Cirque of the Towers facts for kids
The Cirque of the Towers is a famous area in the Wind River Range in Wyoming, USA. It's a special place for people who love to climb rocks and explore the outdoors. Part of it is in the Bridger Wilderness and Bridger-Teton National Forest. The rest is in the Popo Agie Wilderness and Shoshone National Forest.
A cirque is like a big, almost round valley. It was carved out by a huge glacier over 8,000 years ago. The mountains here are mostly made of strong granite rock. The Continental Divide, which separates rivers flowing to different oceans, runs along the tops of the main peaks. A climber named Orrin Bonney gave the area its name in 1941. Before that, not many people visited because it was so far away.
Mountains and Climbing
The mountains in the Cirque of the Towers are about 1,000 feet lower than the very tallest peaks in the northern Wind River Range. The highest mountain here is Lizard Head Peak, which is 12,847 feet tall. Other cool mountains include Shark's Nose, Warbonnet, Warrior Peak, Wolf's Head, and Pingora Peak.
This area is super popular for rock climbing. There are hundreds of climbing routes to choose from! They range in difficulty from easy to very challenging. Since the mountains are made of granite, climbers can find good places to attach their safety gear. Two of the most famous climbs here are the Northeast Face of Pingora and the East Ridge of the Wolf's Head. These are even featured in a famous climbing book called Fifty Classic Climbs of North America.
Getting There and Hiking
If you want to visit the Cirque of the Towers, you can start from Pinedale, Wyoming. You'll drive about 55 miles on paved and gravel roads to the Big Sandy trailhead. There's a small campground there too.
From the trailhead, it's about an 8.7-mile hike. The first 7 miles are fairly flat, starting at 9,000 feet above sea level. The last mile gets very steep as you climb to Jackass Pass, which is 10,800 feet high. At the pass, you cross the Continental Divide. Then, you walk down a steep half-mile to Lonesome Lake. This is one of four lakes in the cirque.
The trail can be quite busy in July and August. This is because the Cirque of the Towers is the most popular hiking and climbing spot in the Wind River Range. It's important to know that you can't camp within a quarter-mile of Lonesome Lake. This rule helps keep the lake clean. The granite rocks don't filter water very well, so it's harder for these high-altitude lakes to clean themselves.
Staying Safe
It's important to be prepared and safe when visiting the Cirque of the Towers. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Wildlife: You might see bears in the Wind River Range. Know what to do if you encounter one.
- Bugs: There can be many bugs, especially mosquitoes, so bring bug spray.
- Weather: Be ready for sudden weather changes. This includes wildfires, unexpected snow, and very cold temperatures at night.
- Falling: When climbing or hiking on steep trails, always be careful. Slips or falls from high places can be dangerous.
- Falling Rocks: Rocks can sometimes fall from cliffs. Always be aware of your surroundings.
Many groups, like the U.S. Forest Service and local search and rescue teams, work hard to help people stay safe in the Wind River Range. Always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
