Wind River Range - Lizard Head Loop

**wildgene** · 08-28-2010, 14:58

Just got back Tuesday after traveling from Oklahoma City to Boulder, WY - First trip of 2010.
Spent 5 days, 4 nights hiking the 40+ mile Lizard Head Loop starting from Big Sandy Campground. (August 18th through 22nd)
Should have been 4 days and 3 nights but I got the dog and myself lost at the top of the loop and spent a day off on another trail to Moccasin Lake.
But everything worked out fine. And the scenery and weather were perfect. Highs upper 70's/low 80's. Nights low 50's/upper 40's.
Though the loop is rated difficult, I rate it at a 7 on a scale of 10. There was three tough spots, though. Hailey Pass is rough because it's just such a steep path with no real highlight.
There is a massive boulder scramble around a small lake just before Lonesome Lake which was a full body workout. Had to grab the dog to lower or raise him up and over boulders several times. And I may have taken a low road around Graves Lake but that too was 20-30 minutes of massive boulders.
This a good trail if you want to do half the route with an up and back. The east side going north has got the peak highlights. And the west side going north is filled with beautiful lakes.
I won't say much more because I'm going to start a blog on my backpacking adventures; something I been wanting to do for a while. I'll post a notice here next week once I get it up and running.
But in the mean time here are a few pics:

**coltonalxndr** · 08-28-2010, 21:01

Great photos and report. Beauty of a place. Also great backpacking partner you got there.

**Shug** · 08-28-2010, 21:46

Man .... that is stunning country.
Oh fortunate you.

How did your BlackBird workout??????????

Nice Briefing......
Shug

**wildgene** · 08-28-2010, 22:47

The Blackbird will have to wait for the next trip - late September, maybe.

I had to wait for the BB; it just showed up today.

So I borrowed a Hennessy Ultralite Explorer (that's what is pictured) since I had already sold my Cloudburst 2.

But at least a week out in the backcountry got me away from the anticipation of the Warbonnet hammock to come. Actually wanted to go to the Grand Tetons or even Yellowstone but my hiking partner's kind is not welcome in those areas. But the scenery was as good as any encountered in nine years of backpacking.

**BillyBob58** · 08-28-2010, 23:48

Originally Posted by wildgene

Just got back Tuesday after traveling from Oklahoma City to Boulder, WY - First trip of 2010.
Spent 5 days, 4 nights hiking the 40+ mile Lizard Head Loop starting from Big Sandy Campground. (August 18th through 22nd)........................
There is a massive boulder scramble around a small lake just before Lonesome Lake which was a full body workout. ...............
But in the mean time here are a few pics:

Originally Posted by wildgene

The Blackbird will have to wait for the next trip - late September, maybe.

I had to wait for the BB; it just showed up today.

So I borrowed a Hennessy Ultralite Explorer (that's what is pictured) since I had already sold my Cloudburst 2.

But at least a week out in the backcountry got me away from the anticipation of the Warbonnet hammock to come. Actually wanted to go to the Grand Tetons or even Yellowstone but my hiking partner's kind is not welcome in those areas. But the scenery was as good as any encountered in nine years of backpacking.

Ironic, as you hiked right under Warbonnet Peak between Lonesome and Big Sandy Lakes!

Hey Wildgene, you are freaking me out here! My all time favorite country, I have been going there every few years since my NOLS course in 1985! If that is not enough, there is a picture of your HH UL Explorer at a WR lake! (which lake was that?) Just like my very 1st hammock adventure a few years back!

There is my HHULEXPL at Lonesome Lake, complete with poorly pitched tarp which I had not yet figured out yet. Still, what a trip that was and I'm ready to go back!

Listen, about that "massive boulder scramble around a small lake just before Lonesome Lake which was a full body workout.". Are you talking about the boulder field on the west(?) side of Arrowhead Lake at the bottom of Jack *** Pass, just south of and above Lonesome lake? Or do you mean another one? I have crossed that way several times over the years. The "easy" (easier) way is to take the higher, but smoother, Jackass Pass way above Arrowhead Lake. The boulder field along side the lake is shorter, but was hellish to me. My severe altitude sickness that trip did not help. But I'll never go that way again, I'll make the climb over the pass. Live and learn, I guess!

I truly enjoyed your post and pictures! Picture #8 looks like it is entering Jack *** Pass and looking back towards Big Sandy Lake and Temple Peak area, and just south of said accursed boulder field. ( Is that right?) Picture 9 looks like just north of JA pass and the boulder field, looking down on Lonesome Lake. With WARBONNET peak on your left as you face the lake.

On the far shore line is where my hammock was pitched, at the foot of Pingora, in the pic I posted.

Where is the lake in the last pic, and the one where your hammock picture was made?

Thanks for the pics! Beautiful!

EDIT: PS: How did you sleep in your hammock?

**avalonmorn** · 08-29-2010, 08:36

Great trip report! Old Gringo and the rest of us Okies held down the fort here in 105+ temps while you were gone. I think for our pain and suffering, you owe us a guided trip for a hang

**Bearpaw** · 08-29-2010, 08:45

Any time spent in the Cirque of the Towers is time well spent.

You seem to have had no problem finding suitable trees. Every time I hiked through there, I had to contend with either multiple feet of snow or clouds of mosquitoes. You look to have missed both. I'm envious.

**Poppabear** · 08-29-2010, 09:03

Nice report and pictures! I especially like the one of your hammock set up lakeside. It sure look peaceful! I'll be looking forward to following your blog. When you get it up and running.

**wildgene** · 08-29-2010, 20:47

Originally Posted by avalonmorn

Great trip report! Old Gringo and the rest of us Okies held down the fort here in 105+ temps while you were gone. I think for our pain and suffering, you owe us a guided trip for a hang

But it looked like I brought a cold front with me from WY. Last night there, Sunday, temp at night dropped to 30 degrees.
Maybe next year, same time. I would love to go back. Two day drive by myself wasn't fun. Hate driving - waste backcountry time. You guys can drive.

**wildgene** · 08-29-2010, 20:48

Originally Posted by Poppabear

Nice report and pictures! I especially like the one of your hammock set up lakeside. It sure look peaceful! I'll be looking forward to following your blog. When you get it up and running.

My goal is at the end of the week, by Sunday night.

And the lake hang was good until 9pm. All four days previous didn't have to add the tarp but did just in case. So on the last night didn't break out the tarp but luck ran out with just enough rain to annoy. Then the cold front came through with a night temp at 30 degrees.