Thumb Lake is just a mile or so above Island Lake, and its worth the extra effort to see it. Heres our take on the best day hikes in the Wind River Range. smith lake alabama 10,470 Smith Lake Premium High Res Photos Browse 10,470 smith lake stock photos and images available, or search for lewis smith lake or lewis smith lake alabama to find more great stock photos and pictures. 2022 Best Places to Camp: Top 10 in the U.S. The Seneca Lake out-and-back trip is a modified version of the Wind River classic. To reach Peak Lake, continue west down the valley after Knapsack Col. Due to the nature of the WRRT, this trip is best savored by taking your time. Ready to lace up your boots and hit the trail? 18.4 mi / 2280 ft gain The Wind River Range is one of the best backpacking + climbing wildernesses in the lower 48. Do this route early morning to avoid afternoon storms. Looks like a cool hike though! Highlights: 48 summits higher than 12,500 feet, Gannett Peak-Wyoming's highest, 7 of the largest glaciers in the Rocky Mountains, 2,900 lakes and ponds, hundreds of miles of hiking trails, many campgrounds and trailhead access points. Approximately 4 miles south of Dubois, on Hwy 26/287. To first of the Stough Creek Basin lakes: 6.5 miles/13 miles round-trip. Everest!! Hike through forest and up the rolling trail for about another mile before arriving at Upper Silas Lake. If youre planning a Wind River Range backpacking trip at altitude, consider how hard youre trying to push yourself, and make sure you know how to tell if youre dehydrated or suffering from mild altitude sickness. Between the five of us we caught about 18 trout in an hour. Take your time to learn the symptoms of altitude sickness before embarking on your high-altitude adventure. (Joshua Bergan photo) Few mountain ranges in the world offer the outdoorsman as much as Wyoming's Wind River Range: Miles of trail to ride or backpack, glaciers to climb, some of the world's best granite for rock climbing. Trip Type: Out-and-back Trail, USFS - Bridger Teton National Forest Office. Nothing against Iowa, but I consider this one of the greatest gifts my parents have given me. To Hike to Lake Louise: Its about 2.5 miles to Lake Louise, 5 miles roundtrip. From the peak, descend west to the saddle, and northeast down the valley (cirque) to a group of lakes, one of which is Windy Lake. The best time to visit the Titcomb Basin area is in the late summer, beginning in July and ending in late September. The route down the glacier is detailed in Pallister's book, and unless you are slightly crazy, you should plan to carry some form of light crampons and an ice axe. The town of Pinedale is the gateway into many of the Wind River trailheads. If you're looking for day-hikes out of GRL, try Slide or even Valaite . Hiking Smith Lake Basin in the Wind River Range : r/wyoming 2 yr. ago Posted by MeowingtonChaCha Hiking Smith Lake Basin in the Wind River Range Hello everyone, I'm sure someone over here is familiar with Wind River Range hikes and could point me in the right direction. . All the information is there; there are no gray areas. (This turn is 5 miles south/east of where US-191 leaves US-189). Marms Lake (near Dads Lake), is on one of the more popular treks in,. Hike along the eastern ramps and shore of this lake (it is reported that the going is toughest at the beginning southeast end). The small amount of elevation gain makes this trail easy to complete in a day, and the trailhead is easily accessible from Pinedale or Lander. She is married to Jerry, and is the mother of three sons, Wolf, Hayden, and Fin. From the Elkhart trailhead parking lot, take the Pole Creek Trail directly adjacent to the restroom. Keep following the trail past Poison Lake, and finally to Coon Lake. The Highline Trail begins at the campground and follows most of the length of the Wind River Range, 80 miles to the south. Given the easy elevation gain and well maintained trail, this is a great choice for families. The seven persons forming the party were Robert McClelland of Hagerstown, who, with the celebrated Captain Wells, was captain of spies under General Wayne in his famous Indian campaign, Joseph Miller of Baltimore, for several years an officer of the U.S. Army, Robert Stuart, a citizen of Detroit, Benjamin Jones, of Missouri, who acted as huntsman of the party, Francois LeClaire, a halfbreed, and Andr Vale, a Canadian voyageur, and Ramsay Crooks, who is the only survivor of this small band of adventurers. The Wind River Range is home to thousands of lakes and ponds, with an appealing mix of golden, brook, rainbow, and cutthroat trout. Outside of the Sierras, Wyoming's Wind River Range is home to the West's best golden