5 days Green > Elk Wind River route advice August 17th

[mmetzelaar]

Hey everyone! Been lurking on the forums for some time gaining invaluable research for my upcoming trip to the Winds. Have a few routes planned out but wanted to get some advice on possible itineraries.

I asked on the Facebook Winds page but didn't get a lot of bites. Wondering what you all would choose if you could in terms of "epic" views. I have a lot of backcountry experience as does my wife but she doesn't like getting off trail. So Knapsack Col (as much as I want to do it) is off the table.

Soo my game plan is the following:

1. Green River > Day 1: Three forks (or Beaver Park) > Day 2: Peak Lake > Day 3: Through Shannon/ cube pass to Southern Island Lake Day 4: Cook Lake (which route: high route through Wall lake or down Highline?) Day 5: Out Pole Creek to Elkhart

Some choices that I hope can be solidified with advice from people who have done it.

1. Possibly do Green River pass instead of Shannon/Cube and camp at Pass/Elbow lake?

2. Instead of going to Cook lake stay an extra day in the Titcomb Basin area and hit Indian Pass. Leave on Seneca Trail

Here is a link to my CalTopo with options mapped. Click here to view on CalTopo
Thanks is advance for anyone who takes the time to read this slog of a post!

 

[mmetzelaar]

Bump

 

[Nick]

The Green River Pass route is not going to be as dramatic as going the other way.

 

[Blake Merrell]

When I did Knapsack a few years ago, there was definitely a trail there... really cool route!

doesn't like getting off trail. So Knapsack Col (as much as I want to do it) is off the table

 

[mmetzelaar]

When I did Knapsack a few years ago, there was definitely a trail there... really cool route!

Yeah I showed her the vid and she said no =/

Doesn't look like a big deal, but wanna keep her coming on my trips haha

 

[mmetzelaar]

The Green River Pass route is not going to be as dramatic as going the other way.

Awesome! Thanks!!

 

[b.stark]

Personally, I'd spend an extra day in the Titcomb Basin and go for Indian Pass if time allows. Both the Titcomb and Indian basins are going to beat Cook Lakes for scenery. For the record, there is no official trail from the Island Lake area through the Wall Lake area.

Green River Pass/Summit Lake is a nice area, but for "epic" going through Shannon Pass is going to beat it.

 

[Born to Hike]

I could hike Knapsack 100 times in a row and never grow tired of the views (feet maybe..)

 

[mmetzelaar]

Personally, I'd spend an extra day in the Titcomb Basin and go for Indian Pass if time allows. Both the Titcomb and Indian basins are going to beat Cook Lakes for scenery. For the record, there is no official trail from the Island Lake area through the Wall Lake area.

Green River Pass/Summit Lake is a nice area, but for "epic" going through Shannon Pass is going to beat it.

You rock! Thanks so much

 

[mmetzelaar]

I could hike Knapsack 100 times in a row and never grow tired of the views (feet maybe..)

I know it looks amazing. Will have to be on a guy trip though =/