The Cirque of the Towers not solely sounds prefer it might be the subsequent installment of the Lord of the Rings film franchise, nevertheless it 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 method maintain 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 surprising picture of sharp silvery granite peaks in {a magazine} the caption all the time 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 under I share every part it’s worthwhile 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 method 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 grime roads, the final 10 of which are usually tough however are often satisfactory in a 2WD automobile.
It’s doable to hike to the Cirque as a 18-mile out and again by way of Huge Sandy Lake over Jackass Move however if in case you have the time, it’s significantly better to make a 25-mile loop.
The loop might be hiked in both course, however clockwise is best for navigation and elevation achieve.
The route I took (and what’s outlined under) 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 means up the drainage previous a number of unnamed lakes to cross the Continental Divide at Texas Move.
On the high, you’ll get your first look down into the Cirque, which is tucked on the east aspect of the Continental Divide. Plan to spend a minimum of two nights within the Cirque (it’s too attractive to not!), then you definitely’ll go away over Jackass Move to the south, climbing previous Huge Sandy Lake to return again to the Huge Sandy trailhead.
CIRQUE OF THE TOWERS TRAIL STATS
- Whole Distance: 25 miles
- Whole Elevation Acquire: 3,900 toes
- Lowest Elevation: 9,085 toes (Huge Sandy trailhead)
- Highest Elevation: 11,434 ft (Texas Move)
- Issue: 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
Finest Time To Backpack the Cirque of the Towers
The Wind River Vary has 40 peaks over 13,000 toes and a whole lot over 12,000 toes. This excessive and distant mountain vary is legendary for its deep winter snow that doesn’t soften out till late summer season.
The very 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 remember the fact that 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 current within the Winds.
Each of my backpacking journeys into the Wind River Vary – to the Cirque of the Towers and Titcomb Basin – passed off in early to mid-August and the timing was good. The times have been heat, the nights cool (however not chilly), and the bugs have been very manageable.
Cirque of the Towers Backpacking Permits
Permits usually are not required for backpacking journeys into the Winds.
The one those who want permits are organized teams (like Boy Scouts) and in a single day inventory customers (horses, mules, donkeys, llamas and pack goats).
Nevertheless, you need to 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 circumstances.
Tip: Remember to go away your itinerary with a trusted good friend or member of the family, together with directions on the right way to alert authorities if you don’t return as deliberate.
Attending to the Cirque of the Towers
The Wind River Vary is positioned in west central Wyoming, two hours southeast of Grand Teton Nationwide Park. The closest cities are Pinedale on the west aspect of the vary, Lander to the east, and Dubois to the north.
All of those cities have grocery shops, eating places, and resort 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 few 2-hour drive, partly on tough (however 2WD satisfactory) grime roads to the Huge Sandy trailhead.
There may be little to no cell service exterior of Pinedale so you should definitely obtain driving instructions, path maps, and test climate experiences 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. When you have time, the Museum of the Mountain Man in Pinedale is price a cease!
What To Know Earlier than You Go
Elevation
The Huge Sandy Trailhead sits at 9,000 toes of elevation, so that you’ll begin this journey at excessive elevation and hike even greater.
The 25-mile loop good points round 3,900 toes of elevation, with a excessive level on 11,434 foot Texas Move. The Cirque itself sits at simply over 10,000 toes, surrounded by half a dozen towers over 12,000 toes.
Altitude illness generally is a actual downside for folks not acclimated to high-altitude backpacking — get our high ideas for stopping altitude illness right here.
Should you’re coming from a decrease elevation, it’s possible you’ll need to plan to spend a few days in Pinedale, Wyoming, at 7,100 toes earlier than beginning your hike.
Climate
The Winds are huge mountains that spawn huge climate patterns, year-round. Snowstorms are doable any month of the 12 months and thunder, lightning, and hail storms are frequent in the summertime months.
To scale 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 ample rain gear, together with a light-weight tarp, and be ready for climbing within the rain.
Mornings, evenings, and nights might be chilly even in the summertime so carry plenty of layers, a heat hat, and gloves. I additionally suggest a sleeping bag rated to a minimum of 20 levels.
Campsites
The Cirque is likely one of the hottest locations within the Winds so don’t anticipate solitude right here. However the basin is sufficiently big 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. Take into accout you need to additionally camp a minimum of 200 toes 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 essentially the most lovely locations so it shouldn’t come as a shock that the Winds are residence 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 preserving a clear camp.
Correct meals storage is remitted within the Winds. Meals and scented objects should be saved in IGBC-approved bear canisters or hung a minimum of 10 toes off of the bottom and 4 toes out from the tree.
Nevertheless, 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 might 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 lovely however probably harmful marmot.
You’re prone to see them within the alpine, sitting on high 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 ailments.
By no means feed a marmot or any wild animal, regardless of how cute! Human meals is unhealthy for them and feeding teaches them to anticipate 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 might be legendary right here.
The micro-menaces hatch in early summer season 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 will help, however a head internet will do essentially 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 price of snowmelt melts off the Continental Divide.
