We'll have 4 days so that's a pretty laid back pace but we're looking to get into an area where we can setup camp and explore and relax. A steady incline lies ahead of you until you reach Faler Lake. The Wind River Range sees less traffic than areas like Teton or Rocky Mountain National Forests, so trails are not the easiest to follow in many areas. Trip Type: Loop Mileage: 29-30 miles RT Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. Continue northwest up the basin towards Lake 10,756, which is directly south of Hay Pass. Cathedral Group is a group of the tallest peaks in the Teton Range, including Grand Teton, Mount Owen and Teewinot. From this saddle, both East Temple and Temple Peaks are worthwhile side trips. Immediately by it is Twin Lakes Creek in a pretty meadow, though it was putting off tons of mosquitoes. Traversing into valleys, along hillsides, and within view of Fremont Peak and its surrounding peaks, this trail is a light introduction to backpacking in the Wind River Range. If you are looking for the perfect weekend getaway, this ones for you! Located on the Arizona shoreline of Lake Havasu, Lake Havasu City is a destination for boaters, water sport enthusiasts, hikers, nature lovers, car enthusiasts and history buffs. There are several camping options on the Cirque trail. A wide, well-maintained trail offers great views and the ease of simply being outside. At mile 4-ish we reached the trail intersection to Sanford Park, though we couldnt really discern it. 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. This trail by itself is typically done between two to four days. On Lizard Head Plateau. Elevation Gain: 3,100 feet over 10.5 miles (9,400 ft to 10,626 ft). We also stopped for some pictures on the drive out! Thats a river of deception and leads up toward Wind River Peak. If you are hiking here in the warmth of July, you can come across some trouble finding a camp spot within Forest Service parameters. The trailhead is easily accessible from Pinedale. Outfitters on their horses were headed up, so we stepped to the side. Lake Info Fishing Forecast Fishing Reports More Discuss ions. Groups should stay under 15 people and spread out to camp. The best time to visit the Titcomb Basin area is in the late summer, beginning in July and ending in late September. 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. The trailhead itself has only very primitive parking (picture at end) and no other features. Yay, a day where everything was pretty much uneventful, meaning that I dont have too much to type. According to Joe Kelsey, "Above treeline, while the Forest Service doesn't maintain the trail shown on the Temple Peak quad, you shouldn't have trouble switchbacking to Temple Pass, the 11,480-foot saddle between Temple and East Temple Peaks.". Partway up, a short trail branches left to Bear Lakes. Daniell is a freelance writer based out of Fort Collins, Colorado. The best route from Baker Lake to Bear Lake is described in Pallister's book, and also Matt Lemke's excellent trip report. The Seneca Lake out-and-back trip is a modified version of the Wind River classic. Photos (9,667) Directions. For the most part we followed the river, deviating from it when it was easier to do that. The trail begins at the Big Sandy Campground and offers a wide, well-marked walking path up to the lake. Dang it! Another classic of the Wind River Range, Titcomb Basin offers everything youd ever want to see on a multi-day trip. 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. From Upper Golden, head north up to Lake 10787, the east down the slopes, and then north to Camp Lake. Why you should go: Wildflowers and shimmery lakes meet steep granite walls on this classic trip through the Wind River Range. Big Sandy Lake, Dads Lake, Shadow Lake, Jackass Pass, and Lonesome Lake are all great spots to spend the night. All are spread over three wilderness areas. Adventure. From Grave Lake by taking the Hailey Pass trail west to Pyramid Lake, then off-trail north up the East Fork Valley. Water feature? Make your way north past a myriad of small lakes to Crescent Lake. Thankfully, Im a true pack-mule and had brought my Klymit Static V Insulated Ultralight (which I later gave away, as I dont care for the Klymits), which is much smaller than my moms Klymit Static V Insulated. If so, I believe only slightly, for I've done my research based on the authorities on the Wind Rivers. The Wind River Range is protected by 750,000 acres of public land in western Wyoming. The lake itself was quite deep and flat-out flooded with the biggest trout that Id seen in Wyomingreally too big for my line! Fishing Cathedral Lake, WY on 4/10/2023 will be best from 12:00AM through 12:00AM, and from . We eventually got a reprieve and broke out into an area of dry shoreline, which was glorious to walk on. Ive always wished that I were good at art, but alas, Ive never had the talent, nor have I been able to pick it up when Ive tried. Cathedral Group Turnout is a viewpoint on Jenny Lake Road. Follow the plateau northwest all the way to Lake 10528 in Stough Creek Basin. 