A valley in Montana is named after it. _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. I hope that we get to experience it for many years to come, and that she gets such great memories, as you have! 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. This trail is also known as High Meadow Trail 712 and takes one to another trail that goes to High Meadow and Cliff Lakes. All the information is there; there are no gray areas. (My phone was pretty bad at the time!) The place is catalogued as Lake by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names and its elevation above sea level is equal to 9954ft. Only the off-trail option is doable as a day hike (shown on a map in Pallister's book). Trip Type: Loop The creek itself has no water body that it is being fed from, but if you walked up its draw youd end up at the Bears Ears trail eventually. This section was inspired by Matt Lemke's trip report "Gone with the Winds." From Tarns Camp to the peak of Gannett, you will be climbing for three miles. Day 1 totals: 6.4 miles, +1392/-783, 9296 min/9600 avg/9995 max. You can reach Seneca Lake by parking at the Elkhart Park trailhead and taking the Pole Creek Trail from there. Eklund Lake sees very few visitors since most groups continue on to Seneca Lake, so camping here is ideal if you are looking for solitude. Considering taking a trip with your trail pup? 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 Wykee Lake, travel 1 mile (on-trail) west to the south shore of Sonnicant Lake. Cathedral Peak's big east-facing wall, rising above Cathedral Lake in the eastern Wind Rivers, has a long history, attracting the attention of climbers since at least 1979, when Fred Beckey and Jim Kanzler completed the route they named Orion's Reflection.NOLS courses camp nearby every year, and Wyoming hardmen like Greg Collins and Dave Anderson have passed through the area. Right from the start, this trail passes through aspen groves and thick pine forest. Distance: 11.5 miles (with plenty of walking around the lakes) Elevation Gain: 1,732 ft. Its imperative to come prepared with a map and compass or GPS communicator/navigation device when backpacking in the Wind River Range. Many trails, such as the Cirque of the Towers loop require you to move off-trail to link up with the return trail. The trees were the sort that have annoying branches that stab and rib at you, and post-holing crotch deep did little to improve either of our moods. Whether youre looking for a quick overnighter or a weeklong expedition, your sure to find a winner with any of these trails. Related Read:Crown Jewels: 14 Majestic Hikes in Glacier National Park. It then bolted uptrail. At the top of the first hill you went off to the right and then down the golden stairsabout 1/2 mile straight down. We'll have 4 days so that's a pretty laid back pace but we're looking to get into an area where we can setup camp and explore and relax. Trip Type: Out-and-back Anything less is possible, but itll hurt! Updated July 26, 2022. Trailhead Start: Elkhart Park Also, though I dont get many visitors, I have been surprised by a few emails telling me that places I didnt like were pleasant to them. I couldnt believe it! This trail is well traveled by CDT thru-hikers, and well maintained. This picture is property of http://jessiestrails.blogspot.com, Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem Adventure Traverse (GREAT), Images We did, and it wasnt the end of the world, but it was way too slopy and filled with intermittent boulder piles, Right before Mendarrin, we ended up going way up a dumb cliff (my map made it look like it wouldnt be bad) and came out 200 feet above the lake. 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. We took the branch and came to the Middle Lake outlet almost immediately, and boy was it roaring. Continue northwest up the basin towards Lake 10,756, which is directly south of Hay Pass. It is apparent on topo maps, and there is a stream that follows it and drops to the creek. 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. The climb at the end was of course horrible and hot, and Im going to admit that we cut off some distance by going cross country for a bit. The trailhead itself has only very primitive parking (picture at end) and no other features. Cathedral Lake sits right outside of Aspen, Colorado, and can only be reached by a strenuous, but breathtakingly beautiful, hike up to its shores. The far end of the lake had one heck of an amazing waterfallactually, it has 3 inlets! Use caution when going off trail to look for campsites, and, above all, leave nothing behind throughout your journey. The Bear's Ears Trail continues down the stream's west bank (headed north) and climbs west and descends to Grave Lake. High country lakes fish surveys. NOTE! You wont! It is the best kind of trailless terrain, for you are above treelike, can locate topographic features, and get a sense of solitude in country you are probably visiting for solitude. You can learn more about our editorial policies here. After