Deep Creek Lakes and Windriver Peak

[andyjaggy]

I am wanting to do a trip into Deep Creek Lakes and summit Windriver Peak while there. This is an area in the Winds I am not familiar with, so am looking for some guidance. It looks like I can access Deep Creek Lakes from two different trail heads, either the Stillwater trail head or the Sheep Bridge trail head just south of Lander. Driving distance looks to be about the same from either trail head, but I am not sure which one is shorter/easier/more scenic etc......

Once at Deep Creek Lakes the route up Wind River peak looks fairly straight forward while browsing the area on google earth. I can't seem to find any official route, so is it just picking your way up? It looks to be a fairly easy walk up steep grassy and rocky slopes up the south side. If anyone has done it is it a doable day hike from a base camp at Deep Creek Lakes?

Thanks in advance.

 

[LarryBoy]

I am wanting to do a trip into Deep Creek Lakes and summit Windriver Peak while there. This is an area in the Winds I am not familiar with, so am looking for some guidance. It looks like I can access Deep Creek Lakes from two different trail heads, either the Stillwater trail head or the Sheep Bridge trail head just south of Lander. Driving distance looks to be about the same from either trail head, but I am not sure which one is shorter/easier/more scenic etc......

Once at Deep Creek Lakes the route up Wind River peak looks fairly straight forward while browsing the area on google earth. I can't seem to find any official route, so is it just picking your way up? It looks to be a fairly easy walk up steep grassy and rocky slopes up the south side. If anyone has done it is it a doable day hike from a base camp at Deep Creek Lakes?

Thanks in advance.

Definitely doable from a base camp. Beautiful and not too tough. Grass all the way up until the final summit cone.

 

[OldBill]

Looking at that myself as a loop from Worthen Meadows this year. Probably base camp near Ice Lakes instead of climbing with full pack and down to Tayo.

There are a few descriptions online. Most refer to the NE ramp. See Click here to view on CalTopo
Hiked Worthen to Lower Deep Ck L 2 years ago. No views until the lake. Got pinned down with a lot of rain, wind then sleet that night. Next day looked pretty ominous with some sleet still coming down. Wasn't getting better. Decided to bail rather than risk it.

Loops back via Tayo Pk and Stough Ck trail appear to involve some wading.

 

[andyjaggy]

Your camp site you have marked is exactly where I was thinking I would camp. If weather holds I think I am going to go for it next weekend.

 

[OldBill]

Please post a report if you go. Still plan another visit to that area in a few weeks. Not sure if it'll be a loop or out and back. Definitely want to climb peak as a day hike.

 

[Bob]

On your route... Coming from east to camp lake...drop down to lake 9675.... Should be well worth checking the water

 

[OldBill]

On your route... Coming from east to camp lake...drop down to lake 9675.... Should be well worth checking the water

Thanks! Might be a good layover day,