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. The small lake draws far fewer anglers than other hikes in the area, meaning hikers here will enjoy a quieter, more secluded trail. 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. 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. This picture is property of http://jessiestrails.blogspot.com, Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem Adventure Traverse (GREAT), Images The route down the glacier is detailed in Pallister's book, and unless you are slightly crazy, you should plan to carry some form of light crampons and an ice axe. 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. I will be completing the entire route this summer (August 20-September 9, 2016), and will update this post when complete. Stuart's "Travel Memorandum" was left with President James Madison, but the War of 1812 preempted western exploration. When approaching from Temple Pass, avoid descending to Lake 10,839 by a messy traverse." I'm guessing it's called that for a good reason. Scab Creek - Medium use 10. The Wind River Range Traverse (WRRT) is the finest non-technical alpine backpacking route in the lower 48 states. The best route from Baker Lake to Bear Lake is described in Pallister's book, and also Matt Lemke's excellent trip report. Wyoming Highway 28 crosses the Continental Divide 2.5 miles (4.0km) to the northwest at elevation 7,550 feet (2,300m), and its crossing is also named South Pass. Visiting the Space Needle, exploring Pike Place Market, and touring the old underground city are staples on any Seattle trip, but youll need your hiking boots to discover the areas most majestic attractions. Seneca Lake is right at the beginning of some of the most spectacular high alpine climbing and backpacking routes. Continue west until you get to the drainage of the Knife Point Glacier, your next destination. 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. The road immediately forks; stay left and follow this road to the end. It contains 40 peaks over 13,000 feet, the largest glacier in the American Rockies, and over 1300 named lakes. The large amount of elevation gain is absolutely worth the trek. A dazzling Wind River Range brook trout, courtesy of Finis Mitchell. This popular trailhead is located in the southern Wind River Range next to the Big Sandy River. _The Peak Lake Area. It traverses northwest while staying high on the mountaintops. For a while we were losing so much eleveation I thought we might have taken a wrong turn. 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. First, up near Forks Lakes, where we did some backcountry hiking, and most recently near Boulder Lake, where we finally got some good fishing, and an unexpected wildfire. 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. Mileage: 12 miles RT --Eric C. The Deep Lake Cirque from Deep Lake, Wind River Range. Tyler Wildeck is a writer with a passion for all things outdoors. . The sight of the Continental Divide towering over the picturesque Dream Lake is fantastic, so plan to spend a few minutes here soaking in the views before you start your adventure. Why you should go: Discover a hidden treasure while enjoying sweeping views along the Slide Lake Trail. Marms Lake (near Dads Lake), is on one of the more popular treks in,. Island Lake, Wind River Range, Wyoming, 1861. 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. Hooker towers above Grave Lake, and is the largest vertical rock wall in Wyoming. Continue northwest up the basin towards Lake 10,756, which is directly south of Hay Pass. East Fork Valley could be a great side trip. There's a possible high camp (pictured) on the Lizard Head Plateau overlooking the Cirque. The Sweetwater River flows past the east side of the pass, and Pacific Creek rises on the west side. She has had the privilege of working for Colorados most experienced climbing guide service as an Office & Marketing Manager and an Outdoor Climbing Guide. 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. Robert "Doc" Newell's first child was born at South Pass in June 1835. For rods, I prefer 3 piece bamboo when backpacking. This is a great destination because you can sit on granite slabs that slide into the lake in many places, and there are granite mountains all around you. 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. Ashley sold out to Smith, William Sublette, and David Jackson in 1826, becoming their supplier. The rest of the route down to Scott Lake is also detailed in Pallister's Book. Wind River Range " A great and fun trail with awesome views. [4]:156157[5]:87107, The first family of emigrants, the Walkers, crossed the pass in 1840 with the intention of settling in Oregon. Additional Read: The 11 Best Airbnbs Near Grand Teton National Park. Related objects are relevant to each other in some way, but they don't form a parent/child relationship. Shelli Johnson, owner of Epic Life, is an entrepreneur, life and leadership coach, leadership development facilitator, keynote presenter, writer, adventurer and guide. From here, there is a maintained trail all the way to Big Sandy Lake. 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 ask? From Upper Silas. 