Because of rapidly changing weather in the mountains, you will want to bring several layers so that you can easily adapt to the changing temperature and also so that you can stay dry. Most parties seem to take two days to reach the basin, spending the first night somewhere between halfway or 2/3 in at Hobbs Lake or Seneca Lake, but if you're in solid shape, I recommend sucking it up and heading all the way in on Day 1 or at least getting to Island Lake; you will in retrospect be glad for the extra day of climbing, hiking, and/or exploring. Titcomb Basin Trail (#160) Seneca Lake Trail (#123) Pole Creek Trail (#119) DISTANCE: +/- 37.3 miles. Jump to Day 3: Explore the Titcomb Basin Map of the Day 1 hike for the Titcomb Basin Trek (PDF). Elevation gain: 2,000 ft. Time: 7 hours. The trail to the east (Indian Pass Trail) leads to the Indian Basin and the trail to the north (Titcomb Basin Trail) leads to the Titcomb Basin. Again leave camp at Island Lake and take the Indian Pass Trail north. A more challenging cross-country objective is Knapsack Col; it may be necessary to use an ice axe and crampons to get there safely. There are vault toilets, but no potable water here. Titcomb Basin: Titcomb basin hike - See traveler reviews, candid photos, and great deals for Wyoming, at Tripadvisor. Would it be too risky with the weather? On this day, you continue on the Indian Pass Trail and head east to the Indian Basin and Indian Pass. That said, backpackers should be prepared with a map and compass because storms can drop snow in the high elevation Wind River Range many months of the year. On the last day you hike out to the Elkhart Park Trailhead via the Indian Pass Trail and Seneca Lake Trails that you hiked in on. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. It is peaceful here, and time has a different meaning in a place like this. Turning left takes you to Photographer’s Point (at the 4.3 mile mark), which is an excellent viewpoint looking down into a canyon. Distance: 12 miles, Titcomb to Indian Pass to campsite. The Hike Titcomb Basin is a premier backpacking and climbing destination that can be reached via a combination of several different trails and trailheads. Hikers who want sweeping views from high places can also hike to Bonney Pass, previously described. For a nice selection of photos showing views from the top of Indian Pass, check out this page from HikingWalking.com. Both the Popo Agie and Bridger Wilderness areas allow groups under 15 people to backpack with no permits or fees. Will be our 2nd trip to the Winds in 2 years…the cirque last year and this one in Aug. renting llamas again to help us bring the kiddos! Thanks again for all the great work on here! We had finally made it to the beginning of the Basin! If you are hiking the trail in June or July (before the snow fully melts) or in late September / October (when snow can begin to fall again), you will want to consider bringing microspikes/crampons and an ice ax. Titcomb Basin : SummitPost.org : Climbing, hiking, mountaineering. Wool is great because it doesn’t pick up funky stenches as fast at cotton or synthetic clothes. If you only took a glance at the route, it’d be hard to fault you for thinking this is barely a challenging hike to Titcomb Basin. ( Log Out /  The photos on the site for the Wind River Range are from early to mid September so good weather can be found in the fall. all on Map, Enjoying the scenery of Fremont and Titcomb Basin, Hiking, Mountaineering, Trad Climbing, Scrambling, Great Needle (Garnicks Needle)-- 12,710'--, American Legion Peak (Buchtel Peak)-- 13,205'--. There were a bunch of cars there, but no other people around. It’s been really helpful finding trips we want to do. The The beauty of this area makes it one of the more popular backpacking destinations in Wyoming, but the scenery makes up for any crowds you may encounter. Woodrow Wilson, the Sphinx, Bob’s Tower and Miriam Peak rise above the head of Titcomb Basin. Island Lake and Titcomb Basin are a backpackers dream. High peaks flank the valley on three sides. You do not have to take this route, but it allows you to see a few more lakes on your way out. Permits:  No permits are needed to backpack in the Wind River Range. In general, it probably is neither necessary nor useful to make pages for every basin or cirque in a mountain range, but considering Titcomb Basin's significance and all the excellent climbing objectives clustered around it, it seems to make sense to offer this page, just as someone did for the Cirque of the Towers, to help with planning and