This hike was the first week of August. Was nice meeting you over by Clear Lake I believe. Sure was glad my daughter remembered your website and have been enjoying the $hit out of your videos.Funny how we met up with Perk and his bud at Green River lake parking lot. Small world and makes for a lifetime of memories. How fortunate to meet and experience this route with Hopeful and Kate. I'm sure Kate and Hopeful were super pumped to be able to complete this route with you, can't imagine the feeling coming over oneself after this kind of accomplishment. This route was kick ass and I don't have the skills to do this but in a year or two wouldn't mind giving it a whirl . Ya can't beat the Winds, want to go every year or every other year till I get sick of em. Too many cool spots, wanna go back to do some base camping to try out fishing there, didn't see anybody fishing Big Sandy River and that looked pretty good. Just trying to figure out a float tube to pack in w/o killing myself.
Hey Jeff, I remember you two! Very cool that you daughter remembered the name and brought you here.That's cool you bumped into Perk too. It's funny, we were pretty close on trail I think but I don't believe I ever met him. Yeah it is a small world. I've talked to a couple people I met on trail now here on youtube, pretty cool to be able to do that. If and when i live a little closer, I'm looking forward to spending more time in the Winds too. There's a guy I heard of that spent something like 130 nights in the Sierras one summer. I often thought how wild that would be to do in the Winds. And yeah the fishing! My next trip to the winds, I want to make a basecamp and do some climbing and fishing. But who knows when that'll be right now. The float tube sounds awesome to have. You just need a team of Llamas to carry your gear haha
Jeff, if you’re still in the market for a good float tube take a look at Alpacka rafts. I’m not affiliated in any way, I promise! I just really LOVE mine!
Magnificent detour! I am glad you had two experienced hiking partners to share this "once in a lifetime" trek off trail. And, that you could share your exploits immediately with other like-minded adventurers. I am humbled by your preparation and your route-finding skills. I thank you for sharing this!
I bet! I remember how excited I was last year around this time. I was watching Cookie & Pauls 2008 hike on repeat in the background while doing all my packing and stuff haha
The Ep 20 was far the best scenic video I have ever seen with the Wind River Mountains. I use to live in Pavillion Wy and hike the Sinks Canyon years ago. I would use your route definitely. I think your right it’s best to share it with someone. Great job.
@@Itz_a_prado78 Hey thanks Preston, I'm just glad I was able to capture a fraction of the beauty the Winds has to offer. We sent to Sinks Canyon one evening while staying in Lander, very unique place, very beautiful. And all those huge fish in the pools, wow. I hope you enjoy the route, let me know if you have any questions about any sections of it
I think I was looking at that area as a possible route. I considered walking that way into Lander then doing the rest north from there. But in the end I decided to make the winds one big unbroken section.
What a video and what an adventure. Love the Winds! For the last five years I've spent the entire month of August backpacking in the Winds, although I've never done an adventure like this. Totally agree with your comment that you would rather hike alone than not at all. Since 2011 I've backpacked 75 to 100 nights a year and the vast majority of my trips are solo. Really enjoying your videos!
Wow those are some impressive numbers Bryan! And to spend that much time in the Winds every year must be a real treat, to learn the range so well. I've often thought of spending a whole summer out there. Maybe someday. What are some of your favorite spots in the Winds, if you don't mind sharing? It's hard to choose for me but I really enjoyed Golden Lakes area, Bonneville Lakes, Pronghorn Peak and upper North Fork Bull Lake Creek area (would like to explore more downstream though). I'm hoping to do a different style trip on my next Winds hike, maybe more of a basecamp and fishing/climbing type trip.
Lots of beautiful places in the Winds and it's difficult to choose any one place. I've done several trips starting at the Big Sandy trail head. Of course Jackass Pass, Cirque of Towers and Texas Pass are epic, but a little crowded. Pyramid Lake and Graves Lake southeast of Bonneville Lakes are really nice. Lizard Head Meadows down stream from Cirque of Towers on the North Pope Agie River is very beautiful but if you are hiking up the river there are four crossings that would be very challenging, if not impossible, in June and July. Titcomb Basin which is accessible from Elkhart Park is incredible but very crowded. In fact I saw more backpackers on that trip than any other trip I've ever done (that's saying a lot given that I've backpacked over 11,000 miles in 22 states in the last 30 years). New Fork Park about 8 miles from the New Fork Lakes Trail Head is very pretty and I've been there twice. The CDT out of Green River Lakes and then to Clark Lake and then over Porcupine Pass and back to Green River Lakes is one of my favorites. And finally last summer I base camped in Bomber Basin for seven days with a friend and I want to go back and do a real backpacking trip in that area. Bomber Basin is on the east side of the Winds and is accessible from the Trail Lake Trail Head where you ended this trip. I have videos of all these areas except for Pyramid Lake and Graves Lake that you might enjoy.
Nice, thanks for the info. I've been to Titcomb basin on my previous Winds hike and I only saw a handful of people. But I didn't come in from Elkhart like you did either, I came from Knapsack col. Those are some pretty impressive numbers you have under your belt! I know Titcomb is popular in general but I would not have imagined that would be your most crowded hike of all time. I just subbed your channel and looking forward to watching some of those videos soon. I've been editing non stop for a LONG time now and I haven't been watching many videos in the process. Finally working on the last video now!
