The Teton Crest Trail versus the Wind River High Route for a real challenge

I did both routes in Wyoming last summer, and the Wind River High Route wins hands down. The Crest Trail is beautiful, but it's basically a well-marked path with other people around. The High Route near Pinedale has no real trail for about 80 miles, just pure cross-country navigation over passes above 11,000 feet. You feel completely alone out there, which is the whole point for me. Anyone else think the popular 'classic' routes are getting too crowded?

3 comments

3 Comments

taylor_fox2d ago

That's a fair take if total solitude is the main goal. But calling the Crest Trail just a well-marked path sells it short. The exposure on some of those ridge lines feels plenty challenging when the weather turns. Maybe the real difference is what kind of challenge you're after, route finding versus physical endurance. Both have their place.

claire_hayes351d ago

Totally agree about the Wind River route. That feeling of being completely on your own is unreal. The Crest Trail is amazing, but you're right, it's a different kind of trip. The real challenge is figuring it out yourself with no signs.

elizabeth4382d ago

Oh man, reading this reminds me of getting totally turned around trying to find a "shortcut" off-trail in the Sierras last year... ended up adding like three extra miles. @taylor_fox is right about different challenges, because my brain was fried from just trying to figure out where to put my feet. That kind of route finding is its own special kind of tired.