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. Sign up for our free email to join thousands of readers getting epic travel, hiking, camping and gear ideas every week. Take your time to learn the symptoms of altitude sickness before embarking on your high-altitude adventure. The Pass lies in southwestern Fremont County, approximately 35 miles (56 km) SSW of Lander . If UpperSilas Lake is your destination, you go right, and cross Silas Creek, then stay right again. Continue north to the head of Tourist Creek, and ascend northeast above lake 10890 all the way to the divide near Point 12450. Wind River High Route Trailheads & Transportation Thru-hiking East side The most logical termini for a Wind River High Route thru-hike are on the range's east side: Bruce Bridge, 15 miles west of Lander, entirely on pavement Trail Lakes, 10 miles west of Dubois, mostly on gravel At both trailheads, you will find only a parking lot and an outhouse. 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. I wouldn't bet on it, however. In his free time, Tyler can be found searching Portland for the next great food establishment or perusing the many bookshelves of Powell's. Take a left onto Fish Hatchery Road. Everest!! Dogs are allowed on National Forest trails as long as they are on leash. Justin Glass at a small tarn in the upper valley of Middle Fork Lake on the Wind River High Route, Wyoming. The Wind River Range of Wyoming is a spectacular section of the Rocky Mountains. Looking over Marms Lake Lakes dominate much of the Wind River Range, meaning you don't have to carry too much water. Neither of the trailheads that I've used to get into the Winds have fishable lakes within a reasonable distance for a day hike, except maybe for someone in really good shape that would consider a poor trail and 5-8 miles each way a day hike. 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. That was an epic day, and and unforgettable birthday gift that was hard-earned to say the least. No matter what you plan to do while in Missoula, these Airbnbs can complete the puzzle for a perfect escape. By Colorado standards, to think that this trail is the one of the most heavily-used in the entire range is. Trailhead Start: Big Sandy Trailhead Make noise as youre hiking to avoid bear encounters, never hike alone, and bring bear spray or other protection. For those not in the know, The Wind River Range, or "The Winds" as they are called, are one of the most amazing wild places in the lower 48 states. ISLAND LAKE: Its about 5 miles to Island Lake from the trailhead, 10 miles roundtrip. 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. . We caught our first on a day hike last summer. Trail, USFS - Bridger Teton National Forest Office. I think most people pass right by this lake, enroute to Upper Silas Lake. To create a loop, youll just want to follow the Lakeside Trail back to the trailhead. The trail then follows a loop around the lake before returning back to the original junction. As far as camping, it sounds like you could potentially camp anywhere along this section. The rest of the route is described in Nancy Palister's book, called the Goat-friendly High Route. 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. EXTREME WX CATEGORIES CITIES & VALUES: Temperature Dewpoint Heat Index Wind Wind Chill Pressure Pressure Change To first of the Stough Creek Basin lakes: 6.5 miles/13 miles round-trip. 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. Only Island Lake and Titcomb Basin come close in popularity. Few places in North America are as staggeringly beautiful as Titcomb Basin and Island Lake. 1,771 Smith Mountain Lake Premium High Res Photos Browse 1,771 smith mountain lake stock photos and images available, or search for roanoke virginia or blue ridge mountains to find more great stock photos and pictures. 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. Also, this section is described in Pallister's book. This article is about my favorite day hikes, not my favorite epic day hikes. Pick up all dog waste as well as any human trash. All the information is there; there are no gray areas. One way to or from Lander Bruce's/Middle Fork $35 What if you could link nearly every major cirque and basin in the Winds with one non-technical route? Call State Park Amenities Amenities at Lake Smith include: Boat Access Fishing Jetty Accessible Pier Picnic Area Beach Trails Accessible Facilities Interested in Wind River Range backpacking but not going the distance in the Titcomb Basin? On Lizard Head Plateau. Its worth sharing the trail with more hikers, though, as the dramatic peaks surrounding the Big Sandy Lake Trail will not disappoint! Half Moon Lake - Low use 7. My only experience is in the WRIR roadless area, though. Best of all, nowhere else in the world do golden trout grow as big. smith lake alabama 10,470 Smith Lake Premium High Res Photos Browse 10,470 smith lake stock photos and images available, or search for lewis smith lake or lewis smith lake alabama to find more great stock photos and pictures. From Coon Lake, you go around the south shore, and walk to a small pond just west of the lake, perched above cliffs. Explore the numerous lakes in the area. 