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. To connect with the Fremont Trail, you will have to maneuver through Texas Pass which has been traveled for years but is not a designated trail. Wyoming Game and Fish supports more than 20 high mountain lake fisheries with a long-term schedule of stocking by helicopter. 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). GreenDay hikes; can be done as overnights. This trail can be done in as little as three to four nights, or longer if you come here to climb the steep granite walls of the Cirque. Mileage: 12 miles RT 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. From here, there is a maintained trail all the way to Big Sandy Lake. From Hall's Lake, travel west under the shadow of Horseshoe Ridge and north of Medina Mountain to Lake 10,542 (EC Lake) in Europe Canyon. However, for the most scenic, most direct and aesthetic route, walk on trail down Indian Basin and to Upper Titcomb Basin. The Lake is more accessible and has a reputation for spectacular fishing than its surrounding lakes. In fact, really, all of the lakes here were decent, with Cook and Middle being the least pretty, Id say. Great write up! Cathedral Peak is 1.5 mi (2.4 km) southwest of Mount Chauvenet in the Popo Agie Wilderness of Shoshone National Forest. Roaring Fork Trail is a true test of skill. DIY Truck Camper Renovation. 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. The trail in is so ugly that Im knocking a star off of the rating, but I otherwise truly appreciated what this short hike had to offer. And the shores of Grave Lake (also pictured) have endless scenic camping spots. If traveling lightly and in peak physical condition, it could be possible to do this route in a little over a week. After rounding Cathedral Peak, this trail joins the Bear's Ears Trail, just before the latter's descent [west 1.5 miles] to Valentine Lake." From Coon Lake, you go around the south shore, and walk to a small pond just west of the lake, perched above cliffs. Bula dearperson! Related Read:11 Backpacking Trips in the U.S. That Should be on Your Bucket List. Nights will be cold year-round, sometimes reaching freezing temperatures even in the summer months. You will need a permit to camp at the lakes. Laramie, Wyoming 82070. Just continue north to shallow and picturesque Hay Pass. Below are weather averages from 1971 to 2000 according to data gathered from the nearest official weather station. 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). 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. After about 10 minutes, we made it across, but it was sketchy. To clarify, this is National Forest land. 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. Partway up, a short trail branches left to Bear Lakes. 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. The rest of the route is described in Nancy Palister's book, called the Goat-friendly High Route. Cathedral Lake sits right outside of Aspen, Colorado, and can only be reached by a strenuous, but breathtakingly beautiful, hike up to its shores. This is also a favorite one-nighter destination for campers with a knack for fly fishing, as Dads Lake offers some of the best high-country fly fishing in the Wind River Range. Snow sticks around until about May most years, and typically returns in September or October. 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 Cathedral Group Turnout is located along Jenny Lake Road which you can access while driving the Grand Teton Scenic Loop Drive. Im not sure why, since it really didnt have much going for it. Desolation Lake (Lake 11478 on maps) at the head of the basin is said to be spectacular. Youll be heading off to the right basically 90 degrees and up a different drainage, which you will not have views of from above. The bridge across the swamp was not thereyou had to hike all the way around the north side. This trail is typically tackled between three to four days. 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. The Glacier Trail is the classic route to the Gannett Peak summit. Thanks again. Fly fishing is a very popular activity for overnighters of Dads Lake. Sheridan Region fisheries personnel recently sampled Long, Ringbone, Romeo, Martin, Willow #1, Willow #3, and Lame Deer lakes in the upper Clear Creek drainage of the Cloud Peak Wilderness. It is overused and the alpine tundra is fragile. These wild lands west of the divide and north of Gannet Peak (collectively known as Bear Basin) is easily the most magnificent trail-less section of the Wind Rivers. Several trails leave from Jenny Lake ranging from easy to very strenuous. Snow-capped peaks, jagged cirques, lovely meadows, alpine lakes, it's a view junkie's paradise. Left - 2.7 billion year old metamorphic gneiss. 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. 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 . Ben, thank you for visiting this page. We heard some people and saw a couple of folks fishing at the west side, far from us. Big Sandy Lake, Dads Lake, Shadow Lake, Jackass Pass, and Lonesome Lake are all great spots to spend the night. 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. Be the first to write a review. A widely-used trail, this route offers the chance to take in the Wind River Range wilderness in a way thats palatable to beginner through intermediate backpackers with a taste for adventure. I have just connected bits and pieces of their suggested routes into an alpine traverse of the entire range. Road Tripping. I will be completing the entire route this summer (August 20-September 9, 2016), and will update this post when complete. Your comment made my day! Cathedral Peak is one of the Colorado Centennial 13ers meaning it's one of the highest 100 ranked peaks in Colorado. Anyway, it was a pretty nice night. How is the road into Dickinson Park. From this saddle, both East Temple and Temple Peaks are worthwhile side trips. Temple Peak, the second-highest peak in the southern Wind River Range, is a class 3 scramble from the South Ridge route. A successful woman is one who can find such a man." Trip Type: Out-and-back You'll pass no fewer than 100 large lakes (and innumerable small tarns), pass or traverse dozens of notable peaks, and see the largest glaciers in the American Rocky Mountains. The season for this hike is extremely short, spanning late July to September due to late snow melt and early snow storms. When approaching from Temple Pass, avoid descending to Lake 10,839 by a messy traverse." We did, and it wasnt the end of the world, but it was way too slopy and filled with intermittent boulder piles, Right before Mendarrin, we ended up going way up a dumb cliff (my map made it look like it wouldnt be bad) and came out 200 feet above the lake. You would be better off trying your hand at the shorter and more direct WRHR, pioneered by AdventureAlan (link at the bottom). The mosquitoes werent bad yet, so I got naked outside and cleaned off while mom cleaned inside the tent. Historical Weather. But what does that really mean? The 2022 Glampys: The Coolest Glampsites You Can Book Right Now, Lets Get Spooky! Related Read:6 Epic Backpacking Routes in Glacier National Park, Montana. Wyoming; Wisconsin; West Virginia; Washington; Virginia; Vermont; DIY. YellowOvernight hikes, typically 2 nights. The Beartooth Recreational Trail leads through some of the most scenic country in the Beartooth Mountains. This hike visits numerous lakes in a short number of miles. Explore the map. Mileage: 29-30 miles RT All are spread over three wilderness areas. 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. A major contributor to the stunning views is the range's geology. Back at camp we packed up and headed toward Cathedral Lake. The trailhead is easily accessible from Pinedale. Mileage: 17 miles RT 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. We crossed it and got our first view of Smith Lake at 5.4 miles. Eight miles into the hike you will come to Arrow Pass a long, arduous section thats all above 10,895 feet. Located near Dubois, this trail is no joke. Planning your trip to the Titcomb Basin in September will get you away from the camp crowds and mosquitoes. Hike Type: Out and back, day-hike Difficulty Level: Moderate Permit: None required for day hiking. Located on the way up to the Cirque of the Towers, Dads Lake is a pristine alpine setting that offers even the least experienced backpackers the chance to test their trail legs. You can find directions easily from guidebooks. You end at the Green River Lakes Trailhead, only 1.5 hours from Pinedale, WY. 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