Wind River Range (Wyoming) Backpacking - June 2018
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ต.ค. 2024
- Travis and I got back together in June 2018, and joined up with my son, Christian, to take on the Wind River Range in Wyoming. I’d been wanting to do a hike in the ‘Winds’ since I first started backpacking so when Travis and I started planning for a 2018 western trip the choice of a destination was easy.
We knew that June is early for any hike in the Wind River Range, and 2018 had been a high snow year in that region of the country. But Travis had been staying in touch with the outfitter in Pinedale, Wyoming throughout June and they sounded hopeful that our planned route would be passable by the time we started hiking. We wouldn’t know for sure until we arrived in Pinedale.
Unfortunately, upon arriving we found that the snow was still deep on the passes on our planned route and, worse, the rapidly melting snow was causing the lakes on our route to be many feet above the trails that ran along their shores. So we opted to go with plan ‘B’, deciding to start out of the Big Sandy Trailhead and hiking in an entirely different area of the Winds from our initial plan.
Snow didn’t turn out to be a factor on our hike, but mosquitos sure did! Travis had warned me in advance to bring my bug head net, and I’m sure glad he did because it ended up being our most valuable piece of gear for the trip. I’ve backpacked in some ‘buggy’ places, but nothing could remotely compare to what we encountered on this trip. Thankfully we found two exposed campsites, both with great views, and there was a healthy wind for much of the time we were in camp which made it bearable. But when the wind died down at night and in the early morning… wow!
The trip didn’t end up being anything close to what we planned, but it was still a great trip. I found that all of the Wind River Range is spectacular, and even though we didn’t get to the iconic destinations like Titcomb Basin and the Cirque of Towers the places we did get to, and the views we experienced along the way, were breathtaking. And it just gives us a reason to go back.
For those who have watched my other videos this one is done in the same style - a little under an hour in length, intended to bring the audience along for the ride, and with a still picture slide show with music at the end. If you just have a few minutes just skip to the end and enjoy the pictures.
Equipment / Gear List:
Still Camera: Nikon D810 with Nikkor 20mm f1.8 lens
Video Cameras: Canon Vixia G40 with Rode Stereo Videomic Pro, GoPro Hero 6
Video Editing Software: Vegas Pro 15
Pack: ZPacks Arc Blast 52l
Shelters: Nemo Meta 2P tent (me), Warbonnet Blackbird hammock (Christian)
Thx man. Fun reliving some of the best times of my life through your videos.
Still watching the video. I heard a low clearance car cannot make it to Big Sandy TH, yet I saw 2 cars in the parking lot. Maybe there is hope for my Honda Civic after all.
Loved hearing the frogs the first night.
David, you continue to put together some of the best backpacking videos on TH-cam! Thank you for sharing your adventures with us all!
Awesome scenery! Wow, those skeeters looked huge....and relentless.
Another great vid, thanks so much. I felt my blood draining through osmosis to all those skeeters :) I think you are probably in my age range (55) and my passion for outdoor adventure continues unabated as well.
Hello, I am the gentleman who talked to you in the parking lot of Bowman Lake at Glacier. I am finally home and got a chance to sub your channel. I look forward to seeing your new videos and getting your take on my favorite trails and park (Glacier).
Wow, I remember that conversation well since I was just finishing my Kintla to Bowman hike when I met you in the parking lot. I've actually just now finished the first cut of editing for that video, and I should have it published by next weekend. It looks to be a good one, and I think you'll enjoy it if you choose to watch it. I didn't capture our encounter in the backcountry parking lot but I think you'll recognize the 'monologue' at the end of the video you watched me doing.
Yes!!! I was just rewatching your older videos last night and hoping a new one was coming soon!
It is out! Bring your bug spray and head net while you watch it - you just might need it even when viewing on TV :-)
I sure enjoy your videos. The scenery is always great and your commentary is good as well. Sad about the mosquitos.
I'm a backpacker from Colorado. No way in hell would I enjoy that trip with all those bugs. Thank you now I know never to go on that trail.
its mostly due to the time of year. the mosquitos hatch earlier than the swarms of dragon flies that come later and consume them.
go later into the high country to avoid bugs sheesh!
Mosquitos in the Winds rival northern British Columbia. Later in the summer they can still be thick in some areas, but not everywhere
It looks like you guys sure had fun! It has been like 12 years since I backpacked in the wind river mountains. ‘Twas very pretty! I live up in Montana so it’s a drive down to the winds! You all should come up and backpack up here in southwestern Montana.
