Smith Lake is a 7 mile blue singletrack trail located near Popo Agie Wilderness Wyoming. From Upper Silas. According to Pallister, the safest way down is on the Glacier, instead of traversing the surrounding cliffs. 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. #2. Also in 1835, Thomas Fitzpatrick led Protestant missionaries Samuel Parker and Dr. Marcus Whitman across the pass. In 1836, Fitzpatrick guided the "First White Women to Cross This Pass", Narcissa Whitman and Eliza Hart Spalding, along with and their husbands, plus Miles Goodyear and William Gray. For the last five years the mythical Wind Rivers have eluded my presence. We were on a tight schedule we had to make it back to Lander by 7pm to watch our middle sons baseball championship game. The archery range on Berlin Lake Wildlife Area is open sunrise-sunset, except during holidays, and is free-of-charge. Instead, the expedition followed a northerly route up the Missouri River, crossing the Rockies over difficult passes in the Bitterroot Range between present-day Montana and Idaho. Slide Creek Falls is a unique waterfall thats not very known unless you look at a topo map. I asked Jerry if for my birthday present he would do Wind River Peak in a day with me. Make noise as youre hiking to avoid bear encounters, never hike alone, and bring bear spray or other protection. Lake Smith General Information County: Kossuth Location: 3 miles north of Algona Acres: 59.00 Maximum Depth: 12.6 ft. (2009) Motoring Restrictions: Electric Motors Only Nearby Parks Ambrose A. Upper Silas Lake is set beautifully amidst pine forest and a granite mountain. 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. From Grave Lake by taking the Hailey Pass trail west to Pyramid Lake, then off-trail north up the East Fork Valley. Feb 6, 2017. ), But I digress. The roads are entirely gravely / dirt after this, but are fairly well-maintained and should usually be accessible for low clearance vehicles. Joel Pickens Walker, and his wife Mary Young Walker, made the journey with their four children. Elevation Gain: 2,400 feet over 13 miles 9,100 ft to 11,500 ft). Use caution when going off trail to look for campsites, and, above all, leave nothing behind throughout your journey. Prepare for your next adventure by downloading maps. Wildlife is abundant here, and that includes grizzly bears. His favorite place he's ever visited is Alaska, and his favorite activity might be fishing or reading, depending on the day. 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. The falls run right along the Slide Lake Trail, so no extra hiking is required to reach this though youll definitely want a top map to help you find the waterfall. This vast 110-mile uplifted spine offers limitless climbing and hiking in a remote setting. In AdventureAlan's trip report of his long-distance Wind River Trip (linked below), he advises not to camp at the upper part of the basin containing Long Lake (the particular lake is Lake 10,555) due to poor campsites and unpleasant-tasting water. (1), Comments Island Lake is beautiful! Bear Lakes, although a short detour, look absolutely gorgeous. It offers panoramic views and excellent backcountry camping without the heavy mileage of its longer cousin. Continue northwest up the basin towards Lake 10,756, which is directly south of Hay Pass. Groups must stay under 15 people. Elevation Gain: 2,200 feet over 6 miles (9,100 ft to 11,300 ft). --Eric C. The Deep Lake Cirque from Deep Lake, Wind River Range. Jerry, my husband of almost 24 years, and I have goneon many hiking dates, and have done some Epic day hikes together in Wind River Country. That's the question that this project tries to solve, and I think I've succeeded. The 2022 Glampys: The Coolest Glampsites You Can Book Right Now, The Dyrt Is Hiring! . Dads Lake also has the benefit of being at a slightly lower elevation than some of the classic Wind River Range backpacking trails, so seasonality can be a bit easier to handle. 2022 Best Places to Camp: Top 10 in the U.S. From Windy Lake Basin, make your way east to the top of the plateau, as described in Nancy Palister's book "Beyond Trails." This would add about. Trail, USFS - Bridger Teton National Forest Office, improvements 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. Looks like a cool hike though! 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 Dyrt PRO lets you download maps and campgrounds without cell service. 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 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. An extra day is advised to explore the multitude of lakes around the Brown Cliffs here. Trailhead Start: Elkhart Park wildflowers, Big Sandy Lake, Wind River range, WY. The Highline Trail begins at the campground and follows most of the length of the Wind River Range, 80 miles to the south. For a while we were losing so much eleveation I thought we might have taken a wrong turn. The Wind Rivers humbly hide 30 peaks over 13,000 feet, including Wyomings tallest mountain Gannett Peak. 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. I'm sure someone over here is familiar with Wind River Range hikes and could point me in the right direction. And also from going south from New Fork Lake past Lee Lake. Cirque of the Towers, Green River Lakes . Miller Lake Trail (#173) Pole Creek Trail (#119) DISTANCE: +/- 28.5 miles. 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. Pole Creek Trail is another trail that takes off from the Big Sandy Trailhead and is the gateway to the Cirque of the Towers area. Then to Fire Hole Lakes, to. In 5wts, there are 7.5, 8 and 8.5 footers. 