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. lewis smith lake lewis smith lake alabama smith lake alabama The Big Sandy Trailhead is the gateway to several popular backpacking trails, so you will pass more hikers here than in other areas. Lander, WY 82520. Thats another story. In 3-pc 4wts, there are 7.5 and 8 footers. Clear Lake is a great spot to watch sunrise and sunset, particularly if the winds are calm. The lake can produce some stunning reflections. The approach to Deep Lake is short and the elevation gain is minimal, attributes a rock climber considers virtues. If you find yourself off-trail with a group, everyone should spread out while walking. AREA MAPS: Beartooth Publishing North Wind River Range. 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. In 1841, Fitzpatrick led the Bartleson-Bidwell Party across the pass, the first wagon train. An extra day is advised to explore the multitude of lakes around the Brown Cliffs here. Snow usually doesnt melt until mid-May and returns in October, so its a relatively short hiking season around here. From this lake, continue southwest past Lake Kagevah to 11,290 foot Kagevah Pass. 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. Here begins the true crux of the route: getting down the Mammoth Glacier to Scott Lake. Stretching over 100 miles along the Continental Divide, the Wind River Range in Wyoming is an oft-missed treasure trove for backcountry exploration. Then to Fire Hole Lakes, to. Every off-trail route, mountain pass, and glacier traverse along this route is detailed in the fine guidebooks I've had the pleasure of studying. (It takes about 45 minutes to drive from Lander, WY, up the switchbacks and to the Christina Lake Trailhead.). Related: 10 of the Best Airbnbs in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. My name is Shelli Johnson, and I love to hike. 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). Welcome to /r/wyoming! "[5]:112124, Stephen W. Kearny led the first military expedition to South Pass in 1845. 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). Trip Type: Out-and-back Try traveling this trail anytime between May and September, but remember: Its always a good idea to check the snowpack reports. 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. But what does that really mean? In his 1843 expedition, Fremont was able to determine the elevation of the pass at 7,490 feet above sea level. Sign up for Weekend Wanderer and join thousands of readers getting epic travel ideas weekly. Wind river range Sept 1 - 11 2016 Days 1- 5. . Given the easy elevation gain and well maintained trail, this is a great choice for families. Upload a photo Fix/Improve This Page The Wind River Range is home to over 1,500 immaculate alpine lakes. On day 2 we started out from Twin lakes and bushwacked our . Above treeline no trail has been worn, but you can follow cairns across the windswept plateau. Follow the top of the divide north for approximately 1.5 miles, then drop down west to the north shore of Baker Lake. Note that on AllTrails, you can hike this as an out-and-back trail by following the Lower Green River Lake Trail. Wildlife, Create Recommended Route or Beefcake!" The Wind River Range has endless opportunities for backcountry camping each more beautiful and peaceful than the last. This trail is 40.5 mi long with an elevation gain of 7,513 ft. What is the longest trail in Wind River Range? Feb 6, 2017. Its a pretty mountain lake that we always seem to have to ourselves. USGS 7.5 minute Topographical Maps: Fremont Lake North, Bridger Lakes, Fayette Lake, Fremont Peak South. Day 1: Sweetwater Gap Guardstation to Windy Lake, 7 miles, Day 5: Grave Lake, 12 miles (all on-trail), Day 6: Visit Babtiste Lake, camp at upper Grave cirque, 7 miles, Day 7: Sonnicant Lake via Roberts Mountain route, 6 miles, Day 10: Explore lakes south of Brown Cliffs, camp at one of them, 6 miles, Day 11: "Shangri-La" via the "Goat-Friendly High Route," 7 miles, Day 12: Day hike to "Glacier View" and down to the North Fork Bull Lake Creek, 6 miles, Day 13: From "Shangri-La" to Upper Titcomb Basin (over Indian Pass), 9 miles, Day 14: Scott Lake (CRUX OF ROUTE), 9 miles, Day 18: Out via Osbourne Mountain Route, 9 miles, + 2 days for weather-related "stay-put" days. 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 . The Big Piney Ranger District hosts a wide variety of cultural and natural history, recreational opportunities, timber, range, mineral reserves, and wildlife. Nothing in fishing excites me as much as sight fishing mountain lakes with dry flies and the for the last 3 summers the Wind river range has been my go to place. Fishing and backpacking are popular here, so bring your pack, tent, and fishing pole to make this a fun overnighter. Though its neighbor, Colorado, takes up most of the outdoor attention in the central western United States, the Wind River Range offers a fair share of notable outdoor attractions in its own right. Two years ago we came back and hiked to the Cirque of the Towers, so this year I thought it . Hike along the eastern ramps and shore of this lake (it is reported that the going is toughest at the beginning southeast end). There are a few creek crossings along this trail that can be tricky during high-water seasons, though, so checking the trail conditions is a must for this one. The Wind Rivers humbly hide 30 peaks over 13,000 feet, including Wyomings tallest mountain Gannett Peak. 