September 14: Campsite near Green River Lakes

What a day, what a day! I haven’t even hiked five miles yet and already the Wind River Range is completely amazing to me – I just don’t have the words. First, I’ll provide a little background on the area. The Wind River Range is a congressionally designated wilderness area in Wyoming that runs along the Continental Divide. This area is also part of the Continental Divide Trail, a 2500-mile long distance footpath that runs from Mexico to Canada. I first heard of the Wind River Range from a woman called Karen Berger, who is a Triple Crowner (Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and the CDT). She was giving a slide presentation on the CDT and said that the Wind River Range was the nicest part... of all three trails! I saw this presentation back in 1999 and this area has been on my list since then. Finally, almost three years later, I am getting the opportunity to hike it!

Basically, my plan is to start in the northern section of the area, Green River Lakes, and hike south, roughly along the CDT, all the way to the southern end, at Big Sandy Opening. I arranged to have a local Pinedale outfitter pick me up at the airport in Jackson Hole and shuttle me down to the trailhead, as well as pick me up at Big Sandy when I was finished. This way, I did not have to do a loop hike, and I had no need to rent a car. A truly ideal situation.

I got picked up at the Jackson Hole Airport by Alan, an employee of the Great Outdoors outfitter in Pinedale. Alan gave me the low down on the area and its unique history over the course of the three-hour drive. After bouncing and skidding our way over the final 20 miles of a very bad dirt road, we finally arrived at the Green River Lakes Trailhead. I checked and rechecked my pack, made sure that I had everything that I needed and headed off into the wilderness.

The views here were instantly amazing and I hadn’t even stepped a foot onto the trail yet! The Green River is a large river that is, in fact, emerald green. Surrounding the river are steep and dominating mountains covered with the dark green of spruce and the blazing yellow of aspen leaves. I took a moment to take everything in, to appreciate what I was about to embark on. I then shouldered my way-too-heavy pack and headed south (that feels weird) on the trail.

In the first 100 yards of the trail, I was completely blown away. The trees almost immediately opened up and I found myself standing at the shore of this enormous, green lake, surrounded by some pretty cool looking mountains. The coolest, by far, is one called Squaretop, which is a giant, Devil’s-Tower-esque mountain. I couldn’t help but thinking that aliens were going to be landing on a hidden airstrip behind the thing. On top of everything, the weather this afternoon is perfect, and I was even getting a bit warm. I started to really regret all of the extra, heavy clothing that I packed for this trip, but two guys finishing up a 12 day trip assured me that is does indeed get into the 20s at night.

On my way around the first Green River Lake, I spied a cow moose having herself a drink. I was able to get right up close to her and get a picture. How great is this place? After two hours of mostly flat walking, I found a very nice field to camp in, complete with a beautiful view of Squaretop. I ended the hiking a bit early today since I am not sure what to expect weather-wise out in this area. I figured that taking it easy the first day is the least I can do as far as precautions.

As I write this, the sun has set and it is indeed getting cold VERY quickly. Its almost as if someone turned on the AC suddenly. Still, it is a beautiful night and I am looking forward to a good, cold nights sleep. Tomorrow, I am thinking about climbing to the top of Squaretop Mountain and then heading into the high country for a loop away from the main trail. I can’t wait to see what tomorrow has in store for me. THIS PLACE ROCKS!!

-Chomp

Next Entry >