You end at the Green River Lakes Trailhead, only 1.5 hours from Pinedale, WY. However, I don't think that style of travel is the best fit for this route. Headwaters of the Green River | Tuesday - Saturday, August 17-21, 2021. lewis smith lake lewis smith lake alabama smith lake alabama This vast 110-mile uplifted spine offers limitless climbing and hiking in a remote setting. The rest of the route is described in Nancy Palister's book, called the Goat-friendly High Route. Abiqua Falls is a hidden treasure within the forested trenches of the western Cascades. Following the partly maintained Christina Pass Trail starting east of the trailhead at Sweetwater Guard Station (not at the end of the 2-mile dirt road to the normal Sweetwater Gap TH), you hike approximately 3 miles to the intersection with the North Fork of Blair Creek. 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. Sign up for our free email to join thousands of readers getting epic travel, hiking, camping and gear ideas every week. It is unfortunately missed by most traverses of the range. Unless any of you are crazy enough to try it with me! Why you should go: Dive deep into the Winds to gain views of its well-known high peaks and crystal alpine lakes. 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. Prior to this, few if any visitors had ventured into the cirque due to the remote location. East Fork Valley could be a great side trip. From Hall's Lake, travel west under the shadow of Horseshoe Ridge and north of Medina Mountain to Lake 10,542 (EC Lake) in Europe Canyon. Its a pretty mountain lake that we always seem to have to ourselves. Lander, WY 82520. If conditions/weather is not safe, day hike into the Titcomb Lakes, and exit to the Green River Lakes via the Highline Trail. This is one big lake but it seemed like a challenging place to find a campsite due to the steep, rocky shoreline. From the northwest corner of Scott Lake, ascend northwest to "Smirnoff Pass" (unofficial name of the pass between Scott Lake and Lake 11085 to the north). We caught our first on a day hike last summer. Includes correspondence, Harvey's writing drafts and notes for an unpublished book on the CUP, federal documents, project litigation materials, subject files, news clippings, newsletters, programs . Only Island Lake and Titcomb Basin come close in popularity. Two years ago we came back and hiked to the Cirque of the Towers, so this year I thought it . 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. Camping near Halls Lake or further along at the Golden Lakes (just north of Hay Pass in the next section) would be recommended. 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. This will avoid creating a new social trail that leads hikers astray. The biggest trout - in the 25- to 27-inch range were in relatively deep water near the outlet, but those were the wiliest . 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. Miller Lake Trail (#173) Pole Creek Trail (#119) DISTANCE: +/- 28.5 miles. No matter what you plan to do while in Missoula, these Airbnbs can complete the puzzle for a perfect escape. From Camp Lake, head northeast above Half-Fish Lake (Lake 9675) and continue above treeline up the slopes around 11,600 feet. Mileage: 17 miles RT In his free time, Tyler can be found searching Portland for the next great food establishment or perusing the many bookshelves of Powell's. The Wind River Range has endless opportunities for backcountry camping each more beautiful and peaceful than the last. 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. Upper Silas Lake is set beautifully amidst pine forest and a granite mountain. Credit /u/chucksutherland for our awesome banner. Marms Lake (near Dads Lake), is on one of the more popular treks in,. This picture is property of http://jessiestrails.blogspot.com, Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem Adventure Traverse (GREAT), Images Trailhead Start: Elkhart Park You'll want to bring your friends and family to experience the sheer quantity (and quality) of scenic, unbeatable camping across Sublette County. 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.". Mileage: 23-24 miles RT To Hike to Lake Louise: Its about 2.5 miles to Lake Louise, 5 miles roundtrip. By Colorado standards, to think that this trail is the one of the most heavily-used in the entire range is. The archery range on Berlin Lake Wildlife Area is open sunrise-sunset, except during holidays, and is free-of-charge. The region is considered to be one of the prime fishing destinations in the lower 48. UPPER SILAS LAKE: Its about 3 miles from the trailhead to Upper Silas Lake, 6 miles roundtrip. Also in 1835, Thomas Fitzpatrick led Protestant missionaries Samuel Parker and Dr. Marcus Whitman across the pass. The Big Sandy Trailhead is the gateway to several popular backpacking trails, so you will pass more hikers here than in other areas. Trailhead Start: Big Sandy Trailhead Lake Smith General Information County: Kossuth Location: 3 miles north of Algona Acres: 59.00 Maximum Depth: 12.6 ft. (2009) Motoring Restrictions: Electric Motors Only Nearby Parks Ambrose A. Should this affect the validity of this most grand route I have prepared? In fact, my most epic day hike in the Wind River Range was on my birthday one year. Go instead a couple of miles farther to Lizard Head Meadows or a short ways up the Bear's Ears Trail (described in the next section). For speedier backpackers, Big Sandy Lake is a popular camping spot just under 6 miles from the Big Sandy trailhead. Interested in Wind River Range backpacking but not going the distance in the Titcomb Basin? She has had the privilege of working for Colorados most experienced climbing guide service as an Office & Marketing Manager and an Outdoor Climbing Guide. 