I did a three-day, two-night backpacking trip for the Cirque of the Towers loop in the Wind River Range, WY USA. It was a 26.1 mile loop total, starting at about 9100’ and maxing out at 11300’ crossing over the Continental Divide on Texas Pass.

I don’t recommend going over Labor Day weekend. Everyone comes out to do it, so it is quite busy. But it’s a beautiful hike and quite challenging!

Trail map

Zoom in of the Cirque

Dad's Lake

Shadow Lake

Shadow Lake at sunset

Cirque of the Towers - Texas Pass

Hoo boy was that a scary pass. There is no official trail for the pass, but people have created one. It’s incredibly steep and somewhat unstable, more of a scramble than a hike. But once over it, it’s incredible!

Lonesome Lake

Jackass Pass

Jackass Pass is the second crossing of the Continental Divide on this loop.

Jackass Pass towards Arrowhead Lake

  • SharpieThunderflare
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    1 year ago

    Wind River Range/Cirque of the Towers is on my bucket list. So awesome!

    Were there many spots with trees, or were you above the tree line for the most part? Asking because I like hammock camping, but not sure if it’s feasible out there.

    • CherenkovBlue@iusearchlinux.fyiOPM
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      1 year ago

      Welcome! Glad you found this little corner of the internet.

      It’s like 50-50 for trees. Some places are fine (like the first campsite) for trees. Others, not so much. I think treeline is around 9500’ out there, and that is the biggest factor. But it’s got a lot of meadows as well, so not everything is wooded below treeline.