Have you ever dreamed of standing beneath towering granite spires, surrounded by pristine alpine lakes and wildflower-dotted meadows? The Cirque of the Towers loop in Wyoming’s Wind River Range is your ticket to backcountry nirvana.
Look, the Cirque of the Towers isn’t a walk in the park. You’ll be huffing and puffing above 10,000 feet, navigating some sketchy “trails,” and possibly battling mosquitoes the size of small birds. But trust me, it’s worth every bug bite.
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Why The Cirque of the Towers Loop Will Blow Your Mind
- Jaw-dropping views that’ll make your Instagram followers weep
- A perfect blend of challenge and accessibility
- No permits required (hello, spontaneous adventure!)
- World-class climbing if you’re into that sort of thing
Cirque of the Towers Wyoming Trail Stats
- Distance: 23 mile loop
- Elevation Gain: Approximately 3,900 feet
- Highest Point: Texas Pass at 11,500 feet
- Lowest Point: Big Sandy Trailhead at 9,100 feet
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Permits Required: No
- Dogs Allowed: Yes
- Cell Service: No – someone in the group should have a satellite communicator like a Garmin InReach Mini
- Time: 3 days / 2 nights (minimum)
- Terrain: A mix of well-maintained trails, rugged off-trail sections, rocky passes, and potentially snow-covered areas depending on the season.
- Ecosystems: Subalpine forests, alpine meadows, rocky mountain peaks
- Water Availability: Plentiful (lakes and streams throughout the route, but always filter)
Cirque of the Towers Route: A Play-by-Play
Day 1: Big Sandy Trailhead to Shadow Lake (10.9 miles) You’ll start at Big Sandy Trailhead (9,100 ft). The first day is a gentle warm-up, climbing 1,200 feet over 11 miles. You’ll pass Mirror Lake, Dad’s Lake, and Marm’s Lake – each one more Instagram-worthy than the last. Camp near Shadow Lake and pat yourself on the back for day one.
Day 2: Shadow Lake to Lonesome Lake (3-4 miles, but feels like 10) Here’s where things get interesting. You’re officially “off-trail” after Shadow Lake. Don’t panic – there’s still a path, but keep your wits about you. You’ll climb over Texas Pass (11,500 ft) and get your first glimpse of the Cirque. Try not to cry (from joy or terror – your choice).
Descend to Lonesome Lake, but remember – no camping within 200 feet of its shores. Find a spot southwest of the lake. Bonus: take a 2-mile side trip to Lizard Head Meadows if you’re feeling up to it.
Day 3: Lonesome Lake to Big Sandy Trailhead (9-10 miles) Rise and shine! Cross Jackass Pass and start the long descent. You’ll pass Big Sandy Lake – a popular spot for day-hikers. The final stretch is a gentle 5.6-mile stroll back to your car.
Best Time to Backpack Cirque of the Towers
July to September is prime time. Here’s the breakdown:
- July: Peak wildflowers and peak mosquitoes and biting flies. Bring bug spray or become an unwilling blood donor. Can still be snow depending on the snowpack from winter.
- August: Still beautiful with wildflowers, fewer bugs, and potential afternoon thunderstorms.
- September: Fewer crowds and bugs, but watch out for early snow.
Cirque of the Towers Backpacking Gear
Pack light, but pack smart. Here’s what you can’t leave behind besides the usual:
- Lightweight tent (I swear by the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL)
- Warm sleeping bag (it gets cold at night, even in summer so 20° rating)
- Water filter (streams are plentiful, but giardia is no joke)
- Bear spray (because… bears – we had one close encounter)
- Proper food storage (Ursack or bear canister) – above treeline so I would recommend the bear canister for this hike.
- Mosquito Head Net (Bugs are no joke here!)
- Trekking poles (optional but your knees will thank you)
- Map and compass (and know how to use them) – Texas Pass is off-trail navigation
- Satellite Communicator (Garmin InReach Mini 2) – There is no cell service so someone in the party should carry one.
For a comprehensive backpacking checklist, so you won’t forget anything, sign up for my email list and get it free!
- When planning a backing trip, tailor your gear to your adventure’s specifics: consider the distance and terrain you’ll hike, the remoteness of your destination, and the expected weather. This checklist is comprehensive, but you won’t need everything on it. Use it as a guide to choose what fits your trip’s unique needs for a safe and enjoyable experience.
Wildlife
You’re in bear country, folks. Both grizzlies and black bears call this place home. Carry bear spray, store food properly, and make noise on the trail. Elk, moose, and marmots are common sights. As for the mosquitoes and biting flies… well, just embrace your new role as a walking buffet.
Rules and Regulations
- No permits required (but leave no trace)
- Groups limited to 15 people
- No camping within 200 feet of lakes and trails and no camping within 100 feet of rivers and streams
- No campfires
- Pack it in, pack it out
Location and Getting There
The Wind River Range is a rugged mountain range located in western Wyoming about 2 hours from Grand Teton National Park (to Pinedale). It forms part of the Rocky Mountains and runs roughly northeast to southeast for about 100 miles.
The range straddles the Continental Divide and is primarily within the Bridger-Teton and Shoshone National Forests, as well as the Wind River Native American Reservation. Situated between the towns of Pinedale and Lander, the Wind River Range is home to over 40 peaks exceeding 13,000 feet.
The pristine wilderness area is renowned for its glaciated mountains, alpine lakes, and expansive forests, making it a paradise for hikers, climbers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
It is about a two-hour drive to the trailhead from Pinedale. The adventure starts before you hit the trail. Big Sandy Trailhead is 27 miles down a dirt road, with the last 10 miles resembling a moonscape. A high-clearance vehicle is ideal, but not entirely necessary but will be bumpy and slow.
Insider tip: Download offline maps and directions. Cell service is non-existent out here.
Final Thoughts: Why You Need to Hike This Loop
The Cirque of Towers loop isn’t just a hike – it’s a rite of passage for any serious backpacker. It’s got everything: challenge, beauty, and the kind of views that make you question why you ever spend time indoors.
Sure, you might curse my name as you’re wheezing up Texas Pass, but when you’re watching the sunset paint those granite spires in shades of gold and pink, you’ll understand. This is what wilderness is all about.
So what are you waiting for? Lace up those boots, pack that backpack, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. The Cirque is calling – will you answer?
FAQs:
- Do I really need bear spray? Yes, unless you want to star in a “Man vs. Bear” YouTube video.
- Can I fish in the lakes? Absolutely! The lakes are teeming with trout. Just make sure you have a Wyoming fishing license.
- Is it possible to do this loop in 2 days? Possible? Yes. Enjoyable? Debatable. Give yourself 3 days to really soak it in.
- Are there water sources along the trail? Plenty! But always filter or treat your water. Giardia is not a souvenir you want.
- Can I bring my dog? Dogs are allowed! Remember, it’s tough terrain for four-legged friends too.
Other Articles You May Enjoy:
Backpacking Island Lake in the Wind River Range, Wyoming
Delta Lake Hike Tetons: Everything You Need to Know