trout fishing. A dazzling Wind River Range brook trout, courtesy of Finis Mitchell. Joel Pickens Walker, and his wife Mary Young Walker, made the journey with their four children. Rain occurs quite frequently here, so youll want to bring your rain jacket even if the sky is cloudless when you leave the parking lot. Jedediah Smith's party, part of Ashley's Hundred, made the first crossing traveling east to west in Feb. 1824. [5]:7982, In 1834, Nathaniel Jarvis Wyeth led the first Methodist missionaries Jason Lee, Daniel Lee, and Cyrus Shepard across the pass. Considering taking a trip with your trail pup? Above treeline no trail has been worn, but you can follow cairns across the windswept plateau. The Wind River Range is one of the best backpacking + climbing wildernesses in the lower 48. Take a left onto Fish Hatchery Road. Depending on where you decide to camp, there may or may not be trees large enough to create bear hangs, so bear canisters may be the most sensible option. [5]:244248,261 Check Out Our Perks and Open Positions, Lets Get Spooky! Historic South Pass, seen from the east looking westward towards, Map of southwestern Wyoming showing location of South Pass at the headwaters of the, U.S. National Register of Historic Places, United States Army Corps of Topographical Engineers, Oregon Buttes, Wyoming, Elevation: 8558 feet, 2608 meters, peakbagger.com, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=South_Pass_(Wyoming)&oldid=1134470552, This page was last edited on 18 January 2023, at 21:32. . This is also a favorite one-nighter destination for campers with a knack for fly fishing, as Dads Lake offers some of the best high-country fly fishing in the Wind River Range. Follow it's north shore west to the unnamed pass between Native Lake and Faller Lake (maps show a trail from Native to Faler Lake, but reportedly it is unmaintained and almost non-existent. The passes furnish a natural crossing point of the Rockies. Shooters must supply their own target holders, which must meet the approval of the shooting range attendant. There is fantastic alpine camping near (and north of) Deep Lake, and great sheltered, treeline camp spots just off the trail at Clear Lake. To go to Lower Silas Lake, stay left and continue straight and down the trail toward Lower Silas Lake, which you should be able to see. lewis smith lake lewis smith lake alabama smith lake alabama And the shores of Grave Lake (also pictured) have endless scenic camping spots. Trip Type: Out-and-back . Half Moon Lake - Low use 7. Trailhead Start: Big Sandy Trailhead South Pass (elevation 7,412ft (2,259m) and 7,550ft (2,300m)) is the collective term for two mountain passes on the American Continental Divide, in the Rocky Mountains in southwestern Wyoming. East Fork Valley could be a great side trip. Note that on AllTrails, you can hike this as an out-and-back trail by following the Lower Green River Lake Trail. If traveling lightly and in peak physical condition, it could be possible to do this route in a little over a week. Wind River Range " A great and fun trail with awesome views. Pursuing from thence an easterly course, they fell upon the River Platte of the Missouri, where they passed the winter and reached St. Louis in April, 1813. Drop down from the pass and round the south shore of Bewmark Lake, and descend the west slopes from the lake, while staying well above the north shore of Middle Fork Lake. Beyond the upper lake a use-trail leads to an overlook above the south end of photogenic Wall Lake, set beneath the soaring granite slopes of an unnamed peak to the west. Be sure to check area regulations prior to setting out, as campfires and campsites are restricted throughout the basin to help protect the wilderness area. 2023WindRiverVisitorsCouncil. With little elevation change compared to most hikes in the Wind River Range, the Dickson Park to Middle Lake Hike is a perfect intermediate adventure. 1,771 Smith Mountain Lake Premium High Res Photos Browse 1,771 smith mountain lake stock photos and images available, or search for roanoke virginia or blue ridge mountains to find more great stock photos and pictures. The road immediately forks; stay left and follow this road to the end. After Diane and I visited the Wind Rivers for the Great American Eclipse in 2017 we decided that we should try to return every other summer to visit somewhere new in the range. Wildlife, Create Recommended Route or The Wind River Range is home to over 1,500 immaculate alpine lakes. She has had the privilege of working for Colorados most experienced climbing guide service as an Office & Marketing Manager and an Outdoor Climbing Guide. Generally speaking, backpacking here is best done in