I did the Alan Dixon/Don Wilson WRHR last summer and loved it! That being said I did get pretty sick due to not acclimatizing (I spent one night at the trailhead then headed up over 10k for the remainder of the trip). On the bright side it helped me lose 10 pounds in 6 days! I might try bringing some Diamox along just in case next time I head above 10,000.
My trip to the Winds was my first extensive off-trail trip – it is a great place to get your feet wet. I fully appreciate your not wanting to jump right in but would recommend an off-trail side trip. If you have a copy of Nancy’s book I am sure you can find some off-trail adventure along whatever route you end up selecting.
Here is a video I put together from my trip if you want something to wet the appetite.
https://youtu.be/D6Nr90fJ2JM
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