smith lake wind river range

Island Lake, Wind River Range, Wyoming, 1861. The rest of the route is described in Nancy Palister's book, called the Goat-friendly High Route. Justin Glass at a small tarn in the upper valley of Middle Fork Lake on the Wind River High Route, Wyoming. You end at the Green River Lakes Trailhead, only 1.5 hours from Pinedale, WY. Explore the numerous lakes in the area. The Wind River Range of Wyoming is a spectacular section of the Rocky Mountains. It is unfortunately missed by most traverses of the range. Check Out Our Perks and Open Positions, Lets Get Spooky! " Joan Pendleton OpenMapTiles OSM 36.2 Miles Point to Point 11,075' High 7,641' Low 5,946' Up 5,973' Down 6% Avg Grade (4) 52% Max Grade (28) Toolbox Plan in onX Backcountry The Wind River Range is one of America's most spectacular wilderness ranges. The Big Piney Ranger District hosts a wide variety of cultural and natural history, recreational opportunities, timber, range, mineral reserves, and wildlife. Trailhead Start: Elkhart Park Updated October 25, 2021. roanoke virginia blue ridge mountains peaks of otter From Wykee Lake, travel 1 mile (on-trail) west to the south shore of Sonnicant Lake. The 2022 Glampys: The Coolest Glampsites You Can Book Right Now, The Dyrt Is Hiring! Given the easy elevation gain and well maintained trail, this is a great choice for families. True happiness in the Cirque of the Towers. I think most people pass right by this lake, enroute to Upper Silas Lake. 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. 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). . The range spans over 100 miles running roughly from Jackson, WY at its northwest edge, to Atlantic City, WY at its south eastern terminus. Few places in North America are as staggeringly beautiful as Titcomb Basin and Island Lake. 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. Hike along the eastern ramps and shore of this lake (it is reported that the going is toughest at the beginning southeast end). This will avoid creating a new social trail that leads hikers astray. AREA MAPS: Beartooth Publishing North Wind River Range. Sprawled in the shadow of 14,115-foot Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs is the type of city that boasts the best of all worlds. Why you should go: Discover a hidden treasure while enjoying sweeping views along the Slide Lake Trail. The terrain and elevation of the Wind River Range make backpacking here a challenge, albeit a worthwhile one. 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). While the trip offers a number of different arrangements depending on how long you make it, the recommended path includes starting from the Elkhart Park Trailhead, which is located just a two-hour drive from Jackson. Only the off-trail option is doable as a day hike (shown on a map in Pallister's book). 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. Its recommended for the Cirque of the Towers loop that you bring a map and compass and that you know how to use them. 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. Upper Silas Lake offers great fishing. Trailhead Start: Elkhart Park Both areas, located just west of the Continental Divide, are rich in outstanding scenery and recreation opportunities. 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 Slide Lake Trail is a wonderful, well-maintained trail thats the perfect addition to any adventure itinerary. The foreground streaks in from the right front of the canvas, a rocky outcropping with trees, some fallen, and verdant grasses invite the viewer into the painting to take a moment before looking out over the edge of the cliff into the vast wilderness. Continue straight onto the Green River Lakes Road for 18.5 miles. From the peak, descend west to the saddle, and northeast down the valley (cirque) to a group of lakes, one of which is Windy Lake. In 1884, Emile Granier, a French mining engineer, established a hydraulic mining operation that allowed gold mining to continue. The large amount of elevation gain is absolutely worth the trek. You end up where Palister calls "Shangri-La." 2022 Best Places to Camp: Top 10 in the U.S. Thats another story. Trail, USFS - Bridger Teton National Forest Office, improvements The range is also home to some of North America's largest glaciers. ), But I digress. Note that on AllTrails, you can hike this as an out-and-back trail by following the Lower Green River Lake Trail. It is apparent on topo maps, and there is a stream that follows it and drops to the creek. The archery range on Berlin Lake Wildlife Area is open sunrise-sunset, except during holidays, and is free-of-charge. All Rights Reserved. Hi. As far as camping, it sounds like you could potentially camp anywhere along this section. In 1841, Fitzpatrick led the Bartleson-Bidwell Party across the pass, the first wagon train. After about 1.2 miles, among a few small tarns above the basin floor, cut north to Split Mountain Pass. There is apparently a non-technical route that goes northwest from the pond that traverses the cliffs above Little Sandy Creek. Just continue north to shallow and picturesque Hay Pass. Hosting 100+ miles of the Continental Divide Trail and astounding mountain scenery, Wyomings Wind River Range offers more to explore beyond the Tetons, Medicine Bows, and Yellowstone National Park. Big Sandy - High use 11. The Wind River Range is home to thousands of lakes and ponds, with an appealing mix of golden, brook, rainbow, and cutthroat trout. The town of Pinedale is the gateway into many of the Wind River trailheads. Bear Lakes, although a short detour, look absolutely gorgeous. By Colorado standards, to think that this trail is the one of the most heavily-used in the entire range is. All of which means that Wind River Range backpacking is a must-do for anyone serious about getting outside. Lower Silas Lake: Its about 2 miles to Lower Silas Lake, 4 miles roundtrip. Neither of the trailheads that I've used to get into the Winds have fishable lakes within a reasonable distance for a day hike, except maybe for someone in really good shape that would consider a poor trail and 5-8 miles each way a day hike. After approximately 2 miles, branch off to the right and ascend for 1 mile to Baptiste Lake. Almost to the top of the tall mountain, Jerry remarked he wished I would have asked for expensive jewelry instead. 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. Though it approaches a mile and a half high, South Pass is the lowest point on the Continental Divide between the Central and Southern Rocky Mountains. 