Wind River Range

Headed southeast into the Wind River Range this past weekend with a group of friends to do some backpack fly-fishing.  After nearly 3 hours of driving we arrived at our destination;  Big Sandy Opening.  From the trailhead we set off  on the western side of Cirque of the Towers.  

Day 1:

Our Gang... notice Katie trying to convince Chloe to join the group

Mirror lake

Marms Lake... The constant sight of rising trout convinced us to camp here... The view wasn't bad either. 

Katie slaying trout 

Brook Trout

Dinner

Day 2:

Woke before sunrise and there was a good frost on all our gear.  Watched the sunrise and brewed some coffee.  Today we hiked nearly 5 miles to Shadow Lake, an isolated lake on the opposite side of the popular regular  Cirque of the Towers area.  We didn't see a person the entire day.

Marms Lake at sunrise

Basecamp

Hiking to Shadow Lake:  

Danica 

Chloe the dog

Washakie Creek 

Mount Washakie

Our destination - Shadow Lake

Katies fly box

Chloe with the Sharks Nose in Background

The quiet side of Cirque of the Towers... Sharks nose is the prominent peak

Shadow Lake

... Later that night...

Cold Chloe in the tent... We have sleeping bags- she has our down jackets.  

Day 3:

Woke around 5am to heavy rain, wind, and thunder.  Ran outside to grab anything that may not be protected then fell back asleep in hopes the rain would stop.  Around 10am the tent filled with light and the storm was over.  It was clear to the west but storms were all around us.  We had little choice but to dry our gear out and then head back to the car.  The weather gods were on our side and a patch of blue sky followed us all day.  

A dusting of fresh snow in the nearby high peaks... probably around 11,000'. 

Storms over the Cirque 

While hiking out we found this little creek overflowing with trout!

Chloe couldn't believe how many trout were stuffed in this tiny creek

View while leaving the Winds

I must say the Wind River Range is one of the most impressive mountain ranges in the United States.  Its easily one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen.  I can't believe its taken me this long to explore in these mountains.  I will return but next time hopefully for more time.  I think 5-6 days would be glorious!