Head out on this 9.1-mile out-and-back trail near Moose, Wyoming. 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. Prepare for your next adventure by downloading maps. I need to spend more time on the Eastern side of the Winds, but wont be able to for some time as my daughter is still too young for the mileage required in my limited time off, at least with the drive from my home. They were bravely close to the water given the ranger vehicles at the trailhead! Youll pass through another treeless flatland called the Burro Flat. Here you can go straight and around the north side of Middle Lake (SmithMiddleCathedralsomeone wasnt creative), or take the branch trail toward Cook Lake. Snow sticks around until about May most years, and typically returns in September or October. Drop down from the pass and round the south shore of Bewmark Lake, and descend the west slopes from the lake, while staying well above the north shore of Middle Fork Lake. Related Read:Crown Jewels: 14 Majestic Hikes in Glacier National Park. The Beartooth Recreational Trail leads through some of the most scenic country in the Beartooth Mountains. Do you know what it is? Why you should go: Get lost deep in the Wind River Range as you find yourself among jagged peaks, rushing streams, and crystal-clear lakes filled with trout. Navigating Cloverleafs outlet was very simple, and we crossed on rocks, ending up on a huge iceberg of snow, which we climbed up. Our feet were really dang numbed by the experience, though. (3034mt.) Dave. Sadly, my Thermarest Trail Scout had developed a hole, so my sleep wasnt as luxurious as the previous night! Near the Green River Lakes area, Roaring Fork is just one of many trails near here. Thanks. There is apparently a non-technical route that goes northwest from the pond that traverses the cliffs above Little Sandy Creek. Distance: 11.5 miles (with plenty of walking around the lakes) Elevation Gain: 1,732 ft. 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. Cathedral Lake is located in the Wind River Range. They are beautiful and bring back a lot of memories. This hike visits numerous lakes in a short number of miles. At 10,250 we came to a small pond, and just beyond that the snow was suddenly gone (how does that work, from many feet to nothing), with a pleasant, flat area of granite over which the creek flowed. NOTE! Widely considered the best trail for seeing the wide range of geography and terrain in the range, Titcomb Basin is a 30-mile round-trip trek that offers panoramic views, campsites at alpine lakes and a possible visit to the highest point in the state of Wyoming, Gannett Peak. The lead rider stopped to talk with us, and as we were chatting, her rear mule lost its mind, snapping off from the train and pulling the rope off of itself. From what I could discern, going all the way to Cook Lake (as we did) and doing a small section of orienteering is probably the most scenic way to access those lakes. It avoids the creek whose drainage it shares in favor of sticking to the ugly pines. ), Rockhounding Locations in WY, MT; UT. The crossing between lakes was filled with trout and was best accomplished closer to Cathedral Lake, which I gladly did. Thank you for your beautiful pictures. Our list of the best hikes near Telluride features the best natural attractions in the San Juan mountains, with a mix of moderate afternoon hikes, challenging summits, and all-day backcountry adventures. No one was along this eastern area, and we couldnt see or hear anyone. 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. The range is also home to some of North America's largest glaciers. You would be better off trying your hand at the shorter and more direct WRHR, pioneered by AdventureAlan (link at the bottom). A successful woman is one who can find such a man." Print/PDF map. This trail is also known as High Meadow Trail 712 and takes one to another trail that goes to High Meadow and Cliff Lakes. 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. We reached Mendarrin 2 hours after leaving camp, which was far too long for the distance. Mileage: 12 miles RT His favorite place he's ever visited is Alaska, and his favorite activity might be fishing or reading, depending on the day. Great review and photos. Overall, pack more water than you think youll need, and take frequent breaks to prevent exhaustion and advanced altitude sickness. Cathedral Lake, when we finally arrived, was enough to floor anyone. 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. After the first 4.5 miles on Pole Creek Trail, you will pass a marker called Photographers Point. Updated July 26, 2022. Thankfully there was an awesome bridge over the marsh. This time of year they were impressive, and we considered camping towards the waterfalls, but there seemed to be nothing but steep hillsides there. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 5 h 38 min to complete. I hate pure out and backs. It is fine country to wander through. We also stopped for some pictures on the drive out! We both decided that wed rather stick to the southern edge of Middle and Cathedral Lakes as we made our way up, rather than having to cross that crapshow again. Was planning on going in this yr but life got in the way so maybe next yr. To old to walk it with 100 lb packs so going to use horses if we do it in the future. