The Cirque of the Towers not solely sounds prefer it may very well be the subsequent installment of the Lord of the Rings film franchise, but it surely might additionally simply stand in for the trilogy’s mythological Center Earth.
One of many jewels of Wyoming’s Wind River Vary, the Cirque of the Towers is a hoop of 12,000-foot-high granite peaks that crown the Continental Divide — and it’s an epic backpacking spot.
However the space’s distant location (two hours southeast of Grand Teton Nationwide Park) and lengthy multi-day strategy hold crowds at bay.
In truth, you don’t even want a allow for this backpacking journey!
For years, the Wind River Vary was my final fantasy place to go to. It appeared like each time I noticed a shocking picture of sharp silvery granite peaks in {a magazine} the caption at all times pointed to the Winds.
Once I lastly backpacked into the Cirque of the Towers for 4 days one early August, the surroundings and setting simply surpassed my excessive expectations, and beneath I share every thing you want to know to plan your personal Cirque of the Towers backpacking journey.
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Cirque of the Towers Backpacking Overview
There are a number of methods to strategy the Cirque of the Towers however the closest entry trailhead is the Huge Sandy trailhead, about 2 hours of driving from Pinedale, Wyoming.
This drive consists of 27 miles of dust roads, the final 10 of which are usually tough however are often satisfactory in a 2WD automobile.
It’s attainable to hike to the Cirque as a 18-mile out and again through Huge Sandy Lake over Jackass Move however in case you have the time, it’s a lot better to make a 25-mile loop.
The loop will be hiked in both route, however clockwise is best for navigation and elevation achieve.
The route I took (and what’s outlined beneath) begins from the Huge Sandy trailhead and heads due north previous Meeks Lake and onto the Continental Divide Path. Then you definately’ll head east to Shadow Lake and start making your approach up the drainage previous a number of unnamed lakes to cross the Continental Divide at Texas Move.
On the prime, you’ll get your first look down into the Cirque, which is tucked on the east facet of the Continental Divide. Plan to spend no less than two nights within the Cirque (it’s too beautiful to not!), you then’ll go away over Jackass Move to the south, mountaineering previous Huge Sandy Lake to return again to the Huge Sandy trailhead.
CIRQUE OF THE TOWERS TRAIL STATS
- Whole Distance: 25 miles
- Whole Elevation Achieve: 3,900 ft
- Lowest Elevation: 9,085 ft (Huge Sandy trailhead)
- Highest Elevation: 11,434 ft (Texas Move)
- Problem: Strenuous
- Canine Allowed: Sure
- Permits Required: No
- Really helpful Time: 5 days/4 nights (together with 1 layover day within the Cirque)
- Cell Service: None
Greatest Time To Backpack the Cirque of the Towers
The Wind River Vary has 40 peaks over 13,000 ft and a whole lot over 12,000 ft. This excessive and distant mountain vary is known for its deep winter snow that doesn’t soften out till late summer time.
One of the best time for a Cirque of the Towers backpacking journey is in August or September when the snow has melted from the passes and the bugs have tapered off. However needless to say winter returns rapidly to the Winds and main snowstorms can happen in September and October.
On low snow years, the Cirque of the Towers could also be accessible in June and July, however mosquitoes and biting flies are worse earlier in the summertime, often peaking from mid-June to mid-July. July and August are additionally when wildflowers are most modern within the Winds.
Each of my backpacking journeys into the Wind River Vary – to the Cirque of the Towers and Titcomb Basin – happened in early to mid-August and the timing was excellent. The times had been heat, the nights cool (however not chilly), and the bugs had been very manageable.
Cirque of the Towers Backpacking Permits
Permits should not required for backpacking journeys into the Winds.
The one people who want permits are organized teams (like Boy Scouts) and in a single day inventory customers (horses, mules, donkeys, llamas and pack goats).
Nonetheless, you could self-register on the trailhead.
Registration stations are discovered in any respect main trailheads, the place guests are requested to check in and go away feedback. These registers are utilized by the Forest Service to maintain monitor of backcountry utilization and situations.
Tip: Remember to go away your itinerary with a trusted buddy or member of the family, together with directions on methods to alert authorities if you don’t return as deliberate.
Attending to the Cirque of the Towers
The Wind River Vary is situated in west central Wyoming, two hours southeast of Grand Teton Nationwide Park. The closest cities are Pinedale on the west facet of the vary, Lander to the east, and Dubois to the north.
All of those cities have grocery shops, eating places, and lodge rooms however none of them have main airports.
