Free State Wyoming Forum
Free State Wyoming (FSW) Promotional => Making the Case for Moving Toward Freedom (and Wyoming!) => Topic started by: MANUMIT on April 26, 2010, 09:57:34 AM
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Found this one on-line this morning...of a hike in the Sublette County area (north of Rock Springs by about an hour) by a professional photographer.
Aspen Ridge First Hike of 2010 (http://www.pinedaleonline.com/photogallery/davebell/AspenRidgeFirstHikeO/home.htm) (click link to open)
Here's a few from the page...
(http://www.pinedaleonline.com/photogallery/davebell/AspenRidgeFirstHikeO/thb-_MG_7193-Bluebird-cropped-topaz-largeversion.jpg)
(http://www.pinedaleonline.com/photogallery/davebell/AspenRidgeFirstHikeO/thb-_MG_7240-Azure-topaz-smallsmallversion.jpg)
(http://www.pinedaleonline.com/photogallery/davebell/AspenRidgeFirstHikeO/thb-_MG_7213-RidgelineFenceline-topaz-smallversion.jpg)
MANUMIT
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I have been ignoring the winds to curb my anxiousness for hiking until hiking season is closer. This doesn't help. ~W~
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Sure wish I could get paid to take these kind of pics. ;D
By Dave Bell a Wyoming professional photographer...taken on May 2nd...
Green River Lakes area....far northern end of the Wind River Range...southeast of Dubois...northwest of Pinedale on your maps...
(http://www.pinedaleonline.com/photogallery/davebell/GreenRiverLakesHikeM/scr-_MG_7304-osbornecabinsatgreen-topaz-smallversion.jpg)
Upper Green River Vally & the Sawtooth...
(http://www.pinedaleonline.com/photogallery/davebell/GreenRiverLakesHikeM/scr-_MG_7298-SawtoothandUpperGreenRiverValley-cropped-topaz-smallversion.jpg)
Square Top...
(http://www.pinedaleonline.com/photogallery/davebell/GreenRiverLakesHikeM/scr-_MG_7323-SquareTopScenery-cropped-vertical-topaz-smallversion.jpg)
Bear Track...
(http://www.pinedaleonline.com/photogallery/davebell/GreenRiverLakesHikeM/scr-_MG_7375-BearTrack-smallversion.jpg)
The full gallery is here...
http://www.pinedaleonline.com/photogallery/davebell/GreenRiverLakesHikeM/ (http://www.pinedaleonline.com/photogallery/davebell/GreenRiverLakesHikeM/)
MANUMIT
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Caught a load of fish in that Green River lake, right at the inlet. I will have to find a picture.
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Here it is.
(http://i549.photobucket.com/albums/ii370/Wyomiles/Wyoming%20hiking%20fishing%20camping/th_scan0021.jpg) (http://s549.photobucket.com/albums/ii370/Wyomiles/Wyoming%20hiking%20fishing%20camping/?action=view¤t=scan0021.jpg)
(http://i549.photobucket.com/albums/ii370/Wyomiles/Wyoming%20hiking%20fishing%20camping/th_scan0015.jpg) (http://s549.photobucket.com/albums/ii370/Wyomiles/Wyoming%20hiking%20fishing%20camping/?action=view¤t=scan0015.jpg)
I think if you click on the picture it should take you to my photo bucket page where you can see more Wyoming pictures ? Let me know if that is true.
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I've got a week long trip planned for the Winds this summer. Now you've made me even more anxious ~W~
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Strider, do you have a route planned yet?
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No, I'm still planning it out at the moment. I'm leaning toward starting in the Green River Lakes area, but I'll gladly take suggestions if you (or anyone else) has them.
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There is a really good little guide book called Windriver Trails by Finis Mitchell that will tell you all you need to know about the Windrivers. I see it is listed on amazon for about 26 bucks.
http://www.amazon.com/Wind-River-Trails-Finis-Mitchell/dp/0874806267
Here is a good site for tailheads also.
http://www.mountainmancountry.com/attractions/destinations/trailheads.html
I have used almost all of these at one time or another. Some I have hiked in a long ways, some only a little. The one I used the most was the Big Sandy entrance.
Do you have some Topo maps that show the trails? Do you fly fish ?
Here is a site that has a video of a windriver hike at the south end of the range.
http://ouachitamaps.com/picture_library/WindRiver/Wind%20River%202006%20Video.html
These guys did 6 days and 42 miles in some really nice country.
