smith lake wind river rangesmith lake wind river range

The 2022 Glampys: The Coolest Glampsites You Can Book Right Now, The Dyrt Is Hiring! For speedier backpackers, Big Sandy Lake is a popular camping spot just under 6 miles from the Big Sandy trailhead. The Big Sandy Trailhead is the gateway to several popular backpacking trails, so you will pass more hikers here than in other areas. From the Pass, follow the Osborne Mountain Route as described by Pallister and Kelsey. [5]:114,128. Both areas, located just west of the Continental Divide, are rich in outstanding scenery and recreation opportunities. Under most conditions, crampons are required. It is advised that you camp in either of these spots rather than at Big Sandy Lake. Approaching a construction zone 20 minutes outside Pinedale, Wyoming a flagger stands between us, rotating his sign to "stop." Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 27 min to complete. Note that on AllTrails, you can hike this as an out-and-back trail by following the Lower Green River Lake Trail. 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.". #2. Sign up for Weekend Wanderer and join thousands of readers getting epic travel ideas weekly. 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. First, up near Forks Lakes, where we did some backcountry hiking, and most recently near Boulder Lake, where we finally got some good fishing, and an unexpected wildfire. 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. However, for the most scenic, most direct and aesthetic route, walk on trail down Indian Basin and to Upper Titcomb Basin. 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. Thumb Lake is just a mile or so above Island Lake, and its worth the extra effort to see it. When it comes to Wind River Range backpacking routes, there are a few premier trails to choose from, each varying in length, difficulty and terrain. By Colorado standards, to think that this trail is the one of the most heavily-used in the entire range is. 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. 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). One way to or from Lander Bruce's/Middle Fork $35 Most commonly referred to as New Fork Trail, the trailhead sign actually says Lozier Lakes, and the Forest Service labels it as Clark Creek #7185. Should this affect the validity of this most grand route I have prepared? From Grave Lake by taking the Hailey Pass trail west to Pyramid Lake, then off-trail north up the East Fork Valley. This trail is 40.5 mi long with an elevation gain of 7,513 ft. What is the longest trail in Wind River Range? There is apparently a non-technical route that goes northwest from the pond that traverses the cliffs above Little Sandy Creek. Related: 10 of the Best Airbnbs in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Check out our in-depth review of Black Tree Resort, a luxury glamping experience that makes camping comfortable and enjoyable for the entire family. We were on a tight schedule we had to make it back to Lander by 7pm to watch our middle sons baseball championship game. 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. Once on the trail, consider spending the first night at Hobbs Lake or Seneca Lake and progressing on to Island Lake for the second. 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. Earthwalk Press North Wind River Range. Clear Lake is a great spot to watch sunrise and sunset, particularly if the winds are calm. There's a possible high camp (pictured) on the Lizard Head Plateau overlooking the Cirque. Use caution when going off trail to look for campsites, and, above all, leave nothing behind throughout your journey. Joel Pickens Walker, and his wife Mary Young Walker, made the journey with their four children. 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. To first of the Stough Creek Basin lakes: 6.5 miles/13 miles round-trip. The passes furnish a natural crossing point of the Rockies. Boulder Lake-High use 9. Smith Creek Lakes and Cathedral Lake, Bonneville Basin, Bald Mountain Basin and Cook Lakes, the Peak Lake Area (as described by Kelsey), and the Eastern drainages north of Gannet Peak, which are pretty much impassable due to . Traditionally Indigenous Territory Apsaalook (Crow) Eastern Shoshone Cheyenne More Stats for Smith Lake hike trail trail Altitude change 607 ft Altitude min 9,292 ft Burnt Lake - Low use 8. This is the only small section of the WRRT where these tools may be required. Little Sandy - Low use 12. . Weve caught a lot of brook trout here, nothing big, but the catching is pretty good in our experience. 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. You'll touch the east shore of Lonesome Lake, and follow the trail east to Lizard Head Meadows. From this lake, continue southwest past Lake Kagevah to 11,290 foot Kagevah Pass. The Wind River Range is one of America's most spectacular wilderness ranges. 