@@SeekingLost I'm 66 and although my first backpacking trip was age 12, I"ve been backpacking seriously since the late 1980's. It also helps to live in east Tennessee with several 1,000 miles of trails within 3 hours of my house and the ability to backpack 12 months a year. With the popularity of thru-hikes these days, it may seem strange but I've never done a thru-hike, although I've done many 6 to 8 day trips, with my longest trip being 10 days. On the Titcomb Basin trip I saw 50 to 60 backpackers and Titcomb Basin was so crowded I almost never found a place to camp. I can only imagine how busy been editing since you've been back. You have really been cranking them out and doing a great job. Thanks for the sub!
What an episode!! Can't imagine how phenomenal it must have felt to get to an alternate you created yourself and have been waiting for with decent weather and great company. Absolutely amazing route. I will be there one day once I get a ton more experience under my belt. I learned a lot from the excellent write-up on the site as well, thank you.
Thanks man! Dude it felt sooo good getting to Glacier Trailhead and even better to smash a whole pizza in town. And sleeping in, in a real bed, wow! You'll get to the Winds someday :)
1:28 (and on from there) If you told me that was the Sierra Nevada, you could have fooled me. That is some amazing looking country right there! Enjoying your journey on the CDT!
I've been to both, and the winds are top for me. With that said, the Sierras are the only place that compares to the winds that I've been to so far. Both are truly amazing!
@@SeekingLost While I still love my Eastern Sierras, the Wind River mountain range is simply spectacular & officially on my hiking list now! You guys must have pigged out on food by the time you got to that camp. LOL
Amazing video of such gorgeous backcountry and God's wondrous works and beautiful backyard! WOW! Thanks for sharing this awesome adventure with us! God bless! I am totally blown away right now!
wow... just WOW! That scenery was incredible! I can imagine that the route and terrain was tough enough, but being out there 3 more days than you budgeted food for would put an edge on the whole section. Great video, of course!
Thanks man! I feel like in doing a route like this through the winds, something is bound to happen. It was running out of food for us, but it could have been an accident in the boulder fields, caught in an a terrible storm, someone losing a critical gear item etc. But these kind of things make it the story we tell in the future so it's all good. Like the saying goes, "my best vacation is your worst nightmare" haha
I've heard about the WRR but not seen it documented as comprehensibly as that. With all that dramatic music i thought i was watching another Lord of the Rings sequel filmed in New Zealand. One day I will get there ... oh yes ... one day i will get there :-) Thanks for your share.
The Winds definitely have a bit more exotic feel to them. I really want to get to New Zealand and Patagonia someday. Best of luck on your future Winds adventure!
Thank you, and glad I could take you on a trip down memory lane! Any of us who have spent time in the Winds knows how special that place is. I don't think I've ever known a place that is universally held in such high regard. We are so lucky to have experienced it!
I've been researching the Andrew Skurka and Alan Dixon High Routes. Your video is one of the best -- great shots, great storytelling and epic background music. Really well done -- thank you!!!
Haha I hear that! Every time I watch it I can't wait to get back out there! It's definitely a challenging route but it doesn't require any crazy climbing skills or anything. My first trip here though, I remember thinking how much of a step up it was from my previous hikes in Colorado. I had no idea what I was getting into!
Second time watching this. The best PCT video ever (although offtrail)‼️ My go to video for inspiration & daydream. Epic views and editing! PThank you for sharing!
We talked this route up so much. hope it lived up to the hype haha. Well you'll have this memory of the Winds to think about while you're slogging through the PCT this year :)
this is real adventure here. nice! Thanks for pointing this out Eric! My buddy wants to come spend time with me on the CDT in 2024 when I plan on going. And we both selected this area as the part he should meet up with me for.
Realized I hadn't seen this video from you. OMG! This is in my state and I haven't seen most of it. I now have a new goal. The only part of the Winds that I have hiked in is the north part. Green River lakes area. Gunsight pass. Best videos of the Winds by far. You did an awesome job videotaping these beautiful mountains! So glad I found your channel. I have watched Bryan De lay,s videos too.
How'd you miss this one? Haha. Thank you. This was my favorite section of the CDT, and my favorite hike anywhere, ever! Green River Lakes is amazing, that view of Square Top Mountain along the Green River, that turquoise color... I was sad to miss that on this hike but sacrifices had to be made. Get out there and see them Winds some more next year! I might even be out there again next summer, TBD
I went on my first backpacking trip to the winds back in July thanks to this video. The mosquito were horrible and I had to cut the trip short because my feet couldn't take it anymore but it was the best trip I've ever been on. Thanks to you and Homemade Wanderlust channel I've been contemplating trying the cdt but I'm not sure I can afford to take half a year off of work. Next time I'm in the winds though I'll be considering this route.
That's awesome, glad to hear you made it out to the Winds! The winds are notorious for bad bugs, but we got lucky on this outing and didn't get eaten alive. I couldn't take work off either, so I quit! haha. I hope things fall into place for you and you make it out to the CDT, doing stuff like this is what life is all about
Congratulations, you really earned those miles! So beautiful, yet rugged! Way to hard for me to even consider. Simply amazing, and those 150 miles would be an adventure, in of themselves! Hard to believe you started in NM, did this, and still have to reach Canada!
Man, this is better than an action movie. Your camerawork is amazing. I mean, you nailed so many gorgeous shots. I normally hate music in hiking videos, but you made it work very well. Your narration is well done, concise and gripping.
Crazy how you went from the Great Divide Basin, to this! No pesky mountain bikers here, like CO 😁 Yellow snow? No! Better watch put for that red snow. Heard it's some kind of toxic algae 😮
Beautiful footage. I am looking forward to my own third trip to The Winds next month. (I will be staying on trails however.) Thank you for uploading your video.
