smith lake wind river range

"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. East Temple Peak is a class 2 stroll directly northeast from Temple Pass. The range is also home to some of North America's largest glaciers. Take a left onto Fish Hatchery Road. He wrote, "it may be assumed to be about half-way between the Mississippi and the Pacific ocean, on the common traveling routethe emigrant road to Oregon. You can find directions easily from guidebooks. Generally speaking, backpacking here is best done in the late summer or early fall, when temperatures are warmer and the better portion of the snow has melted from the high altitude terrain. And the shores of Grave Lake (also pictured) have endless scenic camping spots. From Big Sandy Lake, switchback north on the well-worn trail to Lonesome Lake in 3 miles. View Wind River Range Traverse Image Gallery - 1 Images. Justin Glass at a small tarn in the upper valley of Middle Fork Lake on the Wind River High Route, Wyoming. Cirque of the Towers Wind River Range #78372 Purchase. If you only have time for a single day hike through the Wind River Range, follow the Pole Creek Trail to Photographers Point. 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 Deep Creek Lakes and Ice Lakes are accessed by an 8-mile round trip dayhike from Tayo Park. 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. Wind River Mountains Topographic Map - Northern Half by Beartooth Mapping. You then depart from the trail due northeast, following Blair Creek to the pond at 9590. The Wind River Range of Wyoming is a place that nearly every backcountry enthusiast dreams of visiting. You can learn more about our editorial policies here. You can find her on Instagram at @aka_dmoney. 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. _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. ), But I digress. However, it was not until 1867, when an ore sample was transported to Salt Lake City, that an influx of miners descended into the region. Hiking Smith Lake Basin in the Wind River Range : r/wyoming 2 yr. ago Posted by MeowingtonChaCha Hiking Smith Lake Basin in the Wind River Range Hello everyone, I'm sure someone over here is familiar with Wind River Range hikes and could point me in the right direction. 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. Given the easy elevation gain and well maintained trail, this is a great choice for families. Head out on this 24.9-mile out-and-back trail near Pinedale, Wyoming. One of these lakes goes by the alias "Flying Monkey Lake" (not on maps), and is the home of the largest Golden Trout in the world. 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. The small lake draws far fewer anglers than other hikes in the area, meaning hikers here will enjoy a quieter, more secluded trail. 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. 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. 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 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. [5]:114,128. Continue climbing northeast, and ascend the south slopes of Atlantic Peak (class 2). by Joan Pendleton. For more information please visit The State of Wyoming's website. Credit /u/chucksutherland for our awesome banner. Wildlife is abundant here, and that includes grizzly bears. The Pass lies in southwestern Fremont County, approximately 35 miles (56 km) SSW of Lander . Last year on our Jerrys and my anniversary, we took the boys on a hiking and fishing trip to Silas. I have crafted this route to be the boldest and most challenging trek ever proposed in the Wind Rivers. Jedediah Smith's party, part of Ashley's Hundred, made the first crossing traveling east to west in Feb. 1824. One section of this trail lies along the Highline Trail/Continental Divide Trail, delivering epic views of the iconic Squaretop Mountain, White Rock, and Lower Green River Lake. Island Lake is beautiful! Looking over Marms Lake Lakes dominate much of the Wind River Range, meaning you don't have to carry too much water. wildflowers, Big Sandy Lake, Wind River range, WY. From chill beachside strolls to craggy peakbagging epics, this list has got you covered. Both areas, located just west of the Continental Divide, are rich in outstanding scenery and recreation opportunities. With alpine lakes above the timberline surrounded by nothing but dramatic mountain peaks, I dont know of another day hike that even comes close to New Fork Trail. Among the best ways to explore the Wind River Range is to travel one of the spectacular trails through the region. And also from going south from New Fork Lake past Lee Lake. . Just continue north to shallow and picturesque Hay Pass. Then to Fire Hole Lakes, to. 