The Hay Pass Trail is not maintained, so keep your GPS, map, and compass handy. Dont forget your fishing rod and flies! Less people is always a plus. Judging from a recent picture, it may go, but only in late summer. Related Read:11 Backpacking Trips in the U.S. That Should be on Your Bucket List. 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. The place is catalogued as Lake by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names and its elevation above sea level is equal to 9954ft. Located near Dubois, this trail is no joke. Home to Wyomings tallest peaks and over 100 miles of the Continental Divide, the Wind River Range is beautifully wild. To cross you had to do the grass tuff to grass tuft hop. 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). For the most part we followed the river, deviating from it when it was easier to do that. 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. You wont! We began descending and at mile 2 reached some switchbacks. We were fine with that, pun intended, and felt that the low-lying nature of Cathedral Lake would be good for hiking so early in the season when so much snow is still present. Fremont Trail will take you back to the Big Sandy Trailhead. 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. These walls certainly contain some of the most demanding rock climbs in the lower 48 states. I wouldn't advise camping in the Cirque (according to guidebooks). From the Pass, follow the Osborne Mountain Route as described by Pallister and Kelsey. The Cirque of the Towers is a popular destination for climbers, anglers, and backpackers alike. If conditions/weather is not safe, day hike into the Titcomb Lakes, and exit to the Green River Lakes via the Highline Trail. Now lets get wild. 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. Day 2 totals: 4.2 miles, +969/-979, 9933 min/10161 avg/10613 max. Roaring Fork Trail is a true test of skill. Moderate 4.6 (14) Popo Agie Wilderness. Cathedral, Hunter Hall Offices Room #102. I hear it can be pretty rough. However, for the most scenic, most direct and aesthetic route, walk on trail down Indian Basin and to Upper Titcomb Basin. Generally speaking, backpacking here is best done in the late summer or early fall, when temperatures are warmer and the better portion of the snow has melted from the high altitude terrain. Consult guidebooks on the safest way to ascend Indian Pass. Dusten, we both had Verizon but neither of us got any service there. The Beartooth Recreational Trail leads through some of the most scenic country in the Beartooth Mountains. Ha! Cathedral Peak is a mountain located in the southern Wind River Range in the U.S. state of Wyoming. All the information is there; there are no gray areas. The best time to visit the Titcomb Basin area is in the late summer, beginning in July and ending in late September. The Lake is more accessible and has a reputation for spectacular fishing than its surrounding lakes. While the map might not indicate more than 1,000 feet in elevation gain over the first 10.5 miles, the strenuousness of the hike shouldnt be underestimated. Continue northwest up the basin towards Lake 10,756, which is directly south of Hay Pass. 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. 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. 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. It is non-technical, but may require technical gear in early-season. After we were both bathed, we soaked up the campfire heat and I got pictures of the night sky. Dads Lake is accessible from the Big Sandy Trailhead (the same as Cirque of the Towers Trail), and close to the Big Sandy Campground. Fly fishing is a very popular activity for overnighters of Dads Lake. 4. This trail starts from the Pole Creek Trail, then connects with the Seneca Lake and Indian Pass trails. We packed up and headed out despite the geology attempting to put me into a drooling dazesee picture below, and Im typing this on a split Kinesis keyboard with no numpad, so I cant do em dashes at the moment. By Colorado standards, to think that this trail is the one of the most heavily-used in the entire range is. In fact, really, all of the lakes here were decent, with Cook and Middle being the least pretty, Id say. Among the abundant wildlife of the Wind River Range are mosquitoes, and theyre everywhere. 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. Trip Type: Out-and-back Im going to try and keep this hike narrative pretty short. A steady incline lies ahead of you until you reach Faler Lake. There's a possible high camp (pictured) on the Lizard Head Plateau overlooking the Cirque. The terrain and elevation of the Wind River Range make backpacking here a challenge, albeit a worthwhile one. The Seneca Lake out-and-back trip is a modified version of the Wind River classic. Fishing Cathedral Lake, WY on 4/10/2023 will be best from 12:00AM through 12:00AM, and from . From here, there is a maintained trail all the way to Big Sandy Lake. Dickinson Park to Middle Lake. The trail is immensely ugly with only a couple of redeeming features, and those features are very large rocks. What if you could link nearly every major cirque and basin in the Winds with one non-technical route? From Coon Lake, you go around the south shore, and walk to a small pond just west of the lake, perched above cliffs. If you are looking for the perfect weekend getaway, this ones for you! It goes west across the expansive plateau of Osborne Mountain, then follows Mill Creek to the Osborne Cabin, on old homestead of a famous trapper. You would be better off trying your hand at the shorter and more direct WRHR, pioneered by AdventureAlan (link at the bottom). The Wind River Range is protected by 750,000 acres of public land in western Wyoming. While beautiful, this continues for quite a while and often makes hikers feel like theyre moving backwards. Also, they don't necessarily share the same parent. We eventually got a reprieve and broke out into an area of dry shoreline, which was glorious to walk on. Why you should go: Wildflowers and shimmery lakes meet steep granite walls on this classic trip through the Wind River Range. Explore the map. East Temple Peak is a class 2 stroll directly northeast from Temple Pass. 