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. The trail along the edge of the lake was a bit vague, with people trying different paths around large boulders and other obstacles, but we had no extreme difficulty. The climb at the end was of course horrible and hot, and Im going to admit that we cut off some distance by going cross country for a bit. We spied a bunch of old folks across the lake lounging in hammocks which made us both very happy! Explore the numerous lakes in the area. Interested in Wind River Range backpacking but not going the distance in the Titcomb Basin? Date of Visit: 11-13 July Notable Features: Dickinson Park, Dishpan Butte, Smith Lake, Cloverleaf Lake, Mendarrin Lake, Cook Lake, Middle Lake, Cathedral Lake, Cathedral Peak, Smith Lake Creek, Twin Parks Creek Total Miles: ~18 miles Elevation Gain/Loss: +/-3175 Elevation Min, Avg, Max: 9294, 9747, 10,613 General Route: ON TRAIL: Dickinson Park Trailhead/Smith Lake Trailhead Smith Lake . Hike Type: Out and back, day-hike Difficulty Level: Moderate Permit: None required for day hiking. The drive up to Dickinson Park is long but very pretty, with bald, scalloped hills giving way to high forests. Bring bear protection, never hike alone, and make noise as youre navigating the backcountry. 3. Grizzlies are active throughout the range. All the information is there; there are no gray areas. I will be completing the entire route this summer (August 20-September 9, 2016), and will update this post when complete. Elevation Gain: 2,500 feet over 8.5 miles (9,100 ft to 11,300 ft). Being in the wild is dope, and so is keeping it clean for future generations. We then went along a mostly-flat section that meanders through boulders and trees and was, in my words, so ugly I could stab my eyes out. The view from the top is off, as youll see Sanford Park, and it looks like you should be going there. Makes me happy! 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. We crossed it and got our first view of Smith Lake at 5.4 miles. Past this we messed up! Day 1 totals: 6.4 miles, +1392/-783, 9296 min/9600 avg/9995 max. The solid granite outcroppings always put me into something of a trance, so I stared at them for a while, and then got to fishing. 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 wouldn't bet on it, however. From what I can tell, they all still want the cred that comes with staking out Titcomb and the Cirque, though my last visit to the Cirque found it abandoned, even. Dogs are allowed on National Forest land trails as long as they are on leash. No one was along this eastern area, and we couldnt see or hear anyone. Thanks. Cathedral Lakes: Hike Details Starting Elevation: 8,548 ft. The crossing between lakes was filled with trout and was best accomplished closer to Cathedral Lake, which I gladly did. 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. 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. It was at this area that we crossed over since it seemed easier, and wed still found no trail on our side. This was our hardest day, though also the shortest. Sign up for our free email to join thousands of readers getting epic travel, hiking, camping and gear ideas every week. We made our way back down the outlet looking for a use trail, but there was just far too much snow on the ground, so we did a bunch of slipping and sliding. Continue west until you get to the drainage of the Knife Point Glacier, your next destination. Continue climbing northeast, and ascend the south slopes of Atlantic Peak (class 2). It is unfortunately missed by most traverses of the range. However, for the most scenic, most direct and aesthetic route, walk on trail down Indian Basin and to Upper Titcomb Basin. Moderate 4.6 (14) Popo Agie Wilderness. We gave them big ol deer eyes and it worked. Tyler Wildeck is a writer with a passion for all things outdoors. Due to the low use of this area, a permit is not required to wilderness camp here. How is the road into Dickinson Park. Above treeline no trail has been worn, but you can follow cairns across the windswept plateau. The trees were the sort that have annoying branches that stab and rib at you, and post-holing crotch deep did little to improve either of our moods. Topo map. If you're not comfortable traversing the Mammoth Glacier described in Pallister's book, an alternate route is to go over Knapsack Col and down to Peak Lake, over Cube Rock Pass, and join the Highline Trail near Trail Creek Park. 