BRIDGER WILDERNESS AREA, WIND RIVER RANGE, WYOMING, BACKPACK TRIP 2022

 

The ruggedly beautiful Wind River Range in Wyoming.  
(photo credit:  Cari Martin)

BRIDGER WILDERNESS AREA, WIND RIVER RANGE, WYOMING, BACKPACK TRIP, AUGUST 18-20, 2022

PARTICIPANTS:

Wally Hufford

Cari Martin

LOGISTICS:

We flew into Billings, Montana where we rented a car and drove to the Big Sandy Trailhead in the Wind River Range of Wyoming.

BACKGROUND:

I grew up near the Wind River Range in Wyoming where I spent most of my free time hiking, fishing, and backpacking in the mountains.  I always look forward to my trips back to this area and decided it was time for a backpacking adventure in my old stomping grounds.  My cousin, Cari, is just as adventurous so we started making plans for a backpacking trip...and then COVID hit.  

So, after a several years delay we finally made it to the Big Sandy trailhead where we started hiking and were totally awestruck by the spectacular mountain vistas.  We spent three days amongst the mountains hiking fantastic trails and appreciating the Wyoming wilderness.  If ever you are able you should go there.

Welcome to wonderful Wyoming!
(photo credit:  Cari Martin)

DAY 1:  (6/18/22)

We had spent the previous night in Lander, Wyoming visiting relatives so our drive to the trailhead began from there.  We stocked up on some last minute provisions, got some coffee and began the drive.  After turning off the highway there is approximately 37 miles of dirt road which slowly deteriorates toward the end.  When we got there we found an extremely crowded parking lot.  Fortunately someone had just pulled out of a parking space near the trailhead sign so we pulled the rental car into it and started prepping for the hike.

Once on the trail we passed many other hikers which was not surprising since there were so many cars in the parking lot.  We saw every type of hiker you could imagine.  There were trail runners, family groups, solo hikers, young hikers, old hikers, ultralight backpackers, extra heavy backpackers, horse packers, and many doggos.  Everyone was friendly, courteous, and happy.  We even enjoyed several pleasant trailside chats as we made our way up the trail.  One guy we spoke with was 70-years-old and had been hiking in the area for many years.  He told us the best campsites could be found at Dad's Lake, so that became our first night's destination.

Upon our arrival we set up camp and I began to notice I wasn't feeling quite right.  As the evening progressed it became worse and I wasn't able to eat much of my freeze dried meal.  My condition worsened over the evening and I felt terrible when it was time to go to sleep.

The next morning I felt better but knew I shouldn't push things.  We packed up and headed for Marm's Lake which would only be a two mile hike.

Finally on the trail in the Wind River Range.

A portion of the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) passes through this area.

Cari on the trail in the Wind River Range.

Cari prepares her dinner in camp at Dad's Lake.

My one-person tent has been on many adventures.  Now it's been to  the Wind River Range in Wyoming!

Cari negotiates a stream crossing.

DAY 2:  (6/19/22)

Arriving at Marm's Lake we found a beautiful campsite and plans for the remainder the day were made.  I would stay at camp with the gear and try to recuperate from my ailments.  Cari would take a small pack and dayhike toward Texas Pass in hopes of getting a view of the Cirque of the Towers.  Cari is an experienced mountain runner and we knew she wouldn't be alone as there were plentiful backpackers on the trail.  She departed around 11:30 AM just as clouds began to roll in along with thunder and occasional light rain.  In camp I enjoyed the scenery and watched the multitude of backpackers pass by and sometimes engaged in conversations with them.  

Around 4:30 PM Cari returned after hiking for nearly 13.5 miles RT.  She told a wonderful story of hiking to an "otherworldly" place which was mostly rocks and heavy weather including rain, wind, hail, thunder, and lightening.  She said the weather was formidable and threatening when she decided to turn back after getting a view of Texas Pass.

As we ate dinner I listened to her stories and wished I had been there.  Her descriptions of the trail gave me plenty of good reasons to return.  Then out of nowhere a Bald Eagle soared over our campsite which we both considered to be a good omen.

And it was, because I felt much better the next day.

Fireweed growing out of a crack in a rock near Marm's Lake.

Heavy condensation required that gear be dried in the sun each morning.

This group of cowboys/girls and their horses passed us as we hiked along the trail.

Cari appreciates the view while hiking in the Wind River Range.

Sunrise reflections in the Wind River Range.
(photo credit:  Cari Martin)

DAY 3:  (6/20/22)

The weather had improved overnight and the morning brought clear skies and warm sunshine.  That was good because my tent fly and other gear was heavy with condensation and needed to be dried before it could be packed up.  After breakfast we loaded our backpacks and turned back toward the trailhead at Big Sandy which was eight miles away.  

Once again we passed many different types of trail users along the way.  Some of them even had stereo speakers going so we could 'enjoy' their podcasts/music (I don't like to complain or get sarcastic in these posts, but using loud speakers in a wilderness area is thoughtless and intrusive.  Please, at least, use an earbud.  You'll receive fewer sideways glances from me and others on the trail...end of rant)

At any rate, the hike back to the car was a breeze and I enjoyed the walk out immensely.  Since we were taking airplanes back to our respective homes and couldn't bring our fuel canisters with us, we offered them to the first person that walked past us in the parking lot.  She was an outdoorsy attorney from Bozeman, Montana and said she could definitely put the fuel to good use.

Then it was a long drive back to pavement and on to Lander, Wyoming, then ultimately Billings, Montana.  

Already I can't wait to go back.

Adventure cousins in the Wind River Range, Wyoming.
(photo credit:  Cari Martin)