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Post by swimswithtrout on Jan 23, 2016 18:01:28 GMT -8
You know me as Double Cabin so you know my devil's advocacy here is respectful. WELCOME BACK !!!
(Now go back and edit out your strike through's. There's unlimited edits allowed on the new board !)
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trinity
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Post by trinity on Jan 23, 2016 18:07:30 GMT -8
+1! You've been much missed here, not only for your great knowledge and deep love of this part of the country, but also your intelligent and respectful voice on TPA (should you ever choose to venture back into that snake pit). Hope all is well with you, and really glad to have you back.
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Post by swimswithtrout on Jan 23, 2016 18:15:04 GMT -8
+1! You've been much missed here, not only for your great knowledge and deep love of this part of the country, but also your intelligent and respectful voice on TPA (should you ever choose to venture back into that snake pit). Hope all is well with you, and really glad to have you back. There's a TPA in the new board ? I swore an oath to myself to never EVER go back to visit it, when I first heard the rumors of the new board.
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trinity
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Post by trinity on Jan 23, 2016 18:43:04 GMT -8
There's a TPA in the new board ? I swore an oath to myself to never EVER go back to visit it, when I first heard the rumors of the new board. Smart man.
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Post by cweston on Jan 24, 2016 5:49:46 GMT -8
Some excellent advice here.
And welcome back, Absarokanaut!
For the OP: if you insist on a more gonzo approach to high altitude hiking for a flat lander, this is what I have found to be the best (i.e. least bad) way to do it...
1. On your way to the trailhead, stop for a day hike. (In your case, maybe near SLC.) Choose a hike where you can park the car at the highest possible elevation and climb (gently, preferably) from there. Don't push too hard. A few miles up and back is good.
2. Get back in the car, and hydrate really well while traveling to your BPing trailhead. Camp there and start your BP in the morning.
This will certainly not eliminate the acclimatization process on your BP, but I have found it to be a big help. I still experience a certain amount of misery on the first day, but I've learned to just persevere through it.
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Post by SaltyBoots on Jan 24, 2016 6:55:37 GMT -8
Although everyone's enthusiasm for the Winds is making me soooo excited that I chose it for our first backpacking experience, I think we are still only planning to do 4 days/3 nights at the most, especially now that I realize we should add a day before going in to get used to the altitude. We want to choose just one trailhead - luckily I just received the Falcon guide in the mail today so I'll use that along with all of your suggestions to decide. Although we probably won't want to leave after 4 days (unless the skeeters are miserable) we really don't want to travel all that way across the country into brand new territory and see only one place. I probably am trying to fit more into my 10 days than most people, but that tends to be how we do our trips - pretty fast paced. We are young and have plenty of years ahead of us to return to further explore wherever ends up being our favorite spots Would you suggest Elkhart TH over Big Sandy TH if I have to choose just one? I'm guessing neither is better than the other, each just different and we won't be sorry either way we go? I'd be most interested in getting to see a large variety of types of habitat/terrain along the trips. Also, I read a blog yesterday about a couple who started at Elkhart and ended at Big Sandy, using the shuttle. They did it in 3 days. As newbies, I'm wondering if we'd need a lot more time, or if that is an option at all? Maybe they also didn't take many side trails to see the things we'd want to see as first timers. I haven't found any other reports of anyone doing it so I'm not sure if maybe I misunderstood. I guess choosing between EP and BS is basically choosing between Titcomb Basin and the Cirque, correct? . John - thanks so much for your insight. I think plan on camping one night in/around Tetons after leaving the winds. not sure how difficult it might be to get a spot though. And then after that is what I'm trying to figure out. I'm leaning towards driving straight through Yellowstone in a day, and then exploring north of it. We'd really like to drive the Beartooth Highway. Any suggestions on a 1 night trail in southern absoroka? Also, I'd love to hear out any great boondocking spots anywhere within our range that you know of. We'll make the trip back to SLC through Idaho on our very last day. We plan on keeping the 2nd half of the week flexible depending on how we feel, so any suggestions you have will straight into my trip journal for future reference
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trinity
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Post by trinity on Jan 24, 2016 12:27:50 GMT -8
Ah yes, good point. At 50, I am pretty sure I am the youngest person to have weighed in here! You all will no doubt want a faster-paced trip than most of us on these boards. For four days, consider Swimswithtrout's suggestion of Titcomb Basin. You could do a fairly easy first day to Hobbs Lake, then to the basin on day two, explore on day three, longish trip out, but mostly downhill, on day four.
