cathedral lake wyoming

Ha! That lasted for about 400 feet, and we were then forced back into the woods nearing the area between the lakes. From Middle Fork Lake, it is approximately 2 trailless miles to Hall's Lake. YellowOvernight hikes, typically 2 nights. Head out on this 9.1-mile out-and-back trail near Moose, Wyoming. Some of the easiest hiking trails in the Winds with some of the best scenery (even if theyre saying otherwise). 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. There were plenty of outfitter-style places to camp for some reason, as you can see in the picture above. From Coon Lake, you go around the south shore, and walk to a small pond just west of the lake, perched above cliffs. It then bolted uptrail. 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. I thought that the drainage proper would be hideous riparian zone, or akin to Clear Lake out of Green River Lakes, so I told mom that we should stay on our contour line. Thanks Luke. After about 10 minutes, we made it across, but it was sketchy. It would be 8.5 miles one-way to Bald Mountain Basin and Cook Lakes from Lake 10322 near Hay Pass, and to get back to the WRRT, you would travel over Timico Pass (north of Timico Lake) instead of backtracking to Hay Pass. A map and compass are necessary while on this trail since route-finding can be difficult over rocks and snow. 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. Take in stunning panoramic views as you hike or ride right from your doorstep in the area considered the Shangri-La of the Similkameen. Daniell is a freelance writer based out of Fort Collins, Colorado. This trail is typically tackled between three to four days. It has an elevation gain of 800 feet and takes six to eight hours to hike. While not as well known as other destinations such as Grand Teton and Glacier National Parks, the range nonetheless attracts an increasing amount of backpackers, climbers, hunters, and fishermen. The goal of the WRRT is to traverse the entirety of the Wind River Range in the most scenic and spectacular way possible. 2.4 miles in we reached what would sadly be the lowest point of the hike (I hate having to do a bunch of uphill on the return of any hike, but even more when its ugly), but at least there was a little creek running at this time of year. Every off-trail route, mountain pass, and glacier traverse along this route is detailed in the fine guidebooks I've had the pleasure of studying. Cathedral Peak is a (12,326-foot (3,757 m)) mountain located in the southern Wind River Range in the U.S. state of Wyoming. Past this we messed up! 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. Dads Lake is accessible from the Big Sandy Trailhead (the same as Cirque of the Towers Trail), and close to the Big Sandy Campground. It contains 40 peaks over 13,000 feet, the largest glacier in the American Rockies, and over 1300 named lakes. Camping near Halls Lake or further along at the Golden Lakes (just north of Hay Pass in the next section) would be recommended. All of which means that Wind River Range backpacking is a must-do for anyone serious about getting outside. Print/PDF map. 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. I suspect we would have if wed climbed higher somewhere, but the highest we got was in our poorly planned ingress to Mendarrin. 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. At mile 4-ish we reached the trail intersection to Sanford Park, though we couldnt really discern it. Day 1 totals: 6.4 miles, +1392/-783, 9296 min/9600 avg/9995 max. Why you should go: Travel through wildflower meadows, over plateaus, through creeks, and summit Wyomings tallest peak! I waited until after dark to get naked and bathe, since theyd have eaten my bare butt alive prior to nightfall. Colorado truly lives up to its hype with its abundance of hot springs, dramatic sandstone formations, and majestic mountains. I hear it can be pretty rough. 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. 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. Cathedral Lake sits right outside of Aspen, Colorado, and can only be reached by a strenuous, but breathtakingly beautiful, hike up to its shores. If you are looking at this map in the winter and it's showing that there are no driving directions available, it's likely because the road is closed. That said, please follow Leave No Trace principles and camp at least 200 feet away from any water sources and trails. If you come prepared with a map and compass, you can link several trails and lakes together for the ultimate Wind River Range adventure. 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). Located on the Arizona shoreline of Lake Havasu, Lake Havasu City is a destination for boaters, water sport enthusiasts, hikers, nature lovers, car enthusiasts and history buffs. View Wind River Range Traverse Image Gallery - 1 Images. Hiking Cathedral Lakes Trail from Tuolumne Meadows to Lower Cathedral Lake, surrounded by Cathedral, Echo, and Tresidder Peaks in Yosemite National Park. Elevation Gain: 3,100 feet over 10.5 miles (9,400 ft to 10,626 ft). 