WY, up the switchbacks and to the Christina Lake Trailhead.). My only experience is in the WRIR roadless area, though. Marms Lake (near Dads Lake), is on one of the more popular treks in,. Trailhead Start: Elkhart Park 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. No matter what you plan to do while in Missoula, these Airbnbs can complete the puzzle for a perfect escape. Rivers have eluded my presence at Tayo Park popular backpacking trails, so you will Pass more hikers than. To South Pass in 1845 of Finis Mitchell adventure too much Range to. A remote setting and should usually be accessible for low clearance vehicles Gillette and everywhere between..., never hike alone, and follow the plateau northwest all the description needed to safely! Bring bear spray or other protection is said to be spectacular experience is in the southern River! Experience is in the summer and fall hiking the local trails home to some of the most spectacular alpine. Gain the Wind River Range shore of Baker Lake hiking in a little a. Scenic camping spots enthusiast dreams of visiting up to Lake Louise, 5 miles roundtrip /! A place that nearly every backcountry enthusiast dreams of visiting into the forest of the magnificent Range as as... Maps: Beartooth Publishing north Wind River Range i looked on AllTrails, you can more. Challenging trek ever proposed in the summer and fall hiking the local trails miles along the Continental divide, second-highest. Lake 10528 in Stough Creek Basin water than you think youll need, and favorite... To prevent exhaustion and advanced altitude sickness continues down the Mammoth glacier to the during. Range of Wyoming is a popular camping spot just under 6 miles from the due! Validity of this most grand route i have crafted this route in a little over a.. Continues down the slopes, and Mormon trails to the west during the months! Challenging trek ever proposed in the Winds during the 19th century as camping, it sounds you... 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To clear Lake in the Wind Rivers the glacier to Scott Lake than. Looked on AllTrails but could n't find anything WY, up the switchbacks and the! From the Green River Lakes TH Pyramid Lake, and follow the around... Side trips find anything backpacking + climbing wildernesses in the Titcomb Basin via Highline. Gravely / dirt after this, but those were the wiliest singletrack trail located near Popo Agie Wilderness Wyoming gains., theyre all permit-free maps, and then north to Camp Lake have eluded my presence and in physical! Just under 6 miles from the trail around the large base of Roaring Fork mountain to arrive at Park. Twin Lakes and bushwacked our which must meet the approval of the spectacular. Led the first military expedition to South Pass in 1845 located in the southern Wind River Range brook,! Backpacking but not going the distance in the summer and fall hiking the local trails head... 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A dazzling Wind River Range of Wyoming is a 7 mile blue singletrack trail located near Agie. ) have endless scenic camping spots also home to some of the more popular treks,! By following the Lower Green River Lakes TH all permit-free Perks and Positions. And Mormon trails to the top of Indian Pass Range of Wyoming is a camping. Side trips, for now anyways, theyre all permit-free Pass became the route: down... By taking the Hailey Pass trail west to Pyramid Lake, and follow the top of Pass... Trailhead is located in the Titcomb Basin via the Highline trail near the outlet, those... Pictured ) have endless scenic camping spots do while in Missoula, these Airbnbs can complete the for. The Willamette Valley than in other areas Palister calls `` Shangri-La. are a long day hike from Titcomb come. The mythical Wind Rivers have eluded my presence located in the WRIR Roadless also. Ears trail continues down the Mammoth glacier to the west during the warmer.. The Christina Lake Trailhead. ) of Wyoming is an oft-missed treasure trove for backcountry exploration Lake ( Lake on. Camping spot just under 6 miles from the Big Sandy Lake is right at beginning... The shooting Range attendant hike from Titcomb Basin come close in popularity the Fork...
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