Spring is in full swing!

 

We’ve had lots of rain this last week, and it’s starting to look very green out there. Any water crossings should be approached wisely and thoughtfully. Water will likely be moving more swiftly than appearances let on. Along those same lines, use care when selecting a campsite that may be in a flood zone. Pinedale has been in a consistent weather pattern of mostly clear mornings with thunder and lightning storms in the afternoons. Be aware of storms moving in; don’t get caught at higher elevations or in exposed areas when lightning strikes. You can hike a couple of miles in at Elk Heart Park before the snow becomes a problem. Hikers should be able to make it to Photographer’s Point in a week or so, as the temps are starting to warm up. With all the recent rain, muddy trails and standing water should be expected wherever you go. It’s Gore-Tex season, folks! Virtually nothing else has changed at all trail heads on this side of the range. While it has been a pleasant spring so far, we have yet to see a day over 70 degrees, and the snow line has not budged much this last week.

 

Big Sandy Trailhead (9,085′) – Snow Depth: 0″
Even though the snow levels in the range are sitting around 9,300′, we are still not able to get back to the Big Sandy trailhead. The road will take a while to dry out fully, but it should be passable in about one week.

 

Boulder Lake Trailhead (7,300′) – Snow Depth: 0″
It’s all open, and you can go up to Eithel Lake and even further if you are feeling up to it.

 

Elkhart Park Trailhead (9,350′) – Snow Depth: 0″
The road driving up to Elkhart Park is open. The trail, however, will still be muddy for a while. You won’t exceed a mile before hitting knee-deep to waist-deep snow.

 

Spring Creek Trailhead (8,200′) – Snow Depth: 0″
Spring Creek Trailhead is open. This area is well below the snow line, and the trail gets plenty of sun once it crests the ridge. However, you may run into the issues of snow and mud during the first couple of miles as you’re hiking up the north-facing slope, like many other trails this time of year.

 

New Fork Lakes Trailhead (7,900′) – Snow Depth: 0″
Muddy trails are the theme of this trail report, and this trailhead is no exception. Don’t let it scare you away from getting out there, though!

 

Green River Lakes Trailhead (8,040′) – Snow Depth: 0″
The road up to GR Lakes is open and—you guessed it—a little muddy, but you can make it. The trail will be mushy; once you make it a little past the first lake and into the canyon, you will start running into snow.

 

Additional Resources:

GOTCo, Pinedale Area Hiking/Fishing Shuttles

Recreate Responsibly, Friends of the Bridger-Teton

Bear Wise Wyoming, WY Fish & Game

Wyoming Fishing Regulations, WY Fish & Game