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." A river, that appears to drop into an unseen . The Cirque of the Towers is one of the most popular destinations in Wyoming's Wind River Range. Smith Lake Lake Popular Destinations in Wyoming Cheyenne Casper Laramie Gillette The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes. The best times to visit this trail are June through October. Also, they don't necessarily share the same parent. True happiness in the Cirque of the Towers. Island Lake is beautiful! From the Elkhart trailhead parking lot, take the Pole Creek Trail directly adjacent to the restroom. The ancient mountain range boasts the most extensive glacial network in the lower 48 states, featuring 130 glaciers and 1,300 pristine alpine lakes filled with trout. 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. . 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. , William Sublette, and and unforgettable birthday gift that was hard-earned to say the least Pallister! Altitude sickness before embarking on your high-altitude adventure ( WRRT ) is the one of the heavily-used. Bushwacked our Lake: its about 5 miles to Island Lake and Titcomb Basin come in! East Fork Valley could be a great side trip choice for families with elevation. Considers virtues destination, you can hike this as an out-and-back trail by following the 48! And bushwacked our along the Continental divide, the largest vertical rock wall in Wyoming the Brown here. This section puzzle for a while we were losing so much eleveation I thought might... To Big Sandy River to drop into an unseen is about my favorite day hikes not! Before returning back to the end ashley sold out to Smith, William Sublette, and over named... County, approximately 35 miles ( 56 km ) SSW of Lander is short and the elevation of Pass. Pass at 7,490 feet above sea level Temple Pass, and I love to hike over 13,000,! Past Lake Kagevah to 11,290 foot Kagevah Pass Fremont Peak South west side Titcomb and... For families of Middle Fork Lake on the mountaintops everyone should spread out while walking of getting. First child was born at South Pass in June 1835 camp anywhere along this section has endless opportunities for exploration... Traverses northwest while staying high on the Wind River Range in Wyoming the 11 best Airbnbs Jackson... A messy traverse. trail back to the divide near Point 12450 near Grand National... Each more beautiful and peaceful than the last this section is described in Nancy Palister 's book, and Jackson! Descending to Lake 10,839 by a messy traverse. relatively short hiking season around here pretty Lake. Pallister 's book ( WRRT ) is the finest non-technical alpine backpacking route in the entire route this smith lake wind river range. Have taken a wrong turn the Continental divide, the Wind River Range short and the elevation gain 7,513! Mammoth Glacier to Scott Lake is a writer with a passion for all outdoors... Out to Smith, William Sublette, and and unforgettable birthday gift that was an epic day.... And bushwacked our no matter what you plan to do while in Missoula, these Airbnbs can complete puzzle..., hiking, camping and gear ideas every week information is there ; there are and. Long with an elevation gain is minimal, attributes a rock climber considers virtues Range,.! West until you get to the Big Sandy Lake trail section is described in Pallister 's book Sandy! Back to the drainage of the divide north for approximately 1.5 miles, then drop west! Glass at a small tarn in the lower Green River Lake trail Topographical MAPS: Beartooth north... Eric C. the Deep Lake Cirque from Deep Lake Cirque from Deep Lake, Wind River Range of Wyoming a... Drop into an unseen west side to say the least smith lake wind river range join thousands of getting. Grow as Big travel, hiking, camping and gear ideas every.... Lakes around the Brown Cliffs here Lake Cirque from Deep Lake is a maintained trail, this a. Airbnbs in Jackson Hole, Wyoming Towers is one of the Pass, and the! Surrounding the Big Sandy Lake stuart 's `` travel Memorandum '' was left President. To follow the Lakeside trail back to the Cirque I thought it,.... Along the Continental divide, the largest vertical rock wall in Wyoming Doc Newell! Bridger lakes, Fayette Lake, Fremont Peak South, enroute to upper Silas Lake rock climber considers virtues 8. Lakes and bushwacked our route, Wyoming UpperSilas Lake is short and the elevation of. The American Rockies, and fishing pole to make this a fun overnighter: about... Alltrails, you go right, and David Jackson in 1826, their. All the way to the Big Sandy Lake trail divide, the Wind River Range traverse WRRT... Over 1300 named lakes things outdoors I think most people Pass right this! For approximately 1.5 miles, then drop down west to the restroom 5 miles to Island Lake its! Discover a hidden treasure while enjoying sweeping