Came here to get psyched for a trip a couple friends and I are planning through here in a week. Only doing Big Sandy to GRL though. I don't think we'll be dealing with nearly as much snow though from the looks of it. This vid did make me a bit nervous for getting around that final upper Alpine Lake though. Might have to adopt that FPH speed. Awesome vid and way to survive those final days on such meager rations.
Hope you enjoyed your hike, with the FPH meter pegged!! I ended up doing a 7 day hike in the northern Winds in August myself. How was the traverse around Alpine?
Oh how I LOVE the Winds! That video I'll be watching again, and again. Mega THANK-YOU's and GRATITUDE to you documenting that experience with video! You guys CRUSHED IT! Dude..watching Hopeful floating that piece of Ice in a mostly frozen lake to another piece of ice was INSANE. Question: what month was this hike in the Winds? Late July? August? How were the bugs? They didn't seem to be bad on your video..
Haha thanks man, glad to give you your winds fix! The whole thing with Hopeful on the iceberg, we couldn't stop talking about it the rest of the time we hiked together. That story will be told for the rest of my life haha. And yeah we lucked out with the bugs. They were awful in late August 2014, but this was first week of August and I don't remember anything horrendous.
Howdy! I've enjoyed each of your videos in this series. Nicely done sir. Would you be willing to share your alternate 450 mile route with me. I'm starting in less than a month and would love to take a look at the actual route you took to help me plan mine. Thank you!!
Hey Tim... send me a message on my blog (seekinglost.com/contact-us/) and I'll reply with the GPX file. Let's not give out our emails here :) Good luck this year on the CDT and enjoy the alternate!
Seeking Lost this is such an magical amazing place. Did you even see another people. You should do a logistical video..gear food . Would love to attempt this but I am a southern Appalachians hiker and the elevation would take me out . the fishing looks like it would be awesome in the winds
We saw occasional people but the northern half was definitely sparse. I did do a CDT gear list video (ua-cam.com/video/sQKPpxKjwH8/v-deo.html) although I have been making some major gear changes. I'll do a video on that before I leave for the GET in the spring. The fishing is supposed to be excellent. I only fished at Glacier Lake on my 2014 hike and caught a few small trout. I'd love to do more fishing here, I KNOW it has some serious potential! And as for the elevation, if you have a few days to acclimate slowly it makes things much easier. But if you're rushed, confined by vacation time off work for example, that makes it tough to spent enough time easing into the high country the right way. You can still experience some pretty amazing stuff here under 10k :)
I went to your website to find the gpx files. I hope this route is available for me to experience. Absolutely amazing I left a comment on your site with my primary email 🤗
Hey I replied on my site with a link to the GPX file. I also updated the GPX file page on my site to include it there. Let me know if I can help with any route questions!
@@shaesmith9460 Not sure yet, my year is an empty slate right now. It's been hard to commit to future plans because I'm not sure what i want to do next and where that might take me. Lots of things to figure out. Don't really want to go back to a cubicle job, looking at other options
That's what I said on my first visit in 2014! I remember stumbling around in all these Canyons, alone, just in awe of the Beauty, and the difficulty. My favorite place I've ever been so far
nicely done, quality the whole way through. I woke up looking forward to watching this video and it did not dissappoint. Do you have any other hikes planned?
No big hikes this year, going to try and be an adult this year. But am starting planning of a huge loop through UT, AZ, NV, OR and ID. Plotting stuff on a map then will try and make a route that hits as much of it as possible. I haven't really had the time to work on it, but I'm looking forward to that. I love the route planning aspect of these hikes
There are no words....majestic is all I can think of and that's understating. It's absolutely stunning! Question though, on the glaciers I noticed they had a red tint to them. Any idea what it may be from?
The Winds are in a league of their won, that's for sure! The red stuff is snow algae. It's a certain type of algae that thrives on snow and glaciers. I've seen it before where most of the snow is red, and when you step on it, your footprints are white. Going up Texas Pass it was the opposite, we were leaving red footprints in the snow. Pretty cool looking I think!
@@SeekingLost I've seen videos of the CDT but yours are by far the best! I love your adventurous spirit and the paths less taken. I've had a fear of this trail and thanks to you I have deep yearning to see what you have seen. Thank you...so much!
Love the winds! Did Alan’s high route few years back from green river to big sandy. Planning to do skurka’s route from lander to Dubois thus fall with my Malinois…. I thought it’s just shy of 100 miles, did you say y’all did 150? Was thinking about 10 days. Thoughts
Ours was 150 mile, but we entered the Winds in the south at HWY 28 along the CDT. Starting at Lander will probably put you around the 100 mile mark as you said. 10 days should be plenty of time, not accounting for how the dog handles it. You know how it is in the Winds, the more time you have here, the better. I got pretty lucky with the weather on my first two trips, but a snow event rolled through in August last year while on a 10 day trip in the Winds. We ended up cutting it short to 7 days.
There's a route I did that starts on top of Atlantic Peak following the line along the top of the peaks on the Divide as closely as possible and exiting on Union Peak. It's the longest and highest possible route through the Winds. I never published it as I don't believe in internet publishing in wilderness but you should give'r a try some time.
That must have been a killer hike. What was the mileage and number of days? I've been plotting something similar to that... your start at Atlantic Peak, did you park at Fiddlers Lake? That was the best looking access point I could see in the south. Or maybe Louis Lake. What I would really like to do is a huge loop, staying close to the divide on both sides of the divide, with a resupply in Dubois. There's still a lot I would like to see there.
Great vid, so what would you change on the food list for 12day or 15 day load ?And how much weight did you all loose ? Also what would you take next time ?
Really appreciate that and all of your resources! Used your sawtooths high route to craft a trip last summer and had an unbelievable time. Is there a place to make a donation to support your site?
