Wind River Sweetwater 2006 Video

The Wind River Mountains, or the Winds, are a destination that should be on every backpacker's bucket list. With the combination of crystal clear lakes, alpine terrain and rugged peaks, it can go toe to toe with the Sierras, Colorado or even Glacier. The range is 100 miles long and 30 miles wide so there is plenty of room to wander without dealing with another party. And, no reservation required. While it is home to 40 peaks over 13,000 feet, there is a vast expanse of backcountry on the west side of the prominent spine that offers somewhat level terrain.

I have been to the Winds numerous times and hope to finalize the web page for the maps shown with trail descriptions. While it is hard to pick the best trip, this may be it. It starts at the very south end of the range and heads up to Sweetwater Gap staying on the east side of the divide. At the Middle Popo Agie River, we headed north-north west up to Ice Lakes. This area has a rugged beauty that puts me in awe. After the lakes we dropped into the North Popo Agie River Valley and headed west to the Cirque of the Towers. With its craggy peaks surrounding the Lonesome Lake, this the most spectacular place in the range. From there it is over Jackass Pass to Big Sandy Lake. The hike over Temple Pass took us past Deep Lake and Temple Lake. The trail in this section is slab granite. Very cool. From the pass it is down to Little Sandy lake and then over the Continental Divide and back to the Sweetwater Trailhead.

You won't be disappointed with this trip.