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. FOR RESERVATIONS CALL: St. Matthew's Episcopal. Fishing Cathedral Lake, WY on 4/10/2023 will be best from 12:00AM through 12:00AM, and from . Be the first to write a review. You can learn more about our editorial policies, 11 Backpacking Trips in the U.S. That Should be on Your Bucket List, The 11 Best Hikes in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, 6 Epic Backpacking Routes in Glacier National Park, Montana, Crown Jewels: 14 Majestic Hikes in Glacier National Park, Heres Why Leave No Trace Principles are So Damn Important, 10 Awesome Things to Do in Denver with Kids, Backpacking Without a Stove: How to Go Sin Fuego, 10 Epic Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park, 9 Best Yurt Rentals in Montanas Wild & Rugged Big Sky Country, The 8 Best Hikes Near Fort Collins, Colorado, The 10 Best Hikes Near Telluride, Colorado, 12 Extraordinary Cabin Rentals in Colorado. Why you should go: Wildflowers and shimmery lakes meet steep granite walls on this classic trip through the Wind River Range. Outfitters on their horses were headed up, so we stepped to the side. Ben, thank you for visiting this page. 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. According to Pallister, the safest way down is on the Glacier, instead of traversing the surrounding cliffs. Go south up the glacier to the top of Indian Pass. Zoom in for full list. Do you mind if I use one of your picts as a basis for a attempt to paint a picture of cathedral lake. You can learn more about our editorial policies here. The Deep Lake Cirque from Deep Lake, Wind River Range. Started off MUCH worse got much better now is reverting to a seldom used trail. (My phone was pretty bad at the time!) Water feature? Wyomings Section 13 of the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) is a dream walk through the Wind River Range. However, I don't think that style of travel is the best fit for this route. The trailhead is easily accessible from Pinedale. 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. Daniell is a freelance writer based out of Fort Collins, Colorado. Fremont County, Wyoming, U.S. Parent range. Do make sure that you take the left in the forest just past Bald Mountain, though, or youll end up at Moccasin Lake. Fremont Trail will take you back to the Big Sandy Trailhead. Also, this section is described in Pallister's book. The best route from Baker Lake to Bear Lake is described in Pallister's book, and also Matt Lemke's excellent trip report. If you are looking for the perfect weekend getaway, this ones for you! Hooker towers above Grave Lake, and is the largest vertical rock wall in Wyoming. GreenDay hikes; can be done as overnights. The Wind River Range offers world renowned fly fishing, and the areas 1,300 alpine lakes means any trail should offer multiple opportunities to cast your line. The trails of the Winds are at higher elevation than other mountain ranges in the West, so weather is an important factor when camping and hiking here. That said, please follow Leave No Trace principles and camp at least 200 feet away from any water sources and trails. They tended to Stay on the middlecathedral arm. Theres no better way to experience the natural beauty of the state than to stay in one of Montanas yurts. The Wind River Range is protected by 750,000 acres of public land in western Wyoming. The Inn at Aspen 11 mi from Cathedral Lake Trailhead $153 per night Apr 12 - Apr 13 8.2/10 Very Good! At the top of the first hill you went off to the right and then down the golden stairsabout 1/2 mile straight down. There was a lush, green lawn leading up to the lake, but were law-abiders when possible, so we looked around the trees. This article on Marfa camping is brought to you by OOFOS, whose womens footwear line is made with patented foam that enhances muscle recovery and, We recently asked our Facebook Campfire group for advice on camping with kids, and the responses flooded in with everything from let them help with, 2022 The Dyrt, Inc | All rights reserved, 4 Stunning Routes for Backpacking Through Wyomings Wind River Range, Yosemite Camping Reservations: Set Up Cancellation Text Notifications, 6 Private Campgrounds to Book When Your Favorite National Parks are Full. I cant describe how much I loved it. Among the best ways to explore the Wind River Range is to travel one of the spectacular trails through the region. The walk down did provide a ton of places you could campwell, not at the time of year we were there, because they were covered in about 4-5 feet of compacted snow. Dont forget your fishing rod and flies! says Kelsey. This requires using Dickinson Park out of Lander, which itself requires crossing reservation land. Day 2 totals: 4.2 miles, +969/-979, 9933 min/10161 avg/10613 max. Big Sandy Lake, Dads Lake, Shadow Lake, Jackass Pass, and Lonesome Lake are all great spots to spend the night. It made me hungry! Photos (7) Directions. Of course, with such a bounteous landscape thats overflowing with scenic trails its tough to know where to start your backpacking adventure. Use caution when going off trail to look for campsites, and, above all, leave nothing behind throughout your journey. Depending on your experience and relative skill level, the Cirque of the Towers is another staple when it comes to Wind River Range backpacking. The Trailhead 's book better now is reverting to a seldom used.. A successful woman is one who can find such a bounteous landscape thats overflowing with scenic trails its tough know! 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