Map of the backpacking trip [JPG, 153kB]
Satellite picture of Southern Wind River Mountains - all loop overview [JPG, 160kB]
Satellite picture of Southern Wind River Mountains - Cirque of the towers [JPG, 160kB]
Google earth file of the trip [ KMZ, 2kB]
Wind river mountains are one of the most impressive mountain ranges in the North America. Deep, lush valleys with flowering meadows, pines trees and many creeks and lakes are surrounded by steep slopes of high and rugged peaks. It appears that no matter how far and deep into the mountains one goes, there are always new impressive and amazing views. However, these mountains are remote and not easily accessible. Trailheads are about 40km away from a paved road and even getting to the unpaved roads leading to the mountains, one has to drive hundreds of miles through desserts of Wyoming. I have discovered Wind River Mountains by accident when I flew over them on a trip from San Francisco to Minneapolis. I have seen the amazing mountain ridges and glaciers and decided that I needed to explore this range on foot.
My backpacking trip was 80km long loop through the heart of the southern part of the range. Guidebooks suggest 5 days for this trip, but I ended up needing only 4. It was a great hike with beautiful camping spots and amazing views all four days. Grave lake was reminding me of the famous Milford Sound in New Zealand and the camping spot I picked in the Cirque of Towers clearly ranks among the top 3 best ever places where I camped.
Logistically I was lucky since the infamous assaults of mosquitoes did not happen during my trip, yet the weather was still very pleasant and not too cold even during nights. I hiked Monday through Thursday, so I was able to avoid the weekend crowds that gather in the Cirque of Towers and enjoy very quiet and pristine mountains throughout. The only mishap was that I have miscalculated the amount of food I would need and carried supplies for 7 days, which made my backpack really heavy. Other than that, this was a great hike. I wish Jitka or somebody else could have joined me.
