Navigating the Treacherous Terrain: A Challenging Hike Through the Wind River High Route

The author's account of their arduous journey through the Wind River High Route in Wyoming paints a vivid picture of the physical and mental challenges they faced. From early morning delays due to inclement weather to the grueling climbs and route-finding difficulties, the narrative captures the true essence of this demanding backcountry adventure. Despite the setbacks and exhaustion, the author's determination to complete the route shines through, as they grapple with the decision to deviate from the original plan in order to ensure their safety and well-being. This captivating story offers a glimpse into the realities of long-distance hiking and the resilience required to overcome the obstacles that arise along the way.

Pushing the Limits: A Thrilling Expedition Through the Wind River High Route

Weathering the Storm and Adjusting the Plan

The day began with high hopes, as the group had planned to hit the trail by 5 a.m., just as they had done the previous day. However, the early morning brought unexpected rain, causing them to sleep in a bit longer. The cold and windy conditions, coupled with the physical toll from the previous day's hike, left everyone feeling exhausted. The author's body ached from the demanding climbs and the constant use of their arms. Despite these challenges, the author felt a renewed sense of optimism, as the negative thoughts from the previous day had faded, and they were ready to tackle the next leg of the journey with a fresh mindset.

Navigating the Treacherous Terrain

The group's morning began with a steep climb along the edge of a mountain, navigating through a boulder field and using their hands constantly to pull themselves up and around massive boulders. At one point, they encountered a cliff that forced them to backtrack and find an alternative route. After traversing a relatively flat boulder field, they were once again faced with a steep scramble up the side of a cliff. This section proved to be incredibly challenging, with the group encountering several instances where they "cliffed out," requiring them to climb even higher to find a way around.

Overcoming Obstacles and Seeking Respite

The climbing was relentless, with the group engaging in Class 3 and Class 4 scrambling for the majority of the morning. The steep and dangerous terrain took a toll on their energy levels, and they were relieved to find a flat section of the cliff with a large amount of snow. Taking a brief break, the group used the snow to create refreshing snowcones, which helped to lift their spirits. However, the descent towards the second alpine lake proved to be equally arduous, as they navigated through endless boulder fields, with the author narrowly avoiding several close calls.

Reassessing the Plan and Considering Alternatives

As the group reached the second alpine lake, they were dismayed to discover that they had only covered 3.5 miles in over four hours of hiking. This realization was a significant blow to their morale, as they had expected to make much more progress. The author and their companions began to seriously consider the option of deviating from the Wind River High Route and dropping down onto the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) red line, as they were concerned about running out of food before completing the entire high route.

Navigating the Challenging Terrain and Making a Decision

The descent towards Camp Lake proved to be another arduous section, with the group navigating a steep and confusing route that was not on the Gaia map. Despite the challenges, they eventually reached Camp Lake, where they decided to take a lunch break and further discuss their options. After weighing the pros and cons, the group collectively agreed that the most reasonable course of action was to get off the Wind River High Route and reconnect with the CDT red line, which would allow them to complete the Cirque of the Towers portion of the route while conserving their limited food supplies.

Transitioning to the CDT and Finding Respite

As the group left Camp Lake and began their descent, they were pleasantly surprised to find that the trail conditions had improved significantly. The hiking became much easier, and they were able to make good time. The author, who had initially felt disappointed in their decision to deviate from the original plan, began to feel a sense of relief as they realized the benefits of their choice. The transition to the CDT red line provided a welcome respite from the grueling terrain they had encountered on the Wind River High Route.

Reflecting on the Journey and Looking Ahead

Despite the challenges and setbacks, the author recognized the importance of maintaining a positive perspective. They acknowledged that the Wind River High Route was an incredibly difficult section of trail and that they should be proud of their accomplishments, even if they were unable to complete the entire route. The author also realized that the main goal should be to successfully complete the Continental Divide Trail, and that the side quests, while rewarding, were not essential to that primary objective. As they continued their journey, the author looked forward to the upcoming Cirque of the Towers section, eager to tackle the next phase of their thrilling backcountry adventure.