smith lake wind river range

Mileage: 17 miles RT An easy six mile hike to Big Sandy Lake provides spectacular views along the way. Every off-trail route, mountain pass, and glacier traverse along this route is detailed in the fine guidebooks I've had the pleasure of studying. You'll end up a mile down the road from the parking area for the Bears Ears Trail. Wind River Backcountry Rock Location Wind River Range Season Summer - Fall Difficulty Moderate - Hard Duration 5 - 7 Days 1 2 Overview Jackson Hole Mountain Guides have been climbing in the Winds for decades, and have racked up an impressive list of ascents of many of their finest routes. From this lake, continue southwest past Lake Kagevah to 11,290 foot Kagevah Pass. Boulder Lake-High use 9. You'll want to bring your friends and family to experience the sheer quantity (and quality) of scenic, unbeatable camping across Sublette County. Visiting the Space Needle, exploring Pike Place Market, and touring the old underground city are staples on any Seattle trip, but youll need your hiking boots to discover the areas most majestic attractions. 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. Wind River Range Backpacking Video. According to Pallister, the safest way down is on the Glacier, instead of traversing the surrounding cliffs. From Wykee Lake, travel 1 mile (on-trail) west to the south shore of Sonnicant Lake. Why you should go: Explore one of the Winds most popular trails to reach Big Sandy Lake. It is a beautiful lake! The height of Mt. 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 2022 Glampys: The Coolest Glampsites You Can Book Right Now, The Dyrt Is Hiring! The Bear's Ears Trail continues down the stream's west bank (headed north) and climbs west and descends to Grave Lake. Cabin Rentals Areas. Once on the trail, consider spending the first night at Hobbs Lake or Seneca Lake and progressing on to Island Lake for the second. Mosquitoes are treacherous here in the Winds during the warmer months. 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. 97. 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. 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. by Daniell LaFleur 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. 18.4 mi / 2280 ft gain The Wind River Range is one of the best backpacking + climbing wildernesses in the lower 48. After guiding several trips through the Western Slope Desert, Daniell fell in love with climbing desert towers and overnight canoe trips down the Colorado River. EXTREME WX CATEGORIES CITIES & VALUES: Temperature Dewpoint Heat Index Wind Wind Chill Pressure Pressure Change An extra day can be taken to climb Wind River Peak, the southernmost 13er in the range; definitely a worthy summit, with amazing views from what I've heard. Additional Read: The 11 Best Airbnbs Near Grand Teton National Park. - Marcel Proust Escape to a Random Place Discover Luzon Lake in Sullivan County, United States and Hilderbrand Lake in Wisconsin, United States . . It is unfortunately missed by most traverses of the range. Check the Map. The best time to visit the Titcomb Basin area is in the late summer, beginning in July and ending in late September. Approximately 4 miles south of Dubois, on Hwy 26/287. The Highline Trail begins at the campground and follows most of the length of the Wind River Range, 80 miles to the south. Wind River Mountains Topographic Map - Northern Half by Beartooth Mapping. Books and maps can be purchased here. 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. From Upper Golden, head north up to Lake 10787, the east down the slopes, and then north to Camp Lake. In addition to the 43,000-acres of lakes and reservoirs, and 2,000 miles of streams and rivers, including the 185-mile Wind River, there is an abundance of fish and a lack of people. Great news: Dads Lake is a dog-friendly trail, just be sure to bring a leash along. Its recommended for the Cirque of the Towers loop that you bring a map and compass and that you know how to use them. Groups must stay under 15 people. Do this route early morning to avoid afternoon storms. 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. We started at the St Lawerence ranger station and made our way to Twin Lakes for the first night. 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. 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. Bear Lakes, although a short detour, look absolutely gorgeous. Related: 10 of the Best Airbnbs in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. East Temple Peak is a class 2 stroll directly northeast from Temple Pass. Hi. If you're looking for day-hikes out of GRL, try Slide or even Valaite . A dazzling Wind River Range brook trout, courtesy of Finis Mitchell. Continue north to the head of Tourist Creek, and ascend northeast above lake 10890 all the way to the divide near Point 12450. . After passage of the Pacific Telegraph Act of 1860, South Pass Station was established in 1861, at Last Crossing on the Sweetwater River. The Wind River Range of Wyoming is a spectacular section of the Rocky Mountains. It was designated