Heck yeah, that's awesome to hear! I don't think you can go wrong in the Sawtooths. Sounds like another good summer with the Winds next :) I appreciate the support, there is a donation link at the top of the GPX page I linked to, or you can do so through this link: www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_donations&business=S5EE37G2P9XEU¤cy_code=USD&source=url
Hey Famous, what do you recommend as the best data source for this high route? I’m doing the CDT this year and would love to have the route on hand if I decide to do it rather than sticking to cirque of the towers
I noticed a few times there were more than just two people in your shots. Did you randomly come across other people on the high route or was that just near trail crossings?
We did run into a handful of people at a few locations... Halls Lake, the was a big LDS group there. Going up the pass between Alpine Lakes and Knifepoint Glacier, we ran into some former CDT hikers. And a couple others along the way
We never felt in serious danger on the glaciers really. We all walked in a straight line. I went ahead and used my trekking pole to probe for snow bridges in certain areas, but we never encountered anything. The crevasses we encountered up close were all small enough that falling down into them wasn't a threat. It was pretty solid mostly. There was a good stream running underneath Gannett Glacier, and the snow was slushy and soft as we approached it. We headed uphill a couple hundred yards and found a more solid way across, then back downhill around it.
We started carrying bear spray from Lander north. Grizzlies have been moving south into the northern Wind River Range, and some say have made it into the southern Winds. There ARE Grizzlies in the northern Winds, I have seen footprint pictures from other CDT hikers as well as some info on grizz populations in the Green River Lakes basin. They even put out something like 5 tags for grizzlies in the Winds area last year, so the population must be increasing. On my high route hike in 2014, late August, I saw a TON of bear scat and even saw one black bear at Halls Lake. On this hike (early August), we saw zero bear signs up there. Along a lower route, which is probably where the bears are that time of year, I would definitely carry spray. Cirque of the Towers area is supposed to have a very smart black bear that frequents the area, thwarting most food hanging systems.
This is the 4th time I've watched this episode, such a thrill when the backcountry is still inaccessible.
This is seriously the best trail video I have ever seen. Breathtaking!
Wow thank you so much!!
This hike was the first week of August. Was nice meeting you over by Clear Lake I believe. Sure was glad my daughter remembered your website and have been enjoying the $hit out of your videos.Funny how we met up with Perk and his bud at Green River lake parking lot. Small world and makes for a lifetime of memories. How fortunate to meet and experience this route with Hopeful and Kate. I'm sure Kate and Hopeful were super pumped to be able to complete this route with you, can't imagine the feeling coming over oneself after this kind of accomplishment. This route was kick ass and I don't have the skills to do this but in a year or two wouldn't mind giving it a whirl . Ya can't beat the Winds, want to go every year or every other year till I get sick of em. Too many cool spots, wanna go back to do some base camping to try out fishing there, didn't see anybody fishing Big Sandy River and that looked pretty good. Just trying to figure out a float tube to pack in w/o killing myself.
Hey Jeff, I remember you two! Very cool that you daughter remembered the name and brought you here.That's cool you bumped into Perk too. It's funny, we were pretty close on trail I think but I don't believe I ever met him. Yeah it is a small world. I've talked to a couple people I met on trail now here on youtube, pretty cool to be able to do that. If and when i live a little closer, I'm looking forward to spending more time in the Winds too. There's a guy I heard of that spent something like 130 nights in the Sierras one summer. I often thought how wild that would be to do in the Winds. And yeah the fishing! My next trip to the winds, I want to make a basecamp and do some climbing and fishing. But who knows when that'll be right now. The float tube sounds awesome to have. You just need a team of Llamas to carry your gear haha
Jeff, if you’re still in the market for a good float tube take a look at Alpacka rafts. I’m not affiliated in any way, I promise! I just really LOVE mine!
Magnificent detour! I am glad you had two experienced hiking partners to share this "once in a lifetime" trek off trail. And, that you could share your exploits immediately with other like-minded adventurers. I am humbled by your preparation and your route-finding skills. I thank you for sharing this!
That was absolutely incredible, I can't wait to start the CDT this year!
I bet! I remember how excited I was last year around this time. I was watching Cookie & Pauls 2008 hike on repeat in the background while doing all my packing and stuff haha
That route you created should be called “Famous Scenic Route”
That does have a nice ring to it :)
The Ep 20 was far the best scenic video I have ever seen with the Wind River Mountains. I use to live in Pavillion Wy and hike the Sinks Canyon years ago. I would use your route definitely. I think your right it’s best to share it with someone. Great job.
@@Itz_a_prado78 Hey thanks Preston, I'm just glad I was able to capture a fraction of the beauty the Winds has to offer. We sent to Sinks Canyon one evening while staying in Lander, very unique place, very beautiful. And all those huge fish in the pools, wow. I hope you enjoy the route, let me know if you have any questions about any sections of it
Seeking Lost there is actually a switch back road that loops from the Sinks Canyon to South Pass And Atlantic City. Lots of good camping near a lake.
I think I was looking at that area as a possible route. I considered walking that way into Lander then doing the rest north from there. But in the end I decided to make the winds one big unbroken section.
Epic slide down that snow bank ! Beautiful
Amazing videography. Probably the best I've ever seen. Thank you for the inspiration!
Katie! Her smile makes everything better!
What a video and what an adventure. Love the Winds! For the last five years I've spent the entire month of August backpacking in the Winds, although I've never done an adventure like this. Totally agree with your comment that you would rather hike alone than not at all. Since 2011 I've backpacked 75 to 100 nights a year and the vast majority of my trips are solo. Really enjoying your videos!
