The Wind River Range in Wyoming is much less visited than some of the nearby ranges in the Rockies lying to the north. This is in part due to presence of two extremely popular National Parks in Wyoming nearby: Yellowstone and Grand Teton. The Cirque of the Towers Loop following the two-pass loop (Texas Pass and Jackass Pass) is one of the top loops in the Southern Wind River Range. Being a loop hike, one can go clockwise OR counterclockwise from the Big Sandy Trailhead. However, the clockwise route is strongly recommended. You will encounter the Texas Pass first and Jackass Pass second.
Rock Springs, Lander, and Pinedale are the three closest towns to the trailhead -- there are approach roads to the Big Sandy Trailhead from all these towns. There is a lodge and a campground near the trailhead if you want to be close the night before you head out.
If you choose the clockwise route, take a left on the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. You will pass by Meek's Lake, Mirror Lake, Dad's Lake and Marms Lake the first day. Approximately 12 miles from the trailhead is Shadow Lake, a great place to set up camp for the night. This area is pretty windy; keep this in mind while looking for a camping spot. The Cirque towering above Shadow Lake is an awesome sight. If you time it right, you can enjoy the dark skies in all their glory during a new moon.
Head toward Lonesome Lake via Texas Pass on the second day. On the way you’ll see Billy's Lake, Barren Lake, and Texas Lake. The climb up to Texas Lake is gradual, while the elevation gain to the top of Texas Pass is close to 600 feet in about half a mile. From Texas Pass, it's a steep and steady descent of about 2,000 feet over 2 miles all the way to Lonesome Lake. Once you descend from Texas Pass, the area to the left gives a commanding view of Pingora Peak looming large in front of Lonesome Lake. If you look closely, you can see people climbing Pingora Peak. Camping is not allowed within a quarter mile of Lonesome Lake, and most hikers head that direction for camping.
The next morning, return to Big Sandy Trailhead from Lonesome Lake via Jackass Pass. There are multiple trails that lead to Jackass Pass from Lonesome Lake. The official trail will lead to a signboard with the name of the pass. But you will get to the top of the pass following any of the trails, maybe not to the signboard. Enjoy views of Arrowhead Lake, North Lake, and Big Sandy Lake on the way back to the trailhead. There are excellent camping opportunities near each of these lakes, along with many different itinerary options for the Cirque of the Towers Loop.
Please practice leave no trace principles at all times in the backcountry.
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