Wed left Lander around 2PM (my house was very far away) and got to the trailhead at 4PM. We followed the trail past Cook Lake, but it wasnt pretty and I didnt get pictures of the lake itself. I hope that we get to experience it for many years to come, and that she gets such great memories, as you have! We climbed the granite knob easily and got a nice view of the drainage, but if youre not in the view, you should just stick to the trail. 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. After that, its all downhill. 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. We heard some people and saw a couple of folks fishing at the west side, far from us. The lake itself was quite deep and flat-out flooded with the biggest trout that Id seen in Wyomingreally too big for my line! Mileage: 23-24 miles RT Why you should go: This two-day trek will take you deep into the Winds on an easy going, lake filled trail. _The Deep Creek Lakes and Ice Lakes are accessed by an 8-mile round trip dayhike from Tayo Park. Because the nearest station and this geographic feature . Your next campsite will be just under Dinwoody Glacier, at Tarns Camp. Outfitters on their horses were headed up, so we stepped to the side. 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. All the information is there; there are no gray areas. However, I don't think that style of travel is the best fit for this route. Length 13.3 miElevation gain 1,755 ftRoute type Out & back. There's a possible high camp (pictured) on the Lizard Head Plateau overlooking the Cirque. I hate pure out and backs. Mom got up with the sun, and I got up slightly after. I got home past midnight and worked the next day. Dickinson Park to Middle Lake. The Seneca Lake out-and-back trip is a modified version of the Wind River classic. Great news: Dads Lake is a dog-friendly trail, just be sure to bring a leash along. The bridge across the swamp was not thereyou had to hike all the way around the north side. It had 2# to 5# brooks in it. If you're keen to avoid the crowds of families and impress your kids with some fun activities, check out these must-do items for any family visiting the Mile-High City. It goes west across the expansive plateau of Osborne Mountain, then follows Mill Creek to the Osborne Cabin, on old homestead of a famous trapper. Thankfully there was an awesome bridge over the marsh. As we descended, we smelled cooking food, too, so I think that these folks had been resupplied by the outfitters. Some of our favorite day hikes are: Stough Creek Basin, Smith, Middle and Cathedral Lakes, Island and Thumb lakes in Silas Canyon, Lake Louise, and anything on the Middle Fork Trail, which starts at Bruce's Bridge at the end of Sinks Canyon, and takes us all the way to Wind River Peak. Mid-June through September is the best time to attempt this summit. Glen Aulin: This easy, 11-mile round-trip trail features numerous waterfalls and breathtaking vistas as it follows the Tuolumne River. (Rough Draft, 05/02/2021 Revision), Review: Hiking Gorgeous Lost Twin Lakes, Cloud Peak Wilderness, Review: 12-Mile Day Hike to Slide Lake, Wind River Range, Rated R and 5 Stars: Septoplasty and More, The Pornography of Butterflies and Terry Crews, Resident Youth (15 thru 17 years old) $10. 13 Halloween Camping Activities, The Checklist Every First Time RVer Needs, Everything You Need To Know About Wifi For Your RV, 14 Wilderness Survival Tools You Should Have in The Backcountry, How Marfa Became the Art and Glamping Capital of Texas, 30+ Tips on Camping with Kids, From Parents Who Have Been There. Should this affect the validity of this most grand route I have prepared? The rest of the route is described in Nancy Palister's book, called the Goat-friendly High Route. They bring back a lot of fond memories Ive been doing this trip since I was 12 and Im 76 now so have seen a lot of changes to trail. Do make sure that you take the left in the forest just past Bald Mountain, though, or youll end up at Moccasin Lake. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. 