This is amazing because this is the exact route I’ve been planning for next summer. I’ve already bought a mosquito headnet as I’ve heard they are horrible in June and July.
Those mosquitos are insane!
Late August and September is much better in the WRR. Also treat clothing with Pemethrin, which helps a lot. Plan to go back late season! It is beautiful! Hey, I don’t blame you for altering the plan. Good call.
I do plan to get back and I'll certainly go in August or September. This trip turned out to be just an appetizer, but now I really want the Winds' 'main course'. Regarding the permethrin, that is an interesting topic for this trip, and probably the worst mistake I made. I actually ordered a big jug of permethrin a few days ahead of the trip, and it arrived the day before I departed while I was in the middle of frantic last minute packing. I made the decision to forego treating the clothes, and left the brand new bottle sitting on my table. Can't tell you how many times I regretted that decision on the trip! I have treated most of the clothes I wore on this trip with permethrin before, and I'm guessing I was still getting some residual effect.
We just backpacked / camped in Mt Hood National Forest, we had to deal with a ton of mosquitoes too... I hate those damn things! DEET spray and camp fire were the best solution.
Huge fan! It’s always exciting when your videos drop!
Quite the views on those trails!! Probably best to try & hike in late summer, early fall, to avoid the mosquitoes, eh?
Yes, later in summer or fall in better, and we knew that. But Travis's work schedule makes any hike after early July not an option. I really wanted to go with Travis so late June was our best bet this year. I do plan to go back for a late August / early September hike as soon as I can work it into the 'rotation' again.
The mosquitoes were awful! This was still a great video with amazing views.👍
Wind river vs Sierra's? Which is better or why are they equal? Both look amazing can't wait to enjoy both
I'm not even going to watch before I give this 5 stars and a double thumbs up, great job David, love the videos and keep them coming
Excellent video!
Great video and loving the commentaries as always! So, John Muir Trail 2019? I"m hiking it for a 2nd time this Sep, this time solo.
Thank you. JMT in 2019? Hmmm... probably more likely in 2020 or 2021, but I wouldn't rule it out for 2019. Getting the 3 weeks straight off work is a bit of a problem, but I'm starting to seriously think about doing it. What it would mean is that would probably be about the only trip I'd be able to do in the year I do it (maybe 1-2 more... maybe) so it's a big commitment, but I HAVE to do the whole JMT sometime soon. Good luck on your hike in September... I'n envious!
Great videos, David! We need to get you a Dunkin' sponsorship!
You make everything sound fun. I want to quit my job and hike after watching your videos. Dave, you rock !
Great video, as always. But I'm curious about what or how you got that shot at minute 55:13? Lol
Funny you asked about that one. I can't tell you exactly what that shot is, Travis took it, but I am sure the reality isn't what it looks like in the picture. I actually left this picture out initially, and added it after I'd completed the final rendering of the video because it was a fascinating picture to me - really, I wasn't even certain what it was. Actually, I was sort of wondering if anyone would ask about it! :-) I'm pretty sure this was the river crossing we did on day #2 that was the crossing that 'tweaked' Travis's knee pretty good. The crossing involved stepping down pretty severely from a rock (the rock you can see behind my left knee), and though it looks like I'm jumping in mid-air with all my camera gear, I think my foot is actually still planted on the rock in the back part of the picture. Admittedly, I'm not physically capable of the move it looks like I'm doing in this picture (but to my credit, I was at one time, a long time ago! :-) - it's really some sort of optical 'trick'. But a cool picture, nonetheless.
Thanks for posting these videos,this is the 2nd backpacking video of yours I've watched as we try to decide where to hike is 2019. Your videos are the best I've found.
Those mosquitoes are on a Louisiana level!
Perhaps not as large as I've heard the mosquitoes can be in Louisiana (state 'bird' of Louisiana?!), but what they didn't have in size they made up for in numbers!
You have probably answered this question many times, but what camera do you use to record your trips? Do you bring extra batteries or chargers? How did you learn to edit and produce at this level?
I use a Canon Vixia G40 for the video capture, and a Nikon D810 with Nikkor 20mm F1.8 lens for the still pictures. I do bring extra batteries on each trip, and the number depends of the length of the trip. For the recent Glacier trip I carried three batteries total for the Vixia G40 and 1 spare battery for the D810. I carry chargers on the trip, but not on the hiking portion. Most of my editing skills are self-taught and learned from experience, but I have read/studied Edward Dmytryk's book 'On Film Editing' which is considered by many to be the 'bible' of film editing books. Another book that left a mark was 'how to shoot video that doesn't suck' by Steve Stockman - the biggest lesson from that book was to think of everything video-wise in sub-10 second 'clips' - a huge lesson for anyone! And I study intensely every episode of Anthony Bourdain's Parts Unknown shows - pure genius for anyone interested in cinematography.
