Dads Lake also has the benefit of being at a slightly lower elevation than some of the classic Wind River Range backpacking trails, so seasonality can be a bit easier to handle. Your next campsite will be just under Dinwoody Glacier, at Tarns Camp. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 5 h 38 min to complete. Review: Dickinson Park to Smith, Cloverleaf, Cook, Mendarrin, Middle, & Cathedral Lakes, Hiking and Adventure Map (Work in Progress), Day 1, 11 July: Dickinson Park to Cloverleaf Lake, Day 2: Mendarrin Lake and Camp at Cathedral Lake (My day of birth! Truly beautiful, steep peaks create the backdrop of Photographers Point. And also from going south from New Fork Lake past Lee Lake. Its the ideal pack for a high-altitude trek through the Wind River Range. Trip Type: Out-and-back A major contributor to the stunning views is the range's geology. The trail is lined with nonstop mountain views, and treats hikers to the peaceful sounds of an echoing creek as it meanders through the valley. Mileage: 12 miles RT Jenny Lake is a popular area and . Navigating Cloverleafs outlet was very simple, and we crossed on rocks, ending up on a huge iceberg of snow, which we climbed up. 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. Hiking around Jenny Lake offers spectacular views of the Cathedral Group and Cascade Canyon. Interested in Wind River Range backpacking but not going the distance in the Titcomb Basin? Explore this 13.3-mile out-and-back trail near Lander, Wyoming. I also did some fishing, but released the critters as mom said she didnt feel like cleaning and cooking them. Cathedral Lakes: Hike Details Starting Elevation: 8,548 ft. The mosquitoes werent bad yet, so I got naked outside and cleaned off while mom cleaned inside the tent. Do this route early morning to avoid afternoon storms. After that, its all downhill. Being in the wild is dope, and so is keeping it clean for future generations. The night was quite cool and very quiet, with no wind. 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. It contains 40 peaks over 13,000 feet, the largest glacier in the American Rockies, and over 1300 named lakes. The Jean Lakes are a long day hike from Titcomb Basin via the Highline Trail. Because the nearest station and this geographic feature . The drive up to Dickinson Park is long but very pretty, with bald, scalloped hills giving way to high forests. Dickinson Park to Middle Lake. I might one day orienteer it over it Dutch Over Lake, if Im so blessed. It lies 1.7 miles north of its more famous neighbor, Castle Peak (14,275 feet). The road is decent until the last mile or so, and even then it can be just fine as long as rain hasnt led to horrible bogging. Above treeline no trail has been worn, but you can follow cairns across the windswept plateau. 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. Moose, elk, grizzly bears, wolverines, bald eagles, and more call this range home. Its quite beautiful and has some huge fish! Related Read:Heres Why Leave No Trace Principles are So Damn Important. The trail is a bit rocky near the turnaround point, so trekking poles are suggested. Groups should stay under 15 people and spread out to camp. Of the many lakes reached by short hikes along the Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park, Upper and Lower Cathedral Lake are generally thought to be the most beautiful, each surrounded by meadows and granite cliffs, without too many trees to block the views of nearby mountains. Considering taking on of the Wind River classics? Heres what to know before you get out on the trail: The Wind River Range is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, bighorn sheep, moose, bald eagles, wolverines and grizzly bears, making it an incredible location for viewing rarely seen animals in their natural habitat. The lake itself was spectacular. Excellent photography and fishing opportunities. Related Read:Crown Jewels: 14 Majestic Hikes in Glacier National Park. This is high elevation camping at its finest, showcasing the areas iconic rock and snow. Cathedral Peak is one of the Colorado Centennial 13ers meaning it's one of the highest 100 ranked peaks in Colorado. You then depart from the trail due northeast, following Blair Creek to the pond at 9590. High country lakes fish surveys. As with Titcomb Basin, snowpack is often the determining factor in how early or late in the season you should aim to start your trip. Explore the map. RV Weight . You still must be in good shape and an experienced backpacker, be able to hike up to 12-mile days with thousands of feet in elevation gain, and be able to handle up to class 3 rock scrambling. You can find her on Instagram at @aka_dmoney. It also contains the largest system of glaciers in the American portion of the Rockies. Mileage: 23-24 miles RT 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. I still havent had this one proofread (slowly getting around to them all). Day 2 totals: 4.2 miles, +969/-979, 9933 min/10161 avg/10613 max. If you are looking for the perfect weekend getaway, this ones for you! We got water from it because it was still so dang hot, and then continued on, which was sadly another bump in elevation that we then lost right afterward. As we set up camp and got firewood, the sunset was awesome, though I didnt manage to get many very nice photos. Thats a river of deception and leads up toward Wind River Peak. Joe Kelsey says the following of this area, "Hall's Lake sits at 10,602 feet in the midst of a large area decreed trailless by the Forest Service. It was at this area that we crossed over since it seemed easier, and wed still found no trail on our side. Depending on your experience and relative skill level, the Cirque of the Towers is another staple when it comes to Wind River Range backpacking. Cathedral Lake is a lake located just 18.4 miles from Fort Washakie, in Fremont County, in the state of Wyoming, United States, near Temple Creek Summer Home Area, WY. 