Wind River Range - Summer Timing

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MarkDidier

 
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Wind River Range - Summer Timing

by MarkDidier » Thu Jan 06, 2011 9:47 pm

Looking for some input from Winds veterans - mostly regarding the weather. Normally I plan my summer trip out west for July or August. Due to some personal commitments (25th wedding anniversaray, my dad's 90th birthday) I literally have two good options this year...the weeks of either July 10th or August 28th (backing into Labor Day weekend). I'm still early in the research phase for my itinerary, but at this point am looking at a multi day trip from Scab Creek Trailhead to the Rainbow Lake/Middle Fork Lake area and/or a multi day trip from Big Sandy heading up toward the Pyramid Lake area - or a combination of two short trips from each trailhead. We hope to do a lot of exploring along the divide area and hopefully hit a few peaks (Class 2/3 tops).

I'm afraid the July date may be too early as far as snow is concerned - our group has limited experience on snow and I assume the passes and many summit routes will be difficult from that standpoint. As for late August, I am concerned about "winter" weather approaching...as that will be hard for me to sell to our group!

Just curious what people would recommend. (My bail out option is the San Juans...not that is necessarily bad, but I was hoping to make it to the Winds this year).

Thanks,
Mark

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Bob Sihler
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Re: Wind River Range - Summer Timing

by Bob Sihler » Fri Jan 07, 2011 1:16 am

Mark, I think August is better because of snow levels and stream crossings being easier. Also, mosquitoes will be much more bearable. You should be okay regarding winter storms, but of course there are no guarantees.

However, things shouldn't be too bad by July 10 most years.

Either should work, but I'd lean August given the choice.
"Alcohol is like love. The first kiss is magic, the second is intimate, the third is routine. After that you take the girl's clothes off."

--Terry Lennox, The Long Goodbye (Raymond Chandler)

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Scott
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Re: Wind River Range - Summer Timing

by Scott » Fri Jan 07, 2011 5:02 pm

July: Greener down low, more snow (perhaps more asthetic), higher creeks, more daylight more mosquitoes. Wildflowers should be coming out by then, but some of the lakes would probably still be frozen over.

August: Less snow, smaller stream crossings, less mosquitoes, less daylight.

Overall, I'd choose late August, but only because of the mosquitoes. In July, the Wind River Range is one of the most mosquito prone areas I've seen anywhere in the world. The scenery is fantastic though.

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MarkDidier

 
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Re: Wind River Range - Summer Timing

by MarkDidier » Fri Jan 07, 2011 9:46 pm

Bob/Scott - Thanks for the input. For the most part I was leaning towards the late August date. I liked the idea of July, and yes Scott it was mostly due to the aethetic appeal the snow would give the mountains, but both your comments confirm what I thought - high streams, extra mosquitos - so the latter date probably makes more sense for us. Hopefull there will still be some snow on the peaks in late August. From the pics I have seen of the central and southern Winds, it looks like most of the snow can be gone by mid August - which is somewhat disappointing. But late August hopefully will make the mosquitos less of a hassle (which will make my son happier - which will in the end make me happier :wink: ) and we'll also be able to squeeze in an extra day due to it being Labor Day weekend. Thanks again. Mark

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Re: Wind River Range - Summer Timing

by builttospill » Sat Jan 08, 2011 12:24 am

I've been into the Winds twice (Cirque of the Towers both times).

First time was about August 17-22 or so. It was perfect....I think the mosquitoes had just died. I never noticed a single one, personally.

The next year (2009), we went in during the later part of July and it was hell. I mean, I'd do it again if I had no other option timing-wise, but it sure wouldn't be my first choice.

I'd choose late August over any other time in the Winds, bar none (or even the first few days in September).

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Re: Wind River Range - Summer Timing

by Mentalfloss1 » Wed Jul 02, 2014 6:43 pm

I've always gone to the Winds the week before hunting season begins in mid-September. It often snows but so far not over a few inches. However, this year my wife and I can only go in the 2nd week of August. I prefer cold to mosquitoes but I suspect we are risking bugs that early. Anyone have experience that time of the year? Thank you.

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Re: Wind River Range - Summer Timing

by WyomingSummits » Thu Jul 03, 2014 4:43 am

Late August hands down!

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Bill Reed

 
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Re: Wind River Range - Summer Timing

by Bill Reed » Thu Jul 03, 2014 11:09 pm

Wholeheartedly agree on August, later the better (if the weather holds). One of the few times on SP that everbody agrees!!

May bump into you, Mark, if you're staying in town the night before you go in. How many days you going in for?

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Re: Wind River Range - Summer Timing

by WyomingSummits » Fri Jul 04, 2014 3:11 am

Mentalfloss1 wrote:I've always gone to the Winds the week before hunting season begins in mid-September. It often snows but so far not over a few inches. However, this year my wife and I can only go in the 2nd week of August. I prefer cold to mosquitoes but I suspect we are risking bugs that early. Anyone have experience that time of the year? Thank you.


I was there twice last year.....late June with mosquitoes everywhere and early August with not one to be found. Of course that isn't always the rule, but 2nd week of August is still a decent bet to at least have fewer bugs.

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MarkDidier

 
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Re: Wind River Range - Summer Timing

by MarkDidier » Fri Jul 04, 2014 3:23 pm

Bill Reed wrote:May bump into you, Mark, if you're staying in town the night before you go in. How many days you going in for?


Bill - Oh how I wish I was heading to the Winds! This is an old thread from 2011 that I started...as for the Winds I'm sorta like the Chicago Cubs...just wait til' next year! Also, FYI, there is a good chance when I head to RMNP later this month that we will be heading to Spectacle Lake on our first day as opposed to Glacier Gorge if you're interested. I'll let you know how the itinerary shapes up. I want to save Glacier Gorge for the last day so I can get a shot at McHenry's.

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Bill Reed

 
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Re: Wind River Range - Summer Timing

by Bill Reed » Sat Jul 05, 2014 2:56 pm

Duh.......right, keep me posted.

FYI-In case you're not aware of this. See the Fall River Area: http://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/f ... osures.htm

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Re: Wind River Range - Summer Timing

by pyerger » Mon Jul 07, 2014 4:34 pm

Went into Titcomb basin over labor day, several years ago. The weather was perfect, dry, calm,and no BUGS! The glaciers have turned to hard ice, so traveling over, or around them can be problematic.


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