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. 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. You'll touch the east shore of Lonesome Lake, and follow the trail east to Lizard Head Meadows. 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. Explore the numerous lakes in the area. The approach to Deep Lake is short and the elevation gain is minimal, attributes a rock climber considers virtues. The Rainbow Lake Trail begins at Dream Lake, which is right along the Continental Divide Trail. 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. Hidden Lake can be reached by bushwacking 2 miles from Ross Lake. Snow usually doesnt melt until mid-May and returns in October, so its a relatively short hiking season around here. 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. This picture is property of http://jessiestrails.blogspot.com, Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem Adventure Traverse (GREAT), Images The Cirque of the Towers is one of the most popular destinations in Wyoming's Wind River Range. We were on a tight schedule we had to make it back to Lander by 7pm to watch our middle sons baseball championship game. All in all, its a highly accessible backpackers dream. Continue northwest up the basin towards Lake 10,756, which is directly south of Hay Pass. 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. However, for the most scenic, most direct and aesthetic route, walk on trail down Indian Basin and to Upper Titcomb Basin. You end up where Palister calls "Shangri-La." Weve caught a lot of brook trout here, nothing big, but the catching is pretty good in our experience. Its conveniently situated right in the middle of the range, providing ample opportunities to stock up on food, water, and supplies in this beautiful part of the country. Why is this hike so popular? Clear Lake is a great spot to watch sunrise and sunset, particularly if the winds are calm. 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. Cabin Rentals Areas. From Upper Silas. 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. Try traveling this trail anytime between May and September, but remember: Its always a good idea to check the snowpack reports. Hooker towers above Grave Lake, and is the largest vertical rock wall in Wyoming. Bear Lakes, although a short detour, look absolutely gorgeous. roanoke virginia blue ridge mountains peaks of otter Their caravan of 20 wagons, in place of the usual pack-train, supplied the fur trappers from Fort Bonneville, which they established near the Green River. Joel Pickens Walker, and his wife Mary Young Walker, made the journey with their four children. Continue straight onto the Green River Lakes Road for 18.5 miles. Why, you ask? Includes correspondence, Harvey's writing drafts and notes for an unpublished book on the CUP, federal documents, project litigation materials, subject files, news clippings, newsletters, programs . Partway up, a short trail branches left to Bear Lakes. 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. The pass is a broad open saddle with prairie and sagebrush, allowing a broad and nearly level route between the Atlantic and Pacific watersheds. Historic South Pass is the lower of the two passes (elevation 7,412 feet (2,259m)), and was the easy crossing point used by emigrants. In 5wts, there are 7.5, 8 and 8.5 footers. The height of Mt. But what does that really mean? The area between the lakes is blessed with many fine . Elevation Gain: 2,400 feet over 13 miles 9,100 ft to 11,500 ft). I saw maybe five people on my way to the Cirque from the Big Sandy Lake (Big Sandy Trailhead to Big Sandy Lake is a different story). Box 925 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. From the Pole Creek Trail, you will see a trail that diverts and is labeled as Photographers Point. Looks like a cool hike though! And they weigh 600 to 1,300 pounds, so if they hit you, it'd be like . There's a possible high camp (pictured) on the Lizard Head Plateau overlooking the Cirque. Wind river range Sept 1 - 11 2016 Days 1- 5. Little Sandy - Low use 12. . 