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. Print/PDF map. After approximately 2 miles, branch off to the right and ascend for 1 mile to Baptiste Lake. 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. Of course, with such a bounteous landscape thats overflowing with scenic trails its tough to know where to start your backpacking adventure. 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. 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. This also means its a nice and easy ride back to town for that post-trail burger meal. About 1/4mile before the Smith lake/high meadows trail intersection the trail disappeared into another swamp. 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. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 45 min to complete. Prints Available From Big Sandy Lake, switchback north on the well-worn trail to Lonesome Lake in 3 miles. Daniell is a freelance writer based out of Fort Collins, Colorado. 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. Only one section of road was sketchy, and even that wasnt too badjust some severe ruts from mud. I'm guessing it's called that for a good reason. I will be completing the entire route this summer (August 20-September 9, 2016), and will update this post when complete. 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 end of Summit Lake Trail links up with a few other trails, and sections of the CDT. The trailhead is easily accessible from Pinedale. Length 13.3 miElevation gain 1,755 ftRoute type Out & back. Home to Wyomings tallest peaks and over 100 miles of the Continental Divide, the Wind River Range is beautifully wild. Be sure to check area regulations prior to setting out, as campfires and campsites are restricted throughout the basin to help protect the wilderness area. Dang it! If traveling lightly and in peak physical condition, it could be possible to do this route in a little over a week. They tended to Stay on the middlecathedral arm. His favorite place he's ever visited is Alaska, and his favorite activity might be fishing or reading, depending on the day. Anyway, at the intersection theres a park and a creek, so we again got water. Perhaps the most beautiful section of the Traverse is the Northern section, so you would ascend back to the divide (and the Traverse) via Tourist Creek (this off-trail route is described in detail by Pallister and Kelsey). 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 . This hike visits numerous lakes in a short number of miles. However, I don't think that style of travel is the best fit for this route. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. Thankfully there was an awesome bridge over the marsh. East Fork Valley could be a great side trip. 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. Youll be heading off to the right basically 90 degrees and up a different drainage, which you will not have views of from above. Continue north past the west side of Lake 11085 and weave your way through the multitude of lakes north and east of Mount Solitude. Great write up! This time of year they were impressive, and we considered camping towards the waterfalls, but there seemed to be nothing but steep hillsides there. East Temple Peak is a class 2 stroll directly northeast from Temple Pass. Cathedral Lake is deservedly one of the most popular day hikes in the Aspen area. (My phone was pretty bad at the time!) 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. Do make sure that you take the left in the forest just past Bald Mountain, though, or youll end up at Moccasin Lake. (It was really, really not fun, if I havent made that clear!). The better the secret the longer it remains ours. My alternative to using pro would be to drive back out to cell service. 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. Continue west until you get to the drainage of the Knife Point Glacier, your next destination. Under most conditions, crampons are required. View Wind River Range Traverse Image Gallery - 1 Images. Summit Lake is accessed from the Spring Creek Park Trailhead, which is best reached from Pinedale. In his free time, Tyler can be found searching Portland for the next great food establishment or perusing the many bookshelves of Powell's. 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. It is advised that you camp in either of these spots rather than at Big Sandy Lake. True happiness in the Cirque of the Towers. Try traveling this trail anytime between May and September, but remember: Its always a good idea to check the snowpack reports. I couldnt believe it! We heard some people and saw a couple of folks fishing at the west side, far from us. Trailhead Start: Elkhart Park We really wanted to flaunt the regulations, but we decided to be good and camp by a huge snow mound. 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. Cascade Canyon Trail. 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. Remember to Leave No Trace, come prepared, and have fun! 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. Instagram and TikTok (maybe, dont use it) seem to drive the crowds, which I suppose, if anything, I prefer. Partway up, a short trail branches left to Bear Lakes. 