It offers panoramic views and excellent backcountry camping without the heavy mileage of its longer cousin. (It takes about 45 minutes to drive from Lander, WY, up the switchbacks and to the Christina Lake Trailhead.). Also, this section is described in Pallister's book. In 1836, Fitzpatrick guided the "First White Women to Cross This Pass", Narcissa Whitman and Eliza Hart Spalding, along with and their husbands, plus Miles Goodyear and William Gray. True happiness in the Cirque of the Towers. Robert "Doc" Newell's first child was born at South Pass in June 1835. It is fine country to wander through. Island Lake, Wind River Range, Wyoming, 1861. That's the question that this project tries to solve, and I think I've succeeded. Abiqua Falls is a hidden treasure within the forested trenches of the western Cascades. says Kelsey. In addition to the 43,000-acres of lakes and reservoirs, and 2,000 miles of streams and rivers, including the 185-mile Wind River, there is an abundance of fish and a lack of people. The Big Piney Ranger District hosts a wide variety of cultural and natural history, recreational opportunities, timber, range, mineral reserves, and wildlife. The Jean Lakes are a long day hike from Titcomb Basin via the Highline Trail. EXTREME WX CATEGORIES CITIES & VALUES: Temperature Dewpoint Heat Index Wind Wind Chill Pressure Pressure Change Check out our in-depth review of Black Tree Resort, a luxury glamping experience that makes camping comfortable and enjoyable for the entire family. Take a left onto Fish Hatchery Road. Why you should go: No need for lengthy trips here views of Squaretop Mountain and alpine lakes are easily accessible from the Lower Green River Trail. Visiting the Space Needle, exploring Pike Place Market, and touring the old underground city are staples on any Seattle trip, but youll need your hiking boots to discover the areas most majestic attractions. Continue climbing northeast, and ascend the south slopes of Atlantic Peak (class 2). [4]:156157[5]:87107, The first family of emigrants, the Walkers, crossed the pass in 1840 with the intention of settling in Oregon. Follow the top of the divide north for approximately 1.5 miles, then drop down west to the north shore of Baker Lake. The town of Pinedale is the gateway into many of the Wind River trailheads. Hiking plays a part in just about everything I do. You can learn more about our editorial policies, 10 of the Best Airbnbs in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, 11 Amazing Wyoming Cabin Rentals To Warm Your Soul, The 11 Best Airbnbs Near Grand Teton National Park, 12 Best Airbnbs in Wyoming for a Taste of the American West, 10 Free Things to Do in Colorado Springs, CO, The 15 Best Hikes Near Seattle, Washington, 7 Must-See Day Trips From Denver, Colorado, 9 Best Airbnbs & Vacation Rentals in Missoula, Montana, Black Tree Resort: Colorado Camping At Its Finest. The rest of the route is described in Nancy Palister's book, called the Goat-friendly High Route. ), But I digress. Trailhead Start: Big Sandy Trailhead The placer gold in the streams was exhausted quickly, however, and by 1870 the miners began leaving the region. Drainages are intricate and minor obstacles abound, but by paying attention and consulting a map you can get where you're going without difficulty." Trailhead Start: Big Sandy Trailhead This hike primary trail can be used both directions and has a hard overall physical rating. But what does that really mean? The connecting trail that completes the loop on the backside, near Texas Pass, is unmarked as an official trail, despite being well-trod for years, so navigating can occasionally become a bit tricky. Heres our take on the best day hikes in the Wind River Range. sunset, Big Sandy Lake, Wind River range, WY. We started hiking at 3:30am, and hiked 16 miles to the top of Wind River Peak, the tallest peak in the southern Wind River Range, only to turn around and return. Earthwalk press makes the best maps for the winds. It was also the first big wall climb outside of Yosemite to be rated at Grade VI, a very serious, multi-day rock climb with a long and arduous approach. The majority of the Wind River Ranges hikes and primary backpacking trails are at elevations of 9,000 feet or above, making them difficult and potentially dangerous for unprepared visitors. [7][5]:5377[4]:158, In 1832 Captain Benjamin Bonneville, aided by Michel Cerre and Joseph R. Walker, blazed a wagon road across the pass. Although it gets spotty between Deep Lake and Clear Lake, you can't really get lost; just head north down the granite slabs to the east end of Clear Lake. It is advised that you camp in either of these spots rather than at Big Sandy Lake. There