my excitement wore down, we had to find a place to camp. Big Sandy Lake, Dads Lake, Shadow Lake, Jackass Pass, and Lonesome Lake are all great spots to spend the night. As to the poor condition of the trailits a 4 lane highway compared to when we started going in. In AdventureAlan's trip report of his long-distance Wind River Trip (linked below), he advises not to camp at the upper part of the basin containing Long Lake (the particular lake is Lake 10,555) due to poor campsites and unpleasant-tasting water. _The Peak Lake Area. But day hikes of any reasonable length are hard to come by; the area is known as a backpacker's paradise because few destinations are less than 8 miles from a trailhead. Why you should go: Cruise Wyomings Section 13 of the historic Continental Divide Trail. Keep following the trail past Poison Lake, and finally to Coon Lake. Several trails leave from Jenny Lake ranging from easy to very strenuous. 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. Im not sure why, since it really didnt have much going for it. As far as camping, it sounds like you could potentially camp anywhere along this section. Follow the trail around the large base of Roaring Fork Mountain to arrive at Tayo Park. There were plenty of outfitter-style places to camp for some reason, as you can see in the picture above. USGS Lizard Head Peak. The Glacier Trail is the classic route to the Gannett Peak summit. Located near Dubois, this trail is no joke. True happiness in the Cirque of the Towers. These walls certainly contain some of the most demanding rock climbs in the lower 48 states. 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. Our list of the best hikes near Telluride features the best natural attractions in the San Juan mountains, with a mix of moderate afternoon hikes, challenging summits, and all-day backcountry adventures. Make your way north past a myriad of small lakes to Crescent Lake. Snow-capped peaks, jagged cirques, lovely meadows, alpine lakes, it's a view junkie's paradise. Dan, thank you. Trip Type: Out-and-back Elevation Gain: 2,200 feet over 6 miles (9,100 ft to 11,300 ft) Located on the way up to the Cirque of the Towers, Dad's Lake is a pristine alpine setting that offers even the least experienced backpackers the chance to test their trail legs. Rain and thunderstorms also occur often (and usually without warning) in the summer, so come prepared with waterproof gear such as a rain jacket, rain pants, and waterproof hiking boots. Why you should go: Hike on an easy trail as you enter the Cirque of the Towers area and fly fish one of Wyomings favorite lakes. Trailhead Start: Elkhart Park The Inn at Aspen 11 mi from Cathedral Lake Trailhead $153 per night Apr 12 - Apr 13 8.2/10 Very Good! Bear Lakes, although a short detour, look absolutely gorgeous. Cathedral Lake, WY Latitude: 42.8213426 Longitude: -109.1445738 County: Fremont Area: Lizard Head Peak Elevation: 3034 meters - 9954 feet I feel that this is all the description needed to arrive safely, without spoiling the adventure too much. I have just connected bits and pieces of their suggested routes into an alpine traverse of the entire range. Length 9.1 miElevation gain 1,102 ftRoute type Out & back. Compare 1,195 hotels close to Cathedral Lake Trailhead with room rates, reviews, and availability. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. Due to the low use of this area, a permit is not required to wilderness camp here. There are several camping options on the Cirque trail. Since Glacier Trail is far north in the Wind River Range, its snow melt differs from the southern trails near Pinedale and Lander, giving this trail a surprisingly earlier (and longer) season. We spied a bunch of old folks across the lake lounging in hammocks which made us both very happy! Thanks again dave. The ease of the trail makes this area a great way to simply spend time in the Wind River Range wilderness. Sadly, my Thermarest Trail Scout had developed a hole, so my sleep wasnt as luxurious as the previous night! Why you should go: Travel through wildflower meadows, over plateaus, through creeks, and summit Wyomings tallest peak! Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. Elevation Gain: 2,400 feet over 13 miles 9,100 ft to 11,500 ft). Do you mind if I use one of your picts as a basis for a attempt to paint a picture of cathedral lake. Related Read:6 Best Day Hikes in the Wind River Range. We then went along a mostly-flat section that meanders through boulders and trees and was, in my words, so ugly I could stab my eyes out. The view from the top is off, as youll see Sanford Park, and it looks like you should be going there. Glacier Trail hides Gannett Peak until you are 18.5 miles into this amazing wilderness. I noticed that most routes follow the lower highline trail, or skip the many magnificent areas including Stough Creek Lakes, Deep Lake Cirque, Grave Lake Cirque, North Fork Cirque (on the Wind River Indian Reservation), the Brown Cliffs, Scott Lake, and Bear Basin. The Dyrt PRO lets you download maps and campgrounds without cell service. 