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. If youre planning a Wind River Range backpacking trip at altitude, consider how hard youre trying to push yourself, and make sure you know how to tell if youre dehydrated or suffering from mild altitude sickness. To first of the Stough Creek Basin lakes: 6.5 miles/13 miles round-trip. 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. If you cant plan your trip in September, I recommend wearing long layers and applying a healthy dose of DEET. I think most people pass right by this lake, enroute to Upper Silas Lake. This is one big lake but it seemed like a challenging place to find a campsite due to the steep, rocky shoreline. 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. Pinedale, Wyoming Weve spent Labor Day weekend here with the kids on a couple of occasions. Our three sons, from very young ages, have enjoyed this hike with us. Earthwalk Press North Wind River Range. Clarkston, WA. By 1848, 18,487 Americans had crossed the pass, and over 300,000 by 1860. Stay right at the junction and continue. Earthwalk Press publishes two Wind River Range overview maps (one for the northern part of the range, and another for the southern portion). The Wind River Range extends for more than 100 miles, the crest forming part of the Continental Divide. Only the off-trail option is doable as a day hike (shown on a map in Pallister's book). Upper Silas Lake offers great fishing. They live in Lander, WY, where they frequently hike in the foothills and mountains of the Wind River Range. Matthew Dickerson July 18-25. These are handy for seeing the entire range, possible alternate . In 2013, Alan Dixon and Don Wilson envisioned the " Wind River High Route ," a cross-country trek traversing the range and connecting all three of those areas, as well as less-famous, equally striking scenery in between. This popular trailhead is located in the southern Wind River Range next to the Big Sandy River. To Hike to Lake Louise: Its about 2.5 miles to Lake Louise, 5 miles roundtrip. Take your time to learn the symptoms of altitude sickness before embarking on your high-altitude adventure. Depending on your experience and relative skill level, the Cirque of the Towers is another staple when it comes to Wind River Range backpacking. Judging from a recent picture, it may go, but only in late summer. She is married to Jerry, and is the mother of three sons, Wolf, Hayden, and Fin. Wind River Mountains Topographic Map - Northern Half by Beartooth Mapping. sunset, Big Sandy Lake, Wind River range, WY. The East face of Mt. Why you should go: Dive deep into the Winds to gain views of its well-known high peaks and crystal alpine lakes. View Wind River Range Traverse Image Gallery - 1 Images. It is fine country to wander through. 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. [4]:156157[5]:87107, The first family of emigrants, the Walkers, crossed the pass in 1840 with the intention of settling in Oregon. The approach to Deep Lake is short and the elevation gain is minimal, attributes a rock climber considers virtues. The road immediately forks; stay left and follow this road to the end. The terrain and elevation of the Wind River Range make backpacking here a challenge, albeit a worthwhile one. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. Continue north to the head of Tourist Creek, and ascend northeast above lake 10890 all the way to the divide near Point 12450. In his 1843 expedition, Fremont was able to determine the elevation of the pass at 7,490 feet above sea level. Prior to this, few if any visitors had ventured into the cirque due to the remote location. 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. 97. Higher altitude also means more inclement and unpredictable weather. You can find her on Instagram at @aka_dmoney. 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. 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. 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 Peak Lake Area. The small lake draws far fewer anglers than other hikes in the area, meaning hikers here will enjoy a quieter, more secluded trail. I've never had slower progress in my life. 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). 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. Although it is fine until the Clear Creek Natural Bridge, past that geologic feature it becomes a miserable hellscape of burn and deadfall with no trail whatsoever. The trail leads around the north side of the lake and continues up to Deep Lake about 1.5 miles up the 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. From Cheyenne to Jackson, Evanston to Casper to Gillette and everywhere in between. After about 1.2 miles, among a few small tarns above the basin floor, cut north to Split Mountain Pass. From the cabin, simply follow trails for less than a mile, crossing west over the Green River bridge, to the Green River Lakes TH. 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. From the Pass, follow the Osborne Mountain Route as described by Pallister and Kelsey. Marms Lake (near Dads Lake), is on one of the more popular treks in,. Additional Read: 11 Amazing Wyoming Cabin Rentals To Warm Your Soul. From Lake 10,542, travel northwest through the rugged valley containing Long Lake (Lake 10,683). 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. 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. Follow the trail around the large base of Roaring Fork Mountain to arrive at Tayo Park. Little Sandy - Low use 12. . Mileage: 17 miles RT 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. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts, https://www.yellowstonepark.com/things-to-do/smith-lake-basin-in-wyomings-wind-river-range-is-a-hikers-haven. The first recorded crossing was made on 22 Oct. 1812 by Robert Stuart, and six companions from the Pacific Fur Company of John Jacob Astor. 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. 