See National Park #30 for the first part of this trip
We were ready for our first backpack trip in the West. There are a lot of options but I picked the Wind Range in Western Wyoming also known as The Winds. Why? 2.25 million acres of wilderness, 7 of the 10 largest glaciers in the Lower 48, more than 2,300 lakes and numerous glacier-carved cirques, kettles, and valleys. Why not?
The shuttle driver dropped us off at Green River Trailhead and planned to pick us up 7 days later at the Elkhart Park Trailhead. First day we followed the Green River up stream to Beaver Park.
The gang before the hike, 7 days in the Wilderness and we remained friends.
Crossing the Green River
First day there was a lot of smoke from a forest fire. We were not at risk from the fire but the smoke was annoying
We dropped our packs and did a side trip to see Clear Creek Falls
Hiking past Green River Lake
Heading into Beaver Park
First camp
Next day we are headed into the mountains
Hiking up to Green River Pass
Taking a break after a long climb
Last climb to Summit Lake
At the top of the pass
Summit Lake, we decided not to camp here since there was not much cover to block the wind
View from camp, I could get use to this.
Nice view of our campsite
Day 3 started with a view of Gunsight Pass, this was the start of a spectacular day in the mountains.
The Wandering Whytes in the Winds.
Leann headed to Upper Jean Lake
Lower Jean Lake
Dinner with a view
We rushed to our tents after dinner due to a nasty storm that included hail. This was right after the storm, everyone was good to go for the next day.
Start of day 4, down to big slide and then over to the entrance of Titcomb Basin
Big slide and no, we did not go down the slide
Last climb before setting up camp
Small lake before entering the basin
Titcomb Basin, wow
I would like to go back here some day and head up the valley at the end of the lake
Each day has been more spectacular than the one before
We set up camp and then did a hike on the Indian Pass Trail
View from up top looking back into the basin
We had great camp sites the entire trip
Not bad, waterfall in the front, alpenglow in the back
Three of us left camp early to hike up Lester Pass and meet the rest of the group at the last nights camp.
View back into camp
Last section before the pass
It was worth the extra miles
Last day on the trail
Leann at photographer’s point, goodbye to the mountains, so sad
Waiting for the shuttle, shower and then a nice dinner at the lodge. I always look forward to the post trip dinner
So ends our first but not last trip to the Winds. We liked it so much we have been back twice more, make it 3?
HAPPY TRAILS, STEVE