Cirque of the Towers: Two Pass Loop

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Features Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Fishing · Geological Significance · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The Cirque of the Towers Loop following the two-pass loop (Texas Pass and Jackass Pass) is one of the top loops in the Southern Wind River Range. Being a loop hike, one can go clockwise OR counterclockwise from the Big Sandy Trail. However, the clockwise route is strongly recommended. You'll encounter the Texas Pass first and Jackass Pass second.

This is among one of the many popular routes in the southern winds which starts from Big Sandy Trail. In consequence, parking at the trailhead is often very full. Please be mindful about where you park, and do not destroy the vegetation to create "new parking spots". There is overflow parking near the turnoff for Big Sandy Lodge.

Also due to its popularity, traditional backcountry pooping etiquette of burying your poop and toilet paper has degraded the water quality of many pristine alpine streams and lakes, and bathroom litter is often noticed around campsites. Please consider packing it out.

If your hungry after your trip, head a mile down the road to Big Sandy Lodge for a burger and beer. They are open Thursday-Monday & Holidays from Opening Day through Labor Day Weekend from 11am to 8pm or last call.

If you choose the clockwise route, take a left on the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. You'll pass by Meek's Lake, Mirror Lake, Dad's Lake and Marms Lake the first day. Approximately 12 miles from the trailhead is Shadow Lake, a great place to set up camp for the night. This area is pretty windy; keep this in mind while looking for a camping spot. The Cirque towering above Shadow Lake is an awesome sight. If you time it right, you can enjoy the dark skies in all their glory during a new moon.

Head toward Lonesome Lake via Texas Pass on the second day. On the way you'll see Billy's Lake, Barren Lake, and Texas Lake. The climb up to Texas Lake is gradual, while the elevation gain to the top of Texas Pass is close to 600 feet in about half a mile. From Texas Pass, it's a steep and steady descent of about 2,000 feet over 2 miles all the way to Lonesome Lake. Once you descend from Texas Pass, the area to the left gives a commanding view of Pingora Peak looming large in front of Lonesome Lake. If you look closely, you can see people climbing Pingora Peak. Camping is not allowed within a quarter mile of Lonesome Lake, and most hikers head that direction for camping.

The next morning, return to Big Sandy Trail from Lonesome Lake via Jackass Pass. There are multiple trails that lead to Jackass Pass from Lonesome Lake. The official trail will lead to a signboard with the name of the pass. But you'll get to the top of the pass following any of the trails, maybe not to the signboard. Enjoy views of Arrowhead Lake, North Lake, and Big Sandy Lake on the way back to the trailhead. There are excellent camping opportunities near each of these lakes, along with many different itinerary options for the Cirque of the Towers Loop. - Description by Aravind Venkitasubramony, Outdoor Project