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. If you cross the land, you have to pay money. They tended to Stay on the middlecathedral arm. Reachable by Pinedale, Roaring Fork Trail offers thick forest scenery and shelter to backpackers. The road isnt terrible, but the initial section isnt made for speed. Thanks again dave. She has had the privilege of working for Colorados most experienced climbing guide service as an Office & Marketing Manager and an Outdoor Climbing Guide. Laramie, Wyoming 82070. There is fantastic alpine camping near (and north of) Deep Lake, and great sheltered, treeline camp spots just off the trail at Clear Lake. Here begins the true crux of the route: getting down the Mammoth Glacier to Scott Lake. Summit Lake is accessed from the Spring Creek Park Trailhead, which is best reached from Pinedale. Cathedral Peak is situated 2 miles west of Cathedral Lake. Many trails, such as the Cirque of the Towers loop require you to move off-trail to link up with the return trail. Judging from a recent picture, it may go, but only in late summer. Located near Dubois, this trail is no joke. I have just connected bits and pieces of their suggested routes into an alpine traverse of the entire range. Of the many lakes reached by short hikes along the Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park, Upper and Lower Cathedral Lake are generally thought to be the most beautiful, each surrounded by meadows and granite cliffs, without too many trees to block the views of nearby mountains. East Fork Valley could be a great side trip. I couldnt believe it! To cross you had to do the grass tuff to grass tuft hop. Considering taking a trip with your trail pup? Just beyond the crossing we found a very old sign announcing our location, as well as the trail proper. 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. . Its the ideal pack for a high-altitude trek through the Wind River Range. 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. Hiking around Jenny Lake offers spectacular views of the Cathedral Group and Cascade Canyon. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. Everest!! We had to go around one section of road when we were there, as it was completely trashed out, but USFS vehicle we saw did the same, as well as all the others. Although not marked on maps, Split Mountain Pass is the obvious pass directly west of Split Mountain. Im going to go back with something better than 10-lb test, which just wasnt enough for the trout in Cathedral or Middle Lakes. Thank you for your beautiful pictures. Home to Wyomings tallest peaks and over 100 miles of the Continental Divide, the Wind River Range is beautifully wild. Thanks again. 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. (No lake trout or mackinaw in it). Related Read:6 Best Day Hikes in the Wind River Range. I'm guessing it's called that for a good reason. For example, theAconcagua mountain page has the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits' asparents and is a parent itself to many routes, photos, and Trip Reports. Grizzlies are active throughout the range. It wasnt really difficult, but we made a lot more work for ourselves than we needed. The trail is just a quick six miles in and out; so, you can focus on enjoying the outdoors. Mileage: 29-30 miles RT 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. Youll quickly gain altitude and find yourself on a ridge that overlooks the valley and lakes below, and the entire Wind River mountain range to the East. After my excitement wore down, we had to find a place to camp. She describes it as miserable. There is apparently a non-technical route that goes northwest from the pond that traverses the cliffs above Little Sandy Creek. Dave. But it was worth it. Mileage: 12 miles RT The Lake is more accessible and has a reputation for spectacular fishing than its surrounding lakes. Cathedral Peak is one of the Colorado Centennial 13ers meaning it's one of the highest 100 ranked peaks in Colorado. Follow the top of the divide north for approximately 1.5 miles, then drop down west to the north shore of Baker Lake. You then depart from the trail due northeast, following Blair Creek to the pond at 9590. 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. Compare 1,195 hotels close to Cathedral Lake Trailhead with room rates, reviews, and availability. The chapel was built to serve guests and employees of the dude ranches that stretched north of Jackson along the base of the Teton Range. The ease of the trail makes this area a great way to simply spend time in the Wind River Range wilderness. 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. Do this route early morning to avoid afternoon storms. Some of the easiest hiking trails in the Winds with some of the best scenery (even if theyre saying otherwise). Getting over all that was a total blast. Fishermen will find a variety of fish including lake trout and brook trout here. There are no trees or landmarks here, only large fields of wildflowers and sloping hills. 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. 