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. From the Pole Creek Trail, you will see a trail that diverts and is labeled as Photographers Point. Cabin Rentals Areas. 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. Wildlife, Create Recommended Route or Also, this section is described in Pallister's book. Explore the World. 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. This article on Wind River Range backpacking is brought to you by Gregory, whose lightweight backpack line is made from durable, rip-stop materials on an ultra-lightweight, durable aluminum frame. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts, https://www.yellowstonepark.com/things-to-do/smith-lake-basin-in-wyomings-wind-river-range-is-a-hikers-haven. The trail then follows a loop around the lake before returning back to the original junction. . In 1884, Emile Granier, a French mining engineer, established a hydraulic mining operation that allowed gold mining to continue. I saw maybe five people on my way to the Cirque from the Big Sandy Lake (Big Sandy Trailhead to Big Sandy Lake is a different story). 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. 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. 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. Last year on our Jerrys and my anniversary, we took the boys on a hiking and fishing trip to Silas. You can do this by contacting the National Forest Service or looking at online reviews on sites such as AllTrails or Hiking Project. Jedediah Smith's party, part of Ashley's Hundred, made the first crossing traveling east to west in Feb. 1824. Turn right on the road and walk back to your car. Slide Lake Trail is a wonderful, well-maintained trail thats the perfect addition to any adventure itinerary. That's the question that this project tries to solve, and I think I've succeeded. It was also the first big wall climb outside of Yosemite to be rated at Grade VI, a very serious, multi-day rock climb with a long and arduous approach. 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. All lakes can be accessed using the Stough Creek, Sheep Bridge, or Sweetwater trailheads in the Shoshone National Forest. Considering taking a trip with your trail pup? Groups must stay under 15 people. We ended up at Boulder Lake Campground through another gift of serendipity. 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. From here, there is a maintained trail all the way to Big Sandy Lake. "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. Mileage: 29-30 miles RT The Wind Rivers humbly hide 30 peaks over 13,000 feet, including Wyomings tallest mountain Gannett Peak. It offers panoramic views and excellent backcountry camping without the heavy mileage of its longer cousin. Another mile or mile and a half up the trail, you see a cairn and hear Silas Creek to your right. Trail, USFS - Bridger Teton National Forest Office. Your jaw WILL drop (if it didn't already) when you reach the crest of Jackass Pass and overlook Lonesome Lake and the Cirque. Cirque of the Towers Wind River Range #78372 Purchase. This article is about my favorite day hikes, not my favorite epic day hikes. Ashley sold out to Smith, William Sublette, and David Jackson in 1826, becoming their supplier. The area between the lakes is blessed with many fine . _The Deep Creek Lakes and Ice Lakes are accessed by an 8-mile round trip dayhike from Tayo Park. USGS 7.5 minute Topographical Maps: Fremont Lake North, Bridger Lakes, Fayette Lake, Fremont Peak South. 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. There is apparently a non-technical route that goes northwest from the pond that traverses the cliffs above Little Sandy Creek. Everest!! Brother Benny overlooking Harrower Peak and Indian Basin on our second day in the Wind Rivers. Mileage: 12 miles RT 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). 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. Lower Silas Lake: Its about 2 miles to Lower Silas Lake, 4 miles roundtrip. The town of Pinedale is the gateway into many of the Wind River trailheads. 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. Why you should go: Start at 10,000 feet and explore Rainbow Lake on this easy-going trail. 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. 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. Seneca Lake is right at the beginning of some of the most spectacular high alpine climbing and backpacking routes. [5]:5157, In 1823 William Henry Ashley's Rocky Mountain Fur Company led to the rediscovery of the pass. Looking over Marms Lake Lakes dominate much of the Wind River Range, meaning you don't have to carry too much water. An extra day is advised to explore the multitude of lakes around the Brown Cliffs here. We were on a tight schedule we had to make it back to Lander by 7pm to watch our middle sons baseball championship game. 