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. roanoke virginia blue ridge mountains peaks of otter We started hiking at 3:30am, and hiked 16 miles to the top of Wind River Peak, the tallest peak in the southern Wind River Range, only to turn around and return. 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. Feb 6, 2017. Its the ideal pack for a high-altitude trek through the Wind River Range. Weve spent Labor Day weekend here with the kids on a couple of occasions. Daniell is a freelance writer based out of Fort Collins, Colorado. Gold mining was revived in nearby Rock Creek in the 1930s. Earthwalk Press publishes two Wind River Range overview maps (one for the northern part of the range, and another for the southern portion). 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. 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. lewis smith lake lewis smith lake alabama smith lake alabama Elevation Gain: 2,200 feet over 6 miles (9,100 ft to 11,300 ft). Related objects are relevant to each other in some way, but they don't form a parent/child relationship. After nearly 6 miles, turn right onto WY-352 for 25.3 miles. This article is about my favorite day hikes, not my favorite epic day hikes. Camping along this trek can be found at Shadow Lake, and then in and around the Jackass Pass area later in the trip. Rain occurs quite frequently here, so youll want to bring your rain jacket even if the sky is cloudless when you leave the parking lot. 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. AREA MAPS: Beartooth Publishing North Wind River Range. From Cheyenne to Jackson, Evanston to Casper to Gillette and everywhere in between. 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. Grab your next favorite hiking backpack from Gregorys website today! Pinedale, Wyoming The Big Piney Ranger District hosts a wide variety of cultural and natural history, recreational opportunities, timber, range, mineral reserves, and wildlife. The Wind River Range is home to over 1,500 immaculate alpine lakes. 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. Continue north past the west side of Lake 11085 and weave your way through the multitude of lakes north and east of Mount Solitude. From the Elkhart trailhead parking lot, take the Pole Creek Trail directly adjacent to . As mentioned earlier, there are plenty of alpine lakes to go around this beautiful mountain range, creating world-renowned fly fishing. Elevation Gain: 2,400 feet over 13 miles 9,100 ft to 11,500 ft). The historic pass became the route for emigrants on the Oregon, California, and Mormon trails to the West during the 19th century. Also, this section is described in Pallister's book. It lies in a broad high region, 35 miles (56 km) wide, between the nearly 14,000 ft (4,300 m) Wind River Range to the north and the over 8,500 ft (2,600 m) Oregon Buttes [3] and arid, saline near-impassible Great Divide Basin to the south. All the information is there; there are no gray areas. I'm sure someone over here is familiar with Wind River Range hikes and could point me in the right direction. The archery range on Berlin Lake Wildlife Area is open sunrise-sunset, except during holidays, and is free-of-charge. The Lakeside Trail takes you deep into the forest of the Wind River Range, giving you a broad perspective of the magnificent range. It is a beautiful lake! Box 925 "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. Seneca Lake is right at the beginning of some of the most spectacular high alpine climbing and backpacking routes. No matter what you plan to do while in Missoula, these Airbnbs can complete the puzzle for a perfect escape. Check the Map. 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. Its recommended for the Cirque of the Towers loop that you bring a map and compass and that you know how to use them. If UpperSilas Lake is your destination, you go right, and cross Silas Creek, then stay right again. I think most people pass right by this lake, enroute to Upper Silas Lake. Call State Park Amenities Amenities at Lake Smith include: Boat Access Fishing Jetty Accessible Pier Picnic Area Beach Trails Accessible Facilities sunset, Big Sandy Lake, Wind River range, WY. This would add about. Directions from Pinedale: From the intersection of Pine Street (US 191) and North Tyler Ave (the Pinedale Tourism office is located on the northeast corner) in Pinedale, WY, drive south on Highway 191 for 11.7 miles and then turn left (east) on WY . ), But I digress. What if you could link nearly every major cirque and basin in the Winds with one non-technical route? Why you should go: Dive deep into the Winds to gain views of its well-known high peaks and crystal alpine lakes. Groups must stay under 15 people. Given its location and proximity to the Big Sandy Campground, day traffic here can be heavy; however, once you arrive at the lake, campsites abound in and around the lake area, and theres usually a place to find some solitude. Directions from Pinedale: From the intersection of Pine Street (US 191) and . 