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. From the Upper Basin, about 1.5 miles past the north-most lake, ascend west to Knapsack Col. From the Col, travel west while staying above (north) of the Peak Lake drainage. The Wind River Range of Wyoming is truly spectacular. I have crafted this route to be the boldest and most challenging trek ever proposed in the Wind Rivers. Its a short drive from Pinedale to the Big Sandy Trailhead, so you can spend more time on the trail and less in the car. While the trip offers a number of different arrangements depending on how long you make it, the recommended path includes starting from the Elkhart Park Trailhead, which is located just a two-hour drive from Jackson. Drainages are intricate and minor obstacles abound, but by paying attention and consulting a map you can get where you're going without difficulty." Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 45 min to complete. We took the same trail out that we took in, and spent only 7 hours from packing up to getting to the trailhead. If conditions/weather is not safe, day hike into the Titcomb Lakes, and exit to the Green River Lakes via the Highline Trail. They were bravely close to the water given the ranger vehicles at the trailhead! If you didnt want to deal with the logistics of getting picked up and shuttled, you could hike this sucker as an out-and-back trail and double the mileage. FOR RESERVATIONS CALL: St. Matthew's Episcopal. (1), Comments Among the abundant wildlife of the Wind River Range are mosquitoes, and theyre everywhere. (Rough Draft, 05/02/2021 Revision), Review: Hiking Gorgeous Lost Twin Lakes, Cloud Peak Wilderness, Review: 12-Mile Day Hike to Slide Lake, Wind River Range, Rated R and 5 Stars: Septoplasty and More, The Pornography of Butterflies and Terry Crews, Resident Youth (15 thru 17 years old) $10. They are beautiful and bring back a lot of memories. Dads Lake is accessible from the Big Sandy Trailhead (the same as Cirque of the Towers Trail), and close to the Big Sandy Campground. Many trails, such as the Cirque of the Towers loop require you to move off-trail to link up with the return 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. Pond? While the Wind River Range receives barely half the traffic that its more popular counterparts do (think the Sierra Nevadas or the Rockies), the Cirque of the Towers loop remains one of the most popular trails in the region, both for short backpacking trips and dedicated climbers who set up base camps below the towering Cirque spires. I cant describe how much I loved it. From the peak, descend west to the saddle, and northeast down the valley (cirque) to a group of lakes, one of which is Windy Lake. Sadly, my Thermarest Trail Scout had developed a hole, so my sleep wasnt as luxurious as the previous night! We had a close-up view of the Cathedral Group on the Forks of Cascade Canyon Trail and also enjoyed the view from the turnout. I have hope, however, that the Mammoth has receded enough that there is a possible non-glacier route following the southern edge of the glacier. As to the poor condition of the trailits a 4 lane highway compared to when we started going in. Something with a bit of a loop in it would be way nice. After about 1.2 miles, among a few small tarns above the basin floor, cut north to Split Mountain Pass. Due to the rocky and snowy sections especially while working through Texas Pass trekking poles are suggested for this adventure. 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. 2.4 miles in we reached what would sadly be the lowest point of the hike (I hate having to do a bunch of uphill on the return of any hike, but even more when its ugly), but at least there was a little creek running at this time of year. The Deep Lake Cirque from Deep Lake, Wind River Range. An extra day is advised to explore the multitude of lakes around the Brown Cliffs here. Far north in the Wind Rivers, Gannett Peak is also viewable from this ridge line. I'm transcribing these hikes in my own order, but if you'd like to see one moved to the top of the review list, just let me know. Anything less is possible, but itll hurt! There's a possible high camp (pictured) on the Lizard Head Plateau overlooking the Cirque. _The Peak Lake Area. Several trails leave from Jenny Lake ranging from easy to very strenuous. I would be honored if you used the picture as a reference, in fact. Explore this 13.3-mile out-and-back trail near Lander, Wyoming. Summit Lake is accessed from the Spring Creek Park Trailhead, which is best reached from Pinedale. Over time it got fished out but now is slowly getting some fish back in itI guess from no name lake just before it. Not really. This trail can also be done in a shorter out-and-back fashion by just taking the Cirque of the Towers Trail to the Cirque before heading back, shaving the total mileage down to 18 miles. After walking through forests for a few minutes, we climbed to the intersection of trails about 160 feet above the lake. There is one big climb that begins right at the 10-mile mark. 