Wind River Range early Sept: Revisiting backpacking trip suggestion

[Venchka]

It's the Winds. No freeway access and thank goodness for that. Thanks for showing me Boulder Lake as a 4th west side access location with a lodge as well. A Lodge at both trailheads. There goes the budget.
The wandering path certainly looks more adventurous than the typical more or less straight run of the Highline/CDT trail.
I'll save Island Lake and Titcomb Basin for later.
Standing by. September will never get here! LOL!
Wayne


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[Maineiac64]

Okay wheels are turning. I will be able to look at it more next week.

[Venchka]

I've never been there, but the road into Big Sandy doesn't sound like much fun. The campground and parking lot could be overfilled on a holiday weekend.
What if...
We hiked between Elkhart Park and Boulder Lake?
Just a thought.
Wayne


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[DuneElliot]

I've never been there, but the road into Big Sandy doesn't sound like much fun. The campground and parking lot could be overfilled on a holiday weekend.
What if...
We hiked between Elkhart Park and Boulder Lake?
Just a thought.
Wayne


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I can definitely reroute...just have to locate it on the map first.

[DuneElliot]

I also had a thought regarding flights. There is a direct flight from Denver to Riverton for $125 one way which is on my way to the TH and could do a pick up from the airport. I wouldn't be going back that way but it's something to consider and maybe someone else (if we have more people) would be going back that way.

[Venchka]

I can definitely reroute...just have to locate it on the map first.

Elkhart Park is east of Pinedale and north of Boulder Lake. I'm out camping right now. I'll give CalTopo a look when I get home and see if there is a 5 day semicircle to/from Boulder Lake that looks interesting.
Wayne


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[DuneElliot]

I found it. I'll see what I can come up with that looks interesting.

[DuneElliot]

Working on a route starting and ending at Elkhart Park TH. Unfortunately CalTopo is having some issues today so it will be a little while. I'm aiming for a 65 miles loop, not including the side trail to Titcomb Basin.

[DuneElliot]

Finally CalTopo decided to work and save my maps instead of deleting all my work

Here's a possible loop starting and ending at Elkhart Park TH 62.2 miles plus a side trip to Titcomb Basic, 12.2 miles round trip from the junction if you go all the way to the end.

[DuneElliot]

Another loop starting at Scab Creek TH which is also really easy to get to...I'm really leaning towards this one. 73.5 miles and includes the Cirque of the Towers:

https://caltopo.com/m/67TT

[DuneElliot]

Finally CalTopo decided to work and save my maps instead of deleting all my work

Here's a possible loop starting and ending at Elkhart Park TH 62.2 miles plus a side trip to Titcomb Basic, 12.2 miles round trip from the junction if you go all the way to the end.

Oops, forgot the link:

https://caltopo.com/m/AN81

[Obiwan]

Are you worried that the bears will make fun of you for not having anyone to hike with? :-)

[Venchka]

I'm back from more gear testing in East Texas. Certainly tame by comparison to the Winds.
Thank you so much for your hard work. The various routes all look great. From a practical and safety standpoint, all of the routes have bail out options to shorten the distance and time back to the vehicles if needed. I like that.
Scab Creek TH: 73.5 miles. 6 days? My old bones are creaking and aching all ready. Go big or go home, right?
Please keep us posted. I am still most interested.
Wayne

[Venchka]

Or 73.5 miles in 7 days?
Wayne


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[DuneElliot]

It's only 12 miles a day!!! Plus end of season so we'll be all kinds of trail fit by that time!!! Right?

We could do 7 days...if someone's willing to carry an the extra day of my food and dog food for me!!!

[colorado_rob]

My wife and I would join y'all in a heartbeat, but we scored a Sierra high route permit for early September, we're going to give that a shot.

[DuneElliot]

My wife and I would join y'all in a heartbeat, but we scored a Sierra high route permit for early September, we're going to give that a shot.

Well that's a shame, but I'm sure you'll have a great time in the Sierra Nevada Mtns...not an opportunity to miss.

[Venchka]

Ok.
So you want me to strap a few bags of food on my pack like Tipi Walter?
Get in tip top trail shape down here in Flatland Texas?
And take off at 12 miles per day from the trailhead?
Is that what you're telling me? Grinning.
LOL!

“What brings you up so high?”
“Griz.”
“Ha. Griz.”
“Avalanche took the cabin. Lost my mule. We swum out of it. But no matter. Weren’t no griz left anyway.”

I reckon that I've put off the Wind River Range too long. There is no guarantee that I will have another opportunity. I'll do my best.
I own one of these if the Stuff hits the fan. https://www.acrartex.com/products/ca....19JQFRBP.dpbs
Labor Day Weekend, right?
Wayne

[Venchka]

I keep meaning to ask if the Teton Crest might be a viable alternative. Then I remember your dogs.
http://www.awayfromthegrind.com/hiki...e-teton-crest/
No worries. Dogs are cool.
Wayne

[DuneElliot]

I really am easy on which route we do. The 73 miles may be too much for all of us anyway. Thankfully we don't have to decide now.

And yes, start either Labor Day or on the Tuesday morning. Hopefully the weather will prove to be as nice as it usually is that week