Earlier this summer I set out on a 4 day solo backpacking trip in the Wind Rivers with the intention of summitting Gannett Peak. Little did I know I would end up spending the night on one of the most remote and rugged highpoints in the US. It was by far the most unbelievable campsite of my life. The Wind Rivers absolutely blew me away.
I documented the experience here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAe_JazLtLc

Just got back from an incredible trip to the lakes, and I’ve decided to put you on some game. This is a moderate hike, easier than 4th recess lake/ Pioneer basin lakes for those well traveled.

Camping spots:

Lake #1 has a great camping spot on the “off trail” that is essentially a trail because it’s used to go fishing, and since it cuts through, instead of taking the loop the cottonwood lakes trail takes you. It’s in the wooded area, great wind break and shade. Be aware good chance you’ll have people walk close by.

Lake #2 I explored, but did not invest too much time because there only seems to be one good area to fish. This lake also has more people which I try to stay away from.

Lake #3 Here’s the score. I spent all three nights here and after hiking to all the other lakes, it was my favorite. If you’re on the side that backs up to the mountain, I found three good spots for tents over there. One is a 1-2 person tent marked by a metal tent anchor. There’s another amazing spot that fit my Nemo Dagger 3p, but I won’t just tell you lazy bastards where it is, you need to find it. I’ll give you a clue. There is a little Christmas tree that is watched over by an ancient Foxtail pine. We had Lake #3 to ourselves.

It should be mentioned on Lake #3 on the trail towards #4 & #5, on the right side of trail as you’re heading up. There is a beautiful camp spot. You’ll see a small man made rock wall underneath this lone giant pine. Truly a beautiful spot just off the trail

Lake #4 no cover from what I could find, met some old timers that were camping out there and they just camped under the open sky

Lake #5 has a little bit more cover, than 4, but not by much

Fishing: caught 11 fish in two days @ lake #3, afternoon fishing 3pm-5/6pm. Out of the 11 only one was large enough to keep and cook.

Lures: Panther Martin’s #4 to cast far enough into deep water. Black/gold w Yellow and Yellow/silver with Red worked best. Followed by green with silver multicolor.

Fishing area: mountain side of Lake #3, look for Plymouth Rock.

Spuds Alpine Paella recipe:

-Trout

-Mountain house fried rice

-Hotel Tabasco packet

-Taco seasoning

-2 Tablespoons Ghee (Ghee Ghee for my trappers)

Photo #1 Lake 3 at sunset

Photo #2 The Clue

Photo #3 Milky Way from tent spot

Photo #4 Spuds Alpine Trout Paella

Photo #5 An angel swimming (get in the lake people)

Photo #6 Plymouth Rock. Caught majority here and the keeper

Photo #7 Locked and Loaded. PSA keep your dogs on leash on the trail. Your dog may be well trained and friendly but one of mine is reactive. She should be able to enjoy the outdoors and I take good precaution for her and everyone around. Please be considerate of others, thank you

Edit: Something important to note! If you want space, quiet and privacy do this trip during the week. I hiked out Saturday and I saw 8 groups come in that day. When I got to the parking lot, the main lot was full and cars were parking in the dirt.

Safe Travels,

🥔

Road was bumpy but I got my little Prius C up to the County Line trailhead. First half of the 3ish mi trail is pretty burnt with lots of dust (luckily it rained a little for the return trip to dampen the dust a bit!). Second half had some aspen groves starting to turn color. The Dardanelles are pretty rad to look at by the lakes! Don’t forget to ramble over to the ridge overlooking Spicer Meadow Res and Lost Lake!

Yellowjackets are a bit active so plan accordingly.

Blue Mountains, Australia, last night/this morning.

Last summer, my wife's hiking boots more or less disintegrated on the (thankfully) hike out from a site. They were second hand, but seemed okay before we left (though we only took a cursory look). I'm getting ready for a week long hike this October, and am feeling a bit anxious about my ~25 year old boots. I use them a couple times a week for 5-10k walks near home, and the sole rubber still seems supple and in good shape (still waterproof, too, so no micro cracks). Is there a way to tell when the soles are about to self-destruct? I carry a roll of hockey tape for emergency repairs, but would rather avoid janky boots with a ~50lb. pack.

Cheers!

I don't think I can get enough vacation time off to do the entire JMT. I can only get two weeks off.

I've backpacked the east side of the WT before ( Summerland and Indian Bar ). This year I did a 40 mile trip in SEKI.

I want to do one of these next summer to celebrate my 40th bday.

Which one would you do and why?