Wow those are some impressive numbers Bryan! And to spend that much time in the Winds every year must be a real treat, to learn the range so well. I've often thought of spending a whole summer out there. Maybe someday.
What are some of your favorite spots in the Winds, if you don't mind sharing? It's hard to choose for me but I really enjoyed Golden Lakes area, Bonneville Lakes, Pronghorn Peak and upper North Fork Bull Lake Creek area (would like to explore more downstream though). I'm hoping to do a different style trip on my next Winds hike, maybe more of a basecamp and fishing/climbing type trip.
Lots of beautiful places in the Winds and it's difficult to choose any one place. I've done several trips starting at the Big Sandy trail head. Of course Jackass Pass, Cirque of Towers and Texas Pass are epic, but a little crowded. Pyramid Lake and Graves Lake southeast of Bonneville Lakes are really nice. Lizard Head Meadows down stream from Cirque of Towers on the North Pope Agie River is very beautiful but if you are hiking up the river there are four crossings that would be very challenging, if not impossible, in June and July. Titcomb Basin which is accessible from Elkhart Park is incredible but very crowded. In fact I saw more backpackers on that trip than any other trip I've ever done (that's saying a lot given that I've backpacked over 11,000 miles in 22 states in the last 30 years). New Fork Park about 8 miles from the New Fork Lakes Trail Head is very pretty and I've been there twice. The CDT out of Green River Lakes and then to Clark Lake and then over Porcupine Pass and back to Green River Lakes is one of my favorites. And finally last summer I base camped in Bomber Basin for seven days with a friend and I want to go back and do a real backpacking trip in that area. Bomber Basin is on the east side of the Winds and is accessible from the Trail Lake Trail Head where you ended this trip. I have videos of all these areas except for Pyramid Lake and Graves Lake that you might enjoy.
Nice, thanks for the info. I've been to Titcomb basin on my previous Winds hike and I only saw a handful of people. But I didn't come in from Elkhart like you did either, I came from Knapsack col. Those are some pretty impressive numbers you have under your belt! I know Titcomb is popular in general but I would not have imagined that would be your most crowded hike of all time. I just subbed your channel and looking forward to watching some of those videos soon. I've been editing non stop for a LONG time now and I haven't been watching many videos in the process. Finally working on the last video now!
@@SeekingLost I'm 66 and although my first backpacking trip was age 12, I"ve been backpacking seriously since the late 1980's. It also helps to live in east Tennessee with several 1,000 miles of trails within 3 hours of my house and the ability to backpack 12 months a year. With the popularity of thru-hikes these days, it may seem strange but I've never done a thru-hike, although I've done many 6 to 8 day trips, with my longest trip being 10 days. On the Titcomb Basin trip I saw 50 to 60 backpackers and Titcomb Basin was so crowded I almost never found a place to camp. I can only imagine how busy been editing since you've been back. You have really been cranking them out and doing a great job. Thanks for the sub!
Your videography is excellent. It helps to have such a great background. I really appreciate the detail on your note section of the videos, thank you.
Ha, that's what I always say... all credit to the beautiful scenery!
Wow! This is so gorgeous! It's like hiking in a motivation poster. What a feast for the eyes!
Haha exactly. The winds, it's like a non stop highlight real. My favorite place I've ever hiked!
What an episode!! Can't imagine how phenomenal it must have felt to get to an alternate you created yourself and have been waiting for with decent weather and great company. Absolutely amazing route. I will be there one day once I get a ton more experience under my belt. I learned a lot from the excellent write-up on the site as well, thank you.
Thanks man! Dude it felt sooo good getting to Glacier Trailhead and even better to smash a whole pizza in town. And sleeping in, in a real bed, wow! You'll get to the Winds someday :)
LARGER-THAN-LIFE!!! Just WOW!
Temple Lake, is so beautiful!
1:28 (and on from there) If you told me that was the Sierra Nevada, you could have fooled me. That is some amazing looking country right there! Enjoying your journey on the CDT!
I've been to both, and the winds are top for me. With that said, the Sierras are the only place that compares to the winds that I've been to so far. Both are truly amazing!
@@SeekingLost While I still love my Eastern Sierras, the Wind River mountain range is simply spectacular & officially on my hiking list now! You guys must have pigged out on food by the time you got to that camp. LOL
beautiful
A most glorious part of Wyoming indeed. My favorite part.
gorgeous video !! I haven't been back to the Winds since a friend and I traversed from Dubois to Pinedale. need to go summer 2020.
Epic scenery and amazed by just watching the vid, can’t imagine how it feels being out there.. cool off trial and thank’s for sharing!🤙
I'm in awe of the beauty. I want to hike the CDT next year.
Amazing video of such gorgeous backcountry and God's wondrous works and beautiful backyard! WOW! Thanks for sharing this awesome adventure with us! God bless! I am totally blown away right now!
Dude ....really....that was ....I have no words that was just bad ass ! Thanks for sharing that
wow... just WOW! That scenery was incredible! I can imagine that the route and terrain was tough enough, but being out there 3 more days than you budgeted food for would put an edge on the whole section. Great video, of course!
Thanks man! I feel like in doing a route like this through the winds, something is bound to happen. It was running out of food for us, but it could have been an accident in the boulder fields, caught in an a terrible storm, someone losing a critical gear item etc. But these kind of things make it the story we tell in the future so it's all good. Like the saying goes, "my best vacation is your worst nightmare" haha
I've heard about the WRR but not seen it documented as comprehensibly as that. With all that dramatic music i thought i was watching another Lord of the Rings sequel filmed in New Zealand. One day I will get there ... oh yes ... one day i will get there :-)
Thanks for your share.