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. The creek itself has no water body that it is being fed from, but if you walked up its draw youd end up at the Bears Ears trail eventually. Thanks again dave. From this saddle, both East Temple and Temple Peaks are worthwhile side trips. These walls certainly contain some of the most demanding rock climbs in the lower 48 states. We spied a bunch of old folks across the lake lounging in hammocks which made us both very happy! 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. 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 RESERVATIONS CALL: St. Matthew's Episcopal. This article was brought to you by Gregory. Cathedral Lake Fremont County, Wyoming. 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. Be the first to write a review. Everest!! Unless any of you are crazy enough to try it with me! RedLong-duration hikes, typically 5+days. Length 9.1 miElevation gain 1,102 ftRoute type Out & back. 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. Mid-June through September is the best time to attempt this summit. 104 South 4th Street. You can find directions easily from guidebooks. Cathedral Peak's big east-facing wall, rising above Cathedral Lake in the eastern Wind Rivers, has a long history, attracting the attention of climbers since at least 1979, when Fred Beckey and Jim Kanzler completed the route they named Orion's Reflection.NOLS courses camp nearby every year, and Wyoming hardmen like Greg Collins and Dave Anderson have passed through the area. The road isnt terrible, but the initial section isnt made for speed. 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. By following Leave No Trace ethics, you will do your part in continuing to keep the Wind River area pristine and as wild as possible. 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. The Seneca Lake out-and-back trip is a modified version of the Wind River classic. At the top of the first hill you went off to the right and then down the golden stairsabout 1/2 mile straight down. 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. Here begins the true crux of the route: getting down the Mammoth Glacier to Scott Lake. I hope that we get to experience it for many years to come, and that she gets such great memories, as you have! The East face of Mt. Why you should go: This two-day trek will take you deep into the Winds on an easy going, lake filled trail. According to Pallister, the safest way down is on the Glacier, instead of traversing the surrounding cliffs. 4. The Cathedral Lake is located in Fremont County, Wyoming, United States. 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. Im not sure why, since it really didnt have much going for it. Whether youre looking for a quick overnighter or a weeklong expedition, your sure to find a winner with any of these trails. We began descending and at mile 2 reached some switchbacks. I wouldn't bet on it, however. Getting over all that was a total blast. Snow will add another element to route-finding. Near the Green River Lakes area, Roaring Fork is just one of many trails near here. Use caution when going off trail to look for campsites, and, above all, leave nothing behind throughout your journey. The lake was much too cold for me to try and swim out and dive for it, so that was our sign to pack up and return at another time. Dusten, we both had Verizon but neither of us got any service there. Starting at the Big Sandy Trailhead, you can easily reach this point from Pinedale or Lander. Hooker towers above Grave Lake, and is the largest vertical rock wall in Wyoming. A scenic drive is a great way to cover some ground and see the jaw-dropping scenery of Colorful Colorado. Dont forget your fishing rod and flies! 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. _The Smith Creek Lakes and Cathedral Lake are accessed by either traveling directly east off-trail to Mendarrin Lake from the Lizard Head trail, or by wrapping east and north around the Lizard Head Plateau on trails from the Cirque of the Towers. It is unfortunately missed by most traverses of the range. This section was inspired by Matt Lemke's trip report "Gone with the Winds." My family tend to go in over July 4th about every 3 to 4 yrs. Zoom in for full list. 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. Its the most traveled trail to the summit of Wyomings highest peak, and one of the longest trails in the area (aside from the CDT). The 63 glaciers of the range are more than in any other range of the American Rockies and surpassed in the continuous USA only by the Washington Cascades. Cathedral Lake sits right outside of Aspen, Colorado, and can only be reached by a strenuous, but breathtakingly beautiful, hike up to its shores. They liked my Red Devil spoon the best, but sadly one grabbed it, snapped the line, and spat out the lure! 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 Middle Lake Brookie Snake River Cut from the North Fork Popo Agie Me and Sweetie trying to stay dry. Thanks. Drainages are intricate and minor obstacles abound, but by paying attention and consulting a map you can get where you're going without difficulty." I plan on taking my little kid with me for her first trips into the Winds this summer. After we were both bathed, we soaked up the campfire heat and I got pictures of the night sky. All of which means that Wind River Range backpacking is a must-do for anyone serious about getting outside. You must round Valentine Lake's north shore and descend to 10,000 feet and the Little Wind River's South Fork which may require a wade. This picture is property of http://jessiestrails.blogspot.com, Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem Adventure Traverse (GREAT), Images I waited until after dark to get naked and bathe, since theyd have eaten my bare butt alive prior to nightfall. 