Why you should go: Cruise Wyomings Section 13 of the historic Continental Divide Trail. Back at camp we packed up and headed toward Cathedral Lake. 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. Nights will be cold year-round, sometimes reaching freezing temperatures even in the summer months. The Cathedral Group Turnout is located along Jenny Lake Road which you can access while driving the Grand Teton Scenic Loop Drive. Cathedral Lake, WY Latitude: 42.8213426 Longitude: -109.1445738 County: Fremont Area: Lizard Head Peak Elevation: 3034 meters - 9954 feet Left - 2.7 billion year old metamorphic gneiss. Lake Info Fishing Forecast Fishing Reports More Discuss ions. 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. Just continue north to shallow and picturesque Hay Pass. Hiking around Jenny Lake offers spectacular views of the Cathedral Group and Cascade Canyon. Print/PDF map. Why you should go: Take the trail less traveled through the Roaring Fork Basin to reach some of the most isolated alpine lakes in the Wind River Range. 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. From this saddle, both East Temple and Temple Peaks are worthwhile side trips. Great news: Dads Lake is a dog-friendly trail, just be sure to bring a leash along. It offers panoramic views and excellent backcountry camping without the heavy mileage of its longer cousin. From Big Sandy Lake, switchback north on the well-worn trail to Lonesome Lake in 3 miles. And also from going south from New Fork Lake past Lee Lake. The gal we were talking to, though, seemed mostly unfazed. All Rights Reserved. The height of Mt. 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. She describes it as miserable. This is the only small section of the WRRT where these tools may be required. Why you should go: This two-day trek will take you deep into the Winds on an easy going, lake filled trail. A successful woman is one who can find such a man." Consult guidebooks on the safest way to ascend Indian Pass. Take in stunning panoramic views as you hike or ride right from your doorstep in the area considered the Shangri-La of the Similkameen. This is high elevation camping at its finest, showcasing the areas iconic rock and snow. Try traveling this trail anytime between May and September, but remember: Its always a good idea to check the snowpack reports. The nearest weather station for both precipitation and temperature measurements is LANDER AP which is approximately 21 miles away and has an elevation of 5,557 feet (4,397 feet lower than Cathedral Lake). 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). Applying DEET and wearing layers will help protect you from these little buggers. This trip is typically done in two days, as you hike in nine miles to Seneca Lake, camp here, then hike out. On the other side I found my favorite flower! Only the off-trail option is doable as a day hike (shown on a map in Pallister's book). At about 15.5 miles into the trail, the incline drastically increases as you work your way between Three Waters Mountain and Osborn Mountain. In fact, really, all of the lakes here were decent, with Cook and Middle being the least pretty, Id say. Given that we fished somewell, yeah, we still basically moseyed and puttered. Related Read:6 Best Day Hikes in the Wind River Range. Do you know what it is? The end of Summit Lake Trail links up with a few other trails, and sections of the CDT. Do this route early morning to avoid afternoon storms. Home to Wyomings tallest peaks and over 100 miles of the Continental Divide, the Wind River Range is beautifully wild. Although the Cathedral above the lake isnt actually Cathedral Peak (which is farther back and almost 1000-feet higher), it was a stunning bit of geology. Excellent photography and fishing opportunities. We reached Mendarrin 2 hours after leaving camp, which was far too long for the distance. Did you have cell phone reception on the trail and around the lakes? I will try and see if I can do justice to your pics. Mid-June through September is the best time to attempt this summit. Grizzlies are active throughout the range. If you have any questions, comments, or anything else, feel free to post below. ($80 fine I think.). Cathedral Lake Middle Lake Brookie Snake River Cut from the North Fork Popo Agie Me and Sweetie trying to stay dry. Here you can go straight and around the north side of Middle Lake (SmithMiddleCathedralsomeone wasnt creative), or take the branch trail toward Cook Lake. Highway 1; Highway 101; Highway 270; Highway 70; . After we were both bathed, we soaked up the campfire heat and I got pictures of the night sky. From Little Sandy Creek, You then continue to Temple Pass. How is the road into Dickinson Park. 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. High country lakes fish surveys. Jenny Lake is a popular area and . 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. 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. You will need a permit to camp at the lakes. 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. No one was along this eastern area, and we couldnt see or hear anyone. Less than 35 miles. What if you could link nearly every major cirque and basin in the Winds with one non-technical route? At mile 4-ish we reached the trail intersection to Sanford Park, though we couldnt really discern it. When it comes to Wind River Range backpacking routes, there are a few premier trails to choose from, each varying in length, difficulty and terrain. The best time to visit the Titcomb Basin area is in the late summer, beginning in July and ending in late September. 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. