Skurka's Wind River High Route

Dogs Leashed

Features Commonly Backpacked · Geological Significance · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Waterfall · Wildlife

97 miles in length, 65 of which are off trail with the largest continuous stretch being 30 miles, and nearly 26,000 feet of vertical gain. This route follows the crest of the Wind River Range. But the statistics don't do it justice. Much of the off-trail terrain consists of talus, granite slabs, snow, and glacial ice. The route traverses high alpine plateaus, ridges, and cirques, summiting three peaks in the process. Andrew Skurka's Wind River High Route is truly a gem for those seeking an ultimate mountain adventure.

The route was developed to travel northbound, starting at Bruce's Bridge, but many have also traveled the route southbound from Trail Lake. The description provided below describes the route in a northbound direction from Bruce's Bridge.

The route is described in three segments: Southern Winds, Central Winds, and Northern Winds. Each segment has its own character and distinct wildness. The Southern Winds are perhaps the most striking, with glacially carved granite cirques with sheer smooth faces which rise as much as 2,000 feet. This segment is also the most crowded with the Cirque of the Towers and Baptiste Lake areas drawing large crowds of backpackers and climbers. The Central Winds are generally lower in elevation, but with many 12,000 feet peaks. Most of this segment is off trail, so there's a very good chance you'll have all this wilderness to yourself. The Northern Winds are highly glaciated with a concentration of 13,000 feet peaks. Microspikes and maybe a small axe will be useful for this last hard leg. The strategy with this segment is to plan your days to end at valley bottoms, as comfortable camps will not be found in the talus.

This route takes 7 to 10 days to complete if hiking, or 1 to 4 days if running it.

This route involves meticulous planning, including knowing the route, exits, gear, and food. Be sure to do plenty of research beyond this page. I recommend purchasing a guide for the route on Andrew Skurka's website. andrewskurka.com/adventures… and perusing the internet for other trip reports.
The Wind River Shuttle can arrange a shuttle from Trail Lake to Bruce's Bridge.

Season:
Bugs are bad until late July/early August and winter can come as early as September. August is the best month for high country in the Wind River Range. If you intend to ski traverse this route. I have found ski conditions to be best mid-April to early May, although the high country (above 10,000 feet) could in condition until late May.

Gear:
An extra pair of socks and extra shirt is all the additional gear you need. Save the room for food, and consider cold soaking some meals to save fuel. Microspikes are useful.

Southern Winds: Bruce's Bridge to Bonneville Lakes (Mile 0 - 40). 11,000+ ft gain

At Bruce's Bridge, follow the Middle Fork Trail (9 miles), the Pinto Park Trail (3 miles), and the Deep Creek Cutoff Trail (2 miles) to Deep Creek Lakes. Ahead is the long climb up to Wind River Peak which receives the brunt of afternoon thunderstorms. So, if it's between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., be prepared for the weather or camp at Deep Creek Lakes for a morning push. The climb up Wind River Peak takes the northeast broad ridge to the summit (3rd to 4th class). Enjoy this view of the entire range - you can nearly pick out the entire High Route from here.

The descent takes the southwest ridge (aim for the divide that connects to East Temple Peak) and down an obvious large couloir to a world of talus below. You'll find the Black Joe Trail once out of the major cirque. Take the Big Sandy Trail over Jackass Pass to Lonesome Lake and over Texas Pass to Shadow Lake. Follow Shadow Lake trail to Hailey Pass trail. Once at Skull Lake, take a northeast heading off the trail close to the head of the lake (aiming for Mount Geikie). You'll be off trail for the remainder of this segment, so pay attention. Follow the East Fork drainage upstream and climb up the 3rd class talus to the saddle between Raid Peak (the largest wall at the head of the valley), and Mount Bonneville. Pick your way down talus to Bonneville Lake.

Central Winds: Bonneville Lakes to Alpine Lakes (Mile 40 - 65). 7,000+ ft gain

From Bonneville Lake, take the pass above, navigating talus and slabs to Middle Fork Lake. Briefly head around the lake and then straight up to Bewmark Lake. Cross over Photo Pass, wrap around Halls Mountain towards the easiest pass seen ahead aiming to stay close to the eastern face of the divide. At last, Europe Peak's east ridge lies ahead (3rd to 4th class). The broad northwest ridge descends the mountain to Golden Lakes. Grab the Hay Pass Trail here, to Camp Lake, then upstream skirting the southwestern side of the Alpine Lakes, avoiding The Fortress. Good camping is found below the Upper Alpine Lake.

Northern Winds: Alpine Lakes to Trail Lake (Mile 65 - 97). 9,000 ft gain

Take the talus pass at the head of upper Alpine Lake into Indian Basin. A long way on talus skirts the Knife Blade Glacier to the bottom of the drainage. Once off the moraine, keep an eye out for a reasonable pass, which cuts over to Bull Creek. Stay on the north side of Bull Creek heading upstream towards the intimidating Blaurock Pass (3rd class talus). Down the pass to Dinwoody Creek, follow the large moraine skirting around West Sentinel peak to a 3rd class talus pass.

The other side requires a mandatory traverse across the Gannett Glacier, although there are no major crevasses in this section. Aim for the passage between the rocky knoll and glacier. Traverse Dinwoody Creek, setting general bearings on Grasshopper Glacier. Traverse the glacier aiming for the Continental divide, following the divide to Baker Lake. Staying on the divide, skirt Yukon Peak, and traverse high ridges to Downs Mountain. The east ridge of Downs Mountain brings you to No Mans Pass and on a large plateau that connects with the Glacier Trail, and a long descent to your car at Trail Lake.

Andrew Skurka, an acclaimed long-distance backpacker and adventurer, developed the Wind River High Route in the early 2010s. Skurka, known for his ultralight backpacking ethos and extensive experience creating similar routes in other ranges (such as the Sierra High Route), aimed to develop a high-altitude trek through the Wind River Range that would push the limits of experienced backpackers while showcasing the remote beauty of this relatively underexplored region.
Skurka's motivation was to capture the full breadth of the Wind River Range's alpine landscape. The route emphasizes the "high" experience by keeping hikers at elevations often above 10,000 feet and incorporating passes, ridges, and glaciated terrain that require technical skill, physical stamina, and meticulous planning.

You can read more about Andrew Skurka and get beta from the man himself at andrewskurka.com/adventures…