logistics. Logistics: The Titcomb Basin trek starts and end at the Elkhart Park Trailhead. You may also want to pre-treat your clothes and tent with permethrin spray repellent. Supplies: In the Winds, you must be prepared for a variety of conditions depending on the time of year. ( Log Out /  Indian Basin was amazing and still had a lot of snow! ). (59), Climber's Log Entries This hike primary trail can be used both directions and has a hard overall physical rating. During this time frame you are least likely to encounter snow on the trail. Going right at the junction instead would take you past Miller Lake, Middle Lake, and Upper Sweeney Lake. Besides being so accessible it was beautiful! Up until late July / early August, snow may remain in the high country and on mountain passes. Mosquitoes can be an issue in late July and early August after the snow melts. "Bob's Law: The rationality of a person is inversely proportional to the number of political and religious bumper stickers on his car. View of one of the lakes in the Indian Basin in the Wind River Range. We left Titcomb Basin, and headed for a different area – Indian Basin. It was one of the best day-hikes I have ever taken. It really depends. ( Log Out /  In this video I set out on a 3 night/4 day trip with Bryan Delay in Wyoming's Wind River Range. Technically, this part of the Winds is grizzly country again, but I'm not sure if any have been seen in this area. As you get closer to the bigger mountains, the trail just becomes more and more scenic until you end up in Titcomb Basin, a massive amphitheater full of rocky cliffs, spires and snowfields. For specific details, please see Bill Reed's, Start from Elkhart Park, about 9400', and. Now I ponder whether I should have climbed the damn thing and then hiked out, or just spent another night, instead of being a big baby about it. The trail goes over several passes, none to large but you will be doing some slow hiking back over them on the way back. Note that the weather is unpredictable in the mountains and afternoon thunderstorms are common. Located deep in the range just west of the Continental Divide, Titcomb Basin houses four medium- to large-sized lakes (for alpine lakes) in a boulder-strewn tundra setting, and tall peaks, some rising more than 3000' above the lakes, guard this semi-hidden basin on all sides but its south. Yet, you’d be wrong by a matter of galaxies. The permethrin treatment stays on your clothes for up to 7 washes, so it helps reduce the amount of DEET spray you need to put on your skin. In addition to providing outstanding scenery and mountaineering, it is also one of the two main approaches to Gannett Peak, the Wyoming highpoint and considered to be the fourth-hardest state highpoint after Denali (Alaska), Mt. (Two tricks if you put in an insane amount of effort and do Fremont Peak… One of many great views in the Titcomb Basin in the Wind River Range. Backpacked in Wind twice and heading back at 72 years old this summer! The Twins Glacier is also easy to reach from the upper basin but probably is not visited too often. The trail steadily climbs at the beginning. I wanted to ask your opinion about hiking the Titcomb Basin, Wind Rivers during our suggested time? Our ambitious plan was to hike all the way up to Titcomb Basin on Friday, summit on Saturday, and hike out on Sunday. I also recommend having a set of wool clothes to change into at camp. I’m glad you found the site helpful! It winds up being a 4 night/5 day trip. Cirque of the Towers Loop – Wind River Range, WY (45 mile loop), Four Pass Loop – Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness, CO (28 mile loop), North Circle Loop – Glacier National Park (52 mile loop), Teton Crest Trail – Grand Teton National Park (48 mile loop). ", Panoramic view of Bonney Pass and the surrounding peaks, Mistake Lake from Fremont's SW Buttress route, Images The only major difference will be taking the Sweeney Creek Trail at the ~6 mile mark instead of hiking by Photographer’s Point again. +/ -7,500 feet of elevation across the course of this trek with a peak elevation of 12,145 feet (top of Indian Pass). A stellar route to some of the best views in the Wind River Range. Locat­ed in the Bridger Wilder­ness, Tit­comb Basin is a slab gran­ite cirque that cra­dles four lakes and is rimmed by a series of 12k-13k-ft peaks that cre­ate a huge nat­ur­al amphithe­ater of sorts. There is a Y-junction at the ~3 mile mark. What time of year were the photos taken? Day 2: 8.8 miles; +2,350 feet / -2,350 feet; Explore the Indian Basin and Indian Pass, Map