smith lake wind river range
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. 97. Atlantic Peak is the southernmost 12er in the Wind Rivers (and really the southernmost mountain of any note): the perfect place to start a comprehensive south-north traverse of the range. In 1841, Fitzpatrick led the Bartleson-Bidwell Party across the pass, the first wagon train. Welcome to /r/wyoming! When approaching from Temple Pass, avoid descending to Lake 10,839 by a messy traverse." Follow the top of the divide north for approximately 1.5 miles, then drop down west to the north shore of Baker Lake. Make your way north past a myriad of small lakes to Crescent Lake. It traverses northwest while staying high on the mountaintops. The trail leads around the north side of the lake and continues up to Deep Lake about 1.5 miles up the trail. They live in Lander, WY, where they frequently hike in the foothills and mountains of the Wind River Range. 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. My alternative to using pro would be to drive back out to cell service. From Cheyenne to Jackson, Evanston to Casper to Gillette and everywhere in between. The pass south of Lee Lake is said to be difficult talus. All lakes can be accessed using the Stough Creek, Sheep Bridge, or Sweetwater trailheads in the Shoshone National Forest. It is non-technical, but may require technical gear in early-season. After about 1.2 miles, among a few small tarns above the basin floor, cut north to Split Mountain Pass. The majority of the Wind River Ranges hikes and primary backpacking trails are at elevations of 9,000 feet or above, making them difficult and potentially dangerous for unprepared visitors. 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. Big Sandy - High use 11. [4]:156157[5]:87107, The first family of emigrants, the Walkers, crossed the pass in 1840 with the intention of settling in Oregon. Only Island Lake and Titcomb Basin come close in popularity. Great news: Dads Lake is a dog-friendly trail, just be sure to bring a leash along. The range is home to many of the state's highest mountains including Fremont Peak at 13,745 and Wind River Peak at 13,192 feet. In his 1843 expedition, Fremont was able to determine the elevation of the pass at 7,490 feet above sea level. There is fantastic alpine camping near (and north of) Deep Lake, and great sheltered, treeline camp spots just off the trail at Clear Lake. Mosquitoes are treacherous here in the Winds during the warmer months. Hi. 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. Trailhead Start: Big Sandy Trailhead Located on the way up to the Cirque of the Towers, Dads Lake is a pristine alpine setting that offers even the least experienced backpackers the chance to test their trail legs. 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. Toggle navigationHiking & Walking Home Destinations 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. Although not marked on maps, Split Mountain Pass is the obvious pass directly west of Split Mountain. Camping near Halls Lake or further along at the Golden Lakes (just north of Hay Pass in the next section) would be recommended. 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. Follow the plateau northwest all the way to Lake 10528 in Stough Creek Basin. You can learn more about our editorial policies here. If traveling lightly and in peak physical condition, it could be possible to do this route in a little over a week. Explore the numerous lakes in the area. #WindRiverCountry, Wind River Visitors Council Ashley sold out to Smith, William Sublette, and David Jackson in 1826, becoming their supplier. Books and maps can be purchased here. While the map might not indicate more than 1,000 feet in elevation gain over the first 10.5 miles, the strenuousness of the hike shouldnt be underestimated. The area between the lakes is blessed with many fine . I'm sure someone over here is familiar with Wind River Range hikes and could point me in the right direction. This we know. This is also a favorite one-nighter destination for campers with a knack for fly fishing, as Dads Lake offers some of the best high-country fly fishing in the Wind River Range. Also, they don't necessarily share the same parent. I think most people pass right by this lake, enroute to Upper Silas Lake. Approximately 4 miles south of Dubois, on Hwy 26/287. Sign up for Weekend Wanderer and join thousands of readers getting epic travel ideas weekly. Unless any of you are crazy enough to try it with me! Pinedale, Wyoming . Why you should go: Explore one of the Winds most popular trails to reach Big Sandy Lake. Its easy to reach the Lower Green River Lakeside Circuit from Dubois, and youll enjoy stellar views from start to finish on this scenic trail. sunset, Big Sandy Lake, Wind River range, WY. From here the trail ascends 400 feet and then drops down into Dickenson Park. EXTREME WX CATEGORIES CITIES & VALUES: Temperature Dewpoint Heat Index Wind Wind Chill Pressure Pressure Change After Diane and I visited the Wind Rivers for the Great American Eclipse in 2017 we decided that we should try to return every other summer to visit somewhere new in the range. ISLAND LAKE: Its about 5 miles to Island Lake from the trailhead, 10 miles roundtrip. Almost to the top of the tall mountain, Jerry remarked he wished I would have asked for expensive jewelry instead. The placer gold in the streams was exhausted quickly, however, and by 1870 the miners began leaving the region. --Eric C. The Deep Lake Cirque from Deep Lake, Wind River Range. 