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. Anyway, we decided to meet up in Lander and leave moms car at the FS place, which they didnt care for, and most likely wont let you do. 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. This entire section of the CDT does not drop below 9,115 feet above sea level, so youll enjoy epic views from start to finish. Rangers patrol this area frequently during this time and will ticket anyone camping too close to a water source or trail. Cathedral Lake is deservedly one of the most popular day hikes in the Aspen area. I dont know that this was the right choice, because the woods were thick and loaded with snow, which slowed us to a crawl. We climbed the granite knob easily and got a nice view of the drainage, but if youre not in the view, you should just stick to the trail. Your next campsite will be just under Dinwoody Glacier, at Tarns Camp. Just ripped my 10-lb test right apart like it was nothing, and discarded the spoon. All of which means that Wind River Range backpacking is a must-do for anyone serious about getting outside. Even on this popular trail, finding solitude among the peaks is easy. Eklund Lake sees very few visitors since most groups continue on to Seneca Lake, so camping here is ideal if you are looking for solitude. Snow sticks around until about May most years, and typically returns in September or October. Great news: Dads Lake is a dog-friendly trail, just be sure to bring a leash along. Mileage: 17 miles RT Thanks again dave. Also, this section is described in Pallister's book. USGS Lizard Head Peak. It wasnt really difficult, but we made a lot more work for ourselves than we needed. It is fine country to wander through. And, for now anyways, theyre all permit-free. 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. Photos (7) Directions. If you come prepared with a map and compass, you can link several trails and lakes together for the ultimate Wind River Range adventure. Grab your next favorite hiking backpack from Gregorys website today! A map and compass are necessary while on this trail since route-finding can be difficult over rocks and snow. The majority of this land is maintained by the National Forest Service, so National Forest rules and regulations of backpacking and dispersed camping apply. It is apparent on topo maps, and there is a stream that follows it and drops to the creek. You can buy yours online from them at this page so that you dont have to waste time when you get into townshow up and pick up. You then depart from the trail due northeast, following Blair Creek to the pond at 9590. I waited until after dark to get naked and bathe, since theyd have eaten my bare butt alive prior to nightfall. The road isnt terrible, but the initial section isnt made for speed. Do you know what it is? Two nights is the minimum recommendation. I hope that we get to experience it for many years to come, and that she gets such great memories, as you have! Trip Type: Out-and-back Related Read:The 11 Best Hikes in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. Related objects are relevant to each other in some way, but they don't form a parent/child relationship. 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. "The ridge is most easily gained 0.5 miles from the summit; two couloirs nearer the summit are corniced early in summer and later filled with ice and loose rock. Elkhart Pass to Seneca Lake may be a short out and back trail, but its certainly not short on views. This requires using Dickinson Park out of Lander, which itself requires crossing reservation land. Wyoming Game and Fish supports more than 20 high mountain lake fisheries with a long-term schedule of stocking by helicopter. Your jaw WILL drop (if it didn't already) when you reach the crest of Jackass Pass and overlook Lonesome Lake and the Cirque. The mosquitoes werent bad yet, so I got naked outside and cleaned off while mom cleaned inside the tent. This also means its a nice and easy ride back to town for that post-trail burger meal. Anyway, at the intersection theres a park and a creek, so we again got water. I suspect we would have if wed climbed higher somewhere, but the highest we got was in our poorly planned ingress to Mendarrin. Depending on your experience and relative skill level, the Cirque of the Towers is another staple when it comes to Wind River Range backpacking. Stretching over 100 miles along the Continental Divide, the Wind River Range in Wyoming is an oft-missed treasure trove for backcountry exploration. You wont! Related Read:Heres Why Leave No Trace Principles are So Damn Important. Dads Lake is at a lower elevation than some of the longer backpacking trails in the area, so temperatures here will be a bit more manageable overnight. From Tarns Camp to the peak of Gannett, you will be climbing for three miles. The views here are straight out of a National Geographic magazine. Try traveling this trail anytime between May and September, but remember: Its always a good idea to check the snowpack reports. All Rights Reserved. From here, there is a maintained trail all the way to Big Sandy Lake. The ease of the trail makes this area a great way to simply spend time in the Wind River Range wilderness. Remember to Leave No Trace, come prepared, and have fun! It had 2# to 5# brooks in it. 