Ahoy, trail people!

Not too much melting has been going on in the range—some, but not a lot. You can make it a few steps further on the trail every day. It has been a rainy few weeks here in Pinedale, and I’ve watched it rain at 12,000 feet all over the range the last few weeks. But don’t let that discourage you! The temps are pleasant, the days are long, and the bugs are minimal. Since we have still barely hit 70 degrees, the melting is still slow-going. We are still a few weeks from having all the snow melted off our favorite trails. As I look forward to this upcoming week, we have 4 out of 7 days with rain and a little sunshine at the end of the week. Let’s hope it sticks around after that. As things change in the Winds, I will update you each week. 

 With recent viral bear videos coming out of Yellowstone, I hate that I have to even say this, but please respect all wildlife! Be bear aware and check out the website below for tons of great information on ID’ing bear species, what to do if you encounter a bear, and the best way to use bear spray effectively.

BEAR WISE WYOMING

 

Here is what is going on with our local trailheads:

Big Sandy Trailhead (9,085′) – Snow Depth: 0″
No first-hand reports with people going in and out of Big Sandy, but I bet we are getting close to making it back to the trailhead. If anyone wants to try and make it, let me know how it goes.

Scab Creek Trailhead (8,200′) – Snow Depth: 0″
Scab Creek Trailhead is open. Snow and muddy trails will exist; once you get into the treeline, you will encounter snow, making it too hard to really get those miles done.

Boulder Lake Trailhead (7,300′) – Snow Depth: 0″
Boulder Lake Trailhead is open, and the trails are dry. Ethel Lake and Blueberry Lake are now fully accessible. Please watch out for high water in this area.

Elkhart Park Trailhead (9,350′) – Snow Depth: 0″
Elkhart Park Trailhead is open. The road, parking lot and campground are all dry. A couple of us were able to hike to Sacred Rim early last week on patchy, slushy snow. Most of that snow should be gone by now, uncovering a wet but hikeable trail. Pole Creek Trail is still holding snow as you approach Photographer’s Point. No one has made it that far this year that I am aware of.

Spring Creek Trailhead (8,200′) – Snow Depth: 0″
Spring Creek Trailhead is open. But getting there is another story. With lots of rain this month, the road will be quite muddy, and 4WD will be a must.

New Fork Lakes Trailhead (7,900′) – Snow Depth: 0″
New Fork Lakes Trailhead is open. If you are trying to hike the double top trail, it’s going to be snowy after about 6-ish miles, but if you are trying for the Palmer Canyon area, you can make it a little bit further.

Green River Lakes Trailhead (8,040′) – Snow Depth: 0″
Green River Lakes Trailhead is open. From hikers coming into the shop, it looks like you can get just to the natural bridge. If you are headed on the Highline, you can make it just past the base of Square Top Mountain. Any further is going to be filled with snow and mud.

 

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