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Thanks for the recommendations. I had located the website you recommended and I have the Falcon Guide on Hiking Wyoming's Wind River Range (Adkison). But I hadn't picked up the Mitchell book. I'll do that when I order some topo maps from Amazon.
I'm not a flyfisherman; however, its possible I'd do some subsistence fishing. I mostly just enjoy covering ground to see the scenery and wildlife or practicing some bushcraft skills. Chances are I'll be out there solo, so if you have any recommendations with that in mind, I'd like to hear them. Also if you have any thoughts on a particular campground to use as a base camp that would be good too.
I've spent time in the Tetons, the Absarokas, and the Cloud Peak Wilderness area, but this will be my first trip to the Winds. So I'm thankful to hear any helpful suggestions.
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Let’s start with base camps. Most of the trailheads have some sort of parking area or campground associated with them. As I said before we used the Big Sandy opening most of the time but the Green River Lakes entrance is really nice because of the lake. The thing about this area is that when you plan on seeing a lot of the Windrivers, these campgrounds are someplace you leave from and then several days latter return to, like the guys in the linked video did. If we were hiking we would only use the camp grounds as a place to park the truck and then we would hike into some destination, like a lake, where we would set up a base camp. Then over several days we would fish and take short day hikes to other lakes or waterfalls. So I guess I would recommend looking at the maps and picking a spot that you think you can reach within the first day’s walk that looks interesting to you and make that your base camp. Or if you are traveling light, have several days to spend, and want to really see it all, you could start at Green River Lakes and have some other person meet you at a different trail head and drive you back to your vehicle at the GR Lakes. (ANY VOLUNTEERS OUT THERE?) Once you leave the parking/ camping area there will be no established campgrounds, you just pick a spot to pitch your tent and that is your campground. The Windrivers are huge so there are tons of places to see. They are a giant wilderness where you can go days without seeing another human being! In many places the trails will start out being nice wide dirt paths with bridges over creeks and then as you get further away from your car the trails slowly become a game trail and in some places will completely disappear so be sure to watch your landmarks and your maps it is easy to loose the trail up in the high lonesome.
I mentioned fly fishing because most of the lakes and streams you will see up there are full of fish. When we hiked we would always catch a few brook trout for meals and fly fishing usually catches a few. I have also used small “Mepps” spinners with good success. There are small game and birds in the winds too but you may need a license to harvest these, if you happen to see a forest ranger. ::)
Several things to be aware of, which you probably already know. Elevation will make you short of breath and can cause problems due to altitude sickness. Sunburn is easy to get. Be sure you drink lots of water!! In the spring and early summer the mosquitoes can be horrendous so netting or sprays are a must. If they are real bad you may have to set up a camp away from water and out of the trees where the wind will blow. This is bear, lion and now wolf country so stay aware and carry a side arm. Keep a clean camp to avoid temping them with food smells. When you are near any water be on the lookout for moose. If you get close to a cow with a calf you risk being stomped to death. In fact the same can be said for all of the moms and babies up there. (It always amazes me that so many people go into the woods and think that these animals are tame.)
Always tell someone where you will be, what your route is, and how long you will be away. Then be sure to call them as soon as you are out of the woods and done hiking. Again the winds are isolated and if you get hurt you may never see a rescuer. Will you have any sort of GPS with you?
It sounds like you are very experienced with this sort of thing so I do not mean to “talk down to you”.
I wish I was going with you! I am sure you will love the area.
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Wyomiles, thanks for the good advice. I do know most of the general safety tips, but I'd never take offense at helpful reminders. I'll probably bring a Ruger Redhawk in .44 Mag for critter safety. I am still a map & compass guy, I hate to rely on technology. But GPS might be fun for redundancy.
I was indeed thinking of one of the regular campgrounds as a first day/last day base, partly because as a flatlander acclimating to the altitude for a day always seems helpful. Last summer I spent a week in the Cloud Peak area and was shocked at how thick the mosquitos were (almost as bad as MN where I'm currently stuck). I hadn't experienced mosquitos that bad in the western mountains of MT, ID, CO and WY that I've hiked in the last 5-10 years. I expected that the Winds would be better than the Bighorns. Yes or No in your opinion?
Also, I'm debating the tent vs. silnylon tarp issue. Tarp wins for weight, but changable summer weather argues for tent. Bug thickness might be the deciding factor. Do they thin out at altitude as summer goes along or not?
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Ya I always used a map and compass. My brother finally got a very basic GPS unit a couple of years ago. It was pretty neat.
