Jackson Hole Mountain Guides have been climbing in the Winds for decades, and have racked up an impressive list of ascents of many of their finest routes. Some of the best alpine rock and ice climbing in the United States is found in the Wind River Mountains. Backpacking, day hiking, and fishing are also pursuits to be enjoyed here. If you are looking for amazing granite, spectacular views and no crowds?  Then this adventure is made for you.

5 - DAY HAYSTACK MOUNTAIN

This trip starts by heading to the Big Sandy Trailhead near the southern end of the Winds. A half day hike gets you to the base of Haystack Mountain (11,978′), an ideal location for multi-pitch climbing on clean granite in a spectacular wilderness setting. Other nearby peaks such as Steeple Peak, (12,040′), East Temple Peak (12,600′) and Sundance Pinnacle (11,081′) offer some beautiful routes and summits.

The area around Haystack is surrounded by miles of wilderness hiking, and there is fishing in the nearby streams and lakes. This is the perfect location for family trips with activities for everyone.

The first day we’ll get to the roadhead in mid to late morning. The hike in from Big Sandy trailhead to Big Sandy Lake is a pleasant 5.5 mile trail with only 600’ of elevation gain. At the lake we will head south to the Deep Lake area near Haystack Mountain. The trails steepen en route to a campsite near timberline.

The following days will be spent ascending peaks and climbing; with the vast variety of routes available, you and your guide will find climbs to match your goals and ability level.

The last day it’s possible to climb a few pitches in the morning, or simply head directly back down the trail to the roadhead.
 
5- DAY CIRQUE OF THE TOWERS
A few hours beyond Haystack Mountain and over Big Sandy Pass is the Cirque of the Towers, which contains the largest concentration of high-quality climbing routes in the Wind Rivers. Amongst the many fine climbs are two of the legendary 50 Classics in North America: the East Ridge of Wolf’s Head (II, 5.5) and the Northeast face of Pingora (IV, 5.8).

Whether you wish to simply experience some of the finest wilderness rock climbing in America or you want to concentrate on improving your climbing skills, the Cirque of the Towers is an ideal location that has drawn climbers from around the world for decades.

The itinerary is similar to the five-day course, but on the hike in, we will turn north at Big Sandy Lake and travel three miles north to the Cirque of Towers, camping in the Lonesome Lake area.