@@davidgrayin I will never be able to duplicate what you do, but good to know how you do this. I have bookmarked a website of trailheads for the wind river range and hope to go next year (In August maybe when it is hopefully less buggy). I was in Grand Teton in August of 2017 for the great solar eclipse and tried to do the 20+ mile Jenny Lake-Lake Solitude-Paintbrush Canyon loop hike, but had to abandon my attempt before making it to lake solitude due to altitude sickness. I was born at sea level on the US Naval Station that was in Keflavik Iceland and I get sick above 5k feet! I live in Minnesota now but hope to live someday in the Montana/Wyoming area to be close to great hiking.
David.. read about the trappers there in 1842. My sixty years on the plains, by William Thomas Hamilton !!!
Great video! Even though it didn't go as planned looked like you guys still got some amazing views and a great adventure.
Such a beautiful place!!! This so reminded me of a backpacking trip I took last year in a wilderness where the mosquitoes were thick. I was constantly scooping them out of my food and drink. This year I decided to take picaridin with me in another wilderness trip. I Totally will not ever leave home without it now. Not that I like to put on a pesticide, but picaridin has kept the biting flies, ticks, gnats and mosquitoes away from me.
santacruzax Picaridin is great stuff; good DEET alternative. I developed a reaction to DEET, like a mild sunburn; not uncommon for some people. No odor and won’t damage certain gear/clothing materials the way DEET can. (Also, neither is a pesticide.)
Wow, crazy mosquitoes! We just got back from the Indian Peaks Wilderness and thought we had it bad, you guys endured psychological warfare with those little vampires. Another great video, thxs for sharing.
We adore these mountains so much !!!!! We too stay in Pinedale and hit the trails .... we go in September to avoid the mosquitoes 🦟........!!!!!! We adore 🥰 your videos, thank you for sharing your adventures!!
David, great video. What GPS is that? Do you like it? Does it have emergency contact capabilities? - Andy
I think you're referring to the orange gizmo attached to my shoulder strap. It isn't a GPS, though it has that capability. It is a Garmin InReach Mini 2-way satellite communication device. I bought it just before this trip, and this was the first trip I had used it on. It worked very well. When connected via bluetooth to my iPhone it is essentially like normal texting on a cell phone (send and receive), but you can do it essentially anywhere on earth. It also has the ability to enter and send/receive messages directly from the device, though the interface is a little slow and clumsy (sort of like sending text message with old-fashioned cell phones that only had a numeric key pad - certainly do-able but a little slow). It's great to have on any trip where cell phone coverage is limited or non-existent, but it is really great to have on solo trips from a safety perspective.
@@davidgrayin Excellent, thanks for the response! Is the subscription pricey? Also, is there a particular reason you didn't use the GPS?
The monthly subscription price varies by what you get. They have both 'annual' plans where you pay all year long (like a cell phone plan) and then month-to-month 'freedom' plans that allow you to turn it on an off when you're going to use it. The freedom plans are $10-$20 more expensive than the monthly price of the annual plans, so which one makes sense for you is dependent on how many months you'll use it. I expect to use mine about 5 months of the year so I chose the freedom plan. And for both the annual and freedom plans they have various levels of plans based upon how many messages you expect to send/receive, and what tracking interval you prefer to use. I use the 'recreation' level of the Freedom plan (40 messages per month, with each additional message after that at $0.50), and it is $34.95 per month. Last year I used the 'Expedition' plan, which gives you unlimited messages, and it was $64.95 per month. When I checked my actual usage I found the recreation plan was fine for me. You can see all the details here: www.defender.com/pdf/delorme-subscription-plans.pdf
I forgot to answer your question about the GPS. We didn't need a GPS on this trip - navigation was very straightforward, and the trails were well marked. My primary GPS nowadays is actually the Gaia GPS app on my iPhone, but it's nice the have the GPS capability on the inReach mini in case my phone craps out. And if I was ever going to hike in an area of tricky navigation or poorly marked trails, I may still carry my handheld Garmin GPSMAP 60csx which is getting a bit dated but is still a fantastic mapping GPS.
@@davidgrayin Awesome. I will look into the Recreation plan. How is the coverage?