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. Roaring Fork Trail is a true test of skill. Far north in the Wind Rivers, Gannett Peak is also viewable from this ridge line. I thought that the drainage proper would be hideous riparian zone, or akin to Clear Lake out of Green River Lakes, so I told mom that we should stay on our contour line. A major contributor to the stunning views is the range's geology. Lake Info Fishing Forecast Fishing Reports More Discuss ions. Anyway, at the intersection theres a park and a creek, so we again got water. Just continue north to shallow and picturesque Hay Pass. So, dispersed camping is not illegal unless clearly marked (it is the only kind of camping) along trails of this part of the Wind River Range. Mid-June through September is the best time to attempt this summit. This initial climb will get your heart rate going. A wide, well-maintained trail offers great views and the ease of simply being outside. However, for the most scenic, most direct and aesthetic route, walk on trail down Indian Basin and to Upper Titcomb Basin. PurpleCamping, international trips; excursions. As we set up camp and got firewood, the sunset was awesome, though I didnt manage to get many very nice photos. To help you narrow down your favorites, weve put together a list of the best backpacking trails in the Wind River Range. Left - 2.7 billion year old metamorphic gneiss. Was planning on going in this yr but life got in the way so maybe next yr. To old to walk it with 100 lb packs so going to use horses if we do it in the future. Summit Lake is accessed from the Spring Creek Park Trailhead, which is best reached from Pinedale. We soon found that we were indeed on the trailwhich had been hidden by snow. The lower elevation of Dads Lake comes with a longer hiking season. Oops. Everest!! There is apparently a non-technical route that goes northwest from the pond that traverses the cliffs above Little Sandy Creek. You will need a permit to camp at the lakes. The season for this hike is extremely short, spanning late July to September due to late snow melt and early snow storms. I waited until after dark to get naked and bathe, since theyd have eaten my bare butt alive prior to nightfall. Most hotels are fully refundable. 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. Thankfully, Im a true pack-mule and had brought my Klymit Static V Insulated Ultralight (which I later gave away, as I dont care for the Klymits), which is much smaller than my moms Klymit Static V Insulated. Take in stunning panoramic views as you hike or ride right from your doorstep in the area considered the Shangri-La of the Similkameen. Ive got to return, because the size of the trout was just flooring. Only the off-trail option is doable as a day hike (shown on a map in Pallister's book). 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. Trailhead Start: Big Sandy Trailhead You can buy yours online from them at this page so that you dont have to waste time when you get into townshow up and pick up. The Teton Range towers over the valley of Jackson Hole, providing dramatic alpine scenery and drawing millions of visitors to Grand Teton National Park each year. Because the Cathedral Lakes Hike trail is the same as the John Muir Trail, there will likely be overnight backpackers and equestrians to watch out for. My mom has hiked along the mountain itself with our engineering friends, Hank and Peggy, but Ive never had the chance. The route down the glacier is detailed in Pallister's book, and unless you are slightly crazy, you should plan to carry some form of light crampons and an ice axe. That lasted for about 400 feet, and we were then forced back into the woods nearing the area between the lakes. The Beartooth Recreational Trail leads through some of the most scenic country in the Beartooth Mountains. From Coon Lake, you go around the south shore, and walk to a small pond just west of the lake, perched above cliffs. No one was along this eastern area, and we couldnt see or hear anyone. Cathedral Lake Middle Lake Brookie Snake River Cut from the North Fork Popo Agie Me and Sweetie trying to stay dry. 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 East face of Mt. Excellent photography and fishing opportunities. Traversing into valleys, along hillsides, and within view of Fremont Peak and its surrounding peaks, this trail is a light introduction to backpacking in the Wind River Range. Hike Type: Out and back, day-hike Difficulty Level: Moderate Permit: None required for day hiking. This requires using Dickinson Park out of Lander, which itself requires crossing reservation land. Nights will be cold year-round, sometimes reaching freezing temperatures even in the summer months. (It was really, really not fun, if I havent made that clear!). Desolation Lake (Lake 11478 on maps) at the head of the basin is said to be spectacular. Mom lazed on a rock, snacking on jerky, while I caught a number of trout with ease! 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