On Sunday Lori, Chris and I headed for the Wind River Range. We were planning on climbing in the Cirque of Towers. We arrived late on Sunday night and slept just down from the trailhead. The next morning there were very ominous clouds and we were very split on weather we should hike the eight miles just to see if we could climb. We decided that no matter what, we had to see the Cirque. We started hiking in around 10am on Monday.
The hike is absolutely beautiful. There is wildlife all over the place. It is amazing. The marmots are definitely abundant. You have to worry about the rodents not bears in the Winds.
Chris hiking past Big Sandy Lake
The clouds cleared for the first half of the hike but by the time we hiked to the end of Big Sandy Lake the clouds had returned.
Big Sandy Lake
We found a rock that was overhanging enough to enjoy lunch. After the clouds cleared he hiked the remainder of the trail.
Just before Arrowhead lake there is a climbers trail that turns left from the main trail. It is in a patch of field. If you are going to climb in the Cirque this will same you the 45 minutes to hike up Jackass Pass. Traverse through the boulders and make your way to the obvious ridge. Once there you will be overwhelmed by the view of the Cirque.
The view from the climbers trail ridge.
The setting sun on the Wolf's Head and Pingora to the right
Everyone told us that the mosquitoes were going to be bad. So we decided to hike farther up into the cirque to set up basecamp. The skeeters were bad but the head nets helped. Do not forget the deet. It is clutch.
My tent with Mt. Mitchel in the background
We found a great spot just below Wolf's Head. This also set us up for a great head start on the East ridge route and Pingora that we planned to climb, pending weather. The views from our camp belong in a book.
At 3:45am the next morning I felt like shit. I had a head ache, was very tired, had a stiff neck, and was very fatigued. Chris pushed me really hard to go after it, so I hiked up with them in the dark to the start of the 3rd class to the ridge. I could not do it. I couldn't even catch my breath. I had AMS, Altitude Mountain Sickness. We were sleeping a over 10,000 feet. The summit was just over 12,000. After sitting a bit and still not being able to catch my breath I headed back down to camp. Chris and Lori would tell me later how much of a mistake this was. The East Ridge route was spectacular. They had a great time. Apparently the north side of Darth Vader is a very exposed 5.7 pitch. I am already planning to go back next year. The next day the weather was really stormy and foggy so we decided to head out early and climb in Colorado. We hiked out in the fog, which was very tricky not being able to see. We made it back to the main trail and eventually the car in a matter of a few hours. I am very disappointed that I was not able to climb in the Winds but I sure have some good beta for my next trip.
When we arrived at Fort Collins we climbed at the Hoursetooth Reservoir. It was great. HR is where John Gill started to boulder for the first time. It is also the spot of one of the most popular problems in the states, Pinch Overhang. Of course I left my camera in the car so no climbing porn from HR, sorry. But we climbed two or three fun problems on punk rock and the Mental block. There is a reason that they call in the mental block. It is totally a mind screw when you are on these problems. John Gill really had some God strength when he put these problems up. Props to you John.
After Ft. Collins it was time to head to NOLA. I made it in 24 hours. That includes stops for gas and food. I did eat in the car though. I very anxious to see Star.
Looking back at the trip it was truly an eventful and fantastic trip. From OR, Eldo, Boulder, to the amazing state of Wyoming, it was incredible. I learned a ton about climbing in the mountains. All I can say is thanks Chris. You really came through man.
Speaking of, Yo Chris!! When are we going to do that 11b R Copp route on the Watchtower? I'm in!!!
