Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
2,700.00 ft (822.96 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
17.00 mi (27.36 km)
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North of Rock Springs, Wyoming, lies one of the classic backcountry destinations in the Rockies. The Cirque of the Towers lies within the southeast tail of the magnificent Wind River Range. Its expansive reach is depicted by serrated peaks, alpine lakes, and granite walls.

One must navigate a series of gravel roads over 40 miles to reach the access point. Make sure a detailed map or directions are handy. From the Big Sandy Trailhead, the Big Sandy Trail begins with a level grade as it leads through meadows and alpine forest. The trail rises 700 feet before reaching the first major attraction, Big Sandy Lake. From here, the trail wraps around the west side of the lake before continuing a series of steep switchbacks through North Creek saddle toward Jackass Pass. Conditions tend to become windy as the trail ascends above 9,500 feet, but the views begin to unfold as the massive surrounding silhouettes of Schieslter and War Bonnet peaks become clear.

The trail follows the side of a ridge through a boulder field that requires some route finding skills in order to navigate a few of the rocky switchbacks to North Lake. From the north side of the lake, the last 3 miles of the trail are steep and more technical, leading over a series of ascents and descents before reaching the 10,700-foot Jackass Pass. From here, the prized Cirque of the Towers and surrounding valley below are displayed. Dispersed camping can be found in several areas in the valley, although camping is prohibited within a quarter of a mile of Lonesome Lake.

Once you've established camp, fishing, lakes, and waterfalls are all right there beneath the towering peaks above. Make sure to be prepared for inclement weather any time of year, as cold and windy weather can quickly sweep in at high altitude.

 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Fantasic scenery. Low foot traffic. Wildflowers.

Cons

Accessibility. Short season.

Trailhead Elevation

9,100.00 ft (2,773.68 m)

Features

Backcountry camping
Mountaineering
Rock climbing
Wildflowers

Typically multi-day

No

Suitable for

Horseback

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Comments

The Cirque is my all time favorite destination. I have been there 3 times. Always from Lander WY. I recommend Lander Llama guided trips which I have used twice.

Last trip I backpacked from Sinks Canyon into the Cirque. 50+ miles, amazing experience.
08/07/2018
This is stunning! Brian, I made the loop hike this August and it was perfectly doable in a day. Clocked 27 miles, with probably a mile of that being route searching. I slept in the car and started around 7:30am... it'd be hard to include the drive to and from the trailhead and get the full loop hike done in a day.
11/08/2018
Brian - you certainly could turn this into a loop but the miles would easily stack up. I hope to get back to this area soon and explore further up Texas Pass.
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