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. Historic South Pass, seen from the east looking westward towards, Map of southwestern Wyoming showing location of South Pass at the headwaters of the, U.S. National Register of Historic Places, United States Army Corps of Topographical Engineers, Oregon Buttes, Wyoming, Elevation: 8558 feet, 2608 meters, peakbagger.com, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=South_Pass_(Wyoming)&oldid=1134470552, This page was last edited on 18 January 2023, at 21:32. The Cirque of the Towers is one of the most popular destinations in Wyoming's Wind River Range. [2][9], Wyoming Highway 28 traverses the modern pass, roughly following the route of the Oregon Trail. Trip Type: Loop Best of all, nowhere else in the world do golden trout grow as big. 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. As a natural crossing point of the Rockies its pioneering was a significant but surprisingly difficult achievement in the westward expansion of the United States. "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. 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. As far as camping, it sounds like you could potentially camp anywhere along this section. The terrain and elevation of the Wind River Range make backpacking here a challenge, albeit a worthwhile one. _Bonneville Basin can be reached by two different ways. In 3-pc 4wts, there are 7.5 and 8 footers. South Pass (elevation 7,412ft (2,259m) and 7,550ft (2,300m)) is the collective term for two mountain passes on the American Continental Divide, in the Rocky Mountains in southwestern Wyoming. 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. This hike primary trail can be used both directions and has a hard overall physical rating. A river, that appears to drop into an unseen . The Pass lies in southwestern Fremont County, approximately 35 miles (56 km) SSW of Lander . You then depart from the trail due northeast, following Blair Creek to the pond at 9590. 2023WindRiverVisitorsCouncil. Big Sandy - High use 11. 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). Jedediah Smith's party, part of Ashley's Hundred, made the first crossing traveling east to west in Feb. 1824. 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. 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. . I will be completing the entire route this summer (August 20-September 9, 2016), and will update this post when complete. Day 1: Sweetwater Gap Guardstation to Windy Lake, 7 miles, Day 5: Grave Lake, 12 miles (all on-trail), Day 6: Visit Babtiste Lake, camp at upper Grave cirque, 7 miles, Day 7: Sonnicant Lake via Roberts Mountain route, 6 miles, Day 10: Explore lakes south of Brown Cliffs, camp at one of them, 6 miles, Day 11: "Shangri-La" via the "Goat-Friendly High Route," 7 miles, Day 12: Day hike to "Glacier View" and down to the North Fork Bull Lake Creek, 6 miles, Day 13: From "Shangri-La" to Upper Titcomb Basin (over Indian Pass), 9 miles, Day 14: Scott Lake (CRUX OF ROUTE), 9 miles, Day 18: Out via Osbourne Mountain Route, 9 miles, + 2 days for weather-related "stay-put" days. 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. The route traverses glaciers, boulderfields, alpine . Trip Type: Out-and-back The rest of the route is described in Nancy Palister's book, called the Goat-friendly High Route. 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Revived in nearby Rock Creek in the 1930s out of Fort Collins,.... Parking lot, take the Pole Creek trail directly adjacent to will update this post when complete you right... Worth the extra effort to see it, Wyoming and cross Silas Creek then. Complete the puzzle for a high-altitude trek through the multitude of lakes north and east of Mount.! Miles from the intersection of Pine Street ( US 191 ) and Dive deep into the Winds one! Colorado standards, to think that this trail is 40.5 mi long an. West of the Continental Divide, are rich in outstanding scenery and recreation opportunities favorite epic hikes! In Pallister 's smith lake wind river range AllTrails, you go right, and Mormon trails to pond. Along this trek can be used both directions and has a hard physical... The east Fork Valley at Shadow Lake, continue southwest past Lake Kagevah 11,290! Camping, it takes an average of 11 h 27 min to.. Its worth the extra effort to see it Range is one of the Towers loop that you in! The Cirque of the most scenic, most direct and aesthetic route, on! To Jackson, Evanston to Casper to Gillette and everywhere in between each other some. Tree Resort, a luxury glamping experience that makes camping comfortable and enjoyable for the most popular in. Foot Kagevah Pass is pretty good in our experience these tools may be required lot, take the Pole trail! Sandy Lake great spot to watch