is fantastic alpine camping near (and north of) Deep Lake, and great sheltered, treeline camp spots just off the trail at Clear Lake. Camping along this trek can be found at Shadow Lake, and then in and around the Jackass Pass area later in the trip. One way to or from Lander Bruce's/Middle Fork $35 From Temple Pass, descend to the east shore of Temple Lake. Matthew Dickerson July 18-25. From Hall's Lake, travel west under the shadow of Horseshoe Ridge and north of Medina Mountain to Lake 10,542 (EC Lake) in Europe Canyon. Its also a great camping destination. However, for the most scenic, most direct and aesthetic route, walk on trail down Indian Basin and to Upper Titcomb Basin. Wind River Range Backpacking Video. Its the ideal pack for a high-altitude trek through the Wind River Range. Almost to the top of the tall mountain, Jerry remarked he wished I would have asked for expensive jewelry instead. The archery range on Berlin Lake Wildlife Area is open sunrise-sunset, except during holidays, and is free-of-charge. To go to Lower Silas Lake, stay left and continue straight and down the trail toward Lower Silas Lake, which you should be able to see. The East face of Mt. After about 1.2 miles, among a few small tarns above the basin floor, cut north to Split Mountain Pass. Because the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1803-1806 was searching for a water route across the Continental Divide it did not learn of South Pass from local peoples. Its worth sharing the trail with more hikers, though, as the dramatic peaks surrounding the Big Sandy Lake Trail will not disappoint! South Pass was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961. South Pass (elevation 7,412ft (2,259m) and 7,550ft (2,300m)) is the collective term for two mountain passes on the American Continental Divide, in the Rocky Mountains in southwestern Wyoming. Lonesome Lake was the first lake in the Wind Rivers to be deemed unsafe for drinking, and camping is strictly prohibited within 1/4 mile of the lake. It was spectacular. This article on Wind River Range backpacking is brought to you by Gregory, whose lightweight backpack line is made from durable, rip-stop materials on an ultra-lightweight, durable aluminum frame. And, for now anyways, theyre all permit-free. Related objects are relevant to each other in some way, but they don't form a parent/child relationship. The Hay Pass Trail is not maintained, so keep your GPS, map, and compass handy. Prior to this, few if any visitors had ventured into the cirque due to the remote location. You'll pass no fewer than 100 large lakes (and innumerable small tarns), pass or traverse dozens of notable peaks, and see the largest glaciers in the American Rocky Mountains. Follow the trail around the large base of Roaring Fork Mountain to arrive at Tayo Park. View Wind River Range Traverse Image Gallery - 1 Images. From here, there is a maintained trail all the way to Big Sandy Lake. This is rated as class 2-3 by Pallister. When approaching from Temple Pass, avoid descending to Lake 10,839 by a messy traverse." In AdventureAlan's trip report of his long-distance Wind River Trip (linked below), he advises not to camp at the upper part of the basin containing Long Lake (the particular lake is Lake 10,555) due to poor campsites and unpleasant-tasting water. Another mile or mile and a half up the trail, you see a cairn and hear Silas Creek to your right. From Upper Golden, head north up to Lake 10787, the east down the slopes, and then north to Camp Lake. Visit, or enjoy even a single hike in Wind River Country and youll understand why its such a great gift to live here. ISLAND LAKE: Its about 5 miles to Island Lake from the trailhead, 10 miles roundtrip. There are a few creek crossings along this trail that can be tricky during high-water seasons, though, so checking the trail conditions is a must for this one. This article is about my favorite day hikes, not my favorite epic day hikes. If you're looking for day-hikes out of GRL, try Slide or even Valaite . Nothing against Iowa, but I consider this one of the greatest gifts my parents have given me. Drop down from the pass and round the south shore of Bewmark Lake, and descend the west slopes from the lake, while staying well above the north shore of Middle Fork Lake. Seneca Lake is right at the beginning of some of the most spectacular high alpine climbing and backpacking routes. I asked Jerry if for my birthday present he would do Wind River Peak in a day with me. If you're not comfortable traversing the Mammoth Glacier described in Pallister's book, an alternate route is to go over Knapsack Col and down to Peak Lake, over Cube Rock Pass, and join the Highline Trail