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panatomicx
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Post by panatomicx on Jan 25, 2016 8:26:07 GMT -8
The Wind River Range was my first multi-day backpacking trip. It was all that was advertised, an amazing unforgettable experience. As you have been, I was inspired, and advised by the folks here. There is an incredible wealth of information and experience on this board. Another good resource is Dorfworld. He has some detailed itineraries and trip reports on his site. I had a TR on the old board, which I believe has been lost, and I will re post it here. I know how excited I was to read other's trip reports. Have a great hike! Wind River August 2012-Two Flatlanders visit Wyoming Well first I saw SWT's slideshow. Then my friend Joe told me he had a week off in August, and it didn't take long for me to put two and two together. A little course correction, some helpful advice from the folks in the Forum, a couple of gear upgrades, and we were set. We flew into SLC, rented a car, and drove up to Pinedale. On the way up, we pulled over at one point, and got out of the car. We just stood on the side of the road for a few minutes, no one else in sight, and looked out over the high plains. A lot different than NYC. Had dinner at the Wind River Brewing Co, and drove up to the Elkhart Park trailhead the next morning. Watched the altimeter spin, and saw the terrain change from scrub to forest on the way. Signed in and we were on our way. We had a pretty easy hike to Mary's Lake, and were already being wowed by the views at Miller Park, and the over-the-top panorama at Photographers Pt. Some weather moved in right after we pitched the tents, and we had about 20 min of sleet. That was to be the only precipitation we'd have for the rest of the trip, though. No luck fishing, a bit of exploring, a tasty FD dinner, and we were happy. Looked out the tent flap in the middle of the night and saw the biggest Big Dipper I have ever seen. We continued on the Pole Creek heading east to the Highline trail, and ran into a string of llamas. We decided to put that on our gear list for next time. Had an easy ford X2 of the Pole Creek, and took a break by the waterfall with fish jumping. We camped by Tommy Lake, another idyllic spot. Had good luck fishing just before dusk, catch and release, as we had already eaten. Up over Lester Pass the next morning, past our first little snowfield. Down between two un named lakes, and up again to Fremont Crossing and Lower Jean Lake. Switched maps, I was able to get the whole loop onto two 24K MyTopo waterproof maps which were great. We arrived at Lower Jean with very little gas left in the tank. Don't know if it was the altitude catching up with me, but I was pretty bonked. Wondering about the next two days, which had a bit of climbing too. But I woke up the next morning feeling fine. We saw fish jumping at Upper Jean, and right away caught a few. Views now were spectacular. We went up Shannon pass, and down the very rocky trail to Peak Lake. Learned the value of manure in route finding-Hey look, horsesh*t, that must be the way. We both agreed that our Peak Lake campsite that night was the best of the trip. A nice grassy bench with pretty wildflowers and a stream. Beautiful azure Lake, surrounded by dramatic peaks. Only one other party on the opposite side of the Lake. This was the real deal. The next day was the crux of the trip, Knapsack Col, and we were both pretty excited. On and off the "trail" as it was a couple of times, but we found our way thru the boulders, and the "paved road" as described by Dorf, to the base of the final climb. The trail was a bit more clear at this point, and we reached the Col a little past noon. We scouted the descent, and were able to climb down pretty easily on the rocks to the left of the cornice. Lots of loose scree on the way down, some snow, but it was soft enough to kick steps into for the most part. No trail at all on this side, but you can follow the streams down and around to Titcomb. As was routine at this point, an amazingly beautiful, isolated campsite. Got a late start the next morning, as we knew the walk would be a bit easier. We ran into a couple of parties headed up to Knapsack Col, the trail was generally a little busier. At Island Lake we came upon a nice little sandy beach, and stopped for lunch. Our last night's camp was at Seneca Lake. There was no wind, the water was still, and the hills reflected on the lake. The Winds really lived up to the billing. This was a great hike for us; exciting, incredibly scenic challenging, fun. Neither of us had done a hike of this length, at this elevation before. Successful route finding, never even had to look at the compass or the GPS, just the maps and the terrain. We may be hooked, next August looks good! www.flickr.com/photos/49650743@N04/albums/72157631242929644NB-Don't pitch closer than 200' from the shore (as shown in one of the pics). Made that mistake, was informed about it, haven't done it again.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 25, 2016 10:01:59 GMT -8
Hello Saltyboots:
"We'd really like to drive the Beartooth Highway. Any suggestions on a 1 night trail in southern absoroka?"
Great idea! I assume you will exit Yellowstone through the northeast entrance at Cooke City and get on the Beartooth. When driving through Yellowstone and the Beartooth, assume a rate of travel 25-30 miles per hour. The parks are crowded and the roads are winding. If you can get on the road in the park early in the morning, you will travel much faster. Between 9-10 a.m., the roads get pretty full. The Beartooth Highway (hwy 212) leaves the park in MT, and goes south to WY for a bit (important to remember if you have a fishing license in one state but not the other). It passes lots of great trails, lakes, and campgrounds before climbing to over 10,000 feet and dropping down into MT.
Backpacking off of highway 212 in early to mid-July can be iffy depending on the snow fall that year. Also, the bugs can be quite bad too. If the conditions are right, the trail that heads north from Island Lake campground up to Becker Lake is awesome. You are at an altitude of 9500 feet and there is little climbing. Becker is a little over 3 miles. If you want to go further, Albino Lake is another 2 miles though the trail climbs to near timber line so snow may hamper you more. If you hike here, bring a head net, bug spray, and long sleeved clothing. I recommend a tent over a tarp too because of the bugs. It rains (or snows) often too.