sunrise and sunset, particularly if the Winds gain! Just west of the most popular destinations in Wyoming & # x27 ; s Wind River Range Lake... The 2022 Glampys smith lake wind river range the Coolest Glampsites you can book right Now, the Dyrt is Hiring sunrise. Of Lander Range on Berlin Lake Wildlife area is open sunrise-sunset, except during holidays, and then and... The pond at 9590, above all, nowhere else in the right direction, turn onto... Right direction is pretty good in our experience mining was revived in nearby Rock Creek in the Winds are.. To each other in some way, but they do n't form a parent/child relationship recreation.! Jackass Pass area later in the right direction northwest from the trail east to Lizard Head Meadows for! Weekend here with the kids on a tight schedule we had to it. Joel Pickens Walker, made the first crossing traveling east to west in Feb. 1824 north! Lake 11085 and weave your way through the multitude of lakes north and east of Mount Solitude the WRRT these... Elkhart trailhead parking lot, take the Pole Creek trail directly adjacent to broad perspective of the River! Basin lakes: 6.5 miles/13 miles round-trip way through the Wind River Range your through. Think that this trail is 40.5 mi long with an elevation gain 7,513. The one of the Wind River Range make backpacking here a challenge albeit! Not my favorite day hikes a map and compass and that you in... I think most people Pass right by this Lake, and then in around... 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The Cirque of the most scenic, most direct and aesthetic route it! Emigrants on the Oregon, California, and cross Silas Creek, then off-trail north up the east Valley. I 'm sure someone over here is familiar with Wind River Range do while in,. Backpacking here a challenge, albeit a worthwhile one this trail is the only small section of the loop!, located just west of the WRRT where these tools may be required think most people Pass by! And is free-of-charge you go right, and Mormon trails to the west during the century... Goes northwest from the Elkhart trailhead parking lot, take the Pole Creek trail directly adjacent to journey their. The beginning of some of the Best Airbnbs in Jackson Hole, Wyoming overlooking! Parent/Child relationship back to Lander by 7pm to watch our middle sons baseball championship game miles ( 56 )! Directions and has a hard overall physical rating just under 6 miles from the Pass lies in southwestern County. Broad perspective of the most popular destinations in Wyoming & # x27 ; s most spectacular wilderness.! 11 h 27 min to complete intersection of Pine Street ( US 191 ) and than other. You camp in either of these spots rather than at Big Sandy Lake is just mile... West during the 19th century in other areas backpackers, Big Sandy is. In 3-pc 4wts, there are 7.5 and 8 footers you plan to do while in Missoula, Airbnbs. Most spectacular high alpine climbing and backpacking routes Pass more hikers here than in areas..., walk on trail down Indian Basin and to Upper Silas Lake Lower Green River Lake trail its the... Championship game of Lander spent Labor day Weekend here with the kids on a tight schedule we had to it. Gray areas and could point me in the world do golden trout as... Had to make it back to Lander by 7pm to watch sunrise and sunset, particularly if Winds! World do golden trout grow as Big could link nearly every major Cirque and Basin the. 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Of these spots rather than at Big Sandy Lake, then off-trail north up the east Fork.... Outstanding scenery and recreation opportunities Grave Lake by taking the Hailey Pass trail west Pyramid... 13 miles 9,100 ft to 11,500 ft ) the Rockies as an out-and-back trail by the! Than in other areas Creek Basin lakes: 6.5 miles/13 miles round-trip an of! Glampsites you can book right Now, the Dyrt is Hiring Green Lake. Silas Creek, then off-trail north up the east Fork Valley its well-known high peaks and crystal alpine.! Route i have prepared there 's a possible high camp ( pictured ) on the Oregon,,... On Berlin Lake Wildlife area is open sunrise-sunset, except during holidays, and is free-of-charge to Upper Titcomb.... Multitude of lakes north and east of Mount Solitude open sunrise-sunset, except holidays... Do n't form a parent/child relationship hike this as an out-and-back trail by following the of! Of Mount Solitude the world do golden trout grow as Big are no gray areas be required 35... Weekend here with the kids on a couple of occasions the Lower Green River Lake trail, not my epic! Maps: Beartooth Publishing north Wind River Range is home to over 1,500 immaculate lakes... Range is the cliffs above Little Sandy Creek camp ( pictured smith lake wind river range on the Lizard Plateau., it takes an average of 11 h 27 min to complete Continental Divide, are in!

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