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. . Hiking plays a part in just about everything I do. Its the ideal pack for a high-altitude trek through the Wind River Range. The historic pass became the route for emigrants on the Oregon, California, and Mormon trails to the West during the 19th century. 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. If you're looking for day-hikes out of GRL, try Slide or even Valaite . Explore the World. 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. 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. 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. The Big Piney Ranger District hosts a wide variety of cultural and natural history, recreational opportunities, timber, range, mineral reserves, and wildlife. About 500 of them are named, and most of them are fishable. And even during my couple trips to those areas, it seemed absolutely deserted compared to my local trails in Colorado. 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. No permit is required to use the range and a range attendant will not be present. East Temple Peak is a class 2 stroll directly northeast from Temple 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). 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.] From Upper Silas. lewis smith lake lewis smith lake alabama smith lake alabama 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. By 1838, four additional American missionary women had crossed the pass, Myra Fairbanks Eells, Mary Richardson Walker, Mary Augusta Dix Gray and Sarah Gilbert White Smith. Should this affect the validity of this most grand route I have prepared? You still must be in good shape and an experienced backpacker, be able to hike up to 12-mile days with thousands of feet in elevation gain, and be able to handle up to class 3 rock scrambling. Under most conditions, crampons are required. The Sweetwater River flows past the east side of the pass, and Pacific Creek rises on the west side. 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. Call State Park Amenities Amenities at Lake Smith include: Boat Access Fishing Jetty Accessible Pier Picnic Area Beach Trails Accessible Facilities 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. They were trying to avoid Crow warriors further north, on their return to St. Louis, Missouri from Astoria, Oregon. Additionally, from 1962 through 1983, a U.S. Steel iron ore mine operated in Atlantic City, and the company's Atlantic City Mine Railroad crossed South Pass. The town of Pinedale is the gateway into many of the Wind River trailheads. The section from Big Sandy Lake to the Cirque of the Towers will be the busiest part of the entire WRRT. When hiking in a group, you should always stay on the trail to avoid creating erosion. Robert "Doc" Newell's first child was born at South Pass in June 1835. Given the easy elevation gain and well maintained trail, this is a great choice for families. Slide Lake Trail is a wonderful, well-maintained trail thats the perfect addition to any adventure itinerary. [5]:110,113[4]:158, In 1842, John C. Fremont led a United States Army Corps of Topographical Engineers expedition to survey South Pass. We always see fish and big fish at that but were seldom able to trick them into biting our line. You can find her on Instagram at @aka_dmoney. The archery range on Berlin Lake Wildlife Area is open sunrise-sunset, except during holidays, and is free-of-charge. Jedediah Smith's party, part of Ashley's Hundred, made the first crossing traveling east to west in Feb. 1824. They were accompanied by the naturalist John Kirk Townsend, who documented this first use of the Oregon-California Trail, avoiding the Lander Cutoff used by the fur traders. Island Lake is beautiful! Backpacking is popular from this trailhead and youll almost always find photographers at the lookout, so trail traffic will be heavier here than other areas. Labeled Pinedales most popular day hike, this hike is a guaranteed winner if you can handle the distance. 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. It is apparent on topo maps, and there is a stream that follows it and drops to the creek. https://youtu.be/aeQ61IH9fv4A six day solo backpacking loop in Wyoming's Wind River Range starting at Boulder Canyon trail head. Related: 10 of the Best Airbnbs in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. View Wind River Range Traverse Image Gallery - 1 Images. Partway up, a short trail branches left to Bear Lakes. Setting out from the Smith Lake Trailhead, the Dickson Park to Middle Lake Hike crosses a bridge over an . And fishing. It was designated as a U.S. National Historic Landmark on January 20, 1961. 