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.Roaring Fork Trail is a true test of skill. 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.Located on the way up to the Cirque of the Towers, Dad’s Lake is a pristine alpine setting that offers even the least experienced backpackers the chance to test their trail legs. It’s not specifically designed for backpacking trips, but it does reference good multi-day trips and tells you how to string together hiking trails for longer trips. Split by the Continental Divide, the Wind River Range literally forms part of the spine of North America! You’ll come across semi-established camp spots that are heavily used by thru-hikers.Here's some of the best sections to tackle first if you're looking to traverse the Pacific Crest Trail one piece at a time.There are 15 creek crossings along this trail! The 4-day version of this trip is rated Level 4, the 5-day version is rated Level 3. 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.It’s recommended for the Cirque of the Towers loop that you bring a map and compass and that you know how to use them. Due to weight and volume limitations, we want to limit personal toiletries and snacks to a one-quart zip closure bag.Participants are responsible for food and accommodation while in Pinedale.The Sierra Club provides all food and commissary equipment, including stoves, fuel, and bear-resistant food storage containers. In addition, afternoon thunderstorms, all-day rain, or even snow can occur anytime in the Winds so good quality rain gear is necessary. It is illegal to camp within 200 feet of a water source or trail.You’ll pass through another treeless flatland called the Burro Flat. This article on Wind River Range backpacking is brought to you by Gregory, whose lightweight backpack line is made from durable, rip-stop materials on an ultra-lightweight, durable aluminum frame. 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.Widely considered the best trail for seeing the wide range of geography and terrain in the range, Titcomb Basin is a 30-mile round-trip trek that offers panoramic views, campsites at alpine lakes and a possible visit to the highest point in the state of Wyoming, Gannett Peak. Some of them are minor, leaving the majority of you fairly dry, but a couple of them are not.
If using the Jackson Hole Airport, it is recommend that you fly in the day before the trip starts to provide contingency for cancelled flights and delayed baggage.The success of this trip depends on everyone’s cheerful and active contribution. The core of the Wind River Range, a backpacker’s paradise, runs for 80 miles along the crest of the Continental Divide in west-central Wyoming from Green River Lakes in the northwest to the Big Sandy Opening in the southeast. Nearby Adventures . Backpackers should also check snowpack levels in order to determine the best time to hit the trail without encountering too much snow. Good campsite opportunities won’t come until you reach Double Lake or Star Lake, with are 11.1 miles and 12.4 miles into the trail (respectively).Fly fishing is a very popular activity for overnighters of Dad’s Lake. Hike to wildflower-filled meadows, climb rocky passes, and view jagged peaks. Dad’s 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. Getting that same scenery, minus the crowds. The incline is gradual the whole way, and the way back to the trailhead is a smooth descent as well.Starting at the Big Sandy Trailhead, you can easily reach this point from Pinedale or Lander.Due to the rocky and snowy sections — especially while working through Texas Pass — trekking poles are suggested for this adventure. Made Possible by . After that, it’s all downhill.As you hike out from Faler Lake, there’s a steep section to get back down to the Roaring Fork Basin, but then it’s all downhill from there!There are several camping options on the Cirque trail.
Highlights include steep glacier cut… +/ -7,500 feet of elevation across the course of this trek with a peak elevation of 12,145 feet (top of Indian Pass). That said, it’s also extremely important to be aware of your surroundings and to follow bear bag or canister protocols at all backcountry camping destinations. Michael Lanza. About a mile from Photographer’s Point, you will reach Eklund Lake. 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 shouldn’t be underestimated. 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.
This also means it’s a nice and easy ride back to town for that post-trail burger meal.This trail is typically tackled between three to four days.