The Winds definitely have a bit more exotic feel to them. I really want to get to New Zealand and Patagonia someday. Best of luck on your future Winds adventure!
@@SeekingLost ```````````fyi ... for patagonia trail logistical info etc ... facebook.com/groups/222224388283455/
a good source.
Thank you!
Wow... another bucket list item for me.... Awesome video! Thanks for sharing!
Absolutely stunning. Keep em coming!
The series just keeps getting better and better! The winds are beautiful! It is on my list of places to backpack in the future!
Thanks man! Every hiker needs to make a pilgrimage to the Winds haha
Phenomenal route and production. A true hiker and filmmaker- your film makes me feel like I’m there and brings back prior hikes. Compliments to you.
Thank you, and glad I could take you on a trip down memory lane! Any of us who have spent time in the Winds knows how special that place is. I don't think I've ever known a place that is universally held in such high regard. We are so lucky to have experienced it!
Best. One. Yet. 🙌
Dude! You are getting me pumped! Great job on the Video.
This was just plain awesome!
Damn CDT traditionalists just realised they’ve missed out big time. Awesome vids mate
I love hiking the Winds, but I have never hiked the CDT, this is a most fantastic video of the challenges and beauty of the Wind Rivers!
Holyyeah, this is epic. OMG! Those transitions...😎
I've been researching the Andrew Skurka and Alan Dixon High Routes. Your video is one of the best -- great shots, great storytelling and epic background music. Really well done -- thank you!!!
Thanks Marco! To this day, this section remains my all-time favorite hike, anywhere. Hope your high route ends up being the same for you!
Every video or photo I see makes me want to plan a trip to the Winds . Although I think your route is beyond my comfortable skill level
Haha I hear that! Every time I watch it I can't wait to get back out there! It's definitely a challenging route but it doesn't require any crazy climbing skills or anything. My first trip here though, I remember thinking how much of a step up it was from my previous hikes in Colorado. I had no idea what I was getting into!
First just let me say..your Videography and editing are some of the best I have ever seen...Second...So much beauty..So little time.
Thank you very much :)
Second time watching this. The best PCT video ever (although offtrail)‼️ My go to video for inspiration & daydream. Epic views and editing! PThank you for sharing!
The best Winds video on UA-cam! And it happens to part of the best thru hike video series! I will be returning to this one again!
Thanks Marcus! I figured what better time to do a route like this than when you have the benefit of thru hiker legs
Awesome video. Thanks for sharing.
Best video of your CDT series (so far- still watching).
I want to see this place!
My favorite too :)
Wow! Been waiting to see this section after hearing you talk about it. When I do the CDT I definitely want to take this route!
We talked this route up so much. hope it lived up to the hype haha. Well you'll have this memory of the Winds to think about while you're slogging through the PCT this year :)
@@SeekingLost It looked spectacular! Did not disappoint at all lol
Well, I'm adding at least part of this trail to my list. Thanks for another fantastic video!
this is real adventure here. nice! Thanks for pointing this out Eric! My buddy wants to come spend time with me on the CDT in 2024 when I plan on going. And we both selected this area as the part he should meet up with me for.
This is THE section of the CDT not to miss! No matter which route you take through the Winds
@@SeekingLost How does one traverse this section you did without starving and being dehydrated? Any tips?
We are planning on doing the High Route this summer. Excellent video, thanks for sharing!
Looking forward to your video, love your channel!
Realized I hadn't seen this video from you. OMG! This is in my state and I haven't seen most of it. I now have a new goal. The only part of the Winds that I have hiked in is the north part. Green River lakes area. Gunsight pass. Best videos of the Winds by far. You did an awesome job videotaping these beautiful mountains! So glad I found your channel. I have watched Bryan De lay,s videos too.
How'd you miss this one? Haha. Thank you. This was my favorite section of the CDT, and my favorite hike anywhere, ever! Green River Lakes is amazing, that view of Square Top Mountain along the Green River, that turquoise color... I was sad to miss that on this hike but sacrifices had to be made. Get out there and see them Winds some more next year! I might even be out there again next summer, TBD
Those glacier blue lakes, are incredible!
I went on my first backpacking trip to the winds back in July thanks to this video. The mosquito were horrible and I had to cut the trip short because my feet couldn't take it anymore but it was the best trip I've ever been on. Thanks to you and Homemade Wanderlust channel I've been contemplating trying the cdt but I'm not sure I can afford to take half a year off of work. Next time I'm in the winds though I'll be considering this route.
That's awesome, glad to hear you made it out to the Winds! The winds are notorious for bad bugs, but we got lucky on this outing and didn't get eaten alive. I couldn't take work off either, so I quit! haha. I hope things fall into place for you and you make it out to the CDT, doing stuff like this is what life is all about
Incredible!!!! Great videos, every one!!!
Thanks so much Karl!
Congratulations, you really earned those miles! So beautiful, yet rugged! Way to hard for me to even consider. Simply amazing, and those 150 miles would be an adventure, in of themselves! Hard to believe you started in NM, did this, and still have to reach Canada!
I gotta tell you, this is more beautiful, and useable than Patagonia.
More usable... I like that term!
Amazing! I'm in awe.
Wow! I want to go !
Incredible landscape! What an adventure!
Love the route you took! Epic!
This was epic !! Beautiful !
I love a good hike, but this is beyond my abilities!!
Know your limits! But it sure is fun pushing them :)
Man, this is better than an action movie. Your camerawork is amazing. I mean, you nailed so many gorgeous shots. I normally hate music in hiking videos, but you made it work very well. Your narration is well done, concise and gripping.