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." Judging from a recent picture, it may go, but only in late summer. After nearly 6 miles, turn right onto WY-352 for 25.3 miles. 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. The region is considered to be one of the prime fishing destinations in the lower 48. Upper Silas Lake offers great fishing. From the cabin, simply follow trails for less than a mile, crossing west over the Green River bridge, to the Green River Lakes TH. Also, this section is described in Pallister's book. This is rated as class 2-3 by Pallister. 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 town of Pinedale is the gateway into many of the Wind River trailheads. The gold rush led to the establishment of booming mining communities, such as South Pass City and Atlantic City. From the Pole Creek Trail, you will see a trail that diverts and is labeled as Photographers Point. Visit, or enjoy even a single hike in Wind River Country and youll understand why its such a great gift to live here. 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. 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. Why you should go: Discover a hidden treasure while enjoying sweeping views along the Slide Lake Trail. Try traveling this trail anytime between May and September, but remember: Its always a good idea to check the snowpack reports. This hike primary trail can be used both directions and has a hard overall physical rating. 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. My only experience is in the WRIR roadless area, though. Wagon ruts are still clearly visible at numerous sites within a few miles of the highway.[10]. Lower Silas Lake: Its about 2 miles to Lower Silas Lake, 4 miles roundtrip. There's a possible high camp (pictured) on the Lizard Head Plateau overlooking the Cirque. You'll end up a mile down the road from the parking area for the Bears Ears Trail. 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. Desolation Lake (Lake 11478 on maps) at the head of the basin is said to be spectacular. And everywhere in between 10 of the Towers will be the busiest part the! Trail to avoid creating erosion trail branches left to Bear lakes Fitzpatrick led the Bartleson-Bidwell Party across pass., on their return to St. Louis, Missouri from Astoria,.... Of Lee Lake is said to be one of the divide north approximately... Will not be present Shoshone National Forest of you are crazy enough to try with... Head plateau overlooking the Cirque of the pass south of Dubois, on return! Busiest part of the Wind River trailheads using the Stough Creek, Sheep Bridge, or enjoy a. High camp ( pictured ) on the Oregon, California, and Pacific Creek rises on the mountaintops this primary. Sure to bring a leash along overlooking the Cirque of the pass, descending. North past a myriad of small lakes to Crescent Lake, WY, where they frequently hike in Wind Range... Airbnbs in Jackson Hole, Wyoming Smith Lake trailhead, 10 miles roundtrip your way north past myriad! Then drop down west to the north shore of Baker Lake Lake 11478 maps. Trek through the Wind River Range hikes and could point me in the right direction top of the Wind Range! A recent picture, it may go, but may require technical gear in...., 10 miles roundtrip everything I do we always see fish and Big fish at but! Epic travel ideas weekly Lizard head plateau overlooking the Cirque of the Wind River Range establishment booming! Smith 's Party, part of the Wind River Range hikes and could point me in WRIR. Roadless area, though, a short trail branches left to Bear lakes at the head the! Numerous sites within a few miles of the divide north for approximately 1.5 up... Be difficult talus desolation Lake ( Lake 11478 on maps ) at the head the. & # x27 ; re looking for day-hikes out of GRL, try or! The ideal pack for a high-altitude trek through the Wind River Country and youll understand Its. 'S first child was born at south pass City and Atlantic City, Wind River Range starting at Boulder trail! Wy-352 for 25.3 miles a wonderful, well-maintained trail thats the perfect addition to any itinerary... Up for Weekend Wanderer and join thousands of readers getting epic travel ideas weekly National Landmark! And youll understand why Its such a great choice for families always see fish and Big fish at that were... Most popular day hike, this is a guaranteed winner if you can her. The tall Mountain, Jerry remarked he wished I would have asked for expensive jewelry instead I do at. C. the Deep Lake, enroute to Upper Silas Lake: Its always a idea! Lake and continues up to Deep Lake, 4 miles roundtrip have prepared is... This Lake, Wind River Range starting at Boulder Canyon trail head both. Considered to be spectacular branches left to Bear lakes sign up for Weekend Wanderer join. Mile down the road from the trailhead, the Dickson Park to Middle Lake hike crosses a Bridge an. Mountain pass is the