Cirques, Peaks, and Lakes of the Wind River Range, Wyoming

The Trip

"Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity; and that mountain parks and reservations are useful not only as fountains of timber and irrigating rivers, but as fountains of life." - John Muir

Snowcapped granite peaks soaring into the sky; frothy cascades churning through steep canyons; golden tundra glowing in the late-evening light; cold, deep lakes full of trout; moose grazing; pikas scurrying -- all these sights and more make Wyoming’s Wind River Range a favorite of backcountry enthusiasts. Home to 45 jagged peaks over 13,000 feet and 7 of the 10 largest glaciers in the Lower 48, the Winds intersperse dramatic glacial bowls and cirques with more than 1,300 alpine lakes. 

Our route visits an area that is less visited than areas in the north and south end of the Winds, but is no less beautiful. We will visit the full range of Wind River life zones from thick lodgepole forests and expansive meadows, to sharp granite peaks in the alpine zone above treeline. Our journey will take us to one dazzling lake after another and into high glacier-carved bowls along the Continental Divide. We will hike in the shadow of Pronghorn Peak, Mt. Bonneville, Nylon Peak, and other spectacular mountains. This trip seeks the route less traveled by backpacking into the central portion of this alpine wonderland and experiencing its charms in relative solitude. True solitude in the wilderness is best found off-trail, so this trip features cross-country segments west of the Continental Divide.

Some exertion and stamina will be required to successfully complete this trip. Participants who are willing to share the exploratory spirit, positively overcome unforeseen challenges, and foster group cohesiveness will reap the greatest rewards from this experience.

Pre-trip: We will meet at the Rivera Lodge in Pinedale at 5 p.m. for introductions, a trip briefing, and distribution of group gear and food. Anyone who wishes can join us for dinner afterward at a local restaurant (at your own cost).

Day 1: We will meet early morning in Pinedale to caravan to the Scab Creek Trailhead. The Scab Creek Trailhead is about 27 miles/1 hour southeast of Pinedale, Wyoming. Eighteen miles of this route is along paved roads, while the final nine miles is along good quality gravel roads, suitable for two-wheel drive vehicles. After last-minute fine tuning we will tighten our boots, hoist on our packs, and begin our journey. We will hike about seven miles today to our first campsite.

Day 2: We will hike on trail in an eastward direction, crossing expansive meadows and skirting a number of lakes, eventually reaching our campsite at a timberline lake nestled against the higher alpine terrain alongside the Continental Divide.

Days 3-4: We will use a combination of established trails, rough routes, and off-trail hiking, working our way southeast immediately west of the sharp granite peaks of the Continental Divide. We will combine more difficult cross-country travel with less difficult walking across alpine basins to explore cirques above the treeline. We plan to camp next to a stunning alpine lake and at a lake lower down.

Day 5: We will work our way back to the Scab Creek Trailhead. We hope to be at the Scab Creek Trailhead before 1 p.m. on Friday.

Getting There

The nearest airport is Jackson, Wyoming, about 85 miles (2-hour drive) from Pinedale. Salt Lake City, Utah -- with more flights at a lower cost -- is about 250 miles (i.e. a 4- to 5-hour drive). In either case a rental car is necessary. Ride-sharing is strongly encouraged, and a roster of trip members will be sent to approved participants.

Please do not make non-refundable travel arrangements until notified to do so by the trip leader. Do not book return flights until the day following the end of the trip. Note that the leaders will arrive two days early to Pinedale (about 7,200 feet) to help start the acclimatization to altitude.

Accommodations and Food

All meals are included from lunch on day one through lunch on the last day. Trail snacks and hot drinks (hot water available at breakfast and dinner) are not included; we’ve found that both of these (preferences and amounts) are distinctly individualistic, so we leave it up to the participants to provide their own. Participants are responsible for lodging and meals before and after the trip. 