David, thanks for your videos. What happened with the Thermo cell? I live in southern Oregon and backpack a lot in the Sky Lakes Wilderness wich is notorious for skeeters... ask any PCT throughhiker... once i learned how to use my Thermocell i won't go without it. Just fire it up, set it down and it takes 15 min or so to take effect... but it does work. Sometimes we actually have to go in the trees outta the wind for it to work but you'll know when it does. Good luck and keep up the videos. Ray
Love the videos. Some of the best I've seen. I found your channel looking for things to do locally but now I watch all of your adventures.
Looks like a beautiful place, minus the blood suckers! Just subscribed today but have watched several of your videos. On a more important note, what do you use for the cheese spread? 😃
Great video. I may cancel my trip now.. but that is a good thing. Kind of hard to pull one's pants down and not get eaten alive by those bugs.... in painful places !!! God how awful.
Always enjoy your videos. I was in that area mid July, gorgeous area. Thanks for sharing😀
Perfect, except for the mosquitos! That would ruin it for me. Beautiful scenery though.
Do you have GPS data on this trip
Should've went late July or August for this trip. No mosquito swarms by then.
Bugs have been terrible in the Adirondacks but WOW! That would've driven me crazy. Hope they aren't so bad when you go to Glacier! Love your video was sad to see "the end." I've started to do a little backpacking this year with my husband and our four year old son, so far we love it! Our treks have only been around a mile in length but gotta start some where. Your treks with your son have been an inspiration! Looking forward to the next adventure, happy trails!
I think the bug situation will be fine for Glacier in September... I'm far more concerned about the forest fire situation, since late August/September is when the fires peak out there (and I've been effected by fires on multiple hikes, including the cancellation of the September Glacier hike last year). I did hike in Glacier in July 2014 and the bugs were bad, but once you get into August it is typically not an issue.
That was my second thought. We went in 2013 and much of the area we ventured was burned. Hoping to go back in 2023 if everyone is in good shape and can hike longer distances. It will be interesting to see how much the place has changed. I remember you canceled Glacier last year (probably a good call) and published your trip to the Smokies a week before we left for our Smokies trip. Hoping they don't have fires this year and that the big snows helped. I don't know about out west but it has been a really dry summer here.
Julie M, we started my daughter off in the ADKs around the same age. So glad that we went just a little at a time! Great memories for all!
I just got back from Glacier and the bugs weren't bad at all, a few flies, but really was a great week. Later in Aug the skitters won't be as bad in the Winds. have you ever tried the Uintahs in Utah? amazing, the skitters aren't as bad either, love the video
If Dunkin dounuts ever goes out of business, you will have to stop hiking. LOL
Nice to see you back on the trail..enjoy your hiking events.
Lovely scenery and good commentary.
The vast spaces makes the uk tiny in comparison.
Looks like you lost a pint of blood just standing there Dave, lol!!!
Awesome edit David! Wind River!!! I live 3.5 hrs away... I need to make the drive! Thanks for taking us along!
I know some awesome guys that can get you anywhere you want to go round there... and big sandy isnt the point where I'd personally go in
I was itching through the video. Hahaha! REI has donated thousands of dollars to our local trails so I gotta disagree that they suck but I totally agree that mosquitoes suck. :)
Yeah, I'm kind of a fan of my local REI too, but the bumper stickers were pretty funny (from a local shop standpoint at least). I know what you're saying about itching while watching it - I've watched it more than a few times myself, and I still find myself subconsciously doing a bit of scratching...
So the trick is to try to avoid the bugs, but not so late in the year that snow is a problem. Got it.
don,t know how old you are? but don,t stop. I,am 62 years old now been backpacking for over 30 years. not much the last 15 years now. been in rocky mt park tentons Yellowstone wy backpacking with my kids back in the day love it out there. in joy you videos now. how many years bachpacking for you now. dale n3reb from PA.
I just turned 58 and I took my first backpacking trip in 2010, so pretty much still a 'rookie' in comparison to your hiking experience. But I have no thoughts of stopping anytime soon. I plan to keep backpacking until I'm not physically able to do it any longer, which I hope is a long way off! There are just so many destinations I want to get too, and far too few vacation days each year. I'm not sure when I will be able to retire from the 'day job' but it's not too many years off, and I have no plans to retire to a lounge chair on a beach somewhere - I plan to 'retire' to the trail!
Are those thin soled lightweight Chacos, David?
