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 RiverFirst day there was a lot of smoke from a forest fire. We were not at risk from the fire but the smoke was annoyingWe dropped our packs and did a side trip to see Clear Creek FallsIt was hard to get a good view of the falls.Hiking past Green River LakeHeading into Beaver ParkFirst campNext day we are headed into the mountainsHiking up to Green River PassTaking a break after a long climbView back the way we cameLast climb to Summit LakeAt the top of the passSummit Lake, we decided not to camp here since there was not much cover to block the windView from camp, I could get use to this.Nice view of our campsiteDay 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.I don’t want to put the back on.Leann headed to Upper Jean LakeLower Jean LakeDinner with a viewWe 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 BasinBig slide and no, we did not go down the slideLast climb before setting up campNice view from campSmall lake before entering the basinTitcomb Basin, wowI would like to go back here some day and head up the valley at the end of the lakeNot much of a trail in this sectionEach day has been more spectacular than the one beforeWe set up camp and then did a hike on the Indian Pass TrailLots of granite up hereView from up top looking back into the basinWe had great camp sites the entire tripNot bad, waterfall in the front, alpenglow in the backThree 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 campLast section before the passIt was worth the extra milesLast day on the trailLeann at photographer’s point, goodbye to the mountains, so sadWaiting 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?