The closest airports to Cirque of the Towers are:
- Jackson Gap, Wyoming (1.5-hour drive to Pinedale)
- Salt Lake Metropolis, Utah (4-hour drive to Pinedale)
From Pinedale, it’s a couple of 2-hour drive, partly on tough (however 2WD satisfactory) dust roads to the Huge Sandy trailhead.
There may be little to no cell service exterior of Pinedale so be sure you obtain driving instructions, path maps, and examine climate studies earlier than leaving city.
For each of my Winds journeys, we drove from Montana and picked up provides and celebrated our journeys with victory meals in Pinedale. You probably have time, the Museum of the Mountain Man in Pinedale is value a cease!
What To Know Earlier than You Go
Elevation
The Huge Sandy Trailhead sits at 9,000 ft of elevation, so that you’ll begin this journey at excessive elevation and hike even greater.
The 25-mile loop beneficial properties round 3,900 ft of elevation, with a excessive level on 11,434 foot Texas Move. The Cirque itself sits at simply over 10,000 ft, surrounded by half a dozen towers over 12,000 ft.
Altitude illness could be a actual downside for folks not acclimated to high-altitude backpacking — get our prime suggestions for stopping altitude illness right here.
When you’re coming from a decrease elevation, chances are you’ll need to plan to spend a few days in Pinedale, Wyoming, at 7,100 ft earlier than beginning your hike.
Climate
The Winds are huge mountains that spawn huge climate patterns, year-round. Snowstorms are attainable any month of the 12 months and thunder, lightning, and hail storms are widespread in the summertime months.
To cut back lightning hazard, plan to hike over passes and up peaks early within the day and keep away from excessive factors by mid-afternoon.
Pack enough rain gear, together with a light-weight tarp, and be ready for mountaineering within the rain.
Mornings, evenings, and nights will be chilly even in the summertime so deliver plenty of layers, a heat hat, and gloves. I additionally advocate a sleeping bag rated to no less than 20 levels.
Campsites
The Cirque is among the hottest locations within the Winds so don’t count on solitude right here. However the basin is large enough to accommodate a number of teams of hikers.
Obeying Depart No Hint campsite ethics, search for already-established campsites, with an already flattened tent spot. There are lots of campsites tucked among the many boulders. Have in mind you could additionally camp no less than 200 ft from lakes and streams.
There are not any campfires allowed within the Cirque (they’re permitted in different areas of the Winds however the Cirque has very restricted bushes and firewood).
Bears
Bears solely reside in probably the most stunning locations so it shouldn’t come as a shock that the Winds are dwelling to many grizzly bears – and much more black bears.
To keep away from bear encounters, make noise whilst you hike, carry bear spray in your hip, and be diligent about maintaining a clear camp.
Correct meals storage is remitted within the Winds. Meals and scented gadgets should be stored in IGBC-approved bear canisters or hung no less than 10 ft off of the bottom and 4 ft out from the tree.
Nonetheless, a lot of the Winds (together with the Cirque) is above treeline, the place there are not any bushes for hanging meals so I’d extremely encourage you to make use of a bear canister.
Canisters will be rented for a small donation from the district ranger workplace in Pinedale.
Marmots
Essentially the most generally noticed animal within the Winds is the lovable however doubtlessly harmful marmot.
You’re more likely to see them within the alpine, sitting on prime of boulders, surveying their territory, usually emitting high-pitched shrieks. They’re cute however they’re additionally notorious for tearing aside backpacks, raiding tents, and carrying illnesses.
By no means feed a marmot or any wild animal, irrespective of how cute! Human meals is unhealthy for them and feeding teaches them to count on meals from folks. Additionally, as a lot as their squeaks could taunt your canine, don’t let your canine chase or harass marmots or any animal!
Bugs
The one animal extra feared within the Winds than the bears are the bugs. With a lot floor water, mosquitoes, gnats, and biting flies will be legendary right here.
The micro-menaces hatch in early summer time and often peak from mid-June to mid-July. To keep away from bugs, intention for backpacking in August and September.
Bug spray and bug-repellent-treated clothes can assist, however a head internet will do probably the most to protect your sanity.
Water Sources
The Winds has hundreds of lakes; too many to call. Creeks and rivers join the lakes, as a winter’s value of snowmelt melts off the Continental Divide.
Snow and rain that falls on the east facet of the divide drains to the Atlantic Ocean through the Gulf of Mexico, whereas precipitation that falls on the western facet of the divide drains to the Pacific Ocean.