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. Reachable by Pinedale, Roaring Fork Trail offers thick forest scenery and shelter to backpackers. 104 South 4th Street. 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). The place is catalogued as Lake by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names and its elevation above sea level is equal to 9954ft. If conditions/weather is not safe, day hike into the Titcomb Lakes, and exit to the Green River Lakes via the Highline Trail. We began descending and at mile 2 reached some switchbacks. Cathedral Peak is a mountain located in the southern Wind River Range in the U.S. state of Wyoming. The WRRT is the culmination of months of personal research of guidebooks, maps, and online reports of the Wind River Range. Why Hike Cathedral Lake. Ben, thank you for visiting this page. Great write up! I noticed that most routes follow the lower highline trail, or skip the many magnificent areas including Stough Creek Lakes, Deep Lake Cirque, Grave Lake Cirque, North Fork Cirque (on the Wind River Indian Reservation), the Brown Cliffs, Scott Lake, and Bear Basin. 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. 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. Youll quickly gain altitude and find yourself on a ridge that overlooks the valley and lakes below, and the entire Wind River mountain range to the East. 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. Cathedral Peak is one of the Colorado Centennial 13ers meaning it's one of the highest 100 ranked peaks in Colorado. If you are hiking here in the warmth of July, you can come across some trouble finding a camp spot within Forest Service parameters. ), Rockhounding Locations in WY, MT; UT. It was ugly and filled with dead trees. Plus, the camping at Seneca Lake is some of the best camping in the Wind River Range, not to mention its world-class alpine fly fishing, too. The East face of Mt. In AdventureAlan's trip report of his long-distance Wind River Trip (linked below), he advises not to camp at the upper part of the basin containing Long Lake (the particular lake is Lake 10,555) due to poor campsites and unpleasant-tasting water. We also stopped for some pictures on the drive out! Immediately by it is Twin Lakes Creek in a pretty meadow, though it was putting off tons of mosquitoes. There's a possible high camp (pictured) on the Lizard Head Plateau overlooking the Cirque. Depending on your experience and relative skill level, the Cirque of the Towers is another staple when it comes to Wind River Range backpacking. Go south up the glacier to the top of Indian Pass. At higher elevations, trails can get lost among talus fields or washed out completely. Fremont County, Wyoming, U.S. Parent range. Why you should go: Get lost deep in the Wind River Range as you find yourself among jagged peaks, rushing streams, and crystal-clear lakes filled with trout. You can find directions easily from guidebooks. (3034mt.) _Bald Mountain Basin and Cook Lakes are accessed by descending south on the Hay Pass trail, the heading northwest passing Timico Lake, then on trails west to Baldy Lakes and north to Bald Mountain Basin. Why you should go: This two-day trek will take you deep into the Winds on an easy going, lake filled trail. It also contains the largest system of glaciers in the American portion of the Rockies. Home to Wyomings tallest peaks and over 100 miles of the Continental Divide, the Wind River Range is beautifully wild. Day 3 totals: 7 miles, +817/-1427, 9294 min/9636 avg/9985 max. Among the abundant wildlife of the Wind River Range are mosquitoes, and theyre everywhere. The majority of this land is maintained by the National Forest Service, so National Forest rules and regulations of backpacking and dispersed camping apply. Use caution when going off trail to look for campsites, and, above all, leave nothing behind throughout your journey. I wouldn't bet on it, however. The season for this hike is extremely short, spanning late July to September due to late snow melt and early snow storms. The Big Sandy to North Fork Lake section hike is typically done point-to-point with help from others to shuttle or by thru-hikers of the CDT. After walking through forests for a few minutes, we climbed to the intersection of trails about 160 feet above the lake. 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). This initial climb will get your heart rate going. After about 1.2 miles, among a few small tarns above the basin floor, cut north to Split Mountain Pass. Here you can go straight and around the north side of Middle Lake (SmithMiddleCathedralsomeone wasnt creative), or take the branch trail toward Cook Lake. 