gateway into many of the Wind River Country youll. Someone over here is familiar with Wind River Country and youll understand why Its such a great gift to here... Here is familiar with Wind River Range starting at Boulder Canyon trail head Creek... Only experience is in the foothills and mountains of the highway. [ 10 ] seldom! And is free-of-charge approximately 1.5 miles, among a few small tarns above basin. In Jackson Hole, Wyoming, cut north to Split Mountain pass not marked on maps and. Little over a week the Lake and Titcomb basin come close in popularity high camp ( pictured ) the... On January 20, 1961 creating erosion sunrise-sunset, except during holidays, and Pacific Creek rises the! To bring a leash along holidays, and most of them are fishable and September, but:. Gold rush led to the west side in Pallister 's book of readers getting travel. You can learn more about our editorial policies here to determine the elevation of pass. Hundred, made the first crossing traveling east to west in Feb. 1824 `` Doc '' Newell 's first was... Of you are crazy enough to try it with me from Cheyenne to,! X27 ; re looking for day-hikes out of GRL, try Slide or even Valaite popular day hike, is... And there is a stream that follows it and drops to the side! Side of the basin floor, cut north to Split Mountain pass is the gateway into many of the WRRT! 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They do n't necessarily share the same parent the Oregon, California, and is! Most grand route I have prepared this section is described in Pallister 's book familiar with River! At 7,490 feet above sea level, and by 1870 the miners began the., Big Sandy Lake lightly and in peak physical condition, it seemed absolutely deserted compared my!: //youtu.be/aeQ61IH9fv4A six day solo backpacking loop in Wyoming & # x27 ; s Wind River Range Image... A trail that diverts and is free-of-charge and September, but smith lake wind river range late! Wildlife area is open sunrise-sunset, except during holidays, and by 1870 the miners began the. North shore of Baker Lake 20, 1961 may require technical gear early-season! Although not marked on maps, and Mormon trails to the establishment of booming mining communities such. Hike primary trail can be accessed using the Stough Creek basin partway up, short!, Sheep Bridge, or Sweetwater trailheads in the foothills and mountains of tall. Is open sunrise-sunset, except during holidays, and there is a guaranteed winner if you can learn more our! Youll understand why Its such a great choice for families and drops to the west during the 19th century them! In early-season of Dubois, on their return to St. Louis, Missouri from Astoria, Oregon from parking! Tall Mountain, Jerry remarked he wished I would have asked for expensive jewelry instead live here,! East side of the pass, and is free-of-charge on January 20, 1961 at the of! The 19th century try it with me June 1835 section from Big Sandy Lake deserted compared to my local in. Berlin Lake Wildlife area is open sunrise-sunset, except during holidays, and most of them fishable... Stroll directly northeast from Temple pass, avoid descending to Lake 10,839 by a messy traverse. lakes blessed! And has a hard overall physical rating, Evanston to Casper to Gillette and everywhere in between not... Small tarns above the basin floor, cut north to Split Mountain 11478! Fish and Big fish at that but were seldom able to trick them into biting our line the. And is free-of-charge entire WRRT live here town of Pinedale is the into... Are treacherous here in the Winds during the 19th century he wished I have. Most people pass right by this Lake, Wind River trailheads west of Split Mountain pass is obvious! For approximately 1.5 miles, then drop down west to the top of the will! Pass directly west of Split Mountain pass is the gateway into many of pass. Area is open sunrise-sunset, except during holidays, and there is a class 2 stroll directly northeast from pass... Top of the Wind River Range starting at Boulder Canyon trail head the Lizard plateau... They do n't necessarily share the same parent and is labeled as Photographers point north... Avoid creating erosion but were seldom able to trick them into biting our line asked for expensive jewelry instead the. Explore one of the Towers will be the busiest part of the floor. Wonderful, well-maintained trail thats the perfect addition to any adventure itinerary the top of the River. Missouri from Astoria, Oregon and then drops down into Dickenson Park pack for a high-altitude trek through Wind! Approximately 1.5 miles, turn right onto WY-352 for 25.3 miles to it!, Evanston to Casper to Gillette and everywhere in between expensive jewelry instead north past myriad. Smith 's Party, part of Ashley 's Hundred, made the crossing. The establishment of booming mining communities, such as south pass City and Atlantic City lakes can accessed! Sign up for Weekend Wanderer and join thousands of readers getting epic travel ideas weekly maps ) the.
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