bdawg
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Posts: 4
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Post by bdawg on Feb 20, 2022 7:05:44 GMT -8
Looking for some advice. Planning a trip from one of the trailheads by Dubois roughly about 5 days in length. I guess first question would be best time. July or August? I dont mind some snow still on the ground but dont want a need for snow shoes. I was there roughly 35yrs ago backpacking but cant remember when. I would really like to go 2nd or 3rd week of July. Too early? Is Bomber Basin trail over to mile long lake and back down the Ross Lakes to Ross Lake trail doable in roughly 5 days? How tough of trip? What degree bag for that time of year roughly? Im sure Ill have more questions eventually. I appreciate any info. Thanks!
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Post by cweston on Feb 20, 2022 7:30:15 GMT -8
3rd week of July is probably ok snow wise, if some snow travel is ok. Mosquitos will likely be pretty bad at that time, though.
I use a 20 degree quilt for high elevation summer mountain trips.
Is that route doable in 5 days? Yes, but what’s your experience level with this sort of travel? That route is mostly on way paths and use trails, and some completely off-trail, from what I can tell. (I have no first-hand knowledge of that specific area of the Winds.) If this is the kind of travel that you do, then yes, 5 days.
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Post by hikerjer on Feb 20, 2022 9:08:46 GMT -8
I'd lean toward the August date because of a less likely chance of mosquito problems. They can be horrific early in the season.
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Post by absarokanaut on Feb 23, 2022 11:49:16 GMT -8
Joey did an awesome video on this area a few years back. www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZSCiSCp9gwMost of my hiking is in the southern Absaroka across the Valley but I usually hike Lake Louise and Bomber Basin/Falls in May or June. Love Whiskey Mt. but usually wait until late June if not July to do it from Torrey Creek. This "entrance" to the Winds usually melts off a lot earlier than more famous parts of the Range so Skeeters usually fade earlier, sometimes by mid July but the later you come the better your odds. I was there in mid June in '21 and bugs were virtually non existent.  |
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Post by cweston on Feb 23, 2022 12:01:56 GMT -8
Yeah, I remember Joey's video. Gave a real good sense of the route and what some of the challenges are. His route was a more ambitious version of the OP's route, with a climb to the CD, over to the west side, and back over the CD and down the Grasshopper glacier. For the OP...I didn't check what it is, but Joey's videos always give the date. You could make note the snow/bug conditions (which can vary a good bit from year to year, of course).
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Post by oldbill on Feb 26, 2022 7:19:30 GMT -8
There's a good recent description of this route, doing it in 7 days. Bomber Basin, Ross Lakes loopJoey's video is fantastic. Last year I hiked with Bob, who led that hike. Couple of "interesting" sections around Ross/Upper Ross. Crossings at the lakes can be challenging if the logs aren't there. Could have snow banks on some sections that don't have as much sun exposure as trail to Ross. But, snow level is low so far this year. Surprised there weren't more mosquitos mid-June on trail to Whisky. Those marshy sections down by Bomber L may be another story. I've always gone in September to avoid mosquitos and crowds, but know fishing is better just after ice-out. |
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bdawg
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Post by bdawg on Feb 26, 2022 8:25:42 GMT -8
Thanks for replies! I think I watched another video of his that went to mile long lake. Want to say it was 2020 or 2021. Thats the video that kinda inspired me to look into going that route. Right now we are planning middle of August.(giving my buddy time to get in shape)Ha! I appreciate the feedback and will keep checking back for more info as it may come.
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bdawg
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Post by bdawg on Jun 23, 2022 17:13:47 GMT -8
Its been many years since I have backpacker in Wyoming. Have regulations changed? Obviously I know ill need a fishing license/trout stamp. Do you need permits for leaving vehicle at trailhead? Backcountry permit? Designated camping areas or dispersed still ok? Thanks for any info. Looking forward to my August trip!
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Post by absarokanaut on Jun 24, 2022 7:26:26 GMT -8
Some dispersed VEHICLE camping areas have had to go to numbered, designated sites because of increased pressure. I have not heard of any newer regulations in the Winds but boy do they need to go to permitting for Island Lake, The Cirque, etc. Make sure you have recent intel on conditions if you're coming soon, here is Union Peak, etc. from the Rim at Brooks Lake Creek Falls June 18.  |
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Post by oldbill on Jun 24, 2022 11:28:03 GMT -8
Parking at Trail Lake trailhead doesn't require a permit but good luck getting a spot in August. The route is in the Fitzpatrick Wilderness, part of Shoshone NF so you should check this for updates and link to regulations: www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/shoshone/recarea/?recid=80901Based on what absarokanaut said, you should check into current regs at Ring L if you plan on camping there. Would expect that area to be packed as well in August. So many folks going on the Glacier Trail. Also agree permitting for the ultra-high use areas probably isn't far off. Know they've talked about it for years, but it adds a whole lot more work for the under-funded FS. |
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bdawg
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Post by bdawg on Jun 25, 2022 6:21:58 GMT -8
My plan is for bomber lake and Ross lake area. Im hoping it isn't too packed but will deal with what is dealt us i guess. Coming from MN so don't have much wiggle room for timing of going in. Im planning heading on trail Sunday morning Aug 14th. Hopefully weekenders will be walking out. I suppose waiting till Monday morning would be best but hate losing another day. Thanks for info
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Post by absarokanaut on Jun 27, 2022 8:08:07 GMT -8
Perhaps some folks at Ross Lake but I would guess you'll have bomber all to yourself but who knows, I wouldn't worry at all.
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