Wind River Backcountry Rock Climbing

Adventure
Adventure
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Wind River Range
summer
Summer
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fall
Fall
moderate
Moderate
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difficult
Difficult

Overview

Wind River Range Backcountry Rock Climbing: Haystack & the Cirque of the Towers

The Mountain Guides have been climbing in the Winds for decades, and have racked up an impressive list of ascents of many of their finest routes. Some of the best alpine rock and ice climbing in the United States is found in the Wind River Mountains. Backpacking, day hiking, and fishing are also pursuits to be enjoyed here. If you are looking for amazing granite, spectacular views and no crowds? Then this adventure is made for you.

Wind River Backcountry Rock at a Glance

  • Location: Southern Wind River Range, Wyoming, from the Big Sandy Trailhead
  • Length: 5 days
  • Prerequisites: Multi-pitch experience is helpful; routes chosen for your ability
  • Options: Haystack Mountain (11,978 ft) or the Cirque of the Towers
  • Season: July 1 to August 31; the Cirque is possible through September 20
  • For: Climbers who want amazing granite, spectacular views and no crowds

What You'll Climb

  • Haystack Mountain: multi-pitch routes on clean granite, plus nearby Steeple Peak, East Temple Peak and Sundance Pinnacle
  • Cirque of the Towers: the largest concentration of high-quality routes in the Winds, including two of the 50 Classic Climbs, the East Ridge of Wolf’s Head (II, 5.5) and the Northeast Face of Pingora (IV, 5.8)
  • Climbs matched each day to your goals and ability level

Trip Format

Both trips start with a 5.5-mile, 600-foot hike from Big Sandy Trailhead to Big Sandy Lake. The Haystack trip continues south to a camp near timberline below the peak; the Cirque trip turns north over Big Sandy Pass to camp near Lonesome Lake. The middle days are spent climbing; on the last day you can climb a few pitches in the morning or head straight down to the roadhead. Wilderness hiking and fishing surround both camps, which makes the Haystack trip a good fit for families with mixed interests.

Who This Trip Is For

Climbers who want to experience some of the finest wilderness rock in America or concentrate on improving their skills, with a private guide choosing objectives to match. Some of the best alpine rock and ice in the United States is in the Winds, and The Mountain Guides has been climbing here for decades with an impressive list of ascents on its finest routes.

Why Climb the Winds with The Mountain Guides

  • Decades of Wind River ascents and AMGA-trained and certified guides
  • Private trips built around your objectives
  • All rock climbing gear, harnesses, helmets and hardware supplied

Plan Your Wind River Trip

These trips cannot be booked online; inquire through the Schedule tab for dates between July 1 and August 31, or September for the Cirque.

This trip starts by heading to the Big Sandy Trailhead near the southern end of the Winds. A half day hike gets you to the base of Haystack Mountain (11,978′), an ideal location for multi-pitch climbing on clean granite in a spectacular wilderness setting. Other nearby peaks such as Steeple Peak, (12,040′), East Temple Peak (12,600′) and Sundance Pinnacle (11,081′) offer some beautiful routes and summits.

The area around Haystack is surrounded by miles of wilderness hiking, and there is fishing in the nearby streams and lakes. This is the perfect location for family trips with activities for everyone.

The first day we’ll get to the roadhead in mid to late morning. The hike in from Big Sandy trailhead to Big Sandy Lake is a pleasant 5.5 mile trail with only 600’ of elevation gain. At the lake we will head south to the Deep Lake area near Haystack Mountain. The trails steepen en route to a campsite near timberline.

The following days will be spent ascending peaks and climbing; with the vast variety of routes available, you and your guide will find climbs to match your goals and ability level.

The last day it’s possible to climb a few pitches in the morning, or simply head directly back down the trail to the roadhead.

Check Availability

5-day haystack mountain5-day cirque of the towers

307-298-1150