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A true taste of Wind River Range.


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Map Key

40.4

Miles

65.1

KM

Loop

11,824' 3,604 m

High

9,101' 2,774 m

Low

5,918' 1,804 m

Up

5,918' 1,804 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (3°)

85%

Max Grade (40°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Fall Colors · Fishing · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

This is over 40 mile loop through all main features of Wind River Range. You'll hike through forest, meadows, lakes, passes, alpine tundra, and beautiful valleys. The views are breathtaking. You'll encounter challenging approaches. You'll have an opportunity to hike a portion of the famous Continental Divide Trail. This is a remote loop. It can take anywhere from full three days to a week to complete from start to finish.

Need to Know

This is a bear country! You must take appropriate precautions.

Description

The hike starts from a Big Sandy #7099 parking lot to Cirque of Towers through a Jackass Pass. The approach to Jackass Pass is strenuous. From Cirque of Towers, you take the Lizard Head Trail. Make sure you have enough water before you get on the Lizard Head Trail since water is scarce on the trail and mostly from very muddy streams.

You'll take the Bear's Ears Trail toward Valentine Lake and head to Grave Lake. The camping spots at the Grave Lake are limited. You'll follow the Bear's Ears Trail along the shore of the Grave Lake. There will be a waterfall on your left side. You'll enter very beautiful meadow with a spectacular view of Mount Hooker.

Follow the trail toward Hailey Pass #7111. The approach to Hailey Pass #7111 starts easy but the steep section has a lot of loose rocks and could be dangerous. From the Hailey Pass #7111 you'll take Pyramid Lake #7156 trail to Marms Lake. At this point you'll join a portion of the CDT trail which will take you back to the Big Sandy #7099 parking lot.

I highly recommend Wind River Range South topo map by Beartooth Publishing.

Shared By:

Paul S

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 2 votes

#1514

Overall
  5.0 from 2 votes
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#41

in Wyoming

#1,514

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Photos

A group of hikers ascends the Lizard Head Trail with Lizard Head Peak in the distance.
Nov 19, 2015 near Lander, WY
Big Sandy Lake sunset.
Aug 4, 2016 near Lander, WY
Alpine wildflowers below Cirque Of The Towers.
Aug 2, 2021 near Big Sandy, WY
View of the Cirque through the lower pass to the west of Jackass Pass
Jul 28, 2015 near Lander, WY
A view of Sundance Pinnacle and North Lake (Lake 10105)
Jul 28, 2015 near Lander, WY
Another view of the Cirque from along the trail up to the pass
Jul 28, 2015 near Lander, WY

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