No, those are Xero Shoe Z-Trail sandals. I've tried a variety of 'camp shoes' over the years - Crocs, handmade Walmart blue foam and duct tape, Unshoes, and even no camp shoes - but I think the Z-Trail's are perfect for me. They weigh in at 5.4 ounces per sandal, which is heavier than I'd prefer, but they're about 30% lighter than Crocs and both more comfortable and practical. I wouldn't hesitate hiking in them if necessary. I'd been using Unshoes for a few years but I never liked the strap that went between your toes, and they never stayed on quite right. And when I tried using the Unshoes with socks during last year's Red River Gorge trip I blew out the toe strap on one sandal rendering that sandal useless. After that I started searching for something better and came across the Xero Shoe Z-trail. Aside from being a bit heavier than I prefer, they're just about perfect for my needs.
@@davidgrayin thanks for the info...gettin' a pair.
Gorgeous scenery on this video of the Wind River Range. Thanks for taking us along.
This is grizzly country right. If i do a solo backpack there, should i carry a gun for bear defense in addition to bear spray? How often do you see solo hiker with hand gun in WY? BTW, thanks for sharing your adventure. I like your video a lot.
Well, the Winds aren't really 'hard-core' grizzly territory yet, but I did hear that there are reports they have moved into the northernmost part of the Winds. At present bear canisters aren't even required for this area, and I felt perfectly comfortable simply using food bag 'hanging' techniques. We saw no evidence of bears at all on this trip (no scat, scratchings, etc.). Not to say bears aren't active in the area, but compared to other active bear areas I've been (Great Smoky Mts NP, Glacier) it was like there weren't any bears at all when we were there. As far as carrying a handgun, that is not something I would ever consider but it's a personal choice. If I'm in grizzly territory, which I didn't consider the Winds to be, I would carry bear spray and would feel that is adequate for protection. I have never seen a backpacker carrying a handgun. Not to say I haven't run into any that were 'packin', but it's never been obvious to me that any were.
Another great video. Thanks for sharing. The mosquitoes are HORRENDOUS this year in NW Montana, too. It has been impossible to enjoy being outside without DEET. They are winding down, but still bad, and it is late July. Of course, they are being replaced by biting flies, yellow jackets and bald-faced hornets. The price for living in the wooded mountains....
That looks like a beautiful place to backpack. Before I watched the entire video I thought this would be somewhere I could I investigate going to this spring. After seeing all of the mosquitos, I'm not sure now.
I wouldn't worry too much about the mosquitoes - they are a 'spring' thing (of course 'spring' in the Winds stretches into July sometimes, like this year). If you go in August or September I'm guessing you wouldn't see any. They explode as the temperatures warm and the last of the winter snow is receding - basically all of the ground is like a marsh at that time of year, perfect mosquito breeding conditions. After the snow disappears everything dries out very quickly, and the mosquitoes disappear. It's a really beautiful place - I'd get there if you ever get the chance (I know I'm planning on returning, a bit later in the season!).
No. No. No. I wouldn't be able to handle the vampire mosquitos. Beautiful place but the mosquitos would ruin that for me. Looked miserable.
The 'mozzies' certainly made it a unique, learning experience for sure. One thing I think we all learned is if you're going to the Winds you probably want to do it in August or September when the little blood suckers have all vanished. And because of the snow still being bad at the passes when we went we didn't even get close to the really beautiful areas of the Winds. I do plan to get back to complete the original route we had planned (Island Lake, Titcomb Basin), but it probably won't be until 2020 or 2021.
Enjoyed the video but found it hard to watch. I kept swatting at imaginary mosquitoes lol. Wow that's a lot of mosquitoes. Was it better away from the water? Everytime i camp near water it's like that.
I know what you're saying - I think I'm still hearing that buzzing 6 months after the hike! I don't think the water played much of a factor because the ground was really 'moist' (or downright wet) pretty much everywhere from recent snow melt. It was mosquito 'nirvana'! The wind (and smoke) was really the only thing that kept them down, and that is why we were camping in the most open, windswept areas we could find (typically the last kind of spots I would want to camp). They were absolutely at the worst in the morning, with no wind, when I would make my way into the woods to go to the bathroom - now THAT was an experience! (but I didn't capture that on video).
They need bats and spiders there to combat the mosquito's!!
Note to self -- "Don't hike in Wyoming in June". Good job of making the best of it. Definitely beautiful country.
Yes, good lesson, at least in that part of Wyoming and in a high snow year. The Wind River Range is apparently known for it's mosquitoes (as well as it's beauty), and Travis had warned me in advance that it would be a 'bit' buggy. But even Travis was surprised by the conditions this year. This was his fourth trip to the Winds, all in late June/early July, and he thought this year was the worst for mosquitoes.
Incredible video. I cant wait in the far future to go out to Wyoming/Montana/Idaho area. If you'd like to see some of my videos of California and Alaska feel free.