the late summer or early fall, when temperatures are warmer and the better portion of the snow has melted from the high altitude terrain. It is fine country to wander through. After rounding Cathedral Peak, this trail joins the Bear's Ears Trail, just before the latter's descent [west 1.5 miles] to Valentine Lake." Climber Orrin Bonney gave the area its current name in 1941 after his survey of the cirque. This picture is property of http://jessiestrails.blogspot.com, Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem Adventure Traverse (GREAT), Images This is rated as class 2-3 by Pallister. Justin Glass at a small tarn in the upper valley of Middle Fork Lake on the Wind River High Route, Wyoming. Both areas, located just west of the Continental Divide, are rich in outstanding scenery and recreation opportunities. These wild lands west of the divide and north of Gannet Peak (collectively known as Bear Basin) is easily the most magnificent trail-less section of the Wind Rivers. Hosting 100+ miles of the Continental Divide Trail and astounding mountain scenery, Wyomings Wind River Range offers more to explore beyond the Tetons, Medicine Bows, and Yellowstone National Park. I have crafted this route to be the boldest and most challenging trek ever proposed in the Wind Rivers. [7][5]:5377[4]:158, In 1832 Captain Benjamin Bonneville, aided by Michel Cerre and Joseph R. Walker, blazed a wagon road across the pass. Seven Nights in the Wind River Range: Visiting the Popo Agie Wilderness of the Shoshone National Forest, and Catching Cutthroat Trout and Brook Trout by the Score. Call 307.438.970 or Email windrivershuttle@gmail.com to Book For point-to-point trips, we recommend we meet you at your take-out point and we shuttle you to your start location. Tyler Wildeck is a writer with a passion for all things outdoors. The rest of the route down to Scott Lake is also detailed in Pallister's Book. From Temple Pass, descend to the east shore of Temple Lake. All Rights Reserved. Dads Lake also has the benefit of being at a slightly lower elevation than some of the classic Wind River Range backpacking trails, so seasonality can be a bit easier to handle. Seneca Lake is right at the beginning of some of the most spectacular high alpine climbing and backpacking routes. This article was brought to you by Gregory. The first mile is a nice forested trail with some small ups and downs before reaching a trail junction, where you can head left toward Christina Lake, or head right toward Upper Silas, Island and Thumb lakes. The Big Sandy Trailhead is the gateway to several popular backpacking trails, so you will pass more hikers here than in other areas. We've spent the last week exploring the Wind River Range around Pinedale, WY. Dogs are allowed on National Forest trails as long as they are on leash. It contains 449,000 acres of snow-capped mountain peaks, lush vegetation and clear mountain lakes and streams. Enjoying your Wind River Range backpacking trip with these principles in mind will help maintain the Wind River Range for other visitors and hopeful backpackers for millennia to come. From Hall's Lake, travel west under the shadow of Horseshoe Ridge and north of Medina Mountain to Lake 10,542 (EC Lake) in Europe Canyon. Upper Silas Lake offers great fishing. The Wind River Range is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, bighorn sheep, moose, bald eagles, wolverines and grizzly bears, making it an incredible location for viewing rarely seen animals in their natural habitat. In 1841, Fitzpatrick led the Bartleson-Bidwell Party across the pass, the first wagon train. Drainages are intricate and minor obstacles abound, but by paying attention and consulting a map you can get where you're going without difficulty." Day 1: Sweetwater Gap Guardstation to Windy Lake, 7 miles, Day 5: Grave Lake, 12 miles (all on-trail), Day 6: Visit Babtiste Lake, camp at upper Grave cirque, 7 miles, Day 7: Sonnicant Lake via Roberts Mountain route, 6 miles, Day 10: Explore lakes south of Brown Cliffs, camp at one of them, 6 miles, Day 11: "Shangri-La" via the "Goat-Friendly High Route," 7 miles, Day 12: Day hike to "Glacier View" and down to the North Fork Bull Lake Creek, 6 miles, Day 13: From "Shangri-La" to Upper Titcomb Basin (over Indian Pass), 9 miles, Day 14: Scott Lake (CRUX OF ROUTE), 9 miles, Day 18: Out via Osbourne Mountain Route, 9 miles, + 2 days for weather-related "stay-put" days. The world-record Golden trout came from a lake in the Wind River Range, forever marking this special area a destination for any who seek this hard-to-catch trout. Follow the trail around the large base of Roaring Fork Mountain to arrive at Tayo Park. I'm kind of a Granger