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. Joe Kelsey describes the first 5.5 miles of this trail as the Lizard Head Trail as follows: "Lizard Head Meadows are an opening along the North Popo Agie 2 miles below Lonesome Lake. Desolation Lake (Lake 11478 on maps) at the head of the basin is said to be spectacular. About 1/4mile before the Smith lake/high meadows trail intersection the trail disappeared into another swamp. 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. Bula dearperson! To reach Peak Lake, continue west down the valley after Knapsack Col. Due to the nature of the WRRT, this trip is best savored by taking your time. There is one big climb that begins right at the 10-mile mark. Cathedral Lake, when we finally arrived, was enough to floor anyone. Sign up for our free email to join thousands of readers getting epic travel, hiking, camping and gear ideas every week. For the most part we followed the river, deviating from it when it was easier to do that. A wide, well-maintained trail offers great views and the ease of simply being outside. It lies 1.7 miles north of its more famous neighbor, Castle Peak (14,275 feet). Why you should go: Take the trail less traveled through the Roaring Fork Basin to reach some of the most isolated alpine lakes in the Wind River Range. And even during my couple trips to those areas, it seemed absolutely deserted compared to my local trails in Colorado. Day 3 totals: 7 miles, +817/-1427, 9294 min/9636 avg/9985 max. A couple of hundred feet beyond we came to some cascades, and decided to cross back again, since there was an easy area of rocks to hop. From Little Sandy Creek, You then continue to Temple Pass. In fact, 19 of Wyoming's 20 highest peaks are in the Wind River Range and there are more than 40-named peaks rising above 13,000 feet. It avoids the creek whose drainage it shares in favor of sticking to the ugly pines. That said, please follow Leave No Trace principles and camp at least 200 feet away from any water sources and trails. We began descending and at mile 2 reached some switchbacks. Excellent photography and fishing opportunities. We crossed it and got our first view of Smith Lake at 5.4 miles. Did you have cell phone reception on the trail and around the lakes? Faler Lake is 18 miles in, and the trail can be divided into however many days you prefer. Road Tripping. The WRRT is the culmination of months of personal research of guidebooks, maps, and online reports of the Wind River Range. This trail is typically tackled between three to four days. A spree to Shoshone National Forest when you're here at Cathedral Lake is a wonderful idea, and close by you discover the Bears Ears Trail which is a perfect hiking trail. If you didnt want to deal with the logistics of getting picked up and shuttled, you could hike this sucker as an out-and-back trail and double the mileage. I have crafted this route to be the boldest and most challenging trek ever proposed in the Wind Rivers. 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. Why you should go: Work your way up through thick forest to gain views of the entire Wind River Range. From Coon Lake, you go around the south shore, and walk to a small pond just west of the lake, perched above cliffs. From this saddle, both East Temple and Temple Peaks are worthwhile side trips. The Glacier Trail is the classic route to the Gannett Peak summit. It contains 40 peaks over 13,000 feet, the largest glacier in the American Rockies, and over 1300 named lakes. 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. High country lakes fish surveys. Thats a river of deception and leads up toward Wind River Peak. In short, plan to get wet. But what does that really mean? With 130 glaciers, 1,300 alpine lakes, and 30 peaks over 13,000 feet, its no wonder the Winds have made their place on thousands of backpackers bucket lists. After about 10 minutes, we made it across, but it was sketchy. Cathedral, Hunter Hall Offices Room #102. The Wind River Range Traverse (WRRT) is the finest non-technical alpine backpacking route in the lower 48 states. And the shores of Grave Lake (also pictured) have endless scenic camping spots. Camping near Halls Lake or further along at the Golden Lakes (just north of Hay Pass in the next section) would be recommended. Trailhead Start: Elkhart Park Depending on your experience and relative skill level, the Cirque of the Towers is another staple when it comes to Wind River Range backpacking. Dads Lake is at a lower elevation than some of the longer backpacking trails in the area, so temperatures here will be a bit more manageable overnight. It also contains the largest system of glaciers in the American portion of the Rockies. According to the approximate route I traced on my phone, the total elevation gain is about 29,000 feet!! We only saw one group of campers down by the lake. 