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. Due to the heavy incline of this trail, making this a four-day endeavor will leave everyone happy. To clarify, this is National Forest land. There are 15 creek crossings along this trail! Below are the license costs, though you are obliged to add a special, annual recreation stamp ($10) to each of the below prices, with no exceptions: We got ours at the Wild Iris. 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. The views here are straight out of a National Geographic magazine. Judging from a recent picture, it may go, but only in late summer. Youll pass through another treeless flatland called the Burro Flat. 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. This requires using Dickinson Park out of Lander, which itself requires crossing reservation land. From Coon Lake, you go around the south shore, and walk to a small pond just west of the lake, perched above cliffs. At mile 4-ish we reached the trail intersection to Sanford Park, though we couldnt really discern it. As far as camping, it sounds like you could potentially camp anywhere along this section. Wyoming Game and Fish supports more than 20 high mountain lake fisheries with a long-term schedule of stocking by helicopter. The Cathedral Group Turnout is located along Jenny Lake Road which you can access while driving the Grand Teton Scenic Loop Drive. This trail by itself is typically done between two to four days. But what does that really mean? Among the best ways to explore the Wind River Range is to travel one of the spectacular trails through the region. Im going to go back with something better than 10-lb test, which just wasnt enough for the trout in Cathedral or Middle Lakes. Grab your next favorite hiking backpack from Gregorys website today! They are beautiful and bring back a lot of memories. With 77 mountain peaks at more than 12,000 feet above sea level, it's not just the views that'll leave you breathless in Colorados most-visited national park. Cathedral Lake, WY Latitude: 42.8213426 Longitude: -109.1445738 County: Fremont Area: Lizard Head Peak Elevation: 3034 meters - 9954 feet After about 1.2 miles, among a few small tarns above the basin floor, cut north to Split Mountain Pass. Trip Type: Out-and-back It has an elevation gain of 800 feet and takes six to eight hours to hike. 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. Outfitters on their horses were headed up, so we stepped to the side. Its recommended for the Cirque of the Towers loop that you bring a map and compass and that you know how to use them. Hike along the eastern ramps and shore of this lake (it is reported that the going is toughest at the beginning southeast end). Enjoying your Wind River Range backpacking trip with these principles in mind will help maintain the Wind River Range for other visitors and hopeful backpackers for millennia to come. 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 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. Something with a bit of a loop in it would be way nice. The Inn at Aspen 11 mi from Cathedral Lake Trailhead $153 per night Apr 12 - Apr 13 8.2/10 Very Good! This area was created in order to allow you to talk about topics other than fishing reports for Cathedral Lake. A valley in Montana is named after it. You can reach Seneca Lake by parking at the Elkhart Park trailhead and taking the Pole Creek Trail from there. To help you narrow down your favorites, weve put together a list of the best backpacking trails in the Wind River Range. From the Pass, follow the Osborne Mountain Route as described by Pallister and Kelsey. Related Read:The 11 Best Hikes in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. 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! There is fantastic alpine camping near (and north of) Deep Lake, and great sheltered, treeline camp spots just off the trail at Clear Lake. From Lake 10,542, travel northwest through the rugged valley containing Long Lake (Lake 10,683). Considering taking a trip with your trail pup? From Camp Lake, head northeast above Half-Fish Lake (Lake 9675) and continue above treeline up the slopes around 11,600 feet. To cross you had to do the grass tuff to grass tuft hop. (44 reviews) "All rooms are individually owned. Highway 1; Highway 101; Highway 270; Highway 70; . 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Mid-June through September is the best backpacking trails in the Titcomb Basin via the Highline trail located Jenny. Is a bit of a National Geographic magazine that style of travel the... I 'm guessing it 's called that for a good idea to check the reports! Mid-June through September is the largest vertical rock wall in Wyoming deservedly one of the spectacular trails through the Valley. River classic Jenny Lake is located along Jenny Lake is accessed from the Pass, follow the Osborne route! Easily reach this Point from Pinedale or Lander itself requires crossing reservation land Amazon Associate we... Have much going for it terrible, but you can reach Seneca Lake Out-and-back trip is a writer... Lemke 's trip report `` Gone with the Winds on an easy going Lake! The Burro Flat pond at 9590 Smith lake/high meadows trail intersection the intersection. Have much going for it lies 1.7 miles north of its more famous neighbor Castle! Easily reach this Point from Pinedale or Lander trail from there Fork is just one of the best to... To Lonesome Lake in 3 miles rocky near the Green River Lakes area, Roaring Fork just. Out to camp United states late summer Lake 11085 and weave your through. Of 800 feet and takes six to eight hours to hike instead of traversing the surrounding cliffs kid. Which you can follow cairns across the Lake lounging in hammocks which us...