Thanks a lot, I really appreciate your feedback!
AMAZING!!!
Stupendous!!! Pics are awesome and experience seems epic!
I wonder who the person was who disliked this video. Maybe one of the hiking partners.
Crazy how you went from the Great Divide Basin, to this! No pesky mountain bikers here, like CO 😁 Yellow snow? No! Better watch put for that red snow. Heard it's some kind of toxic algae 😮
Beautiful footage. I am looking forward to my own third trip to The Winds next month. (I will be staying on trails however.) Thank you for uploading your video.
Came here to get psyched for a trip a couple friends and I are planning through here in a week. Only doing Big Sandy to GRL though. I don't think we'll be dealing with nearly as much snow though from the looks of it. This vid did make me a bit nervous for getting around that final upper Alpine Lake though. Might have to adopt that FPH speed. Awesome vid and way to survive those final days on such meager rations.
Hope you enjoyed your hike, with the FPH meter pegged!! I ended up doing a 7 day hike in the northern Winds in August myself. How was the traverse around Alpine?
Oh how I LOVE the Winds! That video I'll be watching again, and again. Mega THANK-YOU's and GRATITUDE to you documenting that experience with video! You guys CRUSHED IT!
Dude..watching Hopeful floating that piece of Ice in a mostly frozen lake to another piece of ice was INSANE.
Question: what month was this hike in the Winds? Late July? August? How were the bugs? They didn't seem to be bad on your video..
Haha thanks man, glad to give you your winds fix! The whole thing with Hopeful on the iceberg, we couldn't stop talking about it the rest of the time we hiked together. That story will be told for the rest of my life haha. And yeah we lucked out with the bugs. They were awful in late August 2014, but this was first week of August and I don't remember anything horrendous.
Outstanding!!
Thank you!
Can you say "Backcountry?" Holy cow!
Epic! Thanks
Freakin Awesome!
Man, butt sledding saves so many miles!!
We like to use the technical term "glissade"... but yeah, butt slide is what it really is!
Howdy! I've enjoyed each of your videos in this series. Nicely done sir. Would you be willing to share your alternate 450 mile route with me. I'm starting in less than a month and would love to take a look at the actual route you took to help me plan mine. Thank you!!
Hey Tim... send me a message on my blog (seekinglost.com/contact-us/) and I'll reply with the GPX file. Let's not give out our emails here :) Good luck this year on the CDT and enjoy the alternate!
Seeking Lost this is such an magical amazing place. Did you even see another people. You should do a logistical video..gear food . Would love to attempt this but I am a southern Appalachians hiker and the elevation would take me out . the fishing looks like it would be awesome in the winds
We saw occasional people but the northern half was definitely sparse. I did do a CDT gear list video (ua-cam.com/video/sQKPpxKjwH8/v-deo.html) although I have been making some major gear changes. I'll do a video on that before I leave for the GET in the spring. The fishing is supposed to be excellent. I only fished at Glacier Lake on my 2014 hike and caught a few small trout. I'd love to do more fishing here, I KNOW it has some serious potential! And as for the elevation, if you have a few days to acclimate slowly it makes things much easier. But if you're rushed, confined by vacation time off work for example, that makes it tough to spent enough time easing into the high country the right way. You can still experience some pretty amazing stuff here under 10k :)
I went to your website to find the gpx files. I hope this route is available for me to experience. Absolutely amazing
I left a comment on your site with my primary email 🤗
Hey I replied on my site with a link to the GPX file. I also updated the GPX file page on my site to include it there. Let me know if I can help with any route questions!
@@SeekingLost thanks.
that was absolutely sick man
Thanks Shae! I don't know how to top this hike, I really don't!
Seeking Lost do you have the waypoints for that? I would totally love to try that route
I do! You can download the GPX file on this page, about midway down under the map:
seekinglost.com/hikes-other-adventures/cdt-thru-hike-2018/
Seeking Lost so sick. You doing any backpacking in Colorado this summer?
@@shaesmith9460 Not sure yet, my year is an empty slate right now. It's been hard to commit to future plans because I'm not sure what i want to do next and where that might take me. Lots of things to figure out. Don't really want to go back to a cubicle job, looking at other options
Hope you folks stopped for lunch at the "Cowboy Cafe" in Dubois. It is a tradition to stop there and have lunch after climbing Gannett.
I didn't know places like this existed in the USA!
That's what I said on my first visit in 2014! I remember stumbling around in all these Canyons, alone, just in awe of the Beauty, and the difficulty. My favorite place I've ever been so far
Epic
Wow man, been binging your vids. Want to hit the CDT one day, not sure I've got the balls for the Famous Alternate though.
Binging is best, hope it's on a big screen! The route will definitely challenge you but the rewards are so worth it!
nicely done, quality the whole way through. I woke up looking forward to watching this video and it did not dissappoint. Do you have any other hikes planned?
No big hikes this year, going to try and be an adult this year. But am starting planning of a huge loop through UT, AZ, NV, OR and ID. Plotting stuff on a map then will try and make a route that hits as much of it as possible. I haven't really had the time to work on it, but I'm looking forward to that. I love the route planning aspect of these hikes
There are no words....majestic is all I can think of and that's understating. It's absolutely stunning! Question though, on the glaciers I noticed they had a red tint to them. Any idea what it may be from?
The Winds are in a league of their won, that's for sure! The red stuff is snow algae. It's a certain type of algae that thrives on snow and glaciers. I've seen it before where most of the snow is red, and when you step on it, your footprints are white. Going up Texas Pass it was the opposite, we were leaving red footprints in the snow. Pretty cool looking I think!