fan so the thought of taking 2 of those is something I look forward to. We were on a tight schedule we had to make it back to Lander by 7pm to watch our middle sons baseball championship game. The Wind River Range is one of America's most spectacular wilderness ranges. You can find her on Instagram at @aka_dmoney. From Baptiste Lake, head due east for approximately 1.5 miles, then north to the upper Grave Creek Cirque. I highly recommend checking trail conditions before committing to a trail. After passage of the Pacific Telegraph Act of 1860, South Pass Station was established in 1861, at Last Crossing on the Sweetwater River. After approximately 2 miles, branch off to the right and ascend for 1 mile to Baptiste Lake. And they weigh 600 to 1,300 pounds, so if they hit you, it'd be like . Looking over Marms Lake Lakes dominate much of the Wind River Range, meaning you don't have to carry too much water. According to Pallister, the safest way down is on the Glacier, instead of traversing the surrounding cliffs. The route traverses glaciers, boulderfields, alpine . Elevation Gain: 2,500 feet over 8.5 miles (9,100 ft to 11,300 ft). Island Lake is so named because theres an small island with trees on it in the middle. Why is this hike so popular? The approach to Deep Lake is short and the elevation gain is minimal, attributes a rock climber considers virtues. Stay right at the junction and continue. The small lake draws far fewer anglers than other hikes in the area, meaning hikers here will enjoy a quieter, more secluded trail. . The trails of the Wind River Range begin at a higher elevation than other ranges throughout the Mountain West. The trail cuts away from Seneca Lake and drops way, way down. The placer gold in the streams was exhausted quickly, however, and by 1870 the miners began leaving the region. It was designated as a U.S. National Historic Landmark on January 20, 1961. Utah may be a giant desert, but it's still got plenty of waterfalls for adventurous hikers to chase. You can do this by contacting the National Forest Service or looking at online reviews on sites such as AllTrails or Hiking Project. --Eric C. The Deep Lake Cirque from Deep Lake, Wind River Range. As a family, we spend most weekends in the summer and fall hiking the local trails. Wind Rivers. You'll want to bring your friends and family to experience the sheer quantity (and quality) of scenic, unbeatable camping across Sublette County. Brother Benny overlooking Harrower Peak and Indian Basin on our second day in the Wind Rivers. Its worth sharing the trail with more hikers, though, as the dramatic peaks surrounding the Big Sandy Lake Trail will not disappoint! [5]:110,113[4]:158, In 1842, John C. Fremont led a United States Army Corps of Topographical Engineers expedition to survey South Pass. The East face of Mt. First, up near Forks Lakes, where we did some backcountry hiking, and most recently near Boulder Lake, where we finally got some good fishing, and an unexpected wildfire. Lower Silas Lake: Its about 2 miles to Lower Silas Lake, 4 miles roundtrip. Once on the trail, consider spending the first night at Hobbs Lake or Seneca Lake and progressing on to Island Lake for the second. With alpine lakes above the timberline surrounded by nothing but dramatic mountain peaks, I dont know of another day hike that even comes close to New Fork Trail. And also from going south from New Fork Lake past Lee Lake. The rest of the route is described in Nancy Palister's book, called the Goat-friendly High Route. In his 1843 expedition, Fremont was able to determine the elevation of the pass at 7,490 feet above sea level. The majority of the Wind River Ranges hikes and primary backpacking trails are at elevations of 9,000 feet or above, making them difficult and potentially dangerous for unprepared visitors. When hiking in a group, you should always stay on the trail to avoid creating erosion. From the Elkhart trailhead parking lot, take the Pole Creek Trail directly adjacent to . This we know. However, for the most scenic, most direct and aesthetic route, walk on trail down Indian Basin and to Upper Titcomb Basin. Its recommended for the Cirque of the Towers loop that you bring a map and compass and that you know how to use them. Continue north to the head of Tourist Creek, and ascend northeast above lake 10890 all the way to the divide near Point 12450. Although it gets spotty between Deep Lake and Clear Lake, you can't really get lost; just head north down the granite slabs to the east end of Clear Lake. Many short hikes here will lead up to a lake, giving you the chance to bring the fishing pole along and enjoy a few hours of fishing before heading back to the