Also, this section is described in Pallister's book. It is a beautiful lake! The quick-and-easy trail slowly gains elevation until you reach Rainbow Lake. Nothing against Iowa, but I consider this one of the greatest gifts my parents have given me. 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. Pinedale, Wyoming Abiqua Falls is a hidden treasure within the forested trenches of the western Cascades. 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. The section from Big Sandy Lake to the Cirque of the Towers will be the busiest part of the entire WRRT. Books and maps can be purchased here. 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. . 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. You can find her on Instagram at @aka_dmoney. Given the easy elevation gain and well maintained trail, this is a great choice for families. These are handy for seeing the entire range, possible alternate . It was designated as a U.S. National Historic Landmark on January 20, 1961. When I was just 3 years old, my parents moved us from Iowa to Lander, Wyoming. Although it gets spotty between Deep Lake and Clear Lake, you can't really get lost; just head north down the granite slabs to the east end of Clear Lake. For a while we were losing so much eleveation I thought we might have taken a wrong turn. Trip Type: Out-and-back Jedediah Smith's party, part of Ashley's Hundred, made the first crossing traveling east to west in Feb. 1824. 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. The range is also home to some of North America's largest glaciers. We've spent the last week exploring the Wind River Range around Pinedale, WY. From this saddle, both East Temple and Temple Peaks are worthwhile side trips. However, for the most scenic, most direct and aesthetic route, walk on trail down Indian Basin and to Upper Titcomb Basin. Call 307.438.970 or Email windrivershuttle@gmail.com to Book For point-to-point trips, we recommend we meet you at your take-out point and we shuttle you to your start location. Visit, or enjoy even a single hike in Wind River Country and youll understand why its such a great gift to live here. Allrightsreserved. From Baptiste Lake, head due east for approximately 1.5 miles, then north to the upper Grave Creek Cirque. After passage of the Pacific Telegraph Act of 1860, South Pass Station was established in 1861, at Last Crossing on the Sweetwater River. 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. Why you should go: Explore one of the Winds most popular trails to reach Big Sandy Lake. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. It is overused and the alpine tundra is fragile. Clear Lake is a great spot to watch sunrise and sunset, particularly if the winds are calm. The Wind River Range is home to thousands of lakes and ponds, with an appealing mix of golden, brook, rainbow, and cutthroat trout. You'll touch the east shore of Lonesome Lake, and follow the trail east to Lizard Head Meadows. My name is Shelli Johnson, and I love to hike. Outside of the Sierras, Wyoming's Wind River Range is home to the West's best golden trout fishing. In fact, my most epic day hike in the Wind River Range was on my birthday one year. Its also a great camping destination. "Follow your dreams, You can reach your goals, I'm living proof! 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 the plateau northwest all the way to Lake 10528 in Stough Creek Basin. From Upper Golden, head north up to Lake 10787, the east down the slopes, and then north to Camp Lake. Continue straight onto the Green River Lakes Road for 18.5 miles. Also in 1835, Thomas Fitzpatrick led Protestant missionaries Samuel Parker and Dr. Marcus Whitman across the pass. Twelve lakes were within the Tayo, Deep, and Ice creek drainages in the Wind River Peak area, and one along the mainstem Middle Fork Popo Agie River. The route traverses glaciers, boulderfields, alpine . 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. As with Titcomb Basin, snowpack is often the determining factor in how early or late in the season you should aim to start your trip. Take a left onto Fish Hatchery Road. Another mile or mile and a half up the trail, you see a cairn and hear Silas Creek to your right. Continue northwest up the basin towards Lake 10,756, which is directly south of Hay Pass. 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. [2][9], Wyoming Highway 28 traverses the modern pass, roughly following the route of the Oregon Trail. The trails of the Wind River Range begin at a higher elevation than other ranges throughout the Mountain West. The Wind River Range has endless opportunities for backcountry camping each more beautiful and peaceful than the last. Rainbow Lake is a popular fishing destination, so hikers typically bring along fishing poles to spend a relaxing afternoon on the water. Why you should go: Dive deep into the Winds to gain views of its well-known high peaks and crystal alpine lakes. Composed mostly of National Forest land and the Wind River Reservation, the Winds are protected by three quarters of a million acres of public lands. For rods, I prefer 3 piece bamboo when backpacking. I'm sure someone over here is familiar with Wind River Range hikes and could point me in the right direction. We released them all, but it was quite a day. _The Peak Lake Area. 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. Reaching the pass on 8 Aug. 1842, Fremont wrote, "The ascent had been so gradual, that, with all the intimate knowledge possessed by Carson, who had made the country his home for seventeen years, we were obliged to watch very closely to find the place at which we had reached the culminating point." The Dyrt PRO lets you download maps and campgrounds without cell service. Hidden Lake can be reached by bushwacking 2 miles from Ross Lake. Once on the trail, consider spending the first night at Hobbs Lake or Seneca Lake and progressing on to Island Lake for the second. 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. Brother Benny overlooking Harrower Peak and Indian Basin on our second day in the Wind Rivers. Continue climbing northeast, and ascend the south slopes of Atlantic Peak (class 2). After about 1.2 miles, among a few small tarns above the basin floor, cut north to Split Mountain Pass. It is non-technical, but may require technical gear in early-season. From Upper Silas. It is apparent on topo maps, and there is a stream that follows it and drops to the creek. Stretching over 100 miles along the Continental Divide, the Wind River Range in Wyoming is an oft-missed treasure trove for backcountry exploration. [5]:110,113[4]:158, In 1842, John C. Fremont led a United States Army Corps of Topographical Engineers expedition to survey South Pass. Gold mining was revived in nearby Rock Creek in the 1930s. Ashley subsequently established the first Rocky Mountain Rendezvous in 1825. This is rated as class 2-3 by Pallister. On day 2 we started out from Twin lakes and bushwacked our . Mosquitoes are treacherous here in the Winds during the warmer months. . The area between the lakes is blessed with many fine . Setting out from the Smith Lake Trailhead, the Dickson Park to Middle Lake Hike crosses a bridge over an . Denver's central location makes it easy to get the most out of the Rocky Mountain West. It is fine country to wander through. On Lizard Head Plateau. Almost to the top of the tall mountain, Jerry remarked he wished I would have asked for expensive jewelry instead. Dont let the length of the Big Sandy Lake Trail deter you! Book a Tour. Be sure to check area regulations prior to setting out, as campfires and campsites are restricted throughout the basin to help protect the wilderness area. The Pass lies in southwestern Fremont County, approximately 35 miles (56km) SSW of Lander. 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. Higher altitude also means more inclement and unpredictable weather. The town of Pinedale is the gateway into many of the Wind River trailheads. The Sweetwater River flows past the east side of the pass, and Pacific Creek rises on the west side. 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. Trip Type: Loop The Highline Trail begins at the campground and follows most of the length of the Wind River Range, 80 miles to the south. 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