of the Day 2 hike of the Titcomb Basin Trek (PDF). Along the way you can explore the several lakes in the Indian Basin and can view the Harrower Glacier and Knife Point Glacier from the top of Indian Pass. © 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. Aconcagua mountain page is a child of the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits.' I’ve really enjoyed your site – super informative and extremely helpful! After Photographer’s Point, you follow the Seneca Lake Trail all the way to Seneca Lake. One major exception is Fremont Peak, which climbers can approach from Titcomb Basin but which is easier to approach from Indian Basin. Starting at over 9,300 feet, the trailhead is higher than 37 other states’ highest point, presenting an already difficult hiking environment right off the bat. There are three main lakes in the basin and at least five smaller ones, all of which appear to be unnamed on my maps. The trailhead is about 2 hours drive from Jackson, Wyoming. It also dries out quickly so that you are able to stay warm even if all your gear gets soaked in a thunderstorm. The wildflowers were again just past their peak but seemed to be more plentiful and varied than in Titcomb Basin. Although there are several trail junctions along the way, with a good map and decent reading comprehension, you will not have trouble following the correct route. Aconcagua mountain itself has many routes, photos, and trip reports as children. I plan on doing it solo next Labor Day!Photos are very professional. The trail straight ahead (northeast) is the Indian Pass trail. So the views don’t come easy. Lake 10,548 (the lowest and southernmost of the Titcomb Lakes), Mistake Lake (almost a stone's throw from the trail but not visible because it is higher and because of an intervening ridge). At the ~9.5 mile mark, you reach the small and beautiful Little Seneca Lake. After the previous trip we had one night in the civilization that is Pinedale, complete with a gear store, laundry, and brew pub. Reaching Titcomb Basin is no light undertaking. He was still planned on the 11 mile hike in, spending the next day hiking to Titcomb Basin then hiking out the next morning. Shop Deal of the Day at REI Outlet (up to 50% off)! Green River Lakes to Titcomb Basin Starting Trailhead - Green River Lakes Camp 1 - Three Forks Parks Camp 2 - Summit Lake (day hike to Titcomb Basin) Camp 3 - Summit Lake Camp 4 - Trapper Lake Ending Trailhead - Green River Lakes I could go on and on about the snow-patched peaks, the lakes, and the little creeks between them all, but I’d be happier if you took my word that this is one of the more wild-feeling places you can access via trail. Weather in late September can be great or not so great… Unfortunately it is hard to predict. There is no camping allowed within 200 feet of lake shores or within 100 feet of creeks or streams. Day 3:  8.8 miles; +880 feet / -880 feet; Explore the Titcomb Basin, Map of the Day 3 hike of the Titcomb Basin Trek (PDF). Wind Rivers #2 - Titcomb Basin Overnight - Sep/7-9/2006 By David Metsky. Once you pass Seneca Lake and Little Seneca Lake, you take the Indian Pass Trail to Island Lake. Once in the Titcomb Basin, you can explore the area and take possible side trips to Summer Ice Lake and or Mistake Lake. Thus, it is important to store all food and scented items in either a bear canister or properly hung using a rope and ursack. Trip Overview: The ~40 mile Titcomb Basin and Indian Basin backpacking trek goes through the spectacular and popular Wind River Range in the Bridger Wilderness area of Wyoming. However, you can encounter large temperature drops and snow fall once late September and October roll around. Given this route is quite popular, the trails are typically well marked. Titcomb Basin: Titcomb basin hike - See traveller reviews, candid photos, and great deals for Wyoming, at Tripadvisor. One might assume this minor bump is easy to climb since it's unlikely one would make a technical ascent just to review a different route. For this page's purposes, the peaks of Titcomb Basin will be those named ones immediately surrounding it and usually or most logically approached from the basin itself. There are all sorts of different approaches one can take, but by far, most people use the one from Elkhart Park. Note that there are only 8 sites at the campground, so it’s possible the campground could be full and you may need to make friends and pitch your tent close to someone else. By hiking all the way to Island Lake on Day 1, you then do not need to move camp again