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. And also from going south from New Fork Lake past Lee Lake. This is high elevation camping at its finest, showcasing the areas iconic rock and snow. View Wind River Range Traverse Image Gallery - 1 Images. The ease of the trail makes this area a great way to simply spend time in the Wind River Range wilderness. I know that while backpacking its typically not advised to bring so many extra clothes, but since you will be camping at high altitude and in the cold, dry layers are necessary to prevent hypothermia. If you come prepared with a map and compass, you can link several trails and lakes together for the ultimate Wind River Range adventure. From Wykee Lake, travel 1 mile (on-trail) west to the south shore of Sonnicant Lake. Compare 1,195 hotels close to Cathedral Lake Trailhead with room rates, reviews, and availability. 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. Far north in the Wind Rivers, Gannett Peak is also viewable from this ridge line. 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. _Bonneville Basin can be reached by two different ways. 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. We heard some people and saw a couple of folks fishing at the west side, far from us. Everest!! 104 South 4th Street. Makes me happy! Trailhead: Cathedral Lakes One of the most famous hikes in the world, this classic trek on the John Muir Trail is popular for both its incredible scenery and generally declining elevation. says Kelsey. To reach Peak Lake, continue west down the valley after Knapsack Col. Due to the nature of the WRRT, this trip is best savored by taking your time. Rain and thunderstorms also occur often (and usually without warning) in the summer, so come prepared with waterproof gear such as a rain jacket, rain pants, and waterproof hiking boots. mcnerney Administrator Messages 20,633 Reaction score 277 Location Pinedale, WY Aug 25, 2014 #2 Looks like another great trip into the Winds, thanks for sharing. NOTE! Your jaw WILL drop (if it didn't already) when you reach the crest of Jackass Pass and overlook Lonesome Lake and the Cirque. This trail is well traveled by CDT thru-hikers, and well maintained. Hiking around Jenny Lake offers spectacular views of the Cathedral Group and Cascade Canyon. I dont know that this was the right choice, because the woods were thick and loaded with snow, which slowed us to a crawl. Unless any of you are crazy enough to try it with me! The Deep Lake Cirque from Deep Lake, Wind River Range. Trip Type: Loop Two nights is the minimum recommendation. From Baptiste Lake, head due east for approximately 1.5 miles, then north to the upper Grave Creek Cirque. 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. Mileage: 29-30 miles RT About a mile from Photographers Point, you will reach Eklund Lake. I plan on taking my little kid with me for her first trips into the Winds this summer. 2. I also did some fishing, but released the critters as mom said she didnt feel like cleaning and cooking them. The majority of this land is maintained by the National Forest Service, so National Forest rules and regulations of backpacking and dispersed camping apply. ), Rockhounding Locations in WY, MT; UT. The height of Mt. 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. Wind River Range. Started off MUCH worse got much better now is reverting to a seldom used trail. Great review and photos. Drainages are intricate and minor obstacles abound, but by paying attention and consulting a map you can get where you're going without difficulty." Do you mind if I use one of your picts as a basis for a attempt to paint a picture of cathedral lake. 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.". 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. 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. Anyway, the Wind River Tribal Reservation requires anyone traveling on or within the boundaries of their land to possess a Wind River Tribal Fishing/Trespass Permit regardless of whether one is fishing or just hiking; this typically includes the following: Failure to have a permit will result in severe fines so dont push your luck. 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. Lembert Dome Trail: This 2.8-mile round-trip trail features stunning panoramic views of Tuolumne Meadows. Whether youre looking for a quick overnighter or a weeklong expedition, your sure to find a winner with any of these trails. From Grave Lake by taking the Hailey Pass trail west to Pyramid Lake, then off-trail north up the East Fork Valley. Thanks Luke. The possibilities of creating a loop from Summit Lake are endless. 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. 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. Under most conditions, crampons are required. 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. 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. My alternative to using pro would be to drive back out to cell service. 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. 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. In short, plan to get wet. Experience this unique and remote high-elevation backcountry paradise by booking a ride with Cathedral Lakes Lodge up the 16 km (10 mi) private road. I still havent had this one proofread (slowly getting around to them all). From Upper Golden, head north up to Lake 10787, the east down the slopes, and then north to Camp Lake. 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