If you don't want to worry about snow or bugs (as much), head all the way down to Red Lodge. From there, the West Fork of Rock Creek trail is a great option. The Quinnebaugh Meadows are right at 4 miles and make a great camping place. The scenery in this mountain valley can't be beat. From the meadows there is the option of a 1 mile spur hike up to Lake Mary which sits right at timber line and worth the climb.
Another option up the road toward Absarokee is the Stillwater Trail. You start through an amazing gorge and go up through an incredible mountain valley. About 4 miles in is a great place to camp for the night along the Stillwater River. It is called Dayton Rock after the Dayton trapper cabin that used to sit on the huge granite rock overlooking the river. If the weather is hot, it is fun to jump from the rock into the river.
To get back to SLC through ID, you can either go back over the Beartooth to West Yellowstone or head north to Columbus and then west on I-90 to Bozeman then south through Big Sky and West Yellowstone into ID. If you have time, I recommend renting a forest service cabin on the Boulder River south of Big Timber--the west boulder cabin is great and the scenery is spectacular--nbe sure to check out Natural Bridge State Park too.
If you are looking for a neat camp site in ID, the Maple Grove Hot Springs are nice. You pay to camp, but they have landscaped natural hot springs for campers to soak in.
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panatomicx
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Post by panatomicx on Jan 25, 2016 12:51:37 GMT -8
Above the Albino Lake outlet stream, looking back at Becker Lake. Mosquitos were ubiquitous that year!
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Post by cweston on Jan 25, 2016 14:11:28 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Jan 25, 2016 14:43:45 GMT -8
Great pictures! Here's another of Albino Lake from the end of July in 2013. We took a swim out to the rock islands. Here's one of me looking back toward Becker Lake.
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Post by absarokanaut on Feb 29, 2016 16:14:16 GMT -8
Thanks guys.
SWT, I don't know how to edit those marks, sorry man.
I have to say that I really am gonna stretch this prediction: In Jackson we are the line of above average precip through May with normal precip expected northward. We've had a bit of something I've rarely seen in February, rain. Temps are predicted to be above average in Spring and average through summer. Snow is still , piling up, particularly on north aspects. I was on top of Austin Peak the last day of Spring last year. Thinking it will be similar this year but you never know.
I'm gonna recommend that with only three nights you not do the western Winds. Almost everyone I know that's been in the Winds says you really need a week to see what you should....until you come bak for more. We do however have much quicker access to what I think are some spectacular lakes and 11,000' peaks in the northeastern Winds outside of Dubois.
If you decide to look into the Gros Ventre, Tetons, or northeastern Winds/southern Absaroka please let me know. Otherwise have a great time wherever you go,
John
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Post by SaltyBoots on Mar 29, 2016 11:48:06 GMT -8
Thanks Absorakanaut for the weather update. I've been wondering, but figured it was too early to ask. As far as the Wind River hike, this is the closest to a plan that I've come up with so far. I will take any comments/criticism/suggestions that anyone has to offer What I'm most unsure of is how many miles we'll be able to do in a day and if a) this is too much to do in 5 days, or b) we could actually do it in 4 days instead. I would prefer to spend 3 nights in the Winds, not 4, and this seems to be the best route I've come across, but I'm giving us 4 nights planned just in case. If we can go further on one of these days, we likely will. Day 1 - Drive from Tetons to Big Sandy Trailhead, and make it at least to Big Sandy Lake to camp. Day 2 - Jackass Pass, explore the Cirque, and camp at Lizard Head Meadows. (can we get this far on Day 1?) Day 3 - Get an early start on Lizard Head Trail (I've read it's very exposed), to Bears Ears trail and camp at Washakie Lake. Day 4 - Washakie Pass, and then Shadow Lake Trail to camp at Shadow Lake. Day 5 - Fremont Trail back to trailhead. I'm thinking of doing the Winds at the end of the trip now, just so that we don't have any problems with altitude sickness, since we are coming from Florida (5 ft!) and this will be the most intense part of our trip. I guess I don't like the idea of wasting an entire day between the airport and the trailhead, but by doing the other portions of the trip first, we should be ready, without any days having been lost somewhere we don't really want to be. But at same time the Winds is the hardest/biggest part of the trip, so it would be nice to do that first and then just have roadtripping, car camping, and shorter hikes to follow it - the more relaxing stuff. So I'm still debating - maybe I"ll just leave it up to the weather. I've still not decided on an overnight trail in the Absaroka-Beartooth, but I'm working on it ad have been looking over some of the earlier suggestions.
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Post by cweston on Mar 29, 2016 12:55:07 GMT -8
I would always put the serious BPing at the tail end of the trip, if (as is the case here) it is at elevation. Your overall enjoyment of the BPing trip will be a lot higher if you've had a chance to adjust to the elevation for a few days beforehand.
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