Wind River High Route Day 3: Titcomb Basin to Alpine Lakes

August 31, 2015

For entire Wind River Route report begin here:  http://ericshikes.blogspot.com/p/wind-river-high-route.html

After a windy night in Titcomb Basin, we awoke to inspiring morning views.

 After packing up without eating, we descended to the trail, then stopped by a scenic pond that reflected the mountains in the distance.

In a short distance we came to Lake 10548' where we decided to stop for a quick breakfast on the south side.

Nearby was a small scenic pond.

Looking north from Lake 10548'

We continued south with great morning views.

Soon we came to the trail junction for Indian Pass. At the nearby Lake 10467 we could see a large group camped below.

The trail wasn't quite as maintained and we lost it a couple times, but navigation wasn't challenging.

Soon we made it to Indian Basin and enjoyed the views.

Indian Basin provided excellent views of Fremont and Jackson Peaks.

Looking back

There was also a nice, but somewhat hazy view of Harrower Peak.

It was a pleasant climb with abundant views.

We took a break at the small lake at the base of Indian Pass to get some water.

Harrower Glacier

Almost to the top!

The views were quite expansive.

Top of Indian Pass looking west

Indian Pass was our first of four crossings of the Continental Divide.  On top we took a break for a snack while sheltering behind a rock wall.  We also had cell service at the top.

Indian Pass looking east

Our next challenge was the Knifepoint Glacier.

We began our descent with little snow.

Soon the Knifepoint Glacier came into view.  We had read previous reports from a couple weeks prior stating that traction or ice axes wasn't required so we only had our trekking poles and trail runners.

Knifepoint Glacier

We hopped on the Glacier and initially the going wasn't too bad with many rocks for traction.

Looking up at Knifepoint Glacier

As we contoured, it became more slippery. There were places where it was crunchy ice with decent traction and others where it was shiny, slippery white ice.  It wasn't that steep, but not sure if I would have been able to stop myself from sliding in the event of a fall.

At times, I felt like I was going to be blown off the glacier even stopping to take a picture.

Eventually I came to several places that seemed impassible without hazard so I told Andrew that I didn't feel comfortable proceeding without backtracking to find a better route.  We ended up finding better traction by descending through a chilly glacier stream to a pleasant ramp of talus.

Looking back at the Knifepoint Glacier (Indian Pass to right)

After a short break, we continued to our next challenge: Alpine Lakes Pass.

Looking back to Knifepoint Glacier and Indian Pass

Almost to the top!

After completing the climb, we enjoyed a spectacular view of the Alpine Lakes below.

We also studied the terrain for our route on the west (right) side of the upper lake.

There is a small class 3 section that isn't visible from a distance where cliffs appear to be present.

Looking back to Alpine Lakes Pass

We stayed above the shore on the talus filled ridge.

Then we began our descent toward apparent cliffs, trusting our guide instructions.

Soon we reached a point where a short upward scramble was required between a crack with a loose boulder.

Then we went sideways a short distance before descending the ramp system.

Lake 11335'

Looking back to Alpine Lakes Pass

Like much of the Alpine Lakes area the hiking along the lakeshore was slow-going with lots of talus.

We reached the outlet and continued our descent.

Tedious navigation through talus continued and we took our time.

We reached a great view of Lake 10988' and decided to find a suitable campsite on its western slopes.

We were intrigued by the lake's narrow eastern outlet.

We set up camp near a stream that flowed between the west ridge and a small pond to the west of the lake.

Looking west from camp to the Continental Divide

There was nice evening light on the peak across Lake 10988'

We enjoyed a great no-cook meal from Fantastic Foods. I believe it was some sort of vegetarian burger.

Soon it was getting cooler and after a tiring day physically and mentally including two significant passes, a glacier crossing, class 3 scrambling, and an abundance of talus we decided to call it a day. The challenges had rewarded with some of the most remote and inspiring scenery I have seen to date.

Continue to Day 4: Alpine Lakes to stream before Glacier Lake