I can tell the Mosquitoes are bad on this trip because I just killed one on my arm and I'm inside a house with A/C. o_0
I know what you're saying... I actually wear my head net when I watch the video! :-)
i like your videos. you are all over the map. where do you actually live? i wish i could hike the country...i am jealous.....anyhow...take care...
I live in central Indiana, on the north side of Indianapolis. Indiana has some great places to hike and backpack, but I try to get to other areas of the US as often as my limited vacation days allow.
Watching this video previously really helped so THANK YOU! :) We just camped in the Wind River range a few days ago and I warned everybody about the mosquitos so we got prepared and were ready!! There were alot but not as bad you encountered.
Such a great video. It seems Christian loosens up a bit on the second night in camp and I love the overall camaraderie. Hopefully I can make my way up there for a backpacking trip this year. Thanks for taking me along for the trip. Safe trails!
Great video! We are doing the Wind River High Route this summer. Looking forward to some of that epic scenery that can only be had in Wyoming.
I'am just wondering if any spry would help for the mosquitoes or nothing can help :) they are so many...
When other TH-cam hikers post videos, it makes me smile. When YOU post a video, it makes my whole day. Great video. That place is now on my bucket list, but maybe for a late September hike! Yikes about the mosquitos. Still though, it's always refreshing to have your sense of humor in a not-the-greatest situation. Also, it was great to see Travis and Christian again. Hike on!
Two years of watching outdoor backpacking videos and still haven't found anyone who does it better then you man...really capture the backpacking feel....#fan4ever
Love ❤️ your videos, I always anxiously await them!
Just wondering if you use permethrin on your clothes and gear?
My niece and I just did a trip to Pictured Rocks. We were forewarned there could be black biting flies depending on which way the wind was blowing. We did take head nets to keep them from buzzing in our ears.
Most of our trip was a trail that hugged Lake Superior and we didn’t have any problem with that, the wind was in our favor. We did a couple of nights around Lakes and the mosquitoes were fierce! For me, anyway! My niece had sprayed her gear and clothes and didn’t have a single bite.
Permethrin... ahhh. that's sort of a 'funny', coincidental topic. Yes, I had previously treated all my clothes with permethrin, but I'm not exactly sure when that was, probably the beginning of the 2017 hiking season (and many washings ago given all the 'day' hiking I do with my dogs with my hiking garb). I may have been getting some small residual effect, but clearly not that effective. The 'funny' part of the story is that Travis had warned me that it might be a 'bit' buggy (yeah... right!), and in anticipation I had ordered some extra bug nets (which came in) as well as a couple of spray bottles of Sawyer Permethrin (which didn't come in... until the night before I left). The permethrin arrived via Amazon courier service while I was right in the midst of last-second packing, and I made the fateful decision to let the newly-arrived permethrin sit on my counter rather than spraying all my clothing at the last second. One of those proverbial 'bad calls'! It's still sitting on my counter in that exact spot, by the way!
David Gray , those buggers up there leave a mark for a couple of weeks! I’m spraying for sure next time!
David Gray, check out our videos, we were inspired many times! th-cam.com/video/sJtGrwSp5Vs/w-d-xo.html
Those pesky skeeters would ruin any trip, can't blame you a bit for bailing early. The scenery is magnificent though and you do a great job of showing that.
A little Buggy , i think thats a understatement .
David - are you okay mate? we haven't seen any new backpacking trips since mid June
Yes, I'm fine. Actually finishing up (tonight) the first pass of editing for my recently completed September Glacier NP trip - looks to be a good one. (but I'll admit I'm a bit biased.). My August Colorado trip didn't go according to plan, but I'll still publish a video of it, likely in October after the Glacier trip is published. And now I've added a 'bonus' October trip to Great Smoky Mountains NP which will probably be published in November.
Wow , Beautiful place , but those mosquito's were crazy ... they would definitely drive a person crazy
What a beautiful, miserable place to pack...is there a better time of year for mosquitos?
Better time... yes. Basically any other time than when we were there! As it turned out we were there at the peak time for mosquitoes, right after the winter snows start to melt. It starts to get better the later you get into July, and then into August and September, as everything turns bone dry, the mosquitoes essentially disappear entirely. If you go earlier they haven't come out yet (but you'll have big time snow and cold temps), if you go later they're all dried up.
How does one deal with mosquitoes that bad?
Mosquitos!....hate them...in June and July they are bound to be a pain in the ass. Right after snow melt...thats why I do all my trips in the Fall...late August through September. Always wanted to check out the Wind Rvr. Range. Great to see it on your trip.
howdy fellow Hoosier, I live in nwi up near Notre Dame. u should come up here and try South Michigan camping. for the mosquitoes may I suggest "Permethrin" it's totally safe and you treat your clothes, tent, etc and it lasts many washes. it's what I use and I can swear by it.