@@SeekingLost I've seen videos of the CDT but yours are by far the best! I love your adventurous spirit and the paths less taken. I've had a fear of this trail and thanks to you I have deep yearning to see what you have seen. Thank you...so much!
@@7951Aries Wow thanks so much! I hope you find a way to get out on the CDT and see it for your own eyes someday!
Although the background music is annoying, the scenery is gorgeous. Love the video. Thanks for sharing.
I probably wouldn't like your music either ;) Thanks for watching
WOW.
Love the winds! Did Alan’s high route few years back from green river to big sandy. Planning to do skurka’s route from lander to Dubois thus fall with my Malinois…. I thought it’s just shy of 100 miles, did you say y’all did 150? Was thinking about 10 days. Thoughts
Ours was 150 mile, but we entered the Winds in the south at HWY 28 along the CDT. Starting at Lander will probably put you around the 100 mile mark as you said. 10 days should be plenty of time, not accounting for how the dog handles it. You know how it is in the Winds, the more time you have here, the better. I got pretty lucky with the weather on my first two trips, but a snow event rolled through in August last year while on a 10 day trip in the Winds. We ended up cutting it short to 7 days.
You could also be named “Fearless”. I will never visit the Wind River Range but, through your eyes, I’ve at least screen it. Thanks
I don't think I'm worthy of "Fearless" haha. Glad you could see the majesty of this place one way or another!
There's a route I did that starts on top of Atlantic Peak following the line along the top of the peaks on the Divide as closely as possible and exiting on Union Peak. It's the longest and highest possible route through the Winds. I never published it as I don't believe in internet publishing in wilderness but you should give'r a try some time.
That must have been a killer hike. What was the mileage and number of days? I've been plotting something similar to that... your start at Atlantic Peak, did you park at Fiddlers Lake? That was the best looking access point I could see in the south. Or maybe Louis Lake. What I would really like to do is a huge loop, staying close to the divide on both sides of the divide, with a resupply in Dubois. There's still a lot I would like to see there.
Wow.
Great vid, so what would you change on the food list for 12day or 15 day load ?And how much weight did you all loose ? Also what would you take next time ?
Incredible hike and video. Do you by chance have a cal topo route for this hike?
It was, and still is, the best hike of my life! You can download the GPX file here, and then import into a new caltopo map: seekinglost.com/gpx-files/
Really appreciate that and all of your resources! Used your sawtooths high route to craft a trip last summer and had an unbelievable time. Is there a place to make a donation to support your site?
Heck yeah, that's awesome to hear! I don't think you can go wrong in the Sawtooths. Sounds like another good summer with the Winds next :) I appreciate the support, there is a donation link at the top of the GPX page I linked to, or you can do so through this link:
www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_donations&business=S5EE37G2P9XEU¤cy_code=USD&source=url
@@SeekingLost Just donated. Thanks so much for creating this incredible resource.
So glad it was helpful to you, and thanks for your donation :) Enjoy the hike, and feel free to reach out if you need any additional info on the route
Hey Famous, what do you recommend as the best data source for this high route? I’m doing the CDT this year and would love to have the route on hand if I decide to do it rather than sticking to cirque of the towers
prog metal? on a hiking video? of course i subscribed!
Just trying to spread the good word of metal over here
I noticed a few times there were more than just two people in your shots. Did you randomly come across other people on the high route or was that just near trail crossings?
We did run into a handful of people at a few locations... Halls Lake, the was a big LDS group there. Going up the pass between Alpine Lakes and Knifepoint Glacier, we ran into some former CDT hikers. And a couple others along the way
I can't believe this landscape exists in the USA!
I miss it
Me too. Ah to return to the Winds again someday
Sorry CDT.... but a can of whoop .... to all PCT videos as well 😜
How was it crossing the glaciers? Did you ever feel it was too dangerous either he crevasses?
We never felt in serious danger on the glaciers really. We all walked in a straight line. I went ahead and used my trekking pole to probe for snow bridges in certain areas, but we never encountered anything. The crevasses we encountered up close were all small enough that falling down into them wasn't a threat. It was pretty solid mostly.
There was a good stream running underneath Gannett Glacier, and the snow was slushy and soft as we approached it. We headed uphill a couple hundred yards and found a more solid way across, then back downhill around it.
Thanks for the insight!
I love my winds, i had a arapahoe guide tho...she was a ten...on that richter scale too...soooooorrrryyyyyy...my ten takes your full house.....anyday.
[Several superlative adjectives indicating rapturous state at the visuals]!
This one is sensory overload, for sure :) This is the place dreams are made of
Snot Rockets!
how were the bugs that time of year? im going late July
Bugs weren't too bad on this trip actually. I was there third week of August in 2014 and the bugs were worse then
@@SeekingLost Good to know. feel any need to carry bear spray in that area?
We started carrying bear spray from Lander north. Grizzlies have been moving south into the northern Wind River Range, and some say have made it into the southern Winds. There ARE Grizzlies in the northern Winds, I have seen footprint pictures from other CDT hikers as well as some info on grizz populations in the Green River Lakes basin. They even put out something like 5 tags for grizzlies in the Winds area last year, so the population must be increasing. On my high route hike in 2014, late August, I saw a TON of bear scat and even saw one black bear at Halls Lake. On this hike (early August), we saw zero bear signs up there. Along a lower route, which is probably where the bears are that time of year, I would definitely carry spray. Cirque of the Towers area is supposed to have a very smart black bear that frequents the area, thwarting most food hanging systems.