Wind River Range – Itinerary Suggestions?

[Chris Hyatt]

Putting the finishing touches on my trip to the Wind River Range at the end of August. I appreciate everyone's suggestions so far! Currently planning on doing the Sweetwater Loop with a couple of my buddies. Below is my itinerary. Looking for confirmation as to whether this is the right loop to do in order to see the most of the wind rivers. If you have better loop suggestions, please let me know!

Looking to stay on trail whenever possible.

Sweetwater Loop – Thursday to Sunday
Sweetwater Trailhead – In
Sweetwater Gap
Jct Popo Agie Creek
Pass S of Ice Lakes
Ice Lakes
Deep Creek Lakes
Echo Lakes – 13.4 miles – 1st night camp
Jct Pinto Park Trail
Jct North Fork Trail
Cross North Popo Agie
Cross North Popo Agie Ck
Jct Lizard Head Meadow
Lonesome Lake
Jackass Pass
Jct Big Sandy Lake
Jct Black Joe Trail
Jct Deep Lake Trail
Beer Camp – 13.1 mile – 2nd night camp
Cedar Lake
Deep Lake
Temple Pass
Meadow Upper Little Sandy Ck
Jct Little Sandy Lake By-Pass
Jct Little Sandy Lake Spur
Little Sandy Lake – 10.9 miles – 3rd night camp
Jct Little Sandy Lake Trail
Jct Dutch Joe Larsen Ck Trail
Continental Divide
Larsen Ck
Sweetwater Trailhead – 5.4 miles – Out

[Chris Hyatt]

Specifically this is the loop I am looking at.

http://caltopo.com/m/7K01

[Randy Nelson]

That was the first loop I did in the Winds and I loved it. I'm not sure if there is a "biggest bang for the buck" loop. There's so much to see. I figured I'd just start at the southern part and continue working my way north, one loop at a time. I've been 3 times and have enjoyed nearly every minute. Everything except a muddy stretch of trail out of Scab Creek TH. That was nasty. I'm going back in September and it can't get here fast enough. Enjoy your trip!

[John Klinepeter]

Chris,
I will take a stab at commenting on your route. I have walked about two thirds of your proposed route, much of that twice, so I have some familiarity.
First I have not walked the southernmost trails of your route below the latitude of Coon Lake on the west (Little Sandy Trail) and Tayo Park (Sweetwater Gap Trail) on the east. Please issue a report about these areas when you get back–I have some interest.
It appears that you will be in a good mix of drainage-hiking down in the trees (not many views) and also in some very nice high elevation country.
I have camped twice at your first site. Nice flat area, good views, good choice.
The Popo Agie water crossings should not be of any great concern in late August.
There will be lots of "ooohs!" and "aaahs!" moments between Lizard Head Meadows and Temple Pass. Keep your camera handy.
The best display of Elephant's Head flowers I have ever seen was on the north slope of Temple Pass (if you are into those things).
When you get a feel for the country, whether this year or in the future, you could try some off-trail routes. Many of them are easily navigated, wide open (no downed trees to fight), and very rewarding.
Let us know how it goes!

[Chris Hyatt]

Thanks John! I plan on trying to hit a couple of peaks after we set up at each camp site. Planning on rolling into each one around 2 or 3 so I am hoping that will give us ample opportunity to climb a few peaks.

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