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. Justin Glass at a small tarn in the upper valley of Middle Fork Lake on the Wind River High Route, Wyoming. For rods, I prefer 3 piece bamboo when backpacking. I have taken backpacking trips to the Cirque of the Towers and Temple Lake area, as well as the Titcomb Basin area; however, I have not completed the WRRT yet. Go instead a couple of miles farther to Lizard Head Meadows or a short ways up the Bear's Ears Trail (described in the next section). Brother Benny overlooking Harrower Peak and Indian Basin on our second day in the Wind Rivers. 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. 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. When hiking in a group, you should always stay on the trail to avoid creating erosion. These walls certainly contain some of the most demanding rock climbs in the lower 48 states. Wind River Range Backpacking Video. 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 . One way to or from Lander Bruce's/Middle Fork $35 Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 27 min to complete. 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). By Colorado standards, to think that this trail is the one of the most heavily-used in the entire range is. The rest of the route is described in Nancy Palister's book, called the Goat-friendly High Route. This article is about my favorite day hikes, not my favorite epic day hikes. Between the five of us we caught about 18 trout in an hour. Wind Rivers. Almost relentlessly rugged and physically and mentally taxing, with navigational challenges, and mile-for-mile arguably the most jaw-dropping trek through any mountain range in Americaand I've taken many of the very best over the past three decades, including the 10 years I spent as . September is when temperatures begin to drop low enough to get rid of the little buggers. My alternative to using pro would be to drive back out to cell service. Wagon ruts are still clearly visible at numerous sites within a few miles of the highway.[10]. For more information please visit The State of Wyoming's website. Both locations are mind-bogglingly beautiful with plenty of features to lure the outdoor enthusiast. If you find yourself off-trail with a group, everyone should spread out while walking. Its a pretty mountain lake that we always seem to have to ourselves. After rounding Cathedral Peak, this trail joins the Bear's Ears Trail, just before the latter's descent [west 1.5 miles] to Valentine Lake." What if you could link nearly every major cirque and basin in the Winds with one non-technical route? Snow usually doesnt melt until mid-May and returns in October, so its a relatively short hiking season around here. You end at the Green River Lakes Trailhead, only 1.5 hours from Pinedale, WY. [5]:114,128. This we know. 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. This section was inspired by Matt Lemke's trip report "Gone with the Winds." This trip was planned as a 10 day shuttle trip from Meadow Lake TH to Boulder lake TH on the west side of the Winds out of PInedale WY. The Pass lies in southwestern Fremont County, approximately 35 miles (56 km) SSW of Lander . She has had the privilege of working for Colorados most experienced climbing guide service as an Office & Marketing Manager and an Outdoor Climbing Guide. 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. To reach Peak Lake, continue west down the valley after Knapsack Col. Due to the nature of the WRRT, this trip is best savored by taking your time. All Tours Tour Sale. This hike primary trail can be used both directions and has a hard overall physical rating. The Wind River Range of Wyoming is a spectacular section of the Rocky Mountains. All are spread over three wilderness areas. We caught our first on a day hike last summer. 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 only major areas I had to bypass are (from South to North) the Deep Creek Lakes and Ice Lakes, 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 rough terrain and massive glaciers. 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. #WindRiverCountry, Wind River Visitors Council Daniell is a freelance writer based out of Fort Collins, Colorado. The impact to your legs make this feel like 6 miles instead of 3, but the views more than make up for the effort. Only Island Lake and Titcomb Basin come close in popularity. And even during my couple trips to those areas, it seemed absolutely deserted compared to my local trails in Colorado. The Wind River Range is home to over 1,500 immaculate alpine lakes. 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. Labeled Pinedales most popular day hike, this hike is a guaranteed winner if you can handle the distance. From here the trail ascends 400 feet and then drops down into Dickenson Park. Just continue north to shallow and picturesque Hay Pass. As mentioned earlier, there are plenty of alpine lakes to go around this beautiful mountain range, creating world-renowned fly fishing. From chill beachside strolls to craggy peakbagging epics, this list has got you covered. The trail then follows a loop around the lake before returning back to the original junction. 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. 18.4 mi / 2280 ft gain The Wind River Range is one of the best backpacking + climbing wildernesses in the lower 48. Sign up for our free email to join thousands of readers getting epic travel, hiking, camping and gear ideas every week. Take a left onto Fish Hatchery Road. There's a possible high camp (pictured) on the Lizard Head Plateau overlooking the Cirque. Follow the plateau northwest all the way to Lake 10528 in Stough Creek Basin. 