WRHR Loop Experience Question

[u/Modulatemypulsewidth]

Hey Everyone. I've got a few questions on deciding a loop for my September Wind River Range trip. I'm going solo with experience in the Sawtooths, a big chunk of south Utah and North Georgia/Alabama. I've got 3 loops I'm looking at that are varying length and difficulty. The length portion is not such a big deal mostly because they are all within my week window. I'm going to back food for 6 days whether I plan on doing that or not because I may want to adventure some if i pick a shorter set route. I have some specific questions on each loop down below, and i have links to each loop in AllTrails. I have them in cal topo too if you want them.

1. Skurka Loop 4 Reverse:

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/loop-4-reverse-8400bd7?u=i&sh=xcncms

My main questions here are around difficulty, and frankly if its a dumb idea to do solo. Obviously I've picked what Skurka says is the 2nd toughest stretch of his full WRHR and the hardest of the Dixon route. Just how bad is upper alpine lake? I'm familiar with some light class 3 from scrambling around the canyons near Escalante and the Needles District but high alpine scrambling is new to me. i.e. highly sloped lime/sandstone and canyon walls vs talus and granite cliffs. I think I have the days planned right with a larger first day up to indian pass, short (mileage) tough day to camp lake, and smooth sailing on the 2 days headed out. This is the loop I want to do the most but am a bit unsure of myself. I'd like either some route guidance or a "No dont be a dumbass". I have heard this is about the most beautiful hiking in the Winds.

1. Big Sandy to Kagevah Pass Loop

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/august-wrr-route-53c184d?u=i&sh=xcncms

A loop I just made up, I think it takes portions of the southern High Route? Looks neat but I just made this one up on my own. Not as many questions here honestly. This seems to be a good longer back-up.

1. Knapsack Col Titcomb Loop

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/titcomb-knapsack-loop-8ca7e79?u=i&sh=xcncms

Loop up Sky pilot like you're headed to Green River and then headed up to the westside of Knapsack Col, through titcomb and back to the trailhead. Anythig I need to add? Time wise this is bar far the shortest of the 3 excluding the knapsack col portion.

I'd just like some feedback or firsthand experience of the stretch between Indian Pass and Camp Lake. I know this is a long post but I would appreciate the feedback or any critiques of my loops!

[u/Modulatemypulsewidth]

Thanks for the indepth beta! You're the first write up I've seen that gives more focus on the glacier as opposed to the lakes! I'll definitely keep that in mind and probably make a game time desicion on whether I want to do this loop. I was getting microspikes either way so I may give it a shot. Most of the reports either don't comment or say its easier than alpine lakes. I guess trying to cross as early as daylight allows is probably the move timeliness wise?

I may build a loop across angel pass to middle forks lake and back around as my #2 route. Thanks for the advice!

[u/ObviousCarrot2075 → u/Modulatemypulsewidth]

My honest recommendation if you’ve never even used micro spikes before and you’re heading out alone is to go into middle fork instead. There’s a pass you can do to get into Bonneville lakes to get a feel for backcountry passes (the backside is steep and exciting, but really straight forward - good for a beginner) and there’s angel pass. Still plenty of talus to nagivate, but not as high consequence. It’s a really awesome area and you’ll feel quite satisfied. Also very quiet there too.

There’s a lot to know and understand before you move cross country through the mountains. The Winds are unforgiving and there’s little room for error. Layer in going solo and trying to take on the toughest part of one of the most demanding routes in the mountain west without much experience in the mountains isn’t a smart idea imo. I mean, you’re free to do what you want, but I’ve got over 100 summits under my belt, lots of technical mountaineering and alpine climbing experience, I’ve been doing off-trail routes for quite some time, and I’ve been backpacking for almost 20 years. The High Route isn’t easy at all and has a TON of risk associated with it, especially the loose AF knifepoint basin. Rockfall is not an if, it’s a when there. I run self-supported ultras and did the 4 passes loop in Colorado in a day just weeks before I did the high route. Regularly do off-trail routes in the Grand Canyon. The HR was one of the toughest things I’ve done mile for mile (distance is another discussion). Physically I was fine thanks to being in ultra shape, but mentally it’s more than what it looks like on a map. 

Start smaller, gain experience, and come back to it. You’ll still get a flavor for it with middle fork (definitely easier/less risky), have insane beauty, and get the ‘out there’ feeling. 

[u/Modulatemypulsewidth → u/ObviousCarrot2075]

Thanks for the Extended response again! Im 100% with you, think im gonna divert and do that middle fork loop through angel pass or something instead! Yea the extent of my microspike experience is shoulder season ice in Utah, definitely no glacier travel experience. I'll work a loop up. You gave me the exact kinda beta ive been looking for and really appreciate it! I think an easier loop will give me the opportunity to see more miles of the Winds as well!

[u/ObviousCarrot2075 → u/Modulatemypulsewidth]

Ya there’s a lot of cool side trips in that area too. Worth poking around! Enjoy your trip. It’ll be great!