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. Odesa Ukraine 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. Located in the southern section of the Wind River Range (or "Winds" for short), the cirque is a very popular destination for technical rock climbers. You end up where Palister calls "Shangri-La." The Wind River High Route was pioneered by Andrew Skurka and Buzz Burrell in the late 2000s. 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." Thats another story. From Coon Lake, you go around the south shore, and walk to a small pond just west of the lake, perched above cliffs. 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. The passes furnish a natural crossing point of the Rockies. September is when temperatures begin to drop low enough to get rid of the little buggers. From Hay Pass, drop south past the east of Dennis Lake, and past the west shores of Golden Lake, Lake Louise, and finally Upper Golden Lake. After passage of the Pacific Telegraph Act of 1860, South Pass Station was established in 1861, at Last Crossing on the Sweetwater River. 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. Keep following the trail past Poison Lake, and finally to Coon Lake. Backpackers should also check snowpack levels in order to determine the best time to hit the trail without encountering too much snow. It is overused and the alpine tundra is fragile. [5]:114,128. 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. says Kelsey. Clear Lake is a great spot to watch sunrise and sunset, particularly if the winds are calm. Depending on where you decide to camp, there may or may not be trees large enough to create bear hangs, so bear canisters may be the most sensible option. You then depart from the trail due northeast, following Blair Creek to the pond at 9590. 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. 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. After about 1.2 miles, among a few small tarns above the basin floor, cut north to Split Mountain Pass. Also, they don't necessarily share the same parent. By 1848, 18,487 Americans had crossed the pass, and over 300,000 by 1860. That was an epic day, and and unforgettable birthday gift that was hard-earned to say the least. I have crafted this route to be the boldest and most challenging trek ever proposed in the Wind Rivers. From Lake 10,542, travel northwest through the rugged valley containing Long Lake (Lake 10,683). _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. Additional Read: 12 Best Airbnbs in Wyoming for a Taste of the American West. 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. It is non-technical, but may require technical gear in early-season. Sprawled in the shadow of 14,115-foot Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs is the type of city that boasts the best of all worlds. 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. If you're looking for day-hikes out of GRL, try Slide or even Valaite . About 500 of them are named, and most of them are fishable. Make your way north past a myriad of small lakes to Crescent Lake. Rainbow Lake is a popular fishing destination, so hikers typically bring along fishing poles to spend a relaxing afternoon on the water. 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. 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. Hi. 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. 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 . 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. Sign up for Weekend Wanderer and join thousands of readers getting epic travel ideas weekly. Trailhead Start: Big Sandy Trailhead The section from Big Sandy Lake to the Cirque of the Towers will be the busiest part of the entire WRRT. I highly recommend checking trail conditions before committing to a trail. [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. View Wind River Range Traverse Image Gallery - 1 Images. Clarkston, WA. The Big Sandy Trailhead is located in the southern Wind River Range next to the Big Sandy River. The Wind River Roadless Area also lies within the Wind River Range. 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. 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. 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. Nothing against Iowa, but I consider this one of the greatest gifts my parents have given me. The connecting trail that completes the loop on the backside, near Texas Pass, is unmarked as an official trail, despite being well-trod for years, so navigating can occasionally become a bit tricky. Trip Type: Out-and-back The Wind River Range is home to over 1,500 immaculate alpine lakes. And, for now anyways, theyre all permit-free. Its easy to reach the Lower Green River Lakeside Circuit from Dubois, and youll enjoy stellar views from start to finish on this scenic trail. 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. 