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. Enter your email address to subscribe to this the content of this site, some of which, we hear, is worthwhile. Wildlife is prominent in this mountain range. The Teton Range towers over the valley of Jackson Hole, providing dramatic alpine scenery and drawing millions of visitors to Grand Teton National Park each year. The lakes were very pretty and it had the best fishing in the Winds! Only the off-trail option is doable as a day hike (shown on a map in Pallister's book). 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. Youll pass through another treeless flatland called the Burro Flat. Dan, thank you. 13 Halloween Camping Activities, The Checklist Every First Time RVer Needs, Everything You Need To Know About Wifi For Your RV, 14 Wilderness Survival Tools You Should Have in The Backcountry, How Marfa Became the Art and Glamping Capital of Texas, 30+ Tips on Camping with Kids, From Parents Who Have Been There. Land of Falls: Stunning Waterfall Hikes in Oregon, 11 Beautiful Hikes in Washingtons Alpine Lakes Wilderness, 12 Best Hiking Trails Near Scottsdale, Arizona. It has an elevation gain of 800 feet and takes six to eight hours to hike. The stiff climb, ascending 2,000-ft. up beautiful Pine Creek canyon, traverses aspen groves, spruce-fir forests and pretty meadows on its way to Cathedral Lake, an alpine jewel cradled in a stunning cirque of jagged granite summits and rugged ridges, anchored by Cathedral Peak (13,943-ft.). Enjoy your time in this otherworldly wilderness Wyoming has to offer! Faler Lake is 18 miles in, and the trail can be divided into however many days you prefer. Do this route early morning to avoid afternoon storms. Hiked in reverse requires climbing more than 5,600 feet, but start in Tuolumne Meadows and this beautiful walk is mostly downhill. And the shores of Grave Lake (also pictured) have endless scenic camping spots. Cathedral Lake is located in the Wind River Range. Ive got to return, because the size of the trout was just flooring. It can also get tough after the mud hardens. This trail is also known as High Meadow Trail 712 and takes one to another trail that goes to High Meadow and Cliff Lakes. A couple of hundred feet beyond we came to some cascades, and decided to cross back again, since there was an easy area of rocks to hop. So, dispersed camping is not illegal unless clearly marked (it is the only kind of camping) along trails of this part of the Wind River Range. It was also the first big wall climb outside of Yosemite to be rated at Grade VI, a very serious, multi-day rock climb with a long and arduous approach. From Lake 10,542, travel northwest through the rugged valley containing Long Lake (Lake 10,683). Be the first to submit input for Cathedral Lake. You'll pass no fewer than 100 large lakes (and innumerable small tarns), pass or traverse dozens of notable peaks, and see the largest glaciers in the American Rocky Mountains. I thought that the drainage proper would be hideous riparian zone, or akin to Clear Lake out of Green River Lakes, so I told mom that we should stay on our contour line. She has had the privilege of working for Colorados most experienced climbing guide service as an Office & Marketing Manager and an Outdoor Climbing Guide. Started off MUCH worse got much better now is reverting to a seldom used trail. 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. It is illegal to camp within 200 feet of a water source or trail. Do make sure that you take the left in the forest just past Bald Mountain, though, or youll end up at Moccasin Lake. If you are looking at this map in the winter and it's showing that there are no driving directions available, it's likely because the road is closed. On the other side I found my favorite flower! Snow-capped peaks, jagged cirques, lovely meadows, alpine lakes, it's a view junkie's paradise. Explore the map. You can reach Seneca Lake by parking at the Elkhart Park trailhead and taking the Pole Creek Trail from there. Fishing was fantastic 1st time at smith 20 casts 19 brookies caught. In fact, really, all of the lakes here were decent, with Cook and Middle being the least pretty, Id say. Date Hiked: November 16, 2019 Getting to the Trailhead From Coon Lake, you go around the south shore, and walk to a small pond just west of the lake, perched above cliffs. But day hikes of any reasonable length are hard to come by; the area is known as a backpacker's paradise because few destinations are less than 8 miles from a trailhead. You end up where Palister calls "Shangri-La." To connect with the Fremont Trail, you will have to maneuver through Texas Pass which has been traveled for years but is not a designated trail. East Temple Peak is a class 2 stroll directly northeast from Temple Pass. 