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Post by quailhiker on Jul 1, 2020 6:31:42 GMT -8
Anyone familiar with this lollipop loop in the Winds, out of the Bug Sandy trailhead? Three of us are considering this in August or September. We are in our 60's, in reasonable but not outstanding shape, used to week-long trips. We've been in the Winds before -- Titcomb Basin in 2012. We'd take seven days, so the mileage is certainly manageable, but with two good climbs to the passes. Any comments on difficulty, campsite opportunities, etc.? Thanks.
Fred
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Post by oldbill on Jul 1, 2020 9:46:40 GMT -8
"Bug Sandy" is about right, though bugs shouldn't be much of a problem late Aug-Sept. I'm in my early 60's and had no problems with routes in this area, though didn't do this exact loop. 7 days is plenty of time. I assume at least that 1st day is acclimation, depending on where you're coming from. First camp at Skull is a great idea. Done by most on this loop. Camped on N side of Skull last year to explore East Fork Basin just as a quick overnight before I had to head home. Had the entire cirque to myself late Sept. Highly recommend that side trip. Trails are all easy. Some off trail in the East Fk, but very easy.  |
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Post by larrys on Jul 6, 2020 12:27:16 GMT -8
My suggestion is to do either Hailey or Wasakie and go up to Valentine Lake, then Bear’s Ears Trail into the back of the Cirque of the Towers, then out via Jackass Pass to Big Sandy. There are some various versions that will take you into the Cirque via Texas Pass, but the Bear’s Ears is very scenic and not a lot of elevation climbs to deal with. There is also an off trail hike from Valentine Lake to South Fork Lake (I may be wrong on name but I think it has Fork in it). When coming on Bear’s Ear near a Lizard Head it is off to the right. I walked down to look down into the lake and it was just stunning. You would have to work your way up from the lake to Bear’s Ear Trail but it seemed doable.
Skull Lake is a good first night objective depending on when you leave. There are several bailout spots in case you cannot make it that far. Having not done Hailey my vote would be for that. Cirque of the Towers is worth seeing since you have been to Titcomb. Also if you fish I have seen some big trout come out of Valentine Lake. I just think adding the Cirque makes for a much better trip for your group. You can always add a night to the trip by going to Deep Lake after Cirque.
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Post by hikeer on Jul 6, 2020 17:50:59 GMT -8
Hailey Pass is relatively easy going up from Mae's Lake. I don't recall it being particularly steep anywhere. It is however, a bit steep as you start down the other side, but very doable. We didn't take the trail up to Lizard Head, but went off trail into the South Fork Lakes area - the two lakes there are Helmet and Holster. We went from there straight up to the plateau. That was pretty steep in some places. All grass, non-technical, but will definitely get your heart pumping. Don't take the obvious gully straight ahead as you hike up past the lakes, your route will be on your left side - northeast of Helmet Lake. I highly, highly recommend both the East Fork Valley and South Fork Lake areas. Both were very scenic and we saw 2 other people in the whole East Fork valley and nobody in South Fork Lakes. The Cirque is worth seeing but is crowded.
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Post by quailhiker on Jul 11, 2020 13:40:57 GMT -8
Thanks, all. Hikeer, looking at the map, I see several inlet creeks coming into the larger of the South Fork Lakes (I guess that's what you're calling Helmet) from the east. Are you saying follow the northern-most one that flows first into a small adjacent side lake, and then cut through east to the Lizard Head trail? I think we'd then go down to Lizard Head Meadows and set up a base camp to explore the Cirque area for a couple of days.
Since we'll be coming from Georgia, we might take it easy the first couple of days to acclimate. Camp thoughts:
1. Dad's Lake
2. Skull Lake
3. near South Fork Lakes
4,5. Lizard Head Meadows
6. Big Sandy Lake
Further thoughts, anyone? Thanks.
Fred
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Post by hikeer on Jul 12, 2020 18:33:31 GMT -8
Yes, that is correct. Here is a picture of where we went up. Don't be fooled by this picture, it is much steeper than it appears!  I wouldn't want to spend 2 days in Lizard Head meadows, but then again I'm anti-social when hiking and prefer solitude.  Others may disagree and to be honest I don't really know what side trips you might be able to make from there. so it may very well be a good option. The hike from South Fork, across Lizard Head plateau and down to the Meadows is awesome and one you won't soon forget. |
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Post by quailhiker on Jul 14, 2020 5:53:36 GMT -8
Thanks. The thought about Lizard Head Meadows is to have a basecamp reasonably accessible to the Cirque, although it appears there are campsites in the Cirque above and west of Lonesome Lake.
Additional question: Jackass Pass looks like a pain in the butt to walk (crawl?) with full packs. Any thoughts/concerns?
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Post by hikeer on Jul 16, 2020 18:47:22 GMT -8
Jackass Pass itself isn't bad at all - just make sure you are on the correct side of Arrowhead Lake. Don't make the mistake we did and end up in that huge talus field on the right(West) side of the lake. The old trail evidently went through this talus/boulder field but the trail now travels around the left (East)side of the lake.
There are campsites above Lonesome Lake - I think they call it Climbers Camp. Relatively crowded area though and if you get there late in the day it can be a little tough finding a site.
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Post by quailhiker on Jul 18, 2020 8:32:44 GMT -8
Very helpful -- thanks!
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Post by quailhiker on Jul 21, 2020 5:56:59 GMT -8
One more (hopefully last) question. My thought is we'd come up the Washakie Pass Trail from the west. To make a long day shorter, rather than camp near Skull Lake I'd like to go a mile or so east on the Washakie Trail and look for a spot. The topo looks reasonable and there appears to be water (creek, small lake, etc.). Is this area suitable for camping or too rocky? I can't tell enough from the Google Earth image -- thanks.
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Others may disagree and to be honest I don't really know what side trips you might be able to make from there. so it may very well be a good option. The hike from South Fork, across Lizard Head plateau and down to the Meadows is awesome and one you won't soon forget.