New Fork - Double Top Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Commonly Backpacked · Fishing · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

The New Fork - Double Top route offers a quieter, less-crowded experience in the Wind River Range, with stunning alpine scenery and opportunities for solitude. It's perfect for backpackers seeking a 4 to 6-day, off-the-beaten-path adventure while enjoying the signature granite peaks, alpine lakes, and wildlife of the Winds. The route quickly rises into the alpine and mostly maintains an elevation above 10,000 feet. Many of the lakes offer good fishing, making this trip a great one to supplement your menu with fresh caught trout. There are options to make the trip shorter if time is not on your side by cutting the loop at Palmer Lake #7129 (20 miles) or at the Highline Trail (34 miles).

This backpacking route crosses the high alpine for most of its length. Consider bringing a bear canister or be prepared to look for boulders to hang your food from. This trail requires a few river crossings on the New Fork. The river can be high and turbulent earlier in the season (June and July).

As per USFS rules:
1) Make sure to camp 200 feet from trails and water.
2) Dogs have to be leashed or under control (i.e. training collar or equivalent) at all times.
3) All food and attractants need to be suspended at least 10 feet high and 4 feet from a post or tree or stored inside a bear-resistant container.
4) Check current fire restrictions. Fire rings must be dismantled after use.

Begin at the New Fork trailhead outside of Cora, WY, hiking the New Fork Porcupine Trail along the north side of New Fork Lake. The New Fork Lake, like many lakes on the western slope of the Winds was formed by the glaciers of the last Ice Age about 10,000 to 12,000 years ago. About 2 miles in, take the Doubletop #7131 trail and climb steep switchbacks through the burned area for 1,000-or-so feet of elevation gain. After a quick break at the first summit that breaks the drainage, continue to climb for another 2 miles to Rainbow Lake. The trail emerges out of the wooded area into alpine tundra, gently ascending around and then down Doubletop Mountain to the north. A mile of trail descends to Palmer Lake, a great place to make camp for the night (~9 miles from the TH).

Continue east from Palmer Lake, climbing the broad ridge passing by many small alpine lakes, then the Cutthroat Lakes. The trail eventually descends and intercepts the Highline #7094 trail at Summit Lake. Go south (right) at the Highline Trail, traversing the Pine Creek drainage and then ascending up to Pass Lake. After another moderate climb (but with thin air!) you'll arrive at Elbow Lake. There is good camping found as you approach the lake and at the head of the lake. It might be a good strategy to stop for the day as some difficult terrain is immediately ahead. If you brought your fishing gear, all of the lakes along the trail on the segment have good trout fishing.

This segment is arguably the most physically difficult, crossing four mountain passes. At the junction for Shannon Pass Trail about a mile ahead, take a left for Shannon Pass. Another mile of climbing leads to the pass, the highest point of the route. Another pass, Cube Rock Pass, is just around the corner and then the trail drops and quickly reascends to Vista Pass. The trail drops into the Green River drainage where the Clark Creek Trail junction is encountered. Take the long climb up Clark Creek back into the alpine tundra to Lozier Lakes. Camping in this high section is easily found and may be worth enjoying as the remaining route descends back down into the North Fork Canyon. The North Fork Canyon below also has good camping and is about 3 or so miles from Lozier Lakes. There's little opportunity to set up a tent in between.

The last segment descends back into the New Fork Canyon and follows the river back to the trailhead. Descend the many switchbacks into the New Fork Canyon and back to the New Fork Porcupine Trail. The trail is mellow and stays on the west side of the river for the remainder of the trip. After a few miles of following the trail, there are two required river crossings, one after the other. Enjoy this beautiful canyon and the cascading New Fork River back to the trailhead.