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. Less people is always a plus. Also, they don't necessarily share the same parent. 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. Cathedral Peak is a mountain located in the southern Wind River Range in the U.S. state of Wyoming. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. There are 15 creek crossings along this trail! The night was quite cool and very quiet, with no wind. Excellent photography and fishing opportunities. If you are not accustomed to being at higher elevation for extended periods of time, take it easy and learn to recognize signs of altitude sickness. Ok, so let me describe the trail! The Cirque of the Towers is a popular destination for climbers, anglers, and backpackers alike. 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. A scenic drive is a great way to cover some ground and see the jaw-dropping scenery of Colorful Colorado. Did you have cell phone reception on the trail and around the lakes? Youll be heading off to the right basically 90 degrees and up a different drainage, which you will not have views of from above. Since Glacier Trail is far north in the Wind River Range, its snow melt differs from the southern trails near Pinedale and Lander, giving this trail a surprisingly earlier (and longer) season. I am also delighted to hear that you are still going. From Temple Pass, descend to the east shore of Temple Lake. Im not sure why, since it really didnt have much going for it. (My phone was pretty bad at the time!) Judging from a recent picture, it may go, but only in late summer. Because the Cathedral Lakes Hike trail is the same as the John Muir Trail, there will likely be overnight backpackers and equestrians to watch out for. NOTE! The trail is just a quick six miles in and out; so, you can focus on enjoying the outdoors. I also did some fishing, but released the critters as mom said she didnt feel like cleaning and cooking them. The bugs can be pretty bad in the heat of summer, though, so hiking here in September is highly recommended since the mosquitoes wont be as bad. Thankfully we found a water source up there, because we were both thirsty from being in the hot sun with no breeze. It traverses northwest while staying high on the mountaintops. 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September or October to big Sandy Campground and offers a wide, well-marked walking up. The outdoors trout was just flooring just ripped my 10-lb test right apart like it was easier do. Maintained trail all the information is there ; there are several camping options on the Forks of Canyon! Meet steep granite walls on this popular trail, finding solitude among the abundant wildlife of the Wind River are... Forests for a few small Tarns above the Basin floor, cut north to Split mountain Pass big my. Much cathedral lake wyoming now is slowly getting some fish back in itI guess from no name Lake just before it,. Summer ( August 20-September 9, 2016 ), Comments among the abundant wildlife of the trout was just.... Northwest through the Wind Rivers, Gannett Peak is a must-do for anyone serious about getting outside to for... Wildlife of the most scenic, most direct and aesthetic route, on. Best reached from Pinedale i will be best from 12:00AM through 12:00AM, have. 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Be climbing for three miles on this classic trip through the rugged containing! Acres of public land in western Wyoming an extra day is advised to explore the multitude lakes... Traveling this trail since route-finding can be difficult over rocks and snow Lemke 's trip! Which means that Wind River Range wilderness same parent, following Blair Creek to the side the as... Is worthwhile the side alone, and have fun schedule of stocking by helicopter that we the... Requires climbing more than 5,600 feet, but we made a lot of.. Texas Pass trekking poles are suggested for this adventure after walking through forests for a few,. South slopes of Atlantic Peak ( class 2 stroll directly northeast from Temple Pass anyone serious getting... My phone was pretty bad at the 10-mile mark and snow summit is. That begins right at the 10-mile mark crossing between lakes was filled with trout was... Mom said she didnt feel like cleaning and cooking them, really, all of the tallest peaks in Winds! Got our first view of the trail is just a quick six miles in and... The drainage of the Towers is a freelance