Someone else will have to speak about the Bighorns, I have only driven through there.
I guess I would say that I have experience bugs at all times of year at all altitudes but they do seem to be worse in the spring or during wetter years. There have only been a couple of times that they really got on my nerves though. Bug spays were always in my pack.
We always packed little pup tents but a tarp would definitely be lighter.
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The bugs in the Big Horns seemed a lot worse last year than previous years, to me at least. They will probably be pretty bad this year too, I think a wet spring brings them on. The moisture is good though, we sure can use it.
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Here are a few photos from the Big Horns:
These first two should go side by side, I think
(http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab148/BsLibertyPics/th_DSC01161.jpg) (http://s858.photobucket.com/albums/ab148/BsLibertyPics/?action=view¤t=DSC01161.jpg)
(http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab148/BsLibertyPics/th_DSC01162.jpg) (http://s858.photobucket.com/albums/ab148/BsLibertyPics/?action=view¤t=DSC01162.jpg)
(http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab148/BsLibertyPics/th_DSC01158.jpg) (http://s858.photobucket.com/albums/ab148/BsLibertyPics/?action=view¤t=DSC01158.jpg)
Gotta love the TeePee, we tried to go back out there last year but there was way too many bugs
(http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab148/BsLibertyPics/th_DSC01163.jpg) (http://s858.photobucket.com/albums/ab148/BsLibertyPics/?action=view¤t=DSC01163.jpg)
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We stayed on the wilderness side of Fremont Lake (about three miles from the Elhart trailhead, north of Pinedale, mid-way between Green River & Big Sandy) for the full 16 day limit last summer and outside of sunset and a super-still night, the skeeters weren't bad but boy were they HORRIBLE when the sun was setting and wind not blowing.
However, we also stayed at New Fork Lake (closer to Green River) the full limit with NO problems at all, even at sunset. Though just for convenience sake, I am installing more screen to allow for better cooling on upcoming "still" nights.
MANUMIT
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We stayed on the wilderness side of Fremont Lake (about three miles from the Elhart trailhead, north of Pinedale, mid-way between Green River & Big Sandy) for the full 16 day limit last summer and outside of sunset and a super-still night, the skeeters weren't bad but boy were they HORRIBLE when the sun was setting and wind not blowing.
However, we also stayed at New Fork Lake (closer to Green River) the full limit with NO problems at all, even at sunset. Though just for convenience sake, I am installing more screen to allow for better cooling on upcoming "still" nights.
MANUMIT
That's helpful to know. Did you go to both spots from the Elkhart Trailhead or did you go to New Fork Lake from the Green River Lakes Trailhead?
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No backwoods camping in the Winds last year with 14-15 hour work days down in the valley...but our sites were both within spittin' distance of the wilderness, and the insects sure didn't know where the boundary was. :D
MANUMIT
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Miles or Manumit,
Is the end of may still pretty early for hiking the winds? Thinking of utilizing memorial day for a good 3 day hike up sweetwater gap.
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It'll be cool but enjoyable...the moose and mule deer are already moving back up the drainages....and they've been seeing bear sign for over a month now.
Given the snow over the past two weeks, anything over 9,000 feet is socked in good...but the 10-day forecast is calling for mid to upper 60's in the basin, so the snow line may move up at least another 500-1,000 feet by end of month.
From the two closest enviro sensors, Big Sandy @ 9080' is currently showing 23" and Deer Park @ 9700' has 80" but this went down 8" in the last 24 hours and both got to 46 deg today with lows in the teens last night....so based on the current forecasts and existing snowpack, it should have receded high enough give you a good stretch of the legs by month end...
Closest South Pass highway pic @ the Louis Lake Parking Lot doesn't look too bad...
(http://www.wyoroad.info/highway/webcameras/Wyo28SouthPass/Wyo28LouisLakeParking.jpg)
MANUMIT
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I tried not to go to high up until the middle of June. But with global warming and all you should be fine. ;)
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Cool, thanks guys! I think the gap is 10500 or so, so will probably be snowy. Stream crossings at Tayo park may be deep too.. If I go up sweetwater gap I want to summit Wind River peak, so that's probably not realistic at that time. I've mostly looked at trips from big sandy and the gap for this year, but might need to look elsewhere for an early hike.
Maybe I'll make it a campground/beer weekend at new fork or something..