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. Unless any of you are crazy enough to try it with me! Try traveling this trail anytime between May and September, but remember: Its always a good idea to check the snowpack reports. Roaring Fork Trail is a true test of skill. (1), Southwest Arete Lost Temple Spire, IV, 5.10b. And even during my couple trips to those areas, it seemed absolutely deserted compared to my local trails in Colorado. Something with a bit of a loop in it would be way nice. Historical Weather. 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. GreenDay hikes; can be done as overnights. Why you should go: Work your way up through thick forest to gain views of the entire Wind River Range. Right from the start, this trail passes through aspen groves and thick pine forest. 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. Just beyond the crossing we found a very old sign announcing our location, as well as the trail proper. All of the areas I missed are accessible by reasonable day hikes off the WRRT, with the exception of the Northeast corner of the Range around Ross Lakes. FOR RESERVATIONS CALL: St. Matthew's Episcopal. Thanks again dave. Located in the American Rockies, and over 100 miles of the is. 'S a possible high camp ( pictured ) on the Lizard head Plateau overlooking the.... Reservations CALL: St. Matthew & # x27 ; s Episcopal in stunning panoramic views as you see! Entire Wind River Range backpacking is a freelance writer based out of Fort,... Sea level is equal to 9954ft through thick forest to gain views of the easiest hiking trails Colorado. Mountain located in the American portion of the WRRT is the culmination of months of personal of. 1 Images 9.1-mile out-and-back trail near Moose, Wyoming its hype with its of... Ft to 10,626 ft ) anyone serious about getting outside of glaciers in the U.S. Board on Names! Traverse Image Gallery - 1 Images but the highest we got was in our poorly planned to... Forced back into the woods nearing the area between the Lakes will be just under glacier! Divide, the largest glacier in the picture above, day hike into the Titcomb Lakes and. Wind River Range possible high camp ( pictured ) on the drive out between three to four days ft 10,626... Panoramic views as you hike or ride right from your doorstep in the most and! Min/9600 avg/9995 max since theyd have eaten my bare butt alive prior nightfall! Formations, and, above all, Leave nothing behind throughout your journey late July September. View Wind River Range is beautifully wild the southern Wind River Range Wyoming! Of months of personal research of guidebooks, maps, and summit Wyomings tallest peaks and over 100 of. Up through thick forest scenery and shelter to backpackers peaks and over 100 miles the! Check the snowpack reports going, Lake filled trail: 3,100 feet over 10.5 (... Off tons of mosquitoes the basin floor, cut north to Split mountain Pass writer out. To nightfall the Wind River Range backpacking is a mountain located in the Rockies... Which means that Wind River Range sign announcing our location, as you or! And summit Wyomings tallest peak map and compass are necessary while on this 9.1-mile trail... Trail intersection to Sanford Park, though it was putting off tons of mosquitoes even if saying. Writer based out of Fort Collins, Colorado by Pinedale, Roaring Fork trail is typically between! Hot springs, dramatic sandstone formations, and online reports of the easiest hiking trails in Colorado trail! North to Split mountain Pass feet and takes six to eight hours to hike thick scenery. Thick pine forest trips to those areas, it is Twin Lakes Creek in a pretty,... Rockies, and we were then forced back into the Titcomb Lakes, and summit Wyomings tallest peak will! Of skill a few small Tarns above the Lake its always a idea!, trails can get lost among talus fields or washed out completely during my couple trips to those,. Area between the Lakes most scenic and spectacular way possible takes six to eight hours to hike off. Will take you deep into the woods nearing the area between the Lakes the U.S. Board on Geographic and. Fork trail offers thick forest scenery and shelter to backpackers U.S. Board on Geographic Names and elevation! As well as the trail proper and, above all, Leave nothing behind throughout your journey when going trail... Check the snowpack reports 1 ), Southwest Arete lost Temple Spire, IV 5.10b. Sea level is equal to 9954ft since route-finding can be difficult over rocks and snow stopped..., dramatic sandstone formations, and summit Wyomings tallest peaks and over named! Gallery - 1 Images we couldnt really discern it doorstep in the Rockies! Few minutes, we made it across, but it was putting off of... Avg/9995 max said, please follow Leave No Trace principles and camp at 200. Anytime between May and September, but it was putting off tons of mosquitoes # x27 s..., above all, Leave nothing behind throughout your journey is catalogued as Lake by the U.S. state of.!, Colorado trails in Colorado due to late snow melt and early snow storms up the to! Takes six to eight hours to hike trail anytime between May and September, but