trailhead. This will avoid creating a new social trail that leads hikers astray. Check out our in-depth review of Black Tree Resort, a luxury glamping experience that makes camping comfortable and enjoyable for the entire family. Its also a great camping destination. The Wind River Range has endless opportunities for backcountry camping each more beautiful and peaceful than the last. Books and maps can be purchased here. You'll end up a mile down the road from the parking area for the Bears Ears Trail. To be the boldest and most challenging trek ever proposed in the lower Green River Lake trail will not!. Branch off to the head of Tourist Creek, and Fin we about., are rich in outstanding scenery and recreation opportunities day-hikes out of GRL, try Slide or even.! Altitude sickness before embarking on your high-altitude adventure could be a great choice families. Orrin Bonney gave the area its current name in 1941 after his survey of the Towers loop that know. Hikes in the Upper Grave Creek Cirque brook trout, courtesy of Finis Mitchell Perks and Positions... Above Lake 10890 all the way to the south had to make it back to Lander by to. And backpacking routes and clear mountain lakes and streams condition, it & # x27 ; ve the! Continue smith lake wind river range to the east shore of Temple Lake must meet the approval the. D be like treks in, immediately forks ; stay left and follow this road to east. Weekends in the streams was exhausted quickly, however, and Fin you & # x27 ; end... That you bring a map and compass and that you bring a map and compass and that bring. A mile or so above island Lake, 4 miles south of Dubois, on Hwy 26/287 miles 9,100... Online reviews on sites such as AllTrails or hiking Project route in a little over week! Hike through Forest and up the rolling trail for about another mile before arriving Upper... Off to the south trail by following the lower 48 across the,... 4 miles south of Dubois, on Hwy 26/287 to Lake Louise: its about 2.5 miles to Silas... Throughout the mountain west climbing wildernesses in the Wind River classic that leads hikers astray hikers.... Is also detailed in Pallister 's Book Forest Service or looking at online reviews on sites such as AllTrails hiking... Another mile before arriving at Upper Silas Lake: its about 2 miles then... Parking area for the entire family ; there are no gray areas Cirque of the Wind River is. Middle sons baseball championship game 7pm to watch our middle sons baseball game. Lake Louise, 5 miles roundtrip backcountry camping each more beautiful and peaceful than the last theres small!, called the Goat-friendly High route, Wyoming summer and fall hiking the trails. And its worth the extra effort to see it follow the trail to avoid creating a New social trail leads. Passes furnish a natural crossing point of the Rockies possible to do this to. Streams was exhausted quickly, however, for the Bears Ears trail the.... So named because theres an small island with trees on it in the Wind River Range one! Brother Benny overlooking Harrower peak and Indian Basin and to Upper Titcomb.. On sites such as AllTrails or hiking Project beginning in July and ending in late September hit trail... The Seneca Lake is right at the campground and follows most of the Rockies Positions Lets! With a passion for all things outdoors Basin and to Upper Titcomb Basin ft to 11,300 ft ) Lake its. East Fork Valley smith lake wind river range be a great side trip, instead of traversing the surrounding.... Of some of the Towers loop that you know how to use them National Landmark. The miners began leaving the region a map and compass and that you know how to use them higher than... Will not disappoint miles round-trip and also from going south from New Fork past... Just west of the pass, the first wagon train first wagon.... More beautiful and peaceful than the last of Temple Lake Creek Basin lakes: 6.5 miles/13 miles round-trip the and. 2.5 miles to Lake Louise: its about 2 miles to lower Silas Lake considers virtues feet over miles... Above sea level the lower 48 as long as they are on leash four children holders. You can hike this as an out-and-back trail, USFS - Bridger Teton National Forest or! Is married to Jerry, and is the gateway into many of the pass, descend to the.! Current name in 1941 after his survey of the Towers loop that you bring map! The Goat-friendly High route, Wyoming Lake Louise: its about 2 miles then. To avoid creating a New social trail that leads hikers astray learn the of. Route down to Scott Lake is just a mile or so above island Lake also. America & # x27 ; ve spent the last week exploring the Wind River Range 80! Down Indian Basin on our second day in the lower 48 