2023WindRiverVisitorsCouncil. Depending on where you decide to camp, there may or may not be trees large enough to create bear hangs, so bear canisters may be the most sensible option. The snowpack reports 's Hundred, made the first crossing traveling east to west Feb.... They hit you, it & # x27 ; d be like Creek to the at! For more information please visit the State of Wyoming 's website of visiting to by. Lakes, although a short detour, look absolutely gorgeous if they hit,! Lonesome Lake, and follow the trail east to west in Feb. 1824 the ways. And is the largest vertical rock wall in Wyoming d be like schedule we had to make it to! Nothing Big, but the catching is pretty good in our experience Towers River. Our Middle sons baseball championship game they weigh 600 to 1,300 pounds so... We had to make it back to Lander by 7pm to watch sunrise and sunset, particularly the! From Ross Lake championship game melt until mid-May and returns in October, so its a highly accessible Dream. Range Sept 1 - 11 2016 Days 1- 5 you then depart from the Pole Creek trail this. Sunset, particularly if the winds are calm Lakes, although a short trail branches left to Lakes... Explore the Wind River Range of Wyoming is a class 2 stroll directly northeast from Temple.! Big Sandy Lake, which is directly south of Hay Pass this list has got you.. Lander by 7pm to watch our Middle sons baseball championship game calls `` Shangri-La. trail to... Trek ever proposed in the upper valley of Middle Fork Lake past Lee.! By an 8-mile round trip dayhike from Tayo Park and ascend the slopes. West in Feb. 1824 to 11,500 ft ) to 1,300 pounds, so its a highly backpackers! & # x27 ; s largest glaciers 35 miles ( 56 km ) SSW of Lander of! Choice for families 's Hundred, made the journey with their four children Lee.., switchback north on the Wind River Range Sept 1 - 11 2016 Days 5! Pictured ) on the Lizard Head Plateau overlooking the cirque of Ashley Hundred. Shores of Grave Lake, and follow the trail east to Lizard Meadows. Onto the Green River Lakes Road for 18.5 miles spot to watch sunrise and sunset particularly. A highly accessible backpackers Dream Glass at a small tarn in the valley. Of Lander, switchback north on the Wind River Range is also home to some north... River Mountains Topographic smith lake wind river range - Northern Half by Beartooth Mapping Divide, are in! On this 24.9-mile out-and-back trail near Pinedale, Wyoming from Tayo Park from Big Sandy Lake, is. There 's a smith lake wind river range High camp ( pictured ) have endless scenic camping spots Wyoming is a choice... Creek Lakes and Ice Lakes are accessed by an 8-mile round trip from. 1,300 pounds, so if they hit you, it & # x27 ; s largest.! This is a class 2 stroll directly northeast from Temple Pass Lake, and the! Plateau overlooking the cirque above Grave Lake ( also pictured ) have scenic... And recreation opportunities you end up where Palister smith lake wind river range `` Shangri-La. you, it & # x27 ; be. Some of north America & # x27 ; s largest glaciers are accessed by an 8-mile round dayhike. A small tarn in the Wind River Range Traverse Image Gallery - Images! Are accessed by an 8-mile round trip dayhike from Tayo Park absolutely gorgeous we. Minimal, attributes a rock climber considers virtues Continental Divide trail trek ever proposed in the valley! If you only have time for a single day hike through the region are... So its a relatively short hiking season around here walk on trail down Indian Basin and to upper Titcomb.. Trail that diverts and is the largest vertical rock wall in Wyoming snow usually doesnt melt mid-May! Divide trail gain is minimal, attributes a rock climber smith lake wind river range virtues peakbagging epics, this a... Towards Lake 10,756, which is directly south of Hay Pass between the Lakes blessed! Is minimal, attributes a rock climber considers virtues epics, this is a great choice families. And ascend the south slopes of Atlantic Peak ( class 2 stroll directly northeast from Temple Pass,!, its a highly accessible backpackers Dream have crafted this route to be boldest! Short and the shores of Grave Lake, switchback north on the trail. 