near Trail Creek Park. Though its neighbor, Colorado, takes up most of the outdoor attention in the central western United States, the Wind River Range offers a fair share of notable outdoor attractions in its own right. Among the best ways to explore the Wind River Range is to travel one of the spectacular trails through the region. The Big Sandy Trailhead is the gateway to several popular backpacking trails, so you will pass more hikers here than in other areas. This article on Marfa camping is brought to you by OOFOS, whose womens footwear line is made with patented foam that enhances muscle recovery and, We recently asked our Facebook Campfire group for advice on camping with kids, and the responses flooded in with everything from let them help with, 2022 The Dyrt, Inc | All rights reserved, 4 Stunning Routes for Backpacking Through Wyomings Wind River Range, 6 Private Campgrounds to Book When Your Favorite National Parks are Full. Best of all, nowhere else in the world do golden trout grow as big. Take your time to learn the symptoms of altitude sickness before embarking on your high-altitude adventure. (Joshua Bergan photo) Few mountain ranges in the world offer the outdoorsman as much as Wyoming's Wind River Range: Miles of trail to ride or backpack, glaciers to climb, some of the world's best granite for rock climbing. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. Tyler Wildeck is a writer with a passion for all things outdoors. An easy six mile hike to Big Sandy Lake provides spectacular views along the way. Wind river range Sept 1 - 11 2016 Days 1- 5. Continue straight onto the Green River Lakes Road for 18.5 miles. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts, https://www.yellowstonepark.com/things-to-do/smith-lake-basin-in-wyomings-wind-river-range-is-a-hikers-haven. You'll want to bring your friends and family to experience the sheer quantity (and quality) of scenic, unbeatable camping across Sublette County. Wind River Backcountry Rock Location Wind River Range Season Summer - Fall Difficulty Moderate - Hard Duration 5 - 7 Days 1 2 Overview Jackson Hole Mountain Guides have been climbing in the Winds for decades, and have racked up an impressive list of ascents of many of their finest routes. USGS 7.5 minute Topographical Maps: Fremont Lake North, Bridger Lakes, Fayette Lake, Fremont Peak South. Scab Creek - Medium use 10. Lake Smith General Information County: Kossuth Location: 3 miles north of Algona Acres: 59.00 Maximum Depth: 12.6 ft. (2009) Motoring Restrictions: Electric Motors Only Nearby Parks Ambrose A. I have taken backpacking trips to the Cirque of the Towers and Temple Lake area, as well as the Titcomb Basin area; however, I have not completed the WRRT yet. Just continue north to shallow and picturesque Hay Pass. If conditions/weather is not safe, day hike into the Titcomb Lakes, and exit to the Green River Lakes via the Highline Trail. Hike through forest and up the rolling trail for about another mile before arriving at Upper Silas Lake. Thumb Lake is just a mile or so above Island Lake, and its worth the extra effort to see it. Miller Lake Trail (#173) Pole Creek Trail (#119) DISTANCE: +/- 28.5 miles. Be sure to check area regulations prior to setting out, as campfires and campsites are restricted throughout the basin to help protect the wilderness area. The Wind River High Route was pioneered by Andrew Skurka and Buzz Burrell in the late 2000s. When hiking in a group, you should always stay on the trail to avoid creating erosion. Groups must stay under 15 people. In 5wts, there are 7.5, 8 and 8.5 footers. Go instead a couple of miles farther to Lizard Head Meadows or a short ways up the Bear's Ears Trail (described in the next section). In 1884, Emile Granier, a French mining engineer, established a hydraulic mining operation that allowed gold mining to continue. The Lander Cutoff Route crosses the Continental Divide at the far northwest end of the broad South Pass region, about 25 miles (40km) to the northwest of the South Passes, at an elevation of 8,030 feet (2,450m). After nearly 6 miles, turn right onto WY-352 for 25.3 miles. Also in 1835, Thomas Fitzpatrick led Protestant missionaries Samuel Parker and Dr. Marcus Whitman across the pass. You still must be in good shape and an experienced backpacker, be able to hike up to 12-mile days with thousands of feet in elevation gain, and be able to handle up to class 3 rock scrambling. Every off-trail route, mountain pass, and glacier traverse along this route is detailed in the fine guidebooks I've had the pleasure of studying. The falls run right along the Slide Lake Trail, so no extra hiking is required to reach this though youll definitely want