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FYI most the actual "campgrounds" with any amenities have June 1 open dates, so don't forget the shovel for the Politician Birthing Center ;)
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I have been traveling to the Big Horns for 30 plus years...... Sometimes the skeeter are bad and sometimes they're not......
I spent a little time in the Bridger Teton neighborhood at Turpin Meadows (Google it) last summer. Same story.... Sometimes the skeeters were bad >:( and sometimes they were OK :D.
That is life in the mountains........
Regards, Danl
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I spend several weeks every summer in the Mountains of ID, CO, MT or WY, and last year in the Bighorns was the buggiest experience I recall ever having.
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Hmmmm, "Re: Wyoming Hikes--Another Photo Thread" I guess these pics will fit..... I hope you get some joy out of reviewing them..... However there is nothing like experiencing them.
Big Horns:
(http://www.pikechiro.com/family/images/Mountain_Trip_00_HighlandPark.jpg)
Here I am leading the group at Highland Park on the North end of this little group of mountains.... my daughter gets the photo attribute
(http://www.pikechiro.com/family/images/Mountain_Trip_00-LkSol01.jpg)
Lake Solitude on the South end of this little range of snow capped peaks..... I think I took this photo... Just imagine setting up camp down in the right corner on the far end of gem of a lake...... It almost makes my heart ache with longing to be there again....
Bugs??? Problems???? "Twern't no problem....." (Sort'a Jeremiah Johnson)
Regards, Danl ~W~
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Made it to the Cirque of the Towers this weekend. Alot of snow in the cirque, the trail was under a bunch of snow as soon as it descended form the pass. Jackass pass was covered in quite a few places and the trail around Arrow lake was a little sketchy. Made it anyways. Camping at Big Sandy Lake was awesome. Skeeters weren't too unbearable, but there was usually a breeze keeping them down. All in all an awesome trip!
Heading to the Mountains
(http://www.postimage.org/TsqJTfJ.jpg) (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=TsqJTfJ)
At Big Sandy Lake
(http://www.postimage.org/TsqJ_K9.jpg) (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=TsqJ_K9)
Big Sandy Lake at Dusk
(http://www.postimage.org/TsqK7dA.jpg) (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=TsqK7dA)
Relaxing
(http://www.postimage.org/TsqKL7S.jpg) (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=TsqKL7S)
Lonesome Lake
(http://www.postimage.org/TsqKXBA.jpg) (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=TsqKXBA)
Cirque of the Towers Panorama
(http://www.postimage.org/TsqL450.jpg) (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=TsqL450)
Cirque from Jackass Pass
(http://www.postimage.org/TsqL6A9.jpg) (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=TsqL6A9)
Looking back towards Big Sandy Lake from below North Lake
(http://www.postimage.org/TsqLj2S.jpg) (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=TsqLj2S)
Fish on!
(http://www.postimage.org/TsqLy0J.jpg) (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=TsqLy0J)
edit: Hopefully the pictures work
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"edit: Hopefully the pictures work"
Oh, yeah! They are great.
All the pics on this thread are just wonderful. Y'all kind of rubbing it in, eh?
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craigerjc,
What great pics. I thought that was the Winds. I was inspired by your pics to do a little search on Google for more. Here is a great little page that popped up:
Wind River, Cirque of Tower, Jackass Pass page (http://havemediawilltravel.com/jackass-pass-cirque-of-the-towers/).
For those who would like to see more you will enjoy this.... Gets my blood going.....
No, I don't know these people.
Regards, Danl
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Haven't gotten to do much hiking with the kids this summer with high overtime and "B" job opportunities, but here's some recent ones...
(http://s3.postimage.org/fJlAi-e5bd4e90e5e8d8aa9bd5b23d3384a431-resize.jpg)
(http://s3.postimage.org/fJ1D9-e5bd4e90e5e8d8aa9bd5b23d3384a431.jpg)
"Home" is next to the creek in the big trees at the center of the pic...
(http://s3.postimage.org/fJt3J-e5bd4e90e5e8d8aa9bd5b23d3384a431.jpg)
(http://s3.postimage.org/fJD2i-e5bd4e90e5e8d8aa9bd5b23d3384a431.jpg)
MANUMIT
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OK, I'm not seeing anything but red X's. Anybody else having this problem too?
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OK, I'm not seeing anything but red X's. Anybody else having this problem too?
They're showing up for me. Some forums I need to right click on the X and select "show picture", other times, nothing works. Some times, if you really want to see the pic, you can quote the original post and the links will show up, then you can manually copy and paste each individual picture in. :-\