as a U.S. National Historic Landmark on January 20, 1961. When approaching from Temple Pass, avoid descending to Lake 10,839 by a messy traverse." THUMB LAKE: Its about 6 miles to Thumb lake from the trailhead, 12 miles roundtrip. South Pass was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961. From Big Sandy Lake, switchback north on the well-worn trail to Lonesome Lake in 3 miles. Also, this section is described in Pallister's book. Its worth sharing the trail with more hikers, though, as the dramatic peaks surrounding the Big Sandy Lake Trail will not disappoint! We've spent the last week exploring the Wind River Range around Pinedale, WY. This hike primary trail can be used both directions and has a hard overall physical rating. Explore the World. Pinedale, Wyoming Credit /u/chucksutherland for our awesome banner. And also from going south from New Fork Lake past Lee Lake. In 1841, Fitzpatrick led the Bartleson-Bidwell Party across the pass, the first wagon train. 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. It traverses northwest while staying high on the mountaintops. Lake, continue around the shore of Upper Silas Lake on a nice trail that winds up and through the forest for another 1.5 miles or so before reaching Island Lake. Odesa Ukraine The lake can produce some stunning reflections. SILAS CANYON (including Lower Silas Lake, Upper Silas Lake, Island Lake, and Thumb Lake), Trailhead: Christina Lake Trailhead, just past Fiddler Lake, when approaching from Lander, WY. Shelli Johnson, owner of Epic Life, is an entrepreneur, life and leadership coach, leadership development facilitator, keynote presenter, writer, adventurer and guide. AREA MAPS: Beartooth Publishing North Wind River Range. Stuart's "Travel Memorandum" was left with President James Madison, but the War of 1812 preempted western exploration. Though well known to Native Americans, South Pass was first traversed in 1812 by European American explorers who were seeking a safer way to return from the West Coast than they had taken to it. . Trip Type: Loop "[5]:112124, Stephen W. Kearny led the first military expedition to South Pass in 1845. First, I experienced some great fishing for Rainbows on Ross Lake (big rainbows)and cutties from Hidden Lake. She is married to Jerry, and is the mother of three sons, Wolf, Hayden, and Fin. Grand River and Spring Valley . From Grave Lake by taking the Hailey Pass trail west to Pyramid Lake, then off-trail north up the East Fork Valley. The Big Sandy Trailhead is the gateway to several popular backpacking trails, so you will pass more hikers here than in other areas. These walls certainly contain some of the most demanding rock climbs in the lower 48 states. While hiking here, its imperative to follow Leave No Trace principles to create a minimal impact on this wild terrain. I looked on AllTrails but couldn't find anything. To create a loop, youll just want to follow the Lakeside Trail back to the trailhead. 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. Hike through forest and up the rolling trail for about another mile before arriving at Upper Silas Lake. Also in 1835, Thomas Fitzpatrick led Protestant missionaries Samuel Parker and Dr. Marcus Whitman across the pass. 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. 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. Trail, USFS - Bridger Teton National Forest Office, improvements The connecting trail that completes the loop on the backside, near Texas Pass, is unmarked as an official trail, despite being well-trod for years, so navigating can occasionally become a bit tricky. The sight of the Continental Divide towering over the picturesque Dream Lake is fantastic, so plan to spend a few minutes here soaking in the views before you start your adventure. Trip Type: Out-and-back 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. Approaching a construction zone 20 minutes outside Pinedale, Wyoming a flagger stands between us, rotating his sign to "stop." 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. 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. You can learn more about our editorial policies, 10 of the Best Airbnbs in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, 11 Amazing Wyoming Cabin Rentals To Warm Your Soul, The 11 Best Airbnbs Near Grand Teton National Park, 12 Best Airbnbs in Wyoming for a Taste of the American West, 10 Free Things to Do in Colorado Springs, CO, The 15 Best Hikes Near Seattle, Washington, 7 Must-See Day Trips From Denver, Colorado, 9 Best Airbnbs & Vacation Rentals in Missoula, Montana, Black Tree Resort: Colorado Camping At Its Finest. 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 . Although the Wind River Range wilderness doesnt suffer from the overuse issues that the Sierras or Rockies do, its still important to exercise Leave No Trace principles, which include planning your trip ahead of time to make sure you understand the regulations related to garbage disposal, waste management and other matters. 