Greetings from Saudi Arabia. I hiked in WRW in 2007, best hike ever. Americans are lucky and blessed to have such places, love your country and Good luck to you all.
I guess I'd only be able to go in a little cooler weather. That was pretty crazy. Such beautiful scenery. I'm glad you got the chance to go and spend time with the fellas. I'm sure you'll be back. Thank you for the video. Looking fwd to the next trip. Take care.
I was a guide for Blucher Creek Outfitters outta pinedale and I loved every minute... even the flight into Jackson hole... I haven't seen which trail head you left out of but if yall went out of Elkhart that was a trail I ran almost daily between 2011 to 2013 and spent thousands of miles in that area
And big sandy is the worst trail to head outta in that area... it's all uphill in any direction... go out of Boulder or Elkhart which is way easier... but I was on horseback with a pack string of dude horses and mules
I actually made it back out to the Winds last week (September 2019) and we went out of the Elkhart Park trailhead. You are certainly correct that it is the easiest trailhead to get to in that area. I've never been to the Boulder TH but maybe in the future. We did the Island Lake area on this year's trip and it was spectacular. Working on that video now and it should be published in a few weeks.
Just was there last week. Started off from Elkhart Park and came out at Boulder Lake. Bugs were much better. Fishing was incredible. Still lots of snow in Indian Pass and Alpine Lakes. Next timeI will try some more southern sections.
Those mosquitoes looked like a pain in the ass
Keep the videos coming ! Awesome to see people enjoying life to the fullest. Visited Indiana for the first time this summer. Hit my 40th state West Virginia while hiking New River Gorge.
How'd you like WV? I live in MD and try to do four 3+ day backpacks out there every year, most the time in Monongahela or Washington Jefferson NF but usually once a year in NRG... Its my favorite state for backpacking in the country besides Washington, There's just a homey vibe I get in WV, WA and ME that I've never gotten in CA, CO, VA, TN, NC, NH or UT...
Nugs McDankerson I live in CO so for me depending on where you go you get a different vibe. Hiking in CO along I70 very tourist laden. Hiking in Southern CO an hour fromy house are Sangre De Cristo Subrange and people are scarce. I prefer dry heat vs humidity. I enjoyed the lushness of WV. Also found an awesome campground/Mtn bike rental/bar called Bike Farm in Fayetteville , WV.
Wow brings back memories. Lived for four years right under the Snowy Range. That looked like Veedauwoo in the beginning during the drive up. Between Cheyenne and Laramie. A magical place but easily seen in a day or two. Used to ride mountain bikes there 20 years ago. Now I am stuck on the east coast until I retire. I loved Wyoming and still do.
Brother, I don't blame you for punching out early. Those bugs were BRUTAL. Great video, and beautiful scenes as usual.Keep em coming.
Hey David,
Just finished Mt. LeConte today stayed overnight. You won’t believe but it rained the whole time. It was still a good experience. I ate the rueben sandwich too it was delicious. Thanks for sharing your videos.
At 4:11 are you by chance listening to Minus The Bear?
I'm not sure, but it's possible. We were in a rental car and Travis had the radio tuned to some random station. There was so much road noise in that section of the video it was hard to tell precisely what we were listening to, but it's possible that it was Minus the Bear - though if it was, it wasn't intentional.
Enjoyed the video. Thanks! Beautiful place, for sure, but those bugs would have pushed me out before planned as well. Still looks like you all had a good time. Hope Travis' knee is doing better.
Interesting and instructive trip. However, you should be aware that at Cirque Tower, where you were headed. the Lonesome Lake has water that is unfit for human consumption (due to overuse in the past and human waste being in the lake) and camping is banned for quite a ways around the lake. It should also be noted that the Sandy Trail campsite does not offer showers or water and only pit toilets. Anyone considering this hike after watching this video should be aware of these things since they were not mentioned.
Going out to the Winds in a week and was trying to get a sense of what to expect. Pretty much exactly as I thought. Bugs should be interesting but well worth the hassle for those views!
Thanks for a great share. Happy hiking
It's great that you're going to get out to the Winds. Incredibly beautiful. You may actually run into a lot more snow than we did - it's been a really heavy snow year out there. Maybe the snow will slow down the skeeters?! Last year we hit it basically right after all the snow had melted, and all the ground was really marshy - perfect mosquito breeding habitat. Have a great hike!