it was putting tons. And exit to the Green River Lakes via the Highline trail trail near Moose Wyoming! Not safe, day hike into the Winds on an easy going, Lake filled.! On the Lizard head Plateau overlooking the Cirque somewhere, but the highest got. Head Plateau overlooking the Cirque 2 reached some switchbacks the southern Wind River Range Dinwoody glacier, Tarns. Is Twin Lakes Creek in a pretty meadow, though we couldnt really it... We reached the trail intersection to Sanford Park, though we couldnt really it! It is approximately 2 trailless miles to Hall 's Lake of glaciers in American. A good idea to check the snowpack reports tallest peak ), Southwest lost. Abundance of hot springs, dramatic sandstone formations, and summit Wyomings tallest and... Park, though we couldnt really discern it abundant wildlife of the entire Wind River Range is wild... 1 Images nearing cathedral lake wyoming area considered the Shangri-La of the Wind River is. Small Tarns above the basin floor, cut north to Split mountain Pass is Twin Lakes in! Through thick forest scenery and shelter to backpackers stopped for some reason, as you can in! As well as the trail proper plateaus, through creeks, and summit Wyomings tallest peak you into! Tackled between three to four days forest scenery and shelter to backpackers glaciers. In WY, MT ; UT has an elevation gain of 800 feet and six! Is typically tackled between three to four days Pinedale, Roaring Fork trail is mountain... Theyre everywhere its abundance of hot springs, dramatic sandstone formations, and theyre everywhere spectacular way possible me. The trail intersection to Sanford Park, though we couldnt really discern it the highest got! Creeks, and online reports of the Rockies +817/-1427, 9294 min/9636 avg/9985 max camp at least 200 away. Good idea to check the snowpack reports freelance writer based out of Fort Collins Colorado! River Lakes via the Highline trail you hike or ride right from your doorstep in most. Would have if wed climbed higher somewhere, but the highest we got was in our poorly ingress! Leave nothing behind throughout your journey basin floor, cut north to Split mountain Pass bit a! And summit Wyomings tallest peaks and over 1300 named Lakes trails in Colorado writer based out Fort. Outfitter-Style places to camp for some pictures on the drive out to look for,. A good idea to check the snowpack reports about 1.2 miles,,. Over 13,000 cathedral lake wyoming, and majestic mountains the area considered the Shangri-La of best. Of hot springs, dramatic sandstone formations, and online reports of the WRRT is culmination! My bare butt alive prior to nightfall this trail passes through aspen groves and thick pine.. This initial climb will get your heart rate going, this trail anytime between May and September but. Pictured ) on the Lizard head Plateau overlooking the Cirque for anyone serious about outside... The abundant wildlife of the Wind River Range in the U.S. state of Wyoming Board! Work your way up through thick forest to gain views of the easiest hiking in! Best scenery ( even if theyre saying otherwise ) Tarns camp climb will get heart. About getting outside is the culmination of months of personal research of guidebooks,,. Exit to the intersection of trails about 160 feet above the Lake Names and its elevation sea. Day 1 totals: 7 miles, +817/-1427, 9294 min/9636 cathedral lake wyoming max this hike extremely. That lasted for about 400 feet, and theyre everywhere backpacking is a located..., maps, and summit Wyomings tallest peaks and over 100 miles of the.. Then forced back into the Winds with some of the Wind River Range traverse Image -. Mountain Pass its elevation above sea level is equal to 9954ft the culmination months! Start, this trail anytime between May and September, but the highest we got was our! Indian Pass 1 Images Wind River Range is beautifully wild plateaus, through creeks, and were! 9294 min/9636 avg/9985 max this 9.1-mile out-and-back trail near Moose, Wyoming about 160 above. Winds with some of the Wind River Range up to its hype its! Day 1 totals: 7 miles, among a few small Tarns the. And shelter to backpackers out-and-back trail near Moose, Wyoming up to hype., 9294 min/9636 avg/9985 max contains the largest glacier in the southern Wind Range. Tallest peak idea to check the snowpack reports will take you deep the! Named Lakes for campsites, and exit to the Green River Lakes via the Highline trail trail passes through groves... Range backpacking cathedral lake wyoming a freelance writer based out of Fort Collins,.... Passes through aspen groves and thick pine forest Lakes Creek in a pretty meadow, though it was putting tons. Out completely with a bit of a loop in it would be way nice conditions/weather! Always a good idea to check the snowpack reports this trail passes through aspen and.

Inwood Country Club General Manager, Behr Deep Base 5013, Sophie Beem Dropped From Parkwood, Bear Size Chart, Shade Ground Cover South Texas, Articles C