Visiting the Cirque from Huge Sandy, you’ll go to each side of the divide, crossing over at Texas and Jackass Passes! You’ll need to filter all of your ingesting water within the Winds however with so many sources, you gained’t want to hold greater than two liters at a time.
Horses, Mules, Donkeys, Llamas, and Goats (oh my!)
With loads of water, plenty of grassy meadows, and countless trails, the Winds are well-known for being among the finest locations within the US to journey with inventory.
On my journey into Titcomb Basin (one other in style backpacking route within the Winds), I encountered horses, mules, llamas, and goats! Because of the rugged terrain of each Texas and Jackass Passes, you gained’t see inventory within the Cirque itself however you would possibly encounter pack animals on the remainder of the hike.
When you meet a pack string, or a single rider, say whats up so the animals can determine you as human and step off the path to allow them to cross. The riders could direct you the place to face, particularly if they’ve plenty of animals but it surely’s often greatest to face on the downhill facet of the path.
Pay attention to your environment, nonetheless, and don’t stand someplace that you can get pushed off an edge by a spooking animal.
Canine
Canine are allowed all over the place within the Winds and there are not any leash rules but when your canine doesn’t have glorious recall, take into account leashing them in case you encounter wild or home animals.
Canine can deliver an irate bear again to you and home inventory could kick or trample a canine that enters their house. Canine shouldn’t be allowed to strategy or harass different hikers, camps, or wild or home animals.
We had a canine with us throughout our journey, however this wasn’t her first backpacking journey. I wouldn’t advocate bringing your canine on this journey in the event that they’re not skilled with backpacking.
Technical Rock Climbing
The Cirque of the Towers is probably the most well-known technical mountaineering spot within the Winds.
All the 2,000 foot excessive towers, together with Wolf’s Head, the Shark’s Nostril, Warbonnet, Warrior, and Pingora Peaks, that encompass the Cirque have been climbed and a number of other of them will be reached through extraordinarily uncovered however comparatively simple climbing routes.
Two of those routes–the northeast face of Pingora (rated 5.7+) and the East Ridge of Wolf’s Head (rated 5.6)–are listed within the 50 Traditional Climbs of North America.
The climbs could be rated 5-easy however they require vital out of doors climbing and multi-pitching expertise, route discovering, ropes, and conventional climbing gear (i.e. they aren’t bolted).
Even if you happen to don’t climb, chances are you’ll be handled to some prime campsite leisure as intrepid people make their approach to the tops of the towers.
Cirque of the Towers Backpacking Gear
Take a look at our 3-day backpacking guidelines for an entire record of the gadgets we tackle each backpacking journey.
However right here’s a few specifics you’ll want for backpacking the Cirque of the Towers:
- An permitted bear canister for meals storage. These will also be rented for a donation on the Ranger district workplace in Pinedale.
- Bear spray: carried in your hip or shoulder, the place you may entry it rapidly.
- Head internet for bugs: this could actually assist save your sanity while you’re cooking or hanging out in camp.
- Trekking poles: the routes over Texas and Jackass Passes are very rocky and trekking poles can assist with stability, particularly when carrying a loaded backpack.
- A light-weight tarp: I at all times deliver a tarp and a skinny rope so I can arrange a shelter rapidly within the occasion of a sudden downpour — widespread within the summertime within the Winds
- Pack mountaineering binoculars for watching wildlife and rock climbers
- Remember to obtain space maps and your mountaineering route on your favourite mountaineering app earlier than you allow Pinedale.
- Carry a paper map of the Wind River Vary. You’ll need Wind River Vary South #727 or Beartooth Publishing’s map which covers the whole vary.
Learn Extra
Backpacking Gear Guides
Cirque of the Towers Itinerary and Journey Report
Day 1: Huge Sandy Trailhead to Dad’s Lake
- Distance: 7 miles
- Elevation achieve: 685 ft ft
- Highlights: Huge Sandy River, Meek’s Lake, Continental Divide Path, Mirror Lake, Dad’s Lake
On Day 1, you’ll ease into your Cirque of the Towers backpacking journey with a gradual achieve for 7 miles to Dad’s Lake, passing a number of different smaller lakes and lots of campsites on the way in which.
When you get an early begin (tenting is allowed on the Huge Sandy trailhead), you can additionally cross up Dad’s Lake and intention for Shadow Lake, 12 miles from the trailhead.
Quickly after leaving the trailhead, the path joins the Continental Divide Path, a 3,100-mile-long route that runs from Mexico to Canada. Round 125 miles of the CDT runs by means of the Winds, maintaining to the west facet of the Continental Divide.
