Wyoming’s Wind River Range offers one of the most scenic and rewarding backpacking trips in the Lower 48.
From the Elkhart Park trailhead, the trail passes several alpine lakes before you reach its crown jewel: Titcomb Basin, surrounded by the amazing Cirque of the Towers. Whether your goal is to experience some of the amazing climbing or to simply enjoy the stunning views from the edge of Titcomb Lake, this is one trip you will never forget. Here are photos from a recent trip with Amanda Stuart, Aaron Rodriguez, Becca Cahall and Brendan Leonard.
While on paper the trail shows minimal elevation gain, in reality you end up climbing up and over many short but steep humps on the way in.
The trail begins with several miles of relatively mundane forest, but after that it’s nothing but amazing views the rest of the way. Here the climb begins towards the last pass before Titcomb Basin.
Navigating one of the rockier sections of the trail.
The climb up the mellow grade into Titcomb Basin is one of the most scenic views in the Lower 48, with Gannett Peak and Mount Helen towering overhead.
Descending towards a campsite in the meadows of Titcomb Basin with the Mount Woodrow Wilson in the background.
Hiking through Titcomb Basin on the way to explore Mount Sacagawea. The basin provides numerous options for climbing with a variety of difficulties.
Exploring along the rocky outcrops that border Titcomb Lake.
Becca Cahall preparing dinner for the group while the Cirque is bathed in alpine glow.
Star trails over camp in Titcomb Basin.
Watching the moon rise from one of the many peaks guarding the basin.
Enjoying the rewards that await from the trail leading towards the Summer Ice Lake.
On the way home after an incredible stay in the basin.