The menu consists of low-bulk, lightweight foods that are simple to prepare and use a minimum of commissary gear. Generally we will have hot or cold cereal for breakfast, dinners will usually be one-pot meals with soup to start and a light dessert to finish. Some vegetarian meals can be provided but restrictive diets are difficult to accommodate on this trip. Contact the leader prior to sign-up to determine if we can accommodate your specific needs without impacting the group. We provide tablets for participants to treat water. Bear canisters will be used, and all personal snacks, etc. can be no more than one quart ziplock bag.

Accommodation and meals in Pinedale are not included in the trip. 

Trip Difficulty

Our route is approximately a 42-mile lollipop loop and is rated as “5” with a mix of on-trail and off-trail travel. While we will start at about 8,000 feet, often we will be above 10,000 feet. 

Cross-country hiking is more difficult than trail hiking, not only requiring strong aerobic condition, but excellent balance and agility to carry a heavy pack at high altitude and uneven terrain. You must be in excellent physical condition in order to enjoy this trip safely and not impact the group’s success. You will need to sustain a program of physical conditioning to carry a 40- to 45-pound pack (less is preferred) under these conditions, and the leader will provide suggestions for this. Proper preparation will enhance your wilderness experience. Shared group gear and food will weigh in the range of 12 lbs. 

This is a group trip whose success relies upon the cheerful, active contribution and ‘good humor’ of all participants. You will assist with cooking, cleaning, sanitation, camp set up and break down. We will be following a Leave No Trace ethic in all aspects of our journey.

August in the Winds can be can be quite pleasant with highs in the 70s and lows in the 30s, but be prepared for extremes and the infamous pesky Wind River mosquitoes. In addition, afternoon thunderstorms, all day rain, and even snow can occur anytime in the Winds so good quality rain gear is a must. Hiking poles are strongly recommended for difficult stream crossings and rough, steep, boulder strewn terrain.

Mountain conditions are always unpredictable and the Wind River Range is no exception. Our itinerary is tentative and subject to change depending on trail conditions, weather, and the abilities of the group. To enjoy this adventure to the fullest, come with a flexible and positive attitude and a good sense of humor. 

Equipment and Clothing

The leader will send detailed equipment recommendations to participants well in advance of the trip.

We will use bear canisters for food storage. You will be issued one loaded bear canister which when combined with your share of the other group items will bring your total share of group equipment to about 12 pounds at the start of the trip.

You must limit your personal gear to more than 25 pounds with 20 pounds being ideal. Your backpack should have a capacity of at least 4,000 cubic inches (65 liters) in order to accommodate commissary and personal gear.

Cross-country travel requires sturdy, durable, well-fitting backpacking boots that fit over your ankle. Leather boots in particular are better able to withstand prolonged abrasion from sharp granite, loose talus, and soaking from streams, mud, and snow.

References

Maps:

• Southern Wind River Range, Earthwalk Press.
• USGS 7.5 minute topo maps:
• Scab Creek
• Raid Lake
• Mt. Bonneville
• Roberts Mountain
• Halls Mountain

Books:

• Kelsey, Joe, Climbing and Hiking Wind River Mountains. Falcon Publishing.
• Pallister, Nancy, Beyond Trails in the Wind River Mountains. Gray Dog Press.

Conservation

We will discuss the devastation that the Pine Bark Beetle is causing to lodgepole pines and whitebark pines in the western mountains, and how climate change may be part of the cause. The Bridger Wilderness area is permanently protected by Congress, but most of Wyoming's roadless areas have no such legal protection, and logging, drilling, and off-road vehicles continue to threaten them. We will discuss what wilderness protection means, reasons for protecting more land as wilderness, and the Wilderness Act itself. We'll also discuss the national park system, the pronghorn migration (largest in the lower 48 states), and other issues.

We also would like the participants to lead discussions on issues (local or national) that they are interested in. This is optional, but on many trips we have had some wonderful discussions about subjects that individual participants are passionate about.

Sierra Club National Outings is an equal-opportunity provider and when applicable will operate under permits obtained from U.S. federal land agencies.