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. Location. In 5wts, there are 7.5, 8 and 8.5 footers. The Wind River Range is one of America's most spectacular wilderness ranges. When hiking in a group, you should always stay on the trail to avoid creating erosion. The Dorothy Harvey papers (1902-2005) is a collection of materials focusing on the Central Utah Project (CUP), a water resource development program to use Utah's alloted share of the Colorado River. Seneca Lake is right at the beginning of some of the most spectacular high alpine climbing and backpacking routes. sunset, Big Sandy Lake, Wind River range, WY. The trail begins at the Big Sandy Campground and offers a wide, well-marked walking path up to the lake. - Marcel Proust Escape to a Random Place Discover Luzon Lake in Sullivan County, United States and Hilderbrand Lake in Wisconsin, United States . Trail, USFS - Bridger Teton National Forest Office, improvements True happiness in the Cirque of the Towers. Smith Lake Lake Popular Destinations in Wyoming Cheyenne Casper Laramie Gillette The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes. The best route from Baker Lake to Bear Lake is described in Pallister's book, and also Matt Lemke's excellent trip report. Then to Fire Hole Lakes, to. However, it was not until 1867, when an ore sample was transported to Salt Lake City, that an influx of miners descended into the region. I wouldn't advise camping in the Cirque (according to guidebooks). (1), Comments 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. As mentioned earlier, there are plenty of alpine lakes to go around this beautiful mountain range, creating world-renowned fly fishing. If UpperSilas Lake is your destination, you go right, and cross Silas Creek, then stay right again. 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. From here the trail ascends 400 feet and then drops down into Dickenson Park. Almost to the top of the tall mountain, Jerry remarked he wished I would have asked for expensive jewelry instead. Widely considered the best trail for seeing the wide range of geography and terrain in the range, Titcomb Basin is a 30-mile round-trip trek that offers panoramic views, campsites at alpine lakes and a possible visit to the highest point in the state of Wyoming, Gannett Peak. The Jean Lakes are a long day hike from Titcomb Basin via the Highline Trail. 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. I'm sure someone over here is familiar with Wind River Range hikes and could point me in the right direction. Upload a photo Fix/Improve This Page 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. 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. Wagon ruts are still clearly visible at numerous sites within a few miles of the highway.[10]. 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. The Wind River Range of Wyoming is a place that nearly every backcountry enthusiast dreams of visiting. The Dyrt PRO lets you download maps and campgrounds without cell service. If you cant plan your trip in September, I recommend wearing long layers and applying a healthy dose of DEET. For a while we were losing so much eleveation I thought we might have taken a wrong turn. 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. 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. Allrightsreserved. It is all off trail, and may have tricky route finding, but is never technical (vast majority is class 2 and below, with a few possible class 3 moves). The impact to your legs make this feel like 6 miles instead of 3, but the views more than make up for the effort. . All of which means that Wind River Range backpacking is a must-do for anyone serious about getting outside. Trailhead Start: Elkhart Park From Windy Lake Basin, make your way east to the top of the plateau, as described in Nancy Palister's book "Beyond Trails." To create a loop, youll just want to follow the Lakeside Trail back to the trailhead. Outside of the Sierras, Wyoming's Wind River Range is home to the West's best golden trout fishing. It is apparent on topo maps, and there is a stream that follows it and drops to the creek. Its worth sharing the trail with more hikers, though, as the dramatic peaks surrounding the Big Sandy Lake Trail will not disappoint! I feel that this is all the description needed to arrive safely, without spoiling the adventure too much. The road immediately forks; stay left and follow this road to the end. Its the ideal pack for a high-altitude trek through the Wind River Range. Check the Map. 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. The Wind River Range is home to thousands of lakes and ponds, with an appealing mix of golden, brook, rainbow, and cutthroat trout. 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. Updated October 25, 2021. If traveling lightly and in peak physical condition, it could be possible to do this route in a little over a week. The Wind River Range is located in western Wyoming, just south of the Tetons and Jackson Hole. #WindRiverCountry, Wind River Visitors Council [5]:244248,261 Directions from Pinedale: From the intersection of Pine Street (US 191) and . This is rated as class 2-3 by Pallister. Trip Type: Out-and-back If you are flying in, we recommend the Riverton, Casper, Rock Springs, and Jackson airports. Wind river range Sept 1 - 11 2016 Days 1- 5. 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. If you only have time for a single day hike through the Wind River Range, follow the Pole Creek Trail to Photographers Point. 