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. _The Peak Lake Area. Only one section of road was sketchy, and even that wasnt too badjust some severe ruts from mud. At higher elevations, trails can get lost among talus fields or washed out completely. _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. Interested in Wind River Range backpacking but not going the distance in the Titcomb Basin? I will be completing the entire route this summer (August 20-September 9, 2016), and will update this post when complete. (I saw it during my trip up Wind River Peak, in fact, and had a chuckle.) Just ripped my 10-lb test right apart like it was nothing, and discarded the spoon. (1), Comments It is unfortunately missed by most traverses of the range. If you are looking at this map in the winter and it's showing that there are no driving directions available, it's likely because the road is closed. 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. For avid backcountry anglers, this route offers excellent opportunities for side trips to nearby lakes and alpine streams, where the trout are avid for summer fly hatches. It has an elevation gain of 800 feet and takes six to eight hours to hike. 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. Explore the map. Three different trailheads form an approximately 9 mile long loop, running by beautiful lakes and scenic alpine vistas- all of which are within a day hike of the Beartooth Highway. Most hotels are fully refundable. It is advised that you camp in either of these spots rather than at Big Sandy Lake. Cathedral Peak (or technically an arm of Cathedral Peak) reflects in Cathedral Lake at sunset. It is located entirely in Wyoming and is the highest range in the Wyoming-Idaho-Montana group of ranges. Your jaw WILL drop (if it didn't already) when you reach the crest of Jackass Pass and overlook Lonesome Lake and the Cirque. 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. The far end of the lake had one heck of an amazing waterfallactually, it has 3 inlets! My mom has hiked along the mountain itself with our engineering friends, Hank and Peggy, but Ive never had the chance. The trail continues to Cook Lake, but we werent on it and didnt try to find it, instead heading toward a small granite knob that we could see. 4. You can find directions easily from guidebooks. The Wind River Range offers world renowned fly fishing, and the areas 1,300 alpine lakes means any trail should offer multiple opportunities to cast your line. Why you should go: Get lost deep in the Wind River Range as you find yourself among jagged peaks, rushing streams, and crystal-clear lakes filled with trout. We reached Mendarrin 2 hours after leaving camp, which was far too long for the distance. Hooker towers above Grave Lake, and is the largest vertical rock wall in Wyoming. The issue was the amount of snowpack. Makes me happy! The lower elevation of Dads Lake comes with a longer hiking season. Enjoying your Wind River Range backpacking trip with these principles in mind will help maintain the Wind River Range for other visitors and hopeful backpackers for millennia to come. Due to the heavy incline of this trail, making this a four-day endeavor will leave everyone happy. *Deposit, (non-refundable) required to hold reservation*. From what I can tell, they all still want the cred that comes with staking out Titcomb and the Cirque, though my last visit to the Cirque found it abandoned, even. Under most conditions, crampons are required. As we set up camp and got firewood, the sunset was awesome, though I didnt manage to get many very nice photos. Not really. Lembert Dome Trail: This 2.8-mile round-trip trail features stunning panoramic views of Tuolumne Meadows. The lead rider stopped to talk with us, and as we were chatting, her rear mule lost its mind, snapping off from the train and pulling the rope off of itself. 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. While beautiful, this continues for quite a while and often makes hikers feel like theyre moving backwards. Moderate 4.8 (5039) Grand Teton National Park. Mileage: 17 miles RT The possibilities of creating a loop from Summit Lake are endless. The trail is wide and a bit rocky as you climb through the heavily-wooded forest. Pond? After approximately 2 miles, branch off to the right and ascend for 1 mile to Baptiste Lake. 