Wind River Range Friends Traverse

Expedition Itinerary: Wind River Master Traverse

Primary Objective: end-to-end traverse

Trip Duration: 6 days

Total Estimated Mileage: ~70 miles

Experience Level: advanced

Terrain Type: alpine lakes

- Cumulative elevation gain/loss (ft): ~14,500 ft

- Start and end trailhead: Big Sandy Trailhead, WY to Green River Lakes Trailhead, WY

- GPS coordinates: 42.6883, -109.2398 to 43.2819, -109.8635

- Permits: Required through the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Obtain in advance from Forest Service offices.

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DAY 1: Big Sandy Trailhead to Big Sandy Lake

- Distance and elevation gain/loss: 6 miles, +1,000 ft

- Terrain description: Pine forest to alpine meadow

- Notable features or side quests: Clear view of War Bonnet Peak

- Key water sources: Big Sandy River

- Campsite location: Big Sandy Lake

- Wildlife or safety notes: Bear activity; use bear-proof containers

- Trail tip: Start early to secure a good campsite

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DAY 2: Big Sandy Lake to Cirque of the Towers

- Distance and elevation gain/loss: 8 miles, +2,000 ft

- Terrain description: Rocky trails, steep ascents

- Notable features or side quests: View the famous Cirque formations

- Key water sources: Lonesome Lake

- Campsite location: Cirque of the Towers

- Wildlife or safety notes: Check weather for approaching storms

- Trail tip: Stay right at junctions to maintain the route

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DAY 3: Cirque of the Towers to Shadow Lake

- Distance and elevation gain/loss: 10 miles, +2,500 ft

- Terrain description: High passes, boulder fields

- Notable features or side quests: Texas Pass views

- Key water sources: Shadow Lake

- Campsite location: Shadow Lake

- Wildlife or safety notes: Watch for cliff edges, especially in fog

- Trail tip: Trekking poles highly recommended

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DAY 4: Shadow Lake to Island Lake

- Distance and elevation gain/loss: 12 miles, +2,000 ft

- Terrain description: Mixed terrain, alpine views

- Notable features or side quests: Photogenic Island Lake vista

- Key water sources: Island Lake

- Campsite location: Island Lake

- Wildlife or safety notes: Mosquitoes peak in the evening

- Trail tip: Plan for slower pace over rocky sections

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DAY 5: Island Lake to Titcomb Basin

- Distance and elevation gain/loss: 8 miles, +1,500 ft

- Terrain description: Glacial valleys, lakeside paths

- Notable features or side quests: Explore Titcomb Basin

- Key water sources: Multiple small streams

- Campsite location: Titcomb Basin

- Wildlife or safety notes: Maintain distance from wildlife

- Trail tip: Early morning for best lighting and fewer crowds

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DAY 6: Titcomb Basin to Green River Lakes Trailhead

- Distance and elevation gain/loss: 12 miles, +1,500 ft

- Terrain description: Long descent through forested paths

- Notable features or side quests: Final views of Upper Green River

- Key water sources: Green River

- Campsite location: N/A

- Wildlife or safety notes: Possible thunderstorms in afternoon

- Trail tip: Leave early to avoid afternoon heat

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CAMPSITE INTEL

- Camp names and elevation: Big Sandy Lake (~10,155 ft), Cirque of the Towers (~10,800 ft), Shadow Lake (~11,000 ft), Island Lake (~10,400 ft), Titcomb Basin (~10,500 ft)

- Fire restrictions: Fires not allowed above tree line

- Bear safety and food storage: Bear canisters required

- Best views (sunrise/sunset): Island Lake, Titcomb Basin

- Noise level or solitude factor: Quiet, especially mid-week

- Nearest water source: All campsites near lakes or streams

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WEATHER & ALTITUDE NOTES

- Typical temps: 35-70°F in August

- Sun exposure: High UV index, bring sunscreen

- Acclimatization tips: Spend a night at elevation before starting

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GEAR CHECKLIST (10 ESSENTIAL ITEMS)

List tailored to terrain and season

Include 1–2 pro tips:

- Navigation tools (map, compass)

- Water filtration system

- Sunscreen and sunglasses

- First aid kit

- Fire starter and matches

- Pocket knife

- Headlamp with extra batteries

- Shelter system (tent, tarp)

- Insulating layers

- Nutrition/snacks (high-calorie options)

Pro tips:

- Opt for lightweight, packable synthetic layers for the altitude changes.

- A satellite communicator enhances safety in remote areas.

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OPTIONAL UPGRADES

- Scenic side trips: Summit Freemont Peak for advanced climbers

- Photo-worthy moments: Sunset at Titcomb Basin

- Post-hike food or reward suggestion: Gannett Grill in Pinedale

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FINAL BRIEF SUMMARY

- Trail hours per day: 6-10 hours

- Wake/sleep rhythm: Early rise with first light, sleep after sunset

- Estimated calories burned per day: 3,000-4,500 calories

- Water needed per person: 3-5 liters

- Recommended pack weight range: 30-45 lbs

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Prepare accordingly and respect all wilderness guidelines.

Your expedition awaits, Christopher Nicholas Arace.