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. Only Island Lake and Titcomb Basin come close in popularity. Following is a very short list of my personal favorite day hikes in Wind River Country: Trailhead: Glacier Trail. Perhaps the most beautiful section of the Traverse is the Northern section, so you would ascend back to the divide (and the Traverse) via Tourist Creek (this off-trail route is described in detail by Pallister and Kelsey). Temple Peak, the second-highest peak in the southern Wind River Range, is a class 3 scramble from the South Ridge route. 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. The archery range on Berlin Lake Wildlife Area is open sunrise-sunset, except during holidays, and is free-of-charge. 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. Stay right at the junction and continue. No matter what you call it, this trail is undeniably beautiful. The route down the glacier is detailed in Pallister's book, and unless you are slightly crazy, you should plan to carry some form of light crampons and an ice axe. By Colorado standards, to think that this trail is the one of the most heavily-used in the entire range is. I have crafted this route to be the boldest and most challenging trek ever proposed in the Wind Rivers. Check out more of our hiking guides featuring the most epic terrain in the Rocky Mountains: 14 Majestic Hikes in Glacier National Park, The 10 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, How to Spend One Day in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. For speedier backpackers, Big Sandy Lake is a popular camping spot just under 6 miles from the Big Sandy trailhead. The Wind River Roadless Area also lies within the Wind River Range. From Hall's Lake, travel west under the shadow of Horseshoe Ridge and north of Medina Mountain to Lake 10,542 (EC Lake) in Europe Canyon. [5]:110,113[4]:158, In 1842, John C. Fremont led a United States Army Corps of Topographical Engineers expedition to survey South Pass. She has had the privilege of working for Colorados most experienced climbing guide service as an Office & Marketing Manager and an Outdoor Climbing Guide. If you cant plan your trip in September, I recommend wearing long layers and applying a healthy dose of DEET. The rest of the route down to Scott Lake is also detailed in Pallister's Book. All are spread over three wilderness areas. However, I don't think that style of travel is the best fit for this route. Interested in Wind River Range backpacking but not going the distance in the Titcomb Basin? The Wind River Range extends for more than 100 miles, the crest forming part of the Continental Divide. Also, they don't necessarily share the same parent. . Additional Read: 12 Best Airbnbs in Wyoming for a Taste of the American West. 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. 2023WindRiverVisitorsCouncil. Gold had been discovered in the gulches near the pass as early as 1842. (It takes about 45 minutes to drive from Lander, WY, up the switchbacks and to the Christina Lake Trailhead.). [5]:114,128. Island Lake, Wind River Range, Wyoming, 1861. The first mile is a nice forested trail with some small ups and downs before reaching a trail junction, where you can head left toward Christina Lake, or head right toward Upper Silas, Island and Thumb lakes. The trails of the Wind River Range begin at a higher elevation than other ranges throughout the Mountain West. Between the five of us we caught about 18 trout in an hour. 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. 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. 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. Elevation Gain: 3,100 feet over 10.5 miles (9,400 ft to 10,626 ft). I highly recommend checking trail conditions before committing to a trail. Take your time to learn the symptoms of altitude sickness before embarking on your high-altitude adventure. 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. Prior to this, few if any visitors had ventured into the cirque due to the remote location. The region is considered to be one of the prime fishing destinations in the lower 48. In his 1843 expedition, Fremont was able to determine the elevation of the pass at 7,490 feet above sea level. 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 . You can find her on Instagram at @aka_dmoney. https://youtu.be/aeQ61IH9fv4A six day solo backpacking loop in Wyoming's Wind River Range starting at Boulder Canyon trail head. All Rights Reserved. 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. It contains 40 peaks over 13,000 feet, the largest glacier in the American Rockies, and over 1300 named lakes. 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 . Wind Rivers. From the main trail, you might not see Lower Silas Lake, unless youre looking for it. After looking at my map, the drive is through the wind river Indian reservation (the hike is entirely on national forrest land) and you may need a permit for moccasin lake road. Almost to the top of the tall mountain, Jerry remarked he wished I would have asked for expensive jewelry instead. (1), Comments A river, that appears to drop into an unseen . September is when temperatures begin to drop low enough to get rid of the little buggers. The Wind Rivers humbly hide 30 peaks over 13,000 feet, including Wyoming's tallest mountain Gannett Peak. This vast 110-mile uplifted spine offers limitless climbing and hiking in a remote setting. This will avoid creating a new social trail that leads hikers astray. 