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. Look at us, taking one for the USFS! From Grave Lake by taking the Hailey Pass trail west to Pyramid Lake, then off-trail north up the East Fork Valley. Youll come across semi-established camp spots that are heavily used by thru-hikers. You can learn more about our editorial policies here. If so, I believe only slightly, for I've done my research based on the authorities on the Wind Rivers. Several trails leave from Jenny Lake ranging from easy to very strenuous. On Lizard Head Plateau. Tyler Wildeck is a writer with a passion for all things outdoors. Review: Dickinson Park to Smith, Cloverleaf, Cook, Mendarrin, Middle, & Cathedral Lakes, Hiking and Adventure Map (Work in Progress), Day 1, 11 July: Dickinson Park to Cloverleaf Lake, Day 2: Mendarrin Lake and Camp at Cathedral Lake (My day of birth! You'll touch the east shore of Lonesome Lake, and follow the trail east to Lizard Head Meadows. Roaring Fork Trail is a true test of skill. The crossing between lakes was filled with trout and was best accomplished closer to Cathedral Lake, which I gladly did. Keep following the trail past Poison Lake, and finally to Coon Lake. Cathedral Lake is a lake located just 18.4 miles from Fort Washakie, in Fremont County, in the state of Wyoming, United States, near Temple Creek Summer Home Area, WY. Due to the low use of this area, a permit is not required to wilderness camp here. Camping at Faler Lake is typically done in the warmer months. Cathedral Lake is deservedly one of the most popular day hikes in the Aspen area. NOTE! From this lake, continue southwest past Lake Kagevah to 11,290 foot Kagevah Pass. Mom and I wanted to hike some of the reservation trails and didnt have too long to do it, so we picked Cathedral Lake. Back at camp we packed up and headed toward Cathedral Lake. They are beautiful and bring back a lot of memories. What a place to camp, huh? (3034mt.) Snow-capped peaks, jagged cirques, lovely meadows, alpine lakes, it's a view junkie's paradise. It is fine country to wander through. Even on this popular trail, finding solitude among the peaks is easy. Explore this 13.3-mile out-and-back trail near Lander, Wyoming. Far north in the Wind Rivers, Gannett Peak is also viewable from this ridge line. The trail is a bit rocky near the turnaround point, so trekking poles are suggested. Be sure to pick up all dog waste and keep them on leash so as to not disturb wildlife. How is the road into Dickinson Park. The Dyrt PRO lets you download maps and campgrounds without cell service. Go south up the glacier to the top of Indian Pass. Meridian lake was not named then ( just blank name on topo maps) so we named it glacier amongst ourselves. Anyway, at the intersection theres a park and a creek, so we again got water. Its recommended for the Cirque of the Towers loop that you bring a map and compass and that you know how to use them. GreenDay hikes; can be done as overnights. From Tarns Camp to the peak of Gannett, you will be climbing for three miles. According to Pallister, the safest way down is on the Glacier, instead of traversing the surrounding cliffs. Immediately by it is Twin Lakes Creek in a pretty meadow, though it was putting off tons of mosquitoes. Wyoming; Wisconsin; West Virginia; Washington; Virginia; Vermont; DIY. Unfortunately, wed wandered far from the trail and ended up on the hill overlooking Cloverleaf Lake. Another classic of the Wind River Range, Titcomb Basin offers everything youd ever want to see on a multi-day trip. A scenic drive is a great way to cover some ground and see the jaw-dropping scenery of Colorful Colorado. Continue north to the head of Tourist Creek, and ascend northeast above lake 10890 all the way to the divide near Point 12450. Try traveling this trail anytime between May and September, but remember: Its always a good idea to check the snowpack reports. Photos (7) Directions. From Upper Golden, head north up to Lake 10787, the east down the slopes, and then north to Camp Lake. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 45 min to complete. 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 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. Theres no better way to experience the natural beauty of the state than to stay in one of Montanas yurts. Very few people fished the cookno namemeridian arm. From Baptiste Lake, head due east for approximately 1.5 miles, then north to the upper Grave Creek Cirque. We took the same trail out that we took in, and spent only 7 hours from packing up to getting to the trailhead. 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