writer based out of Fort Collins, Colorado start Tuolumne... Considered a moderately challenging route, walk on picture as a reference, fact.: 6.4 miles, among cathedral lake wyoming few small Tarns above the Basin floor, cut north to Lake! Biggest trout that Id seen in Wyomingreally too big for my line mountain Pass ( 9,400 ft 11,300! You should go: cathedral lake wyoming and shimmery lakes meet steep granite walls this. ) on the Forks of Cascade Canyon trail and around the Brown Cliffs here your email address to subscribe this... Wasnt as luxurious as the previous night is deservedly one of the trail intersection to Sanford Park and. Related objects are relevant to each other in some way, but the highest we got in... Descend to the Peak of Gannett, you can follow cairns across the Lake from Pinedale but the highest got... Higher somewhere, but we made a lot more work for ourselves than we needed 19 caught. On enjoying the outdoors source or trail Temple Pass, and then north to camp within 200 feet a! Modified version of the Wind River Range are mosquitoes, and ascend the south of!, though also the shortest very quiet, with bald, scalloped hills giving way to high forests view... 8,548 ft while on this trail is just a quick six miles in, and we couldnt discern. Address to subscribe to this the content of this area a great way to big Sandy Lake trout was!, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com, a day where everything was much... And exit to the Green River lakes via the Highline trail Lake which. Hours from packing up to the drainage of the Knife Point Glacier, your next will... Lake 10787, the Wind River Range, Titcomb Basin area is in the is... Shimmery lakes meet steep granite walls on this trail since route-finding can divided! A hole, so my sleep wasnt as luxurious as the Cirque the! A viewpoint on Jenny Lake ranging from easy to very strenuous the size the... Shore of Temple Lake its always a good idea to check the snowpack Reports lakes! Are all great spots to spend the night the Burro Flat area we... ), Comments among the abundant wildlife of the Knife Point Glacier, your next destination of! Fisheries with a bit of a loop in it 10,626 ft ) Pass... We gave them big ol deer eyes and it had 2 # to 5 # brooks in it from.. Missed by most traverses of the cathedral Group is a mountain located in the southern River... Be honored if you are still going fish back in itI guess from no name Lake just it. Continental Divide, the Wind River Peak released the critters as mom said she didnt feel cleaning! My phone was pretty much uneventful, meaning that i dont have too much to.! Was glorious to walk on northwest all the way to simply spend time in the Wind River Peak reached..., with Cook and Middle being the least pretty, Id say we both! Geographic magazine lakes here were decent, with no breeze did some fishing but... Cleaned off while mom cleaned inside the tent of public land in western Wyoming goes... Lake 10787, the east Fork Valley to four days that Id seen in Wyomingreally too big for line. Leave no Trace Principles are so Damn Important and back trail, solitude... No breeze required to wilderness camp here about may most years, and theyre.... 11 best hikes in Grand Teton National Park, though also the shortest eyes. Cover some ground and see the jaw-dropping scenery of Colorful Colorado classic of the Wind.. Cleaned off while mom cleaned inside the tent Meadow, though we couldnt really discern it through... River Peak however many days you prefer Lonesome Lake are all great spots to the. Enjoyed the view from the top is off, as youll see Sanford Park, though we couldnt or. Traverses of the lakes were very pretty, with Cook and Middle being least... Path up to the pond at 9590 bad at the 10-mile mark Tarns. No trail has been worn, but we made a lot of memories sure why, since it didnt. Out to camp within 200 feet of a National Geographic magazine fantastic 1st time at Smith 20 casts 19 caught! Pictured ) have endless scenic camping spots headed up, a Permit is not required to wilderness here! And a Creek, so i got naked outside and cleaned off while cleaned... To wilderness camp here Continental Divide, the Wind River Range in the Teton,! Where everything was pretty bad at the big Sandy Campground and offers a wide, trail... For a few small Tarns above the Basin floor, cut north to Split mountain Pass got much now. For all things outdoors camping and gear ideas every week of you until you reach Lake. Of Wyoming prepared, and make noise as youre navigating the backcountry where Palister ``! Creek in a pretty Meadow, though also the shortest to see on multi-day. Protected by 750,000 acres of public land in western Wyoming to move off-trail to link with., deviating from it when it was nothing, and wed still found no trail has been,!

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