August 2021
Here is a link to the KMZ file for this hike
This is a wind river classic hike! Spent the night at the trailer parked at my property near Daniel, WY the night before. I spent Friday and Monday in town working remotely out of the Pinedale Library and giving CDT hikers rides when I could. Friday I rented a bear canister from the Great Outdoor Shop in Pinedale. Lots of smoke from massive California wildfires filled the valley right now, but it faded to just a haze at higher elevations.
Saturday Day 1
This is just a quick weekend overnighter for me. I started from the Elkhart Trailhead near Pinedale. Elevation rises quickly towards photographer’s point. The scenery on this hike improves exponentially throughout. Just past the Mary’s lake junction, a hiker warns me of a bear spotting. It’s a good reminder to stay alert and I pass on the warning to others that I pass. I pass Barbara Lake which is my Mom’s name so I take a quick picture for her. The trail is a little busy this weekend. This is prime hiking season in the winds with perfect temps and no mosquitoes. I cruise past Hobbs lake and as I near Seneca lake I’m starting to feel some exhaustion. I encounter a family with a young child and I’m impressed that they have hiked in this far. As I climb the pass and near Island Lake the scenery is getting more beautiful. I briefly overlap the CDT Highline trail. This is also the approach for Gannett and those hikers are obvious with their helmets typically strapped to their packs.
Dropping down into Island Lake I’m in awe of the mountain range in the backdrop. Island lake is a little busy but it’s a big lake and I’m able to find a corner for myself under some trees. I throw my pack down and take a dip. I wade through the water and find my way to an island which I explore barefoot. I spend maybe an hour or so relaxing, wading through the water and filtering on the shore. I generally like to pack in the miles when I hike solo but it’s nice to take some time to enjoy the peacefulness of this lake.
I leave my camp here and day hike into Titcomb basin. The stretch of trail between island lake and titcomb is unforgettable. Impressive mountains, abundant water, golden hour lighting, and wildflowers galore. It’s truly one of the most impressive places I have been. Every corner I turn and every hill I top leads to new jaw dropping sights. I meet a hiker and I make a comment about how incredible this place is. She responds in agreement saying, “It’s not too shabby.”
I finish my day hike into Titcomb and return to my camp at Island Lake as it’s getting dark. I’ve packed in a lot of miles today, but the miles without the pack made it easier to do big miles. The next morning I wake up and break camp. I retrace my steps and descend back to the trailhead. A perfect weekend for this quick trip!
Western Compass 