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. Not really. Being in the wild is dope, and so is keeping it clean for future generations. Also, this section is described in Pallister's book. About a mile from Photographers Point, you will reach Eklund Lake. Wed left Lander around 2PM (my house was very far away) and got to the trailhead at 4PM. With 130 glaciers, 1,300 alpine lakes, and 30 peaks over 13,000 feet, it's no wonder the Winds have made their place on thousands of backpacker's bucket lists. As you hike out from Faler Lake, theres a steep section to get back down to the Roaring Fork Basin, but then its all downhill from there! To the south were waterfalls and we saw granite ramps that we could walk up if we wanted to ascend the mountain (maybe a good path to do Big Sandy-Washakie-Cathedral-Dickinson), which I stored in my mind for future use. Remember to Leave No Trace, come prepared, and have fun! Here begins the true crux of the route: getting down the Mammoth Glacier to Scott Lake. It is not terribly difficult, but consistency mixed with the . We heard some people and saw a couple of folks fishing at the west side, far from us. 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.). For the most part we followed the river, deviating from it when it was easier to do that. 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. 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. If you are hiking here in the warmth of July, you can come across some trouble finding a camp spot within Forest Service parameters. Right from the start, this trail passes through aspen groves and thick pine forest. Hike along the eastern ramps and shore of this lake (it is reported that the going is toughest at the beginning southeast end). ), Rockhounding Locations in WY, MT; UT. Near the Green River Lakes area, Roaring Fork is just one of many trails near here. Big Sandy Lake, Dads Lake, Shadow Lake, Jackass Pass, and Lonesome Lake are all great spots to spend the night. The Hay Pass Trail is not maintained, so keep your GPS, map, and compass handy. 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. USGS Lizard Head Peak. 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. I hope that we get to experience it for many years to come, and that she gets such great memories, as you have! 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. We decided to leave our tent and only use my pack, and to head up for Mendarrin Lake to the west, not knowing what wed find. Cathedral Peak is a mountain located in the southern Wind River Range in the U.S. state of Wyoming. Cathedral Peak (or technically an arm of Cathedral Peak) reflects in Cathedral Lake at sunset. We also stopped for some pictures on the drive out! 2. If you are looking for the perfect weekend getaway, this ones for you! Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. Among the abundant wildlife of the Wind River Range are mosquitoes, and theyre everywhere. There are no trees or landmarks here, only large fields of wildflowers and sloping hills. As far as camping, it sounds like you could potentially camp anywhere along this section. 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.". Anyway, it was a pretty nice night. Im going to go back with something better than 10-lb test, which just wasnt enough for the trout in Cathedral or Middle Lakes. Cathedral, Hunter Hall Offices Room #102. Continue northwest up the basin towards Lake 10,756, which is directly south of Hay Pass. Dan, thank you. Attempts to repair my Trail Scout werent fruitful, but it still provided some extra loft, and it wasnt a really bad experience, as Ive had when an inflatable pad has had a catastrophic failure in other scenarios. A lot of camping locations dont have tall trees for hanging bear bags, so bear canisters are your safest bet. Trip Type: Out-and-back From Baptiste Lake, head due east for approximately 1.5 miles, then north to the upper Grave Creek Cirque. Before 8PM we had a huge fire going, and sadly the mosquitoes here were fairly aggressive. Be the first to write a review. The Jean Lakes are a long day hike from Titcomb Basin via the Highline Trail. The Wind River Range Traverse (WRRT) is the finest non-technical alpine backpacking route in the lower 48 states. If traveling lightly and in peak physical condition, it could be possible to do this route in a little over a week. Ok, so let me describe the trail! Overall, pack more water than you think youll need, and take frequent breaks to prevent exhaustion and advanced altitude sickness. Two nights is the minimum recommendation. The strenuous Lizard Head Trail leaves the North Fork Trail in these meadows and climbs nearly 2000 feet to the bare upper slopes of Windy Mountain. I would love to return to this lake at a later time, because its truly quite gorgeous, though Cloverleaf was nothing to sneeze at, either! _The Peak Lake Area. Yay, a day where everything was pretty much uneventful, meaning that I dont have too much to type. This initial climb will get your heart rate going. The land was donated by Maud Noble, owner of nearby Menor's Ferry, predating the establishment of Grand Teton National Park in 1929 and its expansion into the Moose area in 1950. It was at this area that we crossed over since it seemed easier, and wed still found no trail on our side. It is apparent on topo maps, and there is a stream that follows it and drops to the creek. Snow will add another element to route-finding. 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. From Temple Pass, descend to the east shore of Temple Lake. The northwestern section of the lake had a small creek coming into it, as well as a large open clearing that people were utilizing for camping, though we didnt see any actual people (the entire day). 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. 3. This trail by itself is typically done between two to four days. I suspect we would have if wed climbed higher somewhere, but the highest we got was in our poorly planned ingress to Mendarrin. 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