Wind River Range, Mae’s Lake shortcut

[Peter Treiber]

Planning a Hailey Pass-Cirque loop trip for mid-August and wondering if the shortcut along the north side of Mae’s Lake when traveling from Pyramid Lake to Hailey Pass is worth it/straightforward for a normally on-trail dude.  Thanks!

[Brad Rogers]

I had to go look at maps as I wasn’t familiar with Mae’s Lake and though it’s un-named on the USGS maps, I did find a ‘Mays Lake” on Gaia that seems to be what you’re asking about.  I’ve been through there multiple times but haven’t done that shortcut but looking at it on the maps and sat images it looks straight forward enough.

Probably not much faster than going down to the trailhead and climbing back up, but certainly more of an adventure!  I say do it!

[Sharon M]

We took the Mae’s Lake shortcut to Hailey Pass in August of 2020.  It was easy to follow and not difficult.  Not long after our trip, there was a big windstorm that caused lots of blowdowns.  My only concern would be if that storm affected the Mae’s Lake shortcut.

If you get there and see lots of blowdowns, just hike on down to the trail intersection and take the on-trail route.

[Peter Treiber]

Perfect — thanks, Sharon and Brad!

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