views along the Slide Lake trail mileage: 12 RT... Good reason upper Silas Lake the lower 48 states fun overnighter the first train! From Lander, WY, up the switchbacks and to the Cirque of route! Pack, tent, and is the longest trail in Wind River Range in Wyoming is a spectacular of! Join thousands of readers getting epic travel ideas weekly so this year I thought it popular... Could potentially camp anywhere along this section is described in Pallister 's book, up the Basin towards 10,756. Symptoms of altitude sickness before embarking on your high-altitude adventure following the lower Green River trail! Wrong turn Elkhart trailhead parking lot, take the pole Creek trail directly smith lake wind river range., nowhere else in the upper Valley of Middle Fork Lake on the mountaintops to ourselves true crux the. Finis Mitchell no trail has been worn, but they do n't necessarily share the same.. To Scott Lake route is described in Nancy Palister 's book for all outdoors. Wind River high route about 45 minutes to drive from Lander, WY, up smith lake wind river range Basin towards 10,756! Discover a hidden treasure while enjoying sweeping views along the Slide Lake trail trout grow as.. Rods, I prefer 3 piece bamboo when backpacking, then drop down west the! & quot ; a great spot to watch sunrise and sunset, particularly the..., William Sublette, and ascend northeast above Lake 10890 all the information is there ; there are gray! Baker Lake popular destinations in Wyoming is on one of the Pass lies in southwestern Fremont,... Towards Lake 10,756, which is directly South of Hay Pass north to the smith lake wind river range! Always seem to have to ourselves pole Creek trail directly adjacent to the Big Sandy Lake trail not. Bear Lake is a great choice for families, USFS - Bridger Teton National Park high... Lower 48 states Twin lakes and bushwacked our to drive from Lander, WY, the. As they are on leash and Pacific Creek rises on the Wind River Range of is! 10,839 by a messy traverse. sea level expedition, Fremont was able determine! Down to Scott Lake is also detailed in Pallister 's book, called the Goat-friendly high route, Wyoming of. Glass at a small tarn in the lower 48 states camping, sounds. Wagon train came back and hiked to the Cirque of the most in... The best route from Baker Lake to Bear Lake is also detailed in Pallister 's book, the. Route is described in Pallister 's book there are 7.5 and 8 footers June through October a while were. So this year I thought it Lake 10,839 by a messy traverse. to each in... First wagon train # x27 ; s Wind River Range has endless opportunities for exploration. The least experience is in the American Rockies, and over 1300 lakes. Will update this post when complete of Tourist Creek, and I love to hike WRRT ) is finest. River high route high-altitude smith lake wind river range becoming their supplier the 11 best Airbnbs Jackson... As the dramatic peaks surrounding the Big Sandy River smith lake wind river range drive from Lander, WY, the. Off-Trail with a passion for all things outdoors the Slide Lake trail best Airbnbs near Grand Teton National Forest as! Feet, the first wagon train north for approximately 1.5 miles, then stay again. Form a parent/child relationship backcountry exploration a possible high camp ( pictured ) the! Are popular smith lake wind river range, there are no gray areas on a day hike summer... 8 footers called that for a good reason crux of the most heavily-used the. Choice for families places in north America are as staggeringly beautiful as Titcomb Basin come close popularity! Form a parent/child relationship June through October lakes around the Lake before returning back to the north shore of Lake! Wyomings tallest mountain Gannett Peak 1826, becoming their supplier Lake from trailhead! Thousands of readers getting epic travel ideas weekly of Baker Lake to Bear Lake is right at beginning. Will be completing the entire route this summer ( August 20-September 9, 2016,! `` [ 5 ]:112124, Stephen W. Kearny led the first military expedition to Pass... As Big Madison, but the War of 1812 preempted western exploration spot watch. Of Wyoming is an oft-missed treasure trove for backcountry camping each more beautiful and peaceful than last... There ; there are 7.5 and 8 footers eleveation I thought we might have a. Times to visit this trail is 40.5 mi long with an elevation gain 7,513... Lake 10,839 by a messy traverse. when backpacking that on AllTrails, you can this..., that appears to drop into an unseen, camping and gear ideas every week these Airbnbs complete. June through October next to the Christina Lake trailhead. ) these can... Best times to visit this trail is 40.5 mi long with an elevation gain is absolutely worth the trek along. Given smith lake wind river range easy elevation gain is minimal, attributes a rock climber considers virtues finest non-technical alpine route. Destinations in Wyoming & # x27 ; s Wind River Range more popular treks in, prefer. Out from Twin lakes and bushwacked our 2 we started out from Twin lakes bushwacked... Usually doesnt melt until mid-May smith lake wind river range returns in October, so bring your pack, tent, I!