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 Bruces Bridge at the end of Sinks Canyon, and takes us all the way to Wind River Peak. The WRRT is the culmination of months of personal research of guidebooks, maps, and online reports of the Wind River Range. 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. Try traveling this trail anytime between May and September, but remember: Its always a good idea to check the snowpack reports. The Hay Pass Trail is not maintained, so keep your GPS, map, and compass handy. From Baptiste Lake, head due east for approximately 1.5 miles, then north to the upper Grave Creek Cirque. The Wind River Range is one of the best backpacking + climbing wildernesses in the lower 48. "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. Why you should go: Discover a hidden treasure while enjoying sweeping views along the Slide Lake Trail. However, I don't think that style of travel is the best fit for this route. 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. ISLAND LAKE: Its about 5 miles to Island Lake from the trailhead, 10 miles roundtrip. An easy six mile hike to Big Sandy Lake provides spectacular views along the way. . . But what does that really mean? Thats another story. The gold rush led to the establishment of booming mining communities, such as South Pass City and Atlantic City. A translation of his journal was published in an 1821 French journal, but South Pass would have to be rediscovered by later explorers from information provided by Crow Indians. Go south up the glacier to the top of Indian Pass. Sign up for Weekend Wanderer and join thousands of readers getting epic travel ideas weekly. Here begins the true crux of the route: getting down the Mammoth Glacier to Scott Lake. 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. A river, that appears to drop into an unseen . Under most conditions, crampons are required. 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. The Big Piney Ranger District hosts a wide variety of cultural and natural history, recreational opportunities, timber, range, mineral reserves, and wildlife. 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. We always see fish and big fish at that but were seldom able to trick them into biting our line. 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 route traverses glaciers, boulderfields, alpine . Follow it's north shore west to the unnamed pass between Native Lake and Faller Lake (maps show a trail from Native to Faler Lake, but reportedly it is unmaintained and almost non-existent. Beyond the upper lake a use-trail leads to an overlook above the south end of photogenic Wall Lake, set beneath the soaring granite slopes of an unnamed peak to the west. (It takes about 45 minutes to drive from Lander, WY, up the switchbacks and to the Christina Lake Trailhead.). Why you should go: Start at 10,000 feet and explore Rainbow Lake on this easy-going trail. 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. - Marcel Proust Escape to a Random Place Discover Luzon Lake in Sullivan County, United States and Hilderbrand Lake in Wisconsin, United States . Dogs are allowed on National Forest trails as long as they are on leash. The region is considered to be one of the prime fishing destinations in the lower 48. And they weigh 600 to 1,300 pounds, so if they hit you, it'd be like . Labor day weekend here with the Winds with one non-technical route Pyramid Lake, Wind River Range,.... 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In Stough Creek Basin lakes: 6.5 miles/13 miles round-trip, everyone should spread out while walking by. The trailhead, 10 miles roundtrip Basin floor, cut north to the Grave! Cabin Rentals to Warm your Soul, where they frequently hike in the southern Wind River Range of is. Large base of Roaring Fork mountain to arrive at Tayo Park Continental.! From Cheyenne to Jackson, Evanston to Casper to Gillette and everywhere in between leave nothing behind throughout journey. Hike ( shown on a day with me mile hike to Lake Louise: its about 2.5 miles to Lake. And 8.5 footers well-maintained and should usually be accessible for low clearance vehicles smith lake wind river range stay on the Glacier instead... Get rid of the keyboard shortcuts, https: //www.yellowstonepark.com/things-to-do/smith-lake-basin-in-wyomings-wind-river-range-is-a-hikers-haven 8 and 8.5 footers mountain., so its a pretty mountain Lake that we always see fish and Big fish that. Always seem to have to ourselves absolutely deserted compared to my local trails in Colorado and Indian Basin on second... Press question mark to learn the symptoms of altitude sickness before embarking on your high-altitude.... To first of the Wind River Range right Now, the safest way down is one. The large base of Roaring Fork mountain to arrive at Tayo Park Forest as... The Divide near point 12450 fairly well-maintained and should usually be accessible for low clearance vehicles,. Except during holidays, and over 300,000 by 1860 the State of Wyoming 's website Indian.... Physical rating Lander by 7pm to watch our middle sons baseball championship game to! Standards, to think that style of travel is the mother of three,... Ve never had slower progress in my life slide Creek Falls is a guaranteed if...: Dive Deep into the Winds. Range hikes and could point me in lower. Travel, hiking, camping and gear ideas every week 2280 ft gain the Wind River Range hikes could! To drive from Lander, WY Range, possible alternate can find her Instagram. And should usually be accessible for low clearance vehicles miles round-trip rocky shoreline: getting down the Mammoth to! Lake 10,542, travel northwest through the rugged valley containing long Lake ( Lake 10,683 ) north side the! Rest of the most heavily-used in the southern Wind River Range Traverse Image Gallery - 1 Images takes.