@@davidgrayin yeah it seems like snow is lingering for much longer this season. Probably going to have to miss both Cirque and Titcomb but you never know. Will let you know how everything turns out. Thanks. Enjoy the 2019 season!
I love Packit Food too I discovered it when I backpacked the West Rim trail at Zion this spring. Your videos have given me some ideas for future hikes. Thank you for making your videos
Thank you for sharing. I just hiked in Colter Bay in Grand Teton National park. Wished I would have had a GPS. Which one do you use?
I currently use a Garmin GPSmap 60csx GPS. I've had it for a long time, and it's getting a little outdated compared to the more modern units, but it still works extremely well. I've been tempted to buy a new GPS receiver (I'd probably get the Garmin eTrex 20x), primarily to shave a couple ounces off the weight of the 60csx, but I just can't justify the expense. If you do decide to buy one get one that allows you to load your own maps onto it, and then get whatever topo map you need for free from gpsfiledepot.com (in other words, don't ever spend a penny on maps for it because you can get whatever you need for free).
David Gray thank you so much. I am new at this and live in oklahoma, so I haven't been able to hike much. Colter bay was beautiful, but I wish that I would have planned for a full day hike so that i could have seen more. I definitely will invest in gps for next hike. Thanks again for responding and keep those videos coming. I truly enjoy them !!
Another terrific video. Wind River looks unbelievable. It looks like the perfect trip except for the mosquitoes. Question: Does your better half like the outdoors? 😉
Little extra protein for breakfast!
Mosquitoes in the morning with temps in the 30's. That's crazy. 50 degrees in the south usually keeps them at bay. Great video David.
Ever considered the Ozarks in winter? Ozark Highland trail?
Actually, I have spent some time researching the Ozark Highland Trail. But I haven't (yet) thought about doing it in winter. But a number of people here in the comments have mentioned lately that now that I have a warmer sleeping bag I should do some winter hiking... hmmm... I'll admit, it's started me thinking about a little longer 'season'!
Just got back from a three day Adventure myself David, sat at the computer thinking what to do now....then hey your video pooped up, great stuff, cheered me up straight away. Always great watching your videos. The cheddar cheese spread, dunkin doughnuts, Travis and Christian and your cheerful smile, all classic moments, great memories. One thing i have learnt is no video can ever get across the way that pack feels on your back, the amount of sweat you lose, the strains and struggles of the hike, and of course the bugs, nevertheless we wouldnt change any of it because thats what makes the adventure so special. Atb Bill.
Great insights into the 'reality' of backpacking, and also that it seems to be the very things that make it so special and different than our day-to-day lives. It's as if the greater the struggles, the greater the memories. (A little adversity along the way also makes for better videos! :-)
The Church of the Cheese Spread with another great upload... Looks like you ruined your Dunkin Donuts sponsorship though... I can't really blame you for switching to Peet's, they're my favorite between them, Starbucks and DD... Its a shame we don't have many in MD... You should bring some tiki torches with you next time you go to WY, those mosquitoes seem to be a problem for you guys every time you go there... Thanks for another great upload, by the time you post your next escapade I should be finished doing the Allegheny Trail in WV... Wish me luck, the logistics for this one are gonna be really tough...
'Church of the Cheese Spread'... I love that! I wasn't concerned about wrecking my Dunkin Donuts sponsorship because they've never offered me one. But that is one sponsorship I'd probably take advantage of! Are you planning to do the entire 'Great Allegheny Passage' Trail? That looks like an awesome adventure. Good luck!
The Allegheny Passage is the one in PA and MD... The Allegheny Trail is 330 miles through 7 WV State Parks/Forests, Monongahela NF (my favorite NF east of the Mississippi) and Washington/Jefferson NF and then connects with the AT along the WV/VA border... There's hardly any information online and a good portion of it is going to be bushwacking, but I've been geocaching the less documented parts of it over the past couple years so I'm feeling pretty confident I'll be able to get it done in 3-4 weeks...
Ahhh... my bad. The Allegheny Passage Trail looked like a 'pleasant' adventure - sounds like you're going with the hard core version! My 'good luck' has been escalated to the next level. Sounds like quite the journey to me. Be safe.
Awesome video as always David! I’m putting this hike on my list. We are doing the Chicago basin hike this week near Durango Colorado.
Awesome video as always. Thanks my friend.
Good to see you on trail,,great location with reasonably good weather. I think the mosquitoes are pretty bad this year all over,maybe some of the wildfires push them around. Always an awesome video,beautiful scenery....til next time....Stay Safe and God Bless....