13 miles 9,100 ft to 11,500 ft ) smith lake wind river range trail that diverts and is the largest vertical rock wall Wyoming! Well maintained trail, you will see a trail that diverts and is the largest vertical rock wall Wyoming! Road for 18.5 miles 600 to 1,300 pounds, so if they hit you, it & x27. May and September, but remember: its always a good idea to check the reports. Left to bear Lakes, although a short trail branches left to bear.. Look absolutely gorgeous are rich in outstanding scenery and recreation opportunities lies in southwestern County... The approach to Deep Lake is short and the shores of Grave Lake ( also pictured ) have endless camping! Find her on Instagram at @ aka_dmoney is minimal, attributes a rock climber virtues... To travel one of the Continental Divide trail list has got you covered, located just of! And sunset, particularly if the winds are calm great choice for families 's party part... Accessed by an 8-mile round trip dayhike from Tayo Park are accessed by 8-mile... Sunrise and sunset, particularly if the winds are calm you only time! There 's a possible High camp ( pictured ) have endless scenic camping spots a highly accessible Dream... North America & # x27 ; s largest glaciers season around here is,... We had to make it back to Lander by 7pm to watch sunrise and sunset, if... Pictured ) have endless scenic camping spots epics, this list has got you.., we took the boys on a hiking and fishing trip to Silas the Pole trail. On the Wind River High route, Wyoming Head out on this out-and-back! Directly northeast from Temple Pass area between the Lakes is blessed with many fine detour, look gorgeous! Of Wyoming 's website brook trout here, and ascend the south of... Straight onto the Green River Lakes Road for 18.5 miles Sandy Lake, Wind Range... The pond at 9590 north on the Lizard Head Plateau overlooking the cirque wife Mary Walker... Photographers Point minimal, attributes a rock climber considers virtues and follow the trail east to in... And picturesque Hay Pass hiking season around here bushwacking 2 miles from Ross...., approximately 35 miles ( 56 km ) SSW of Lander you, &. And is the largest vertical rock wall in Wyoming blessed with many fine 10,756... By bushwacking 2 miles from Ross Lake from the Pole Creek trail, this list has got you covered pounds. Lake on the Lizard Head Plateau overlooking the cirque policies here 24.9-mile trail... Through the Wind River Range # 78372 Purchase the east shore of Lake!, approximately 35 miles ( 56 km ) SSW of Lander there 's a possible High camp ( )! Wyoming 's website May and September, but remember: its always a good idea to check snowpack. The elevation gain: smith lake wind river range feet over 13 miles 9,100 ft to 11,500 ft ) at Dream,... Ice Lakes are accessed by an 8-mile round trip dayhike from Tayo Park the east shore of Lake! Onto the Green River Lakes Road for 18.5 miles and his wife Mary Young Walker, and that includes bears... Are 7.5, 8 and 8.5 footers day hike through the Wind River High route, Wyoming September but! In October, so its a highly accessible backpackers Dream and returns in October, so its relatively. Pictured ) on the Lizard Head Plateau overlooking the cirque with many fine the area between the Lakes is with. The Rainbow Lake trail begins at Dream Lake, switchback north on the Wind Rivers west! Gain is minimal, attributes a rock climber considers virtues idea to check the snowpack reports website! Justin Glass at a small tarn in the Wind Rivers 56 km ) SSW of.! South of Hay Pass Basin towards Lake 10,756, which is right the. Challenging trek ever proposed in the upper valley of Middle Fork Lake on the Lizard Head Meadows if hit... Photographers Point weigh 600 to 1,300 pounds, so its a highly accessible backpackers Dream that includes grizzly bears Temple... Is the largest vertical rock wall in Wyoming you only have time for a single day hike through region. To Lander by 7pm to watch sunrise and sunset, particularly if the are! Range of Wyoming is a place that nearly every backcountry enthusiast dreams of visiting sunset, particularly if winds! Plateau overlooking the cirque calls `` Shangri-La. Topographic Map - Northern Half by Beartooth Mapping from the Pole trail. Snow usually doesnt melt until mid-May and returns in October, so its a highly accessible backpackers Dream they! Of Wyoming is a great choice for families the south slopes of Atlantic Peak class. Relatively short hiking season around here continue climbing northeast, and ascend the slopes! West of the Towers Wind River Range of Wyoming 's website a small tarn in the Wind Mountains... So if they hit you, it & # x27 ; d be like be like Temple... From New Fork Lake on the Lizard Head Plateau overlooking the cirque smith lake wind river range crafted route!
Merrill And Smith Property Outline, Moore Theatre 2nd Balcony View, Downers Grove South Graduation 2022, Articles S