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| Big Sandy Lake and Schiestier Peak |
Despite two long days of driving, we had not completely outrun the smoke. So, we gave up that battle, and headed into the Wind River Range for a 3 or 4 day backpack. Several years back, we had an incredible trip to the Titcomb Basin area of The Winds, and this time opted for the other uber-popular area ... The Cirque of the Towers. How popular? Let's just say there were about 100 cars at the trailhead (no exaggeration) and, per the ranger, more on the way!! The popularity is due to a combination of great rock climbing on the pervasive granite, as well as the spectacular backpacking.
Our initial, tentative plan was to hike along the Big Sandy Rivier, past Big Sandy Lake, and on to the Cirque ... all on the first day. This seemed pretty doable, since it was about 9 or 10 miles with only about 2000' of elevation gain. However, we dramatically underestimated the effect of the altitude (trailhead starts at about 9100') on the oxygen content of the air. After covering the relatively flat 6 miles to Big Sandy Lake, we quickly reassessed, and opted to basecamp at the lake, and explore the surrounding areas without the heavy packs.
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| Big Sandy River valley |
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| Haystack Mtn behind Big Sandy Lake |
Not wasting any time, we spent the latter part of the first afternoon visiting Black Joe Lake. The 1.2-mile long lake sits in a narrow valley below a string of granite ridges and peaks more that 1000' above. Pretty impressive. On our way back, we took a short detour to the gentle ridge separating the Black Joe drainage from the Clear Lake drainage to the south. And what a view!! Sitting on big granite slabs taking in commanding views of big walls and a dished out valley. Wow! After returning to camp, we settled in for the night, hoping for a miraculous disappearance of the the still-lingering smoke.
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| Black Joe Lake below unnamed ridge |
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| Black Joe Creek |
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| East Temple Peak above Clear Lake drainage |
And the winds did come overnight and blew all the smoke away!! So we excitedly headed off to visit the Cirque. This ring of granite peaks and spires sits on the other side of the Continental Divide from Big Sandy Lake. There are a number of ways to reach it, but the most direct route is over Jackass Pass. Rumor has it that the name reflects hiker's thoughts on whoever created the trail, because it gains and loses about 500' of elevation above and beyond the 1000' of net gain, seemingly needlessly. But, the hike is beautiful, with a couple of lakes, big peaks, and growing views of the Cirque to distract and motivate. Upon reaching the pass, we realized that extensive exploration was beyond our energy level and timeframe, so we dropped down to picturesque Lonesome Lake directly below the Cirque. Incredibly beautiful and humbling. Unfortunately, the pictures don't do it justice (it's all too big).
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| Sundance Pinnacle and North Lake |
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| War Bonnet, Warrior and Piton Peaks above Lonesome Lake |
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| Happy Hikers at Lonesome Lake |
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| Cirque of the Towers Peaks (Piton, Watch Tower, Block Tower, Sharks Nose) |
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| Cirque of the Towers through Jackass Pass |
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| Big Sandy Lake and Schiestier Peak |
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| Karen above Big Sandy Lake |
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| Big Sandy Lake |
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| East Temple Peak in Evening Light |
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| Evening Light |
The following day, we continued our adventure with a hike up the Clear Lake drainage (which we were in awe of on the first day) to Temple Lake. This broad granite valley is bordered by huge granite walls and peaks. Somewhat reminiscent of Yosemite, but even better in some ways (no domes but distinct jagged peaks). After passing Clear Lake, the valley ascends gradually up granite slabs ... reaching very impressive Deep Lake, and then climbs a bit further and BAM ... Temple Lake suddenly appears at the base of several huge peaks! Incredibly beautiful (despite the noticeable smoke). After spending a little bit soaking it all in, we returned to camp via the same route ... in continued awe! With all of our side trips done, we packed up camp and headed back to the trailhead. A very long day, but well worth it. A most awesome trip!!
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| Ascending the valley between Clear and Deep Lakes |
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| Haystack Mountain behind Deep Lake |
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| Alpine Aster |
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| Deep Lake, with Steeple and East Temple Peaks behind |
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| Steeple and East Temple Peaks beyond Deep Lake |
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| Temple Lake and unnamed ridge |
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| Temple Lake and Temple Peak |
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| Hiking below Haystack Mtn. |
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| Big Sandy Lake |
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| Big Sandy River Valley on the hike out. |
Activities
- Backpack to Big Sandy Lake
- Day Trips to Black Joe Lakes, Cirque of the Towers, Temple Lake via Clear and Deep Lakes
5-Star Moments
- Many, many, many big views! First views of Clear Lake drainage. Cirque of the Towers from Jackass Pass, and from Lonesome Lake. Deep Lake. Temple Lake and Peak. Haystack Mountain! YESSS!
Random Scenes
- Quietly heading to bed as darkness approached the first night ... only to realize it was Friday evening rush hour at Big Sandy Lake. People (with kids) pouring in and desparately needing a place to camp. So one group set up way too close to our already barely-private site. This just set the scene for the whole area ... dogs everywhere (not minding their own business), people talking in louder-than-necessary voices, etc. OK, chill out Tom!
Random Questions
- If thunderstorms can appear out of nowhere ... even on a clear day ... should you
never be up above treeline after noon? What do experienced folk do?
Tom's Daily Stress Points
- The possibility of thunderstorms while above treeline.
Future Ideas
- Camping in the broad, granite valley between Clear and Deep Lakes.
- Camping over Jackass Pass
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