Snow and rain that falls on the east aspect of the divide drains to the Atlantic Ocean by way of the Gulf of Mexico, whereas precipitation that falls on the western aspect 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 infinite 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 common 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 may encounter pack animals on the remainder of the hike.
Should you meet a pack string, or a single rider, say good day so the animals can establish 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 numerous animals nevertheless it’s often greatest to face on the downhill aspect of the path.
Pay attention to your environment, nevertheless, and don’t stand someplace that you can get pushed off an edge by a spooking animal.
Canine
Canine are allowed in every single place within the Winds and there are not any leash rules but when your canine doesn’t have wonderful recall, take into account leashing them in case you encounter wild or home animals.
Canine can carry 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 method 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 suggest 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 essentially the most well-known technical mountain climbing 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 several other of them might be reached by way of 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 is likely to be rated 5-easy however they require vital outside climbing and multi-pitching expertise, route discovering, ropes, and conventional climbing gear (i.e. they aren’t bolted).
Even should you don’t climb, it’s possible you’ll be handled to some prime campsite leisure as intrepid people make their option to the tops of the towers.
Cirque of the Towers Backpacking Gear
Try our 3-day backpacking guidelines for a whole checklist of the objects we tackle each backpacking journey.
However right here’s a few specifics you’ll want for backpacking the Cirque of the Towers:
- An authorised bear canister for meals storage. These can be rented for a donation on the Ranger district workplace in Pinedale.
- Bear spray: carried in your hip or shoulder, the place you’ll be able to entry it rapidly.
- Head internet for bugs: this could actually assist save your sanity if you’re cooking or hanging out in camp.
- Trekking poles: the routes over Texas and Jackass Passes are very rocky and trekking poles will help with steadiness, particularly when carrying a loaded backpack.
- A light-weight tarp: I all the time carry a tarp and a skinny rope so I can arrange a shelter rapidly within the occasion of a sudden downpour — frequent within the summertime within the Winds
- Pack climbing binoculars for watching wildlife and rock climbers
- Remember to obtain space maps and your climbing route on your favourite climbing app earlier than you allow Pinedale.
- Convey a paper map of the Wind River Vary. You’ll need Wind River Vary South #727 or Beartooth Publishing’s map which covers the complete 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 toes 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 best way.
Should 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 via the Winds, preserving to the west aspect of the Continental Divide.
Chances are you’ll run into thru-hikers on this part, or within the Cirque, as many CDT hikers detour off the primary 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 toes
- Elevation loss: 1350 toes
- Highlights: Shadow Lake, Texas Move, Lonesome Lake, Cirque of the Towers
On Day 2, you’ll go away the CDT and head east in direction of Shadow Lake. There are lots of campsites alongside the shores of Shadow Lake (you should definitely camp a minimum of 200 toes from water, consistent with Depart No Hint ethics).
This a part of the hike requires some route discovering as you make your means 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 high 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 almost 2,000 toes over the valley under. The Cirque was scooped out by a glacier round 10,000 years in the past over the last ice, when a mass of ice greater than a mile thick sat on this valley, up in opposition to the Continental Divide.
Rigorously hike down into the Cirque, being aware of free rock as you head in direction of Lonesome Lake.
Though it seems inviting, there isn’t a 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. The very 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 transferring 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 may as nicely spend a minimum of a day basking in its glory! Plan to spend the day both stress-free at camp and watching rock climbers via binoculars or exploring the glacially-carved basin.
Potential aspect journeys embrace circling Lonesome Lake, visiting Lizard Head Meadows to the east, or scrambling up the bottom of among the towers.
The method trails as much as the bottom of Pingora Peak and Wolf’s Head are well-trodden. Remember to maintain a watch out for climbers above you and an ear cocked for the warning cry “ROCK!” if someone kicks a rock or drops a bit of climbing gear. You may additionally hear “rope!” as they throw the ends of their rope right 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 toes
- Elevation loss: 1090 toes
- 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 good points round 600 toes in lower than a mile.
On the high of the cross, pause for a final have a look at the Cirque earlier than persevering with down the cross, across the west aspect of an unnamed lake under 12,192-foot Warbonnet Peak.
This a part of the route requires some rock hopping and scrambling via 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 nevertheless it’s satisfactory with cautious steps and route choice via the rocks. Subsequent you’ll cross one other unnamed lake, this time on the east aspect, earlier than starting your descent right down to Huge Sandy Lake.
There are quite a few campsites across the lake, however consider it is a common tenting spot for events coming and going from the Cirque. Should you can’t discover a longtime web site right here, there are extra choices alongside the Huge Sandy River and tenting can be allowed on the Huge Sandy trailhead.
Day 5: Huge Sandy Lake to Huge Sandy Trailhead
- Distance: 5.5 miles
- Elevation loss: 610 toes
- Highlights: Huge Sandy Lake, Huge Sandy River, Victory Meal in Pinedale!
On day 5, you’ll comply with the Huge Sandy River all the best way 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 beautiful route? Tell us within the feedback!
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