until you head back to the trailhead! The jagged summits of Twin Peaks, Mt. Is it too risky to head out on a 40 mile loop in late September? Titcomb Basin - Great hike to stunning Titcomb Basin, a elongated valley ringed by 13,000-ft. peaks. The trek starts out by following Pole Creek for ~1.5 miles through a forested area. Check out our full write-up for all the details! All Rights Reserved. This wilderness area is inhabited by both grizzly and black bears. In this itinerary, you hike towards Photographer’s Point on the way to Island Lake and take the route by the lakes on the last day. Download this Titcomb Basin Hike Wyoming photo now. The trail begins at the cut-off of the Indian Basin Trail.The route gently ascends through a small notch before entering Titcomb Basin.The trail passes the lower Titcomb Lake with expansive views of Mt. These are some highlights (short version) from a backpacking trip I did this past September (2018) in Wyoming's Wind River Range. Titcomb Basin is a 5 km blue singletrack trail located near Pinedale Wyoming. There are few places in North America that are as staggeringly beautiful as Titcomb Basin and Island Lake. If any have been, it has been exceedingly rarely. This hike primary trail can be used both directions. Titcomb Basin: Titcomb basin hike - See traveler reviews, candid photos, and great deals for Wyoming, at Tripadvisor. Along with the world-famous Cirque of the Towers, Titcomb Basin is the premier backcountry hiking and climbing destination in the Wind River Range and one of the best in all of North America. Titcomb Basin Description. On day 3, explore the Titcomb Basin, which has some of the best views in the Wind River Range. The trail to the left (northwest) leads to campsites along the lake’s southwestern shore. Final view of Island Lake and Fremont Peak before heading south along the Seneca Lake Trail to the Elkhart Park Trailhead. It’ll be different then prime summer backpacking where you can leave the rain fly and cool weather gear at home. Backpackers should be prepared for varying weather and should avoid hiking on high elevation exposed trails in the afternoon when storms are likely. View of the unnamed lake in the Indian Basin with Fremont Peak and Jackson Peak in the background. Trail Conditions and Difficulty: Many of the trails in the Wind River Range have a good amount of elevation change and traverse high elevation mountain passes. Rainier (Washington), and Granite Peak (Montana). There are a few campsites located at the trailhead via Trails Titcomb Basin And search more of iStock's library of royalty-free stock images that features Backpack photos available for quick and easy download. It is roughly 9 miles round trip to the north tip of the Upper Titcomb Lake and back to Island Lake. For example, the Highlights include steep glacier cut… This week's hike takes us to the Titcomb Basin in Wyoming's Wind River Range. The hike in to Titcomb Basin, depending on where you set up camp, is somewhere between 12 and 15 miles, with a solid 3,400 feet of elevation gain. The Colorado Mountain Club named the Needles so in 1930; I am not sure if they or someone else named the lakes and the basin, and when. (2), Getting There-- Driving and Hiking Information, View There are a few camping areas in the basin itself, but if you choose to camp in the basin … This hike starts from at the unmarked junction at the southeast end of Island Lake (10,346-ft.). The rest of this … Knapsack Col can be used to connect to Peak Lake as well for those interested in a longer off-trail journey through the Winds. Jump to Day 2: Explore the Indian Basin View Titcomb Basin Image Gallery - 59 Images. Below is a photo collection of the aforementioned peaks. We made it to the edge of the small lake you can see (Titcomb 3) before turning back. Jump to Day 4: Island Lake to Elkhart Park Trailhead. Below is a list of the gear recommended for backpacking in the Wind River Range: Day 1: 11.5 miles; +2,600 feet / -1,600 feet; Elkhart Park Trailhead to Island Lake. Great description of the perfect trip. Trip Overview: The ~40 mile Titcomb Basin and Indian Basin backpacking trek goes through the spectacular and popular Wind River Range in the Bridger Wilderness area of Wyoming. Titcomb Basin, as well as Titcomb Lakes and the Titcomb Needles, in name commemorates Charles and Harold Titcomb, brothers whose many climbing accomplishments in the area included the second ascent of Fremont Peak, Wyoming's third-highest and the highest of the peaks ringing this basin (some sources will lead you to think they made the third ascent, but some reading in Bonney's Guide to the Wyoming Mountains and Wilderness Areas may convince you that the person usually credited with the first ascent did not actually climb that peak but climbed the more challenging Mt. Woodrow Wilson instead). Knife Point Mountain. An alpine valley at over 10,500 feet deep in the Wind River Range, Titcomb Basin lies below peaks on the Continental Divide that soar 3,000 feet above the Titcomb Lakes, the highest of which is 13,745-foot Fremont Peak. Jump to Day 1: Elkhart Park Trailhead to Island Hi! Titcomb Basin. Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. In addition, there is Summer Ice Lake, several hundred feet higher than the Titcomb Lakes and set northwest of them in a lovely cirque). The first day of the trek starts with a 11-12 mile trek from the trailhead in Elkhart Part to Island Lake, which will be the basecamp for the next three nights. Drive 14-15 miles to reach the Elkhart Park Trailhead. The best time of the year to backpack this route is typically mid-July to mid-September. Despite being so close to the traffic of the basin, its setting seems a world apart. +/ -7,500 feet of elevation across the course of this trek with a peak elevation of 12,145 feet (top of Indian Pass). Given the popularity of this route, an encounter with a grizzly is unlikely, but it is best to be prepared. Titcomb Basin Challenges and Things to Consider. Helen, Fremont Peak, Mt. Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. Only one named peak goes at Class 2, and most are Class 4 or 5 by their easiest routes. Change ), Shop sale & clearance items at REI.com and save up to 50%, Take 15% Off Your First Order at Backcountry.com, Find Outdoor Recreation Deals at Amazon.com. Reading about a great hike is usually inspiration enough, but we hope to motivate you to get out there and see these amazing places for yourself! To access Island Lake and Titcomb Basin, this route starts from Elkhart Park Trailhead just 15 miles north of Pinedale, Wyoming. I ran into a friend in the parking lot at the TH and he recommended we day-hike to this area, so we did! May 1, 2020 - This weekly series aims to inspire you to go out there and see marvelous backpacking destinations in person. Skyline Peak-- 12,800'+-- Bonney mentions that the first ascenders used the peak to review their route on the Sphinx, but he makes no mention of difficulty. Depending on the source you consult, you will find that it is anywhere from 11.5-13 miles to what this page considers to be the beginning of the basin, which is shortly after a stream crossing and then a narrow trail squeeze through some rocks, following which is a view of the basin and the first of its lakes. Sacagawea and many others. The Indian Pass Trail leads north towards Lake 10,467. Children refers to the set of objects that logically fall under a given object. Near Pinedale, Wyoming. Basically, just make sure you are prepared and know the limits of your skill level and equipment. Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. Located in the remote Bridger Wilderness of Wyoming, the Wind River Range offers stupendous views and unlimited recreational access. If you are cautious and keep a careful eye on the weather before leaving and bring the appropriate gear, I think it can be totally fine (or even great since crowds are often gone by late September). The Titcomb Basin was all that had been promised and more. This week's hike takes us to the Titcomb Basin in Wyoming's Wind River Range. The hike in the first day took too much out of us. Other specific gear you will want for backpacking in the Titcomb is related to bear safety. There are a few regulations that backpackers must follow in these areas though. On day 2 of this trek, you head off to explore the Indian Basin and climb to the top of Indian Pass. Hi Holger – These photos were all taken in mid September. Titcomb Basin (Bonney Pass) is a 3,363 m double black diamond singletrack alpine trail located near Pinedale Wyoming. Beyond these regulation, you should follow other general rules such as staying on trail, packing out all trash, and properly storing food (either in a bear canister or by properly hanging). Titcomb Basin, Wind River Range #66582 Purchase In the Wind River Range of Wyoming is a place that nearly every backcountry enthusiast dreams of visiting. Peaks in bold have SP pages and are attached as children to this page. Around bumper-sticker warriors, smile, speak calmly, and get the hell away as fast as possible. For example, you should make sure to bring your rain fly, warm clothing, and an appropriate sleeping bag (and maybe a GPS and map in case the trail gets lightly covered with snow and is hard to follow). Day 3 – Day Hike to the Titcomb Lakes. My husband and I are trying to plan a backcountry trip this upcoming September ( Sep 23-Oct. 1st). Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Leave your camp at Island Lake and only take a day pack along the hike. If you plan to camp the night before leaving on the trek (a good idea to help acclimate to the elevation), the Trails End Campground near the trailhead is a great option. This entire loop sits above 9,000 feet and much of the mileage is above 10,000 feet. The hike on Day 1 is fairly long and involves ~2,600 feet of climbing, so plan to leave early and give yourself time. The hike to the top of the pass and back is roughly 9 miles long. Highlights include steep glacier cut valleys, glacial-fed alpine lakes, impressive granite peaks, and spectacular views. Titcomb Basin: It’s probably one ... boring hike complete with heavy pack to end it. At the trailhead there are vault toilets and parking, but no potable water source (plan to arrive with a filled camelbak or filter water along the trail). For example, theAconcagua mountain page has the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits' asparents and is a parent itself to many routes, photos, and Trip Reports. We took an early breakfast and got to the only trailhead with fully paved access by 8:00 AM. (We’ve hiked a few already and loved each! Welcome to Paria's “Hike of the Week” series. Backpackers should spend a day or two acclimating to the thin air, should be in good cardiovascular shape, and should know the signs for altitude sickness. At the 1 mile junction, head north on the Titcomb Basin Trail. This trail leads into the Titcomb Basin. Titcomb Basin Backpacking Guide - Wind River Range, WY November 04, 2019 / Dave Collins With dense forests, granite slabs, high alpine meadows and lakes cradled beneath craggy granite peaks, The Wind River Range, or The Winds, as they're called by fans, are jammed with bucket-list day hikes and backpacking trips that reward you with epic views and unbelievable beauty. ( Log Out /  You must drive to the trailhead or arrange for a private shuttle. View showing both the Upper Titcomb Lake and Lower Titcomb Lake in the Titcomb Basin. I would drive in with Wade and hike out Sunday with the other two. As you hike into the basin your background view is dominated by Fremont Peak and Jackson Peak. Near the south end of Pinedale, turn east onto a signed road for Fremont Lake. In the Bridger Wilderness area, campfires are only allowed below the tree line and cutting or removing standing wood is not allowed. Jump to Day 1: Elkhart Park Trailhead to Island, Jump to Day 4: Island Lake to Elkhart Park Trailhead, adidas Outdoor Terrex Fast R Gore-Tex Shoe, Minus33 Merino Wool Kancamagus Midweight Bottom, Minus33 Merino Wool Chocorua Midweight Crew, Pendleton Long Sleeve Classic-Fit Board Shirt, Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles, Higher resolution version of the overall map for Titcomb Basin trek (, a quick drying long sleeve hiking shirt (, small amount of duct tape for gear repairs, small plastic water bottles filled with whisky . Sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and it only costs $12 per night. At the ~1 mile mark there is a junction. It is also recommended to carry bear spray. Near the 2.5 mile mark, the trees start to thin as you continue to gradually climb. However, the Pole Creek Trail out of the Elkhart Park Trailhead is the most popular choice and offers the most direct and perhaps easiest access to the basin. It is between the Sphinx and Bobs Towers. Each week we bring you one of the best hikes North America has to offer. I was contacted by Boyd in June that he and Jer were in. Cross-country hikers can visit the off-trail lakes and find both solitude and outstanding scenery. Along this route you will explore both the Titcomb and Indian Basins from a basecamp set up at Island Lake. We'd gone about 5 miles today and just didn't have the energy to keep going to the lower Titcomb Lake. The peaks here are for mountaineers. (There is also a page for Indian Basin, Titcomb's sister basin and an alpine paradise in its own right and a place many climbers seek.). Since we were in no rush Friday morning, I slept in longer than usual and the three of us had a leisurely breakfast with relatively few mosquitoes buzzing around.

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