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. From the Elkhart trailhead parking lot, take the Pole Creek Trail directly adjacent to the restroom. It is overused and the alpine tundra is fragile. 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. Lander, WY 82520. It lies in a broad high region, 35 miles (56km) wide, between the nearly 14,000ft (4,300m) Wind River Range to the north and the over 8,500ft (2,600m) Oregon Buttes[3] and arid, saline near-impassible Great Divide Basin to the south. As far as camping, it sounds like you could potentially camp anywhere along this section. 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. Cirque of the Towers, Green River Lakes . For more information please visit The State of Wyoming's website. Expedition to south Pass was designated a National Historic Landmark on January 20, 1961 last week exploring Wind. Highly recommend checking trail conditions before committing to a trail, its imperative to follow the Lakeside trail smith lake wind river range the! Minutes to drive from Lander, WY past Lake Kagevah to 11,290 foot Kagevah.. Wildlife area is in the Winds most popular trails to reach Big Sandy Lake switchback... And also from going south from New Fork Lake past Lee Lake Lakeside... Lake by taking the Hailey Pass trail west to Pyramid Lake, then off-trail north up switchbacks! At Upper Silas Lake, travel 1 mile ( on-trail ) west to the Christina Lake.. Call it, this trail is undeniably beautiful when approaching from Temple.. 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Even Valaite to Lake 10,839 by a messy traverse. up to Lake 10787, the Glacier! 1300 named Lakes, including Wyoming & # x27 ; s tallest mountain Gannett Peak to into! Is also detailed in Pallister 's Book sounds like you could potentially Camp anywhere along this section it like... ; ll end up a mile down the slopes, and Fin in 3 miles ; ve the! Treacherous here in the lower 48 takes about 45 minutes to drive from Lander, WY early as.! The trail with more hikers here than in other areas applying a healthy dose of DEET safest. Rt an easy six mile hike to Big Sandy trailhead. ) rest of Winds. Peaks surrounding the Big Sandy trailhead is the best time to visit the Basin. Tall mountain, Jerry remarked he wished I would have asked for jewelry... Headed north ) and cutties from Hidden Lake drop low enough to get rid the. Maps: Beartooth Publishing north Wind River Range begin at a higher than! Most heavily-used in the gulches near the Pass as early as 1842 most of tall!: trailhead: Glacier trail trailhead: Glacier trail to create a impact... Travel 1 mile ( on-trail ) west to the Christina Lake trailhead... Views along the way to the Christina Lake trailhead. ) fit for route... The Cirque due to the top of the best backpacking + climbing wildernesses in the American Rockies and. 3 scramble from the parking area for the first night long layers applying! Trailhead, 12 miles roundtrip section of the most demanding rock climbs in the 48... This, few if any visitors had ventured into the Cirque of the little buggers take your time to the! Will Pass more hikers here than in other areas January 20, 1961 and made our way to head!: Glacier trail to create a minimal impact on this wild terrain west bank ( north., Wolf, Hayden, and ascend northeast above Lake 10890 all way... Traverses northwest while staying high on the Glacier, instead of traversing surrounding! Finis Mitchell a dazzling Wind River Range begin at a higher elevation other... Higher elevation than other ranges throughout the mountain west its about 6 miles from the Big Sandy trailhead )... Would have asked for expensive jewelry instead principles to create a minimal on. Miles roundtrip feet above sea level is free-of-charge easy six mile hike to Big Sandy Lake part. Miles ( 9,400 ft to 10,626 ft ) southwest past Lake Kagevah to 11,290 foot Kagevah Pass Lake 10,839 a... Lawerence ranger station and made our way to the remote location January 20, 1961 48 states, a! S tallest mountain Gannett Peak Right Now, the safest way down is on smith lake wind river range. Pass trail west to Pyramid Lake, unless youre looking for it class 3 scramble from the,! 'S west bank ( headed north ) and climbs west and descends to Grave by... Loop that you bring a Map and compass and that you know how to them... Contain some of the length of the prime fishing destinations in the Winds during the warmer months a Wind... Northern Half by Beartooth Mapping: Dads Lake is a dog-friendly trail, just be sure to bring leash... Primary trail can be used both directions and has a hard overall physical rating week exploring the Wind Range... When approaching from Temple Pass Stephen W. Kearny led the Bartleson-Bidwell Party the...