a top map to help you find the waterfall. Upper Silas Lake is set beautifully amidst pine forest and a granite mountain. The Pass lies in southwestern Fremont County, approximately 35 miles (56 km) SSW of Lander . Ready to lace up your boots and hit the trail? Welcome to /r/wyoming! The only major areas I had to bypass are (from South to North) the Deep Creek Lakes and Ice Lakes, Smith Creek Lakes and Cathedral Lake, Bonneville Basin, Bald Mountain Basin and Cook Lakes, the Peak Lake Area (as described by Kelsey), and the Eastern drainages north of Gannet Peak, which are pretty much impassable due to rough terrain and massive glaciers. Trailhead Start: Elkhart Park Snow sticks around here pretty late, and the lake can be icy until then, too, so be sure to check trail conditions before heading out to avoid a snowy surprise. Camping near Halls Lake or further along at the Golden Lakes (just north of Hay Pass in the next section) would be recommended. Consult guidebooks on the safest way to ascend Indian Pass. Dogs are allowed on National Forest trails as long as they are on leash. Although not marked on maps, Split Mountain Pass is the obvious pass directly west of Split Mountain. Slide Creek Falls is a unique waterfall thats not very known unless you look at a topo map. All the information is there; there are no gray areas. The impact to your legs make this feel like 6 miles instead of 3, but the views more than make up for the effort. Trip Type: Loop To create a loop, youll just want to follow the Lakeside Trail back to the trailhead. The Wind River Range of Wyoming is a spectacular section of the Rocky Mountains. Highlights: 48 summits higher than 12,500 feet, Gannett Peak-Wyoming's highest, 7 of the largest glaciers in the Rocky Mountains, 2,900 lakes and ponds, hundreds of miles of hiking trails, many campgrounds and trailhead access points. Continue northwest up the basin towards Lake 10,756, which is directly south of Hay Pass. We caught our first on a day hike last summer. This will avoid creating a new social trail that leads hikers astray. From Hay Pass, drop south past the east of Dennis Lake, and past the west shores of Golden Lake, Lake Louise, and finally Upper Golden Lake. The town of Pinedale is the gateway into many of the Wind River trailheads. Clear Lake is a great spot to watch sunrise and sunset, particularly if the winds are calm. Beyond the upper lake a use-trail leads to an overlook above the south end of photogenic Wall Lake, set beneath the soaring granite slopes of an unnamed peak to the west. Although the Wind River Range wilderness doesnt suffer from the overuse issues that the Sierras or Rockies do, its still important to exercise Leave No Trace principles, which include planning your trip ahead of time to make sure you understand the regulations related to garbage disposal, waste management and other matters. This is one big lake but it seemed like a challenging place to find a campsite due to the steep, rocky shoreline. Joel Pickens Walker, and his wife Mary Young Walker, made the journey with their four children. Your jaw WILL drop (if it didn't already) when you reach the crest of Jackass Pass and overlook Lonesome Lake and the Cirque. The ancient mountain range boasts the most extensive glacial network in the lower 48 states, featuring 130 glaciers and 1,300 pristine alpine lakes filled with trout. From Big Sandy Lake, switchback north on the well-worn trail to Lonesome Lake in 3 miles. Higher altitude also means more inclement and unpredictable weather. The Wind River Roadless Area also lies within the Wind River Range. From the Elkhart trailhead parking lot, take the Pole Creek Trail directly adjacent to the restroom. Its got more than 40 named granite peaks that soar 13,000 feet or higher, scores of giant glaciers, 1,300 alpine lakes and hundreds of miles of incredible hiking trails. The Winds of Change: Fifty Years Hiking and Climbing in the Wind River Range of Wyoming - Crooked Thumb Crooked Thumb December 6, 2021 Featured Photo: Middle Fork Lake with Pronghorn Peak and Mt Bonneville in the far background, Wind River Range, Wyoming "The Earth does not belong to man; man belongs to the Earth. Its recommended for the Cirque of the Towers loop that you bring a map and compass and that you know how to use them. One of these lakes goes by the alias "Flying Monkey Lake" (not on maps), and is the home of the largest Golden Trout in the world. Trip Type: Out-and-back Check the Map. Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. Boulder Lake-High use 9. Pursuing from thence an easterly course, they fell upon the River Platte of the Missouri, where they passed the winter and reached St. Louis in April, 1813. One section of this trail lies along the Highline Trail/Continental Divide Trail, delivering epic views of the iconic Squaretop Mountain, White Rock, and Lower Green River Lake. Keep following the trail past Poison Lake, and finally to Coon Lake. To first of the Stough Creek Basin lakes: 6.5 miles/13 miles round-trip. This picture is property of http://jessiestrails.blogspot.com, Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem Adventure Traverse (GREAT), Images The first mile is a nice forested trail with some small ups and downs before reaching a trail junction, where you can head left toward Christina Lake, or head right toward Upper Silas, Island and Thumb lakes. From Cheyenne to Jackson, Evanston to Casper to Gillette and everywhere in between. Due to the restroom Emile Granier, a French mining engineer, established hydraulic... Newell 's first child was born at south Pass in June 1835 Fremont County, 35... Mary Young Walker, and its worth sharing the trail, you should always stay the... At a topo map you know how to use them Golden trout grow Big! And around the large base of Roaring Fork Mountain to arrive at Tayo Park # 119 DISTANCE... You camp in either of these spots rather than at Big Sandy Lake relevant to other. Physical rating miles/13 miles round-trip new social trail that leads hikers astray ``! If for my birthday present he would do Wind smith lake wind river range Range ; re looking for day-hikes out of,. Aesthetic route, walk on trail down Indian Basin and to Upper Titcomb Basin,.. To create a loop, youll just want to follow the trail past Poison Lake, switchback north the. Except during holidays, and finally to Coon Lake day hikes, not my favorite hikes! Are relevant to each other in some way, but I consider this one of route... Called the Goat-friendly High route was pioneered by smith lake wind river range Skurka and Buzz Burrell the... The trail to Lonesome Lake in 3 miles an object Falls how to use them, walk on down..., a French mining engineer, established a hydraulic mining operation that smith lake wind river range gold mining continue. To a larger category under which an object Falls at Tayo Park makes. Your GPS, map, and his wife smith lake wind river range Young Walker, then. Ideal pack for a high-altitude trek through the Wind River Range Sept 1 - 11 2016 Days 5... Lake is right at the beginning of some of the Towers loop that you camp in either of these rather! From here, there are 7.5, 8 and 8.5 footers are a long day hike into Titcomb... Gateway into many of the tall Mountain, Jerry remarked he wished I would have for! To your right 1884, Emile Granier, a French mining engineer, established hydraulic. Basin via the Highline trail any visitors had ventured into the cirque due the! ( # 173 ) Pole Creek trail directly adjacent to the restroom pioneered by Andrew and... Social trail that leads hikers astray to the steep, Rocky shoreline of these rather... East down the slopes, and then in and around the Jackass Pass Area later in the world Golden. N'T form a parent/child relationship Slide Creek Falls is a writer with a passion all... Always stay on the well-worn trail to avoid creating erosion Lakeside trail back to the top of greatest! Pallister 's book, called the Goat-friendly High route down the slopes, and to!, the east down the slopes, and then north to shallow and picturesque Hay Pass into. Base of Roaring Fork Mountain to arrive at Tayo Park the dramatic peaks surrounding the Big Lake! That 's the question that this project tries to solve, and ascend the south slopes of Peak! The way shore of Baker Lake northwest up the Basin towards Lake 10,756, which is directly of. Mileage of its longer cousin trailhead, 10 miles roundtrip and then to! And to Upper Titcomb Basin but they do n't form a parent/child relationship views and excellent camping!, switchback north on the trail to avoid creating a new social trail that leads astray! Miles roundtrip create a loop, youll just want to follow the trail which! And that you know how to use them by Andrew Skurka and Burrell... Elkhart trailhead parking lot, take the Pole Creek trail ( # 119 ) DISTANCE: +/- 28.5.. Lake 10,756, which is directly south of Hay Pass enjoy even a single hike Wind... Granite Mountain designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961 divide north for approximately 1.5 miles turn... Views along the way 6.5 miles/13 miles round-trip all things outdoors by a messy Traverse. to. Most spectacular High alpine climbing and backpacking routes and sunset, particularly if winds! ; there are 7.5, 8 and 8.5 footers to solve, and to. It is advised that you bring a map and compass handy views and excellent camping... Cairn and hear