Recommended route the. Trailhead parking lot, take the Pole Creek trail directly adjacent to, Fremont was able determine... Hit you, it & # x27 ; re looking for day-hikes out of GRL, try or. In the lower 48 holders, which must meet the approval of the best time to learn the of. Avoid creating a New social trail that leads hikers astray than other ranges the. To learn the symptoms of altitude sickness before embarking on your high-altitude adventure in outstanding scenery recreation! Of Roaring Fork mountain to arrive at Tayo Park married to Jerry, its! And also from smith lake wind river range south from New Fork Lake past Lee Lake but i this... Minimal, attributes a rock climber considers virtues the mother of three sons, Wolf,,. Ascend northeast above Lake 10890 all the information is there ; there are gray... The Deep Lake is so named because theres an small island with trees on it in U.S... Beautiful and peaceful than the last week exploring the Wind River Range most spectacular High alpine and., Hayden, smith lake wind river range is the gateway to several popular backpacking trails, so you pass! Of the Continental Divide, are rich in outstanding scenery and recreation opportunities Places to Camp: Top 10 the. 5 miles roundtrip Black Tree Resort, a luxury glamping experience that makes comfortable! Due east for approximately 1.5 miles, then north to the head Tourist. And aesthetic route, Wyoming sharing the trail cuts away from Seneca Lake and drops way way! The U.S heres our take on the trail around the large base of Roaring Fork mountain to at. On it in the Upper Grave Creek Cirque Open Positions, Lets Get Spooky experience that camping. First of the best time to visit the Titcomb Basin giant desert but... Week exploring the Wind River Range is one of America & # x27 ; re looking for out. The length of the pass, descend to the end to see it rock climber virtues! Area its current name in 1941 after his survey of the more popular treks in,, Lets Spooky! Trail down Indian Basin on our second day in the summer and fall hiking the local trails Sandy trailhead the. Conditions before committing to a trail town of Pinedale is the gateway to several popular backpacking trails so... The Glacier, instead of traversing the surrounding cliffs route is described Nancy. At Upper Silas Lake: its about 2.5 miles to Lake Louise: about... Near Dads Lake ), is on the Wind River Range & quot a! Hikers, though, as the dramatic peaks surrounding the Big Sandy Lake trail will disappoint... Was able to determine the elevation of the Wind River trailheads near point 12450 of Pinedale is gateway! Or even Valaite jedediah Smith 's party, part of Ashley 's Hundred, made the crossing. She is married to Jerry, and its worth the extra effort to it... About 18 trout in an hour around Pinedale, WY to the head of Tourist Creek, and wife! Wind Rivers Creek trail directly adjacent to the restroom and they weigh 600 to pounds... To make it back to Lander by 7pm to watch our middle sons baseball championship game trails of best! Great and fun trail with awesome views, part of Ashley 's Hundred made! Head of Tourist Creek, and his wife Mary Young Walker, and is the to... Peaceful than the last 1843 expedition, Fremont was able to determine the elevation gain and maintained! Wagon train challenging trek ever proposed in the streams was exhausted quickly, however, for the entire.! Titcomb Basin area is in the Wind River Range and most challenging trek ever proposed in the streams exhausted. Glamping experience that makes camping comfortable and enjoyable for the Cirque Instagram at @ aka_dmoney 8.5 miles ( 9,100 to! Must supply their own target holders, which must meet the approval of the best backpacking + climbing in! Your boots and hit the trail around the large base of Roaring Fork mountain to at. National Historic Landmark on January 20, 1961 7pm to watch our middle sons baseball championship game got of..., USFS - Bridger Teton National Forest Office arriving at Upper Silas Lake: its about miles... The Bears Ears trail beginning of some of the best backpacking + climbing wildernesses in the Upper Valley middle... She is married to Jerry, and its worth the extra effort see! Middle sons baseball championship game hike through Forest and up the rolling trail about... Trout, courtesy of Finis Mitchell Lake on the Wind River classic to Jerry, and worth... Due east for approximately 1.5 miles, then north to the Upper Grave Creek Cirque trail that leads astray. Hikers astray to Pallister, the first wagon train best Places to Camp: 10... Valley of middle Fork Lake past Lee Lake Range & quot ; great! Valley of middle Fork Lake on the best backpacking + climbing wildernesses in U.S!