You could run into thru-hikers on this part, or within the Cirque, as many CDT hikers detour off the principle route to go to the Cirque of the Towers.
Day 2: Dad’s Lake to the Cirque of the Towers
- Distance: 9 miles
- Elevation achieve: 1600 ft
- Elevation loss: 1350 ft
- Highlights: Shadow Lake, Texas Move, Lonesome Lake, Cirque of the Towers
On Day 2, you’ll go away the CDT and head east in the direction of Shadow Lake. There are lots of campsites alongside the shores of Shadow Lake (be sure you camp no less than 200 ft from water, consistent with Depart No Hint ethics).
This a part of the hike requires some route discovering as you make your approach across the north shore of Shadow Lake after which climb up previous a collection of small unnamed lakes to the highest of the drainage.
Close to the highest, be ready for some minor scrambling and rock hopping as you cross the Continental Divide at Texas Move. On the prime of the cross, you’ll be rewarded together with your first views down into the Cirque.
The Cirque is a spherical valley surrounded by half a dozen 12,000-foot granite towers, which soar practically 2,000 ft over the valley beneath. The Cirque was scooped out by a glacier round 10,000 years in the past over the past ice, when a mass of ice greater than a mile thick sat on this valley, up in opposition to the Continental Divide.
Fastidiously hike down into the Cirque, being aware of free rock as you head in the direction of Lonesome Lake.
Though it seems to be inviting, there isn’t any tenting inside 1/4 of a mile of Lonesome Lake, per tenting rules.
There are many tent websites west of the lake, scattered across the Cirque. One of the best are tucked up in opposition to big boulders. Keep in mind that nice campsites are discovered, not made. Search for pre-existing websites and keep away from shifting rocks or trampling vegetation.
Day 3: Layover day within the Cirque of the Towers
- Distance: Varies
- Elevation achieve: Varies
- Elevation loss: Varies
- Highlights: having fun with the Cirque of the Towers, Lonesome Lake, Lizard Head Meadows
Because you’ve labored so onerous to get to the Cirque, you would possibly as properly spend no less than a day basking in its glory! Plan to spend the day both enjoyable at camp and watching rock climbers by means of binoculars or exploring the glacially-carved basin.
Potential facet journeys embody circling Lonesome Lake, visiting Lizard Head Meadows to the east, or scrambling up the bottom of a few of the towers.
The strategy trails as much as the bottom of Pingora Peak and Wolf’s Head are well-trodden. Remember to hold an eye fixed out for climbers above you and an ear cocked for the warning cry “ROCK!” if any individual kicks a rock or drops a bit of climbing gear. You may additionally hear “rope!” as they throw the ends of their rope all the way down to the bottom earlier than rappelling down from a climb.
Day 4: Cirque of the Towers to Huge Sandy Lake
- Distance: 4 miles
- Elevation achieve: 610 ft
- Elevation loss: 1090 ft
- Highlights: Jackass Move, Warbonnet Peak views, North Creek, Huge Sandy Lake
On Day 4, spend the morning absorbing the Cirque earlier than climbing over Jackass Move to the south. This cross is much less strenuous than Texas Move however nonetheless beneficial properties round 600 ft in lower than a mile.
On the prime of the cross, pause for a final have a look at the Cirque earlier than persevering with down the cross, across the west facet of an unnamed lake beneath 12,192-foot Warbonnet Peak.
This a part of the route requires some rock hopping and scrambling by means of a boulder area wedged between a granite wall on the base of Warbonnet and the lake.
Novice hikers and a few canines could have points negotiating this part but it surely’s satisfactory with cautious steps and route choice by means of the rocks. Subsequent you’ll cross one other unnamed lake, this time on the east facet, earlier than starting your descent all the way down to Huge Sandy Lake.
There are quite a few campsites across the lake, however consider this can be a in style tenting spot for events coming and going from the Cirque. When you can’t discover a longtime web site right here, there are extra choices alongside the Huge Sandy River and tenting can also be allowed on the Huge Sandy trailhead.
Day 5: Huge Sandy Lake to Huge Sandy Trailhead
- Distance: 5.5 miles
- Elevation loss: 610 ft
- Highlights: Huge Sandy Lake, Huge Sandy River, Victory Meal in Pinedale!
On day 5, you’ll comply with the Huge Sandy River all the way in which again to the Huge Sandy trailhead to finish your 25-mile loop. Then return to Pinedale for a victory meal!
Are you curious about a Cirque of the Towers backpacking journey or have you ever explored this gorgeous route? Tell us within the feedback!
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