Washakie - Hailey Pass Loop

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

The Washakie-Hailey Pass Loop is arguably the second most popular backpacking route in the southern Wind River Range, after the renowned Cirque of the Towers: Two Pass Loop. It's appeal comes from its reasonable distance, grand views, and popular side excursions such as Shadow Lake #7149 and Babtiste Lake. In addition to these highlights, you'll encounter only half as many backpackers compared to those heading to the Cirque of the Towers.

The route travels up the East Fork River Valley, draining the back side of the Cirque of the Towers, west side of Mount Washakie, and the craggy glacial carved peaks of the East Fork Valley. The route climbs over Washakie Pass, wraps around Grave Lake, and back over Hailey Pass. It is recommended to backpack this trail counter clockwise (over Washakie Pass first), more for the views than anything else.

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 waste 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.

This route takes 3 - 5 days; 3 days (34.5 miles) for those planning to hike 10 miles per day without the side excursions to Shadow, South Fork, and Basbtiste Lakes, and 5 days (46.6 miles) for those planning on taking their time and visiting these lakes. Like many popular routes in the Winds, this one also starts at Big Sandy Trail. It is also possible to start at the Bear's Ears Trail near Dickinson Park which offers approximately the same distance to complete this two pass loop.

From Big Sandy Trail, hike about 0.5 miles and take a left at the junction towards Dad's Lake. The trail traverses from the Big Sandy drainage into the East Fork Valley drainage, gradually climbing, but without notice. You'll pass Mirror Lake at the 5 mile mark then Dad's Lake at the 6th mile. Often, you'll have views of the surrounding mountains as the trail continues up this vast alpine valley. At Marm's Lake (mile 7), take a right at the junction, then another right 2 miles later at Washakie Creek towards Shadow Lake if in the itinerary. Shadow Lake #7149 is approximately 2 miles from this junction, adding 4 miles onto the trip. Shadow Lake is an incredible place to camp with striking views of Sharks Nose and Wolfs Head. Although it is also part of the most popular loop in the southern Winds making camp spots sometimes competitive to find.

Continue on Hailey Pass trail for another mile then take a right for the Washakie Pass #7155 trail. This pass trail is a slow burn and gets aggressive at times. As you take your breaks, take a look behind you at the magnificent granite walls of the East Fork Valley. The top of the pass has a few wind shelters and offers a good starting point to side hike Washakie Peak, if there is motivation left for climbing. Take the winding trail downhill through shrubs and short pine trees to Washakie Lake - you are now in the headwaters for the Little Wind River. Payson Peak stands out on your right, and just as you pass it, a trail junction for Bear's Ears Trail will appear. If on the longer itinerary, take a right and then another right on the South Fork Lakes Trail (5 miles round trip). If on the shorter itinerary, continue down the South Fork of the Little Wind River.

The Bear's Ears Trail eventually splits from the South Fork of the Little Wind River - take a left and climb through the open forest that will remind you of the Shire. Eventually the forest of the Shire gives way to the grand view of Grave Lake, a large glacially carved lake. There is limited camping along the lake and it is typically crowded, so plan ahead. As the trail follows the north side of Grave Lake, Hooker's north east face comes into view. It's the steepest and second largest face (Raid Peak being the first) in the Winds. At the head of Grave Lake, the trail climbs along Baptiste Creek. There is a junction for Baptiste Lake soon after. Long itinerary backpackers should definitely make this trip, and it only adds on 3 miles round trip.

The best view of Mount Hooker is at the Baptiste Creek crossing. This is a tricky crossing which either involves: A) getting your feet wet where it is shallow, or B) jumping across the turbulent creek on large flat blocks of rock. The climb up Hailey Pass starts now, but it is not nearly has difficult as Washakie Pass. Enjoy the views of Hooker's east face as you make your way up the steep switchbacks. The way down the other side can be tricky. Keep an eye out for cairns as the trail winds through the craggy slope. The trail soon closes the loop and you'll be back on familiar trail. 10 miles down the valley is the Big Sandy trailhead.