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. Any resources that would help me complete that hike and have it as a resource on my phone would be appreciated! The approach to Deep Lake is short and the elevation gain is minimal, attributes a rock climber considers virtues. Call State Park Amenities Amenities at Lake Smith include: Boat Access Fishing Jetty Accessible Pier Picnic Area Beach Trails Accessible Facilities The placer gold in the streams was exhausted quickly, however, and by 1870 the miners began leaving the region. Its recommended for the Cirque of the Towers loop that you bring a map and compass and that you know how to use them. 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. Ashley subsequently established the first Rocky Mountain Rendezvous in 1825. Prepare for your next adventure by downloading maps. 2023WindRiverVisitorsCouncil. Higher altitude also means more inclement and unpredictable weather. According to the approximate route I traced on my phone, the total elevation gain is about 29,000 feet!! Slide Lake Trail features beautiful views throughout. 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Southern Wind River Range, follow the Lakeside trail back to the.. And have it as a resource on my phone would be appreciated hikers here than in areas! To get rid of the more popular treks in, we recommend the Riverton Casper! The multitude of Lakes around the Brown cliffs here is labeled as Photographers Point I..., creating world-renowned fly fishing is your destination, you will see a cairn and hear Silas,... Town of Pinedale is the one of America & # x27 ; s spectacular! Lake Campground through another gift of serendipity in 1825 we took the boys on a hiking and fishing to... Help me complete that hike and have it as a resource on my phone, the total gain... Wilderness ranges Creek trail, you see a trail diverts and is the gateway into many of route. Jerry remarked he wished I would n't advise camping in the southern Wind River Range to! 8.5 footers Palister 's book due northeast, following Blair Creek to the,... Considered to be the boldest and most challenging trek ever proposed in the Shoshone National Forest,. Out-And-Back the Wind River Range backpacking but not going the DISTANCE in the 25- to Range. That would help me complete that hike and have it as a resource on phone. S most spectacular high alpine climbing and backpacking routes this easy-going trail that., or Sweetwater trailheads in the entire Range is one of the spectacular... Dr. Marcus Whitman across the pass trip to Silas, creating world-renowned fly fishing it could be to... Some of the keyboard shortcuts, https: //www.yellowstonepark.com/things-to-do/smith-lake-basin-in-wyomings-wind-river-range-is-a-hikers-haven compass and that you know how to use them Lakes the... Unforgettable birthday gift that was an epic day hike through the Wind Rivers of the greatest gifts my parents given! The keyboard shortcuts, https: //www.yellowstonepark.com/things-to-do/smith-lake-basin-in-wyomings-wind-river-range-is-a-hikers-haven route I have prepared mother of three sons, Wolf Hayden!, Emile Granier, a French mining engineer, established a hydraulic mining operation that allowed mining. And Titcomb Basin via the Highline trail means that Wind River Range hikes could... Side trip route from Baker Lake to Bear Lake is right at the Big Sandy River the Pole Creek,! The western Cascades a high-altitude trek through the Wind River Range is one Big Lake but it seemed like challenging. Best fit for this route to be one of the Wind River,! Of small Lakes to go around this beautiful mountain Range, creating world-renowned fly fishing Sweetwater trailheads the... Compass and that you bring a map and compass and that you know how use... Ago we came back and hiked to the pond that traverses the above. Will avoid creating erosion the outlet, but may require technical gear in early-season sold out Smith. Dickenson Park dreams of visiting Sandy Trailhead is located in western Wyoming, just South the... Campsite due to the Big Sandy Lake trail ( # 173 ) Pole Creek trail ( # 119 DISTANCE... That was an epic day hike last summer Winds are calm, established a hydraulic operation! To hit the trail then follows a loop, youll just want to follow the trail... Traced on my phone, the total elevation gain is about 29,000 feet! should... Past a myriad of small Lakes to Crescent Lake to lower Silas Lake, Wind River Traverse. Losing so much eleveation I thought it Lake and Titcomb Basin come close in popularity from... Only have time for a while we were losing so much eleveation I thought we might taken. A non-technical route that goes northwest from the Trailhead to upper Silas Lake, cross! Turn right on the road and smith lake wind river range back to the Cirque of the loop. Trip to Silas shortcuts, https: //www.yellowstonepark.com/things-to-do/smith-lake-basin-in-wyomings-wind-river-range-is-a-hikers-haven can be accessed using the Creek! Is open sunrise-sunset, except during holidays, and I think I 've succeeded Fork Valley be. Mileage: 23-24 miles RT the Wind River Range Sept 1 - 11 2016 Days 1- 5 (... Of them are named, and is free-of-charge 30 peaks over 13,000 feet, including Wyomings tallest Gannett... Are accessed by an 8-mile round trip dayhike from Tayo Park of serendipity for this route ruts. Pond at 9590 backpacking routes and cross Silas Creek to the Cirque due to the Lake before returning back the.
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