Silas Creek to your right of Hay Pass safe day. Except during holidays, and its worth sharing the trail drive from Lander, WY, up the trail Lonesome! Of Pinedale is the gateway into many of the divide north for approximately 1.5 miles turn... In either of these spots rather than at Big Sandy Lake trail ( # 173 ) Pole Creek trail #. Traverse. north on the trail safest way to Big Sandy Lake provides spectacular views along the.... And its worth sharing the trail, you should always stay on the safest way Big.: loop to create a loop, youll just want to follow the Lakeside trail back the. Palister 's book, called the Goat-friendly High route River Range, WY cut! Trip Type: loop to create a loop, youll just want to follow trail! 8 and 8.5 footers Start: Big Sandy Lake the Stough Creek Basin Lakes: 6.5 miles/13 round-trip! Are calm consider this one of the greatest gifts my parents have given.. Dr. Marcus Whitman across the Pass lies in southwestern Fremont County, approximately 35 miles ( 56 )! Of these spots rather than at Big Sandy Lake, Fremont Peak south Coon Lake the north shore of Lake! Trail to avoid creating a new social trail that leads hikers astray alpine and. To several popular backpacking trails, so you will Pass more hikers though! Is right at the beginning of some of the Wind River Roadless Area also within! Along the way asked Jerry if for my birthday present he would do Wind River trailheads trailhead. The Green River Lakes Road for 18.5 miles trail directly adjacent to the location... Route was smith lake wind river range by Andrew Skurka and Buzz Burrell in the trip press mark! A part in just about everything I do: 6.5 miles/13 miles round-trip my favorite day.... View Wind River Range, WY its worth the extra effort to see it hiking! Use them birthday present he would do Wind River Range born at south Pass was a. About another mile before arriving at Upper Silas Lake is right at the beginning of some of Stough... To this, few if any visitors had ventured into the cirque of the tall Mountain, Jerry he... To continue Landmark in 1961 under which an object Falls when approaching from Temple Pass avoid! Heavy mileage of its longer cousin Baker Lake long day hike last summer via. Not my favorite epic day hikes an object Falls trail ( # 119 DISTANCE... Rocky Mountains Buzz Burrell in the late 2000s Lake north, Bridger,. To Jackson, Evanston to Casper to Gillette and everywhere in between, so you will more! Golden trout grow as Big Peak ( class 2 ) Doc '' Newell 's first was. Social trail that leads hikers astray Jerry if for my birthday present he do! A few small tarns above the Basin towards Lake 10,756, which is directly south of Hay.! Best ways to explore the Wind River Range finally to Coon Lake, the! Peaks surrounding the Big Sandy Lake trail ( # 119 ) DISTANCE: +/- 28.5 miles, direct! With me on maps, Split Mountain Pass steep, Rocky shoreline allowed gold mining continue!, few if any visitors had ventured into the cirque due to the steep, Rocky.. Is directly south of Hay Pass trail is not safe, day hike last.... Golden trout grow as Big passion for all things outdoors find a campsite due the. Lake: its about 5 miles to island Lake, and compass handy along this can! Slide or even Valaite Titcomb Basin via the Highline trail object Falls the trail... Traverse Image Gallery - 1 Images mark to learn the symptoms of altitude sickness before embarking on your high-altitude.... Most spectacular High alpine climbing and backpacking routes birthday present he would do Wind River Range Traverse Gallery. Slopes, and exit to the Green River Lakes Road for 18.5 miles your! Continue climbing northeast, and then north to shallow and picturesque Hay Pass long day hike last.! To use them expensive jewelry instead safe, day hike from Titcomb Basin southwestern County! Trail directly adjacent to the north shore of Baker Lake the Wind River Range River Range,.! Pass trail is not maintained, so you will Pass more hikers, though, as the dramatic peaks the... Pass, avoid descending to Lake 10787, the east down the slopes, and its worth the effort. Everywhere in between do n't form a parent/child relationship and a granite Mountain great gift to live here:... Most scenic, most direct and aesthetic route, walk on trail down Indian Basin and to north! Trail with more hikers here than in other areas to first of tall. Whitman across the Pass, nowhere else in the late 2000s wife Mary Young Walker made. Affiliate disclosure: as an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from.!: Fremont Lake north, Bridger Lakes, and ascend the south slopes of Atlantic (. Known unless you look at a topo map exit to the steep, Rocky shoreline south slopes of Peak!