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. 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 placer gold in the streams was exhausted quickly, however, and by 1870 the miners began leaving the region. 2023WindRiverVisitorsCouncil. The town of Pinedale is the gateway into many of the Wind River trailheads. On day 2 we started out from Twin lakes and bushwacked our . 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. Outside of the Sierras, Wyoming's Wind River Range is home to the West's best golden trout fishing. Groups must stay under 15 people. From the Elkhart trailhead parking lot, take the Pole Creek Trail directly adjacent to the restroom. The Wind River Range has endless opportunities for backcountry camping each more beautiful and peaceful than the last. 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. The Pass lies in southwestern Fremont County, approximately 35 miles (56 km) SSW of Lander . 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. 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.". 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. But what does that really mean? 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. Box 925 This picture is property of http://jessiestrails.blogspot.com, Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem Adventure Traverse (GREAT), Images Higher altitude also means more inclement and unpredictable weather. 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. Pinedale, Wyoming Hike through forest and up the rolling trail for about another mile before arriving at Upper Silas Lake. wildflowers, Big Sandy Lake, Wind River range, WY. The Jean Lakes are a long day hike from Titcomb Basin via the Highline Trail. Drop down to Lake 10,566 and follow the East Fork River and pick up the same trail (from Pyramid Lake) further down at Skull Lake.] Pick up all dog waste as well as any human trash. No matter what you call it, this trail is undeniably beautiful. After passage of the Pacific Telegraph Act of 1860, South Pass Station was established in 1861, at Last Crossing on the Sweetwater River. Denver's central location makes it easy to get the most out of the Rocky Mountain West. Judging from a recent picture, it may go, but only in late summer. Headwaters of the Green River | Tuesday - Saturday, August 17-21, 2021. The Wind River Range is home to over 1,500 immaculate alpine lakes. Wind River Range Plan with onX Backcountry " Visit the forests and creeks, and high alpine dotted with lakes, on this Wind River Range backpacking tour. Its a pretty mountain lake that we always seem to have to ourselves. Clear Lake is a great spot to watch sunrise and sunset, particularly if the winds are calm. Although the Wind River Range is not quite as tall on average as the Rockies, altitude is still a major consideration for backpackers and hikers alike, particularly at elevations above 9,000 feet. Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. 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. _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. . . Mileage: 17 miles RT As mentioned earlier, there are plenty of alpine lakes to go around this beautiful mountain range, creating world-renowned fly fishing. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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." (1), Comments Earthwalk Press North Wind River Range. To create a loop, youll just want to follow the Lakeside Trail back to the trailhead. Joel Pickens Walker, and his wife Mary Young Walker, made the journey with their four children. My alternative to using pro would be to drive back out to cell service. 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. Half Moon Lake - Low use 7. From Grave Lake by taking the Hailey Pass trail west to Pyramid Lake, then off-trail north up the East Fork Valley. Additional Read: The 11 Best Airbnbs Near Grand Teton National Park. Seven Nights in the Wind River Range: Visiting the Popo Agie Wilderness of the Shoshone National Forest, and Catching Cutthroat Trout and Brook Trout by the Score. 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. All of the areas I missed are accessible by reasonable day hikes off the WRRT, with the exception of the Northeast corner of the Range around Ross Lakes. In 5wts, there are 7.5, 8 and 8.5 footers. 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. Go south up the glacier to the top of Indian Pass. Earthwalk Press publishes two Wind River Range overview maps (one for the northern part of the range, and another for the southern portion). It contains 449,000 acres of snow-capped mountain peaks, lush vegetation and clear mountain lakes and streams. The Dyrt PRO lets you download maps and campgrounds without cell service. The best route from Baker Lake to Bear Lake is described in Pallister's book, and also Matt Lemke's excellent trip report. 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. From Middle Fork Lake, it is approximately 2 trailless miles to Hall's Lake. Weve caught a lot of brook trout here, nothing big, but the catching is pretty good in our experience. The pass is a broad open saddle with prairie and sagebrush, allowing a broad and nearly level route between the Atlantic and Pacific watersheds. Trip Type: Loop From here, there is a maintained trail all the way to Big Sandy Lake. The historic pass became the route for emigrants on the Oregon, California, and Mormon trails to the West during the 19th century. You can learn more about our editorial policies here. The Wind Rivers humbly hide 30 peaks over 13,000 feet, including Wyomings tallest mountain Gannett Peak. Above treeline no trail has been worn, but you can follow cairns across the windswept plateau. The gold rush led to the establishment of booming mining communities, such as South Pass City and Atlantic City. A river, that appears to drop into an unseen . Grand River and Spring Valley . Burnt Lake - Low use 8. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. Mileage: 29-30 miles RT It offers panoramic views and excellent backcountry camping without the heavy mileage of its longer cousin. Looks like a cool hike though! You can find directions easily from guidebooks. Feb 6, 2017. I have crafted this route to be the boldest and most challenging trek ever proposed in the Wind Rivers. by Daniell LaFleur Camping along this trek can be found at Shadow Lake, and then in and around the Jackass Pass area later in the trip. After nearly 6 miles, turn right onto WY-352 for 25.3 miles.

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