Conditions update for the climbing and hiking around Lander and the Wind River Range.
Sinks Canyon
Sinks is open as it is all year.
The Shoshone Forest is working on the Middle Fork Stock Bypass Trail this week. Read the press release here.
Snakes have been spotted at climbing areas and access trails, so be extra cautious, especially with your pets.
The Loop Road (Louis Lake Road) is still closed at Bruce's Parking. A recent storm dumped a foot of fresh, heavy snow. This will delay opening the road a little longer. The earliest possible opening, at least to Worthen, is Memorial Day weekend. It is likely it will be mid-June before the road is open in its entirety.
Fossil Hill is still not accessible.
Sunset over the Southern Wind River Range from the OK Corral. Jeremy Rowan Photo
Wild Iris and Lil' Po
Folks have been climbing at Wild Iris for a few weeks. The storm a couple days ago definitely dropped snow up there. Aspen Glades parking is likely very muddy. The road to Main Parking was open last week, but may be muddy/snowy until the next high pressure dries it out up there. OK Corral road is drifted and not accessible. Please don't attempt to drive down it.
Access to all the crags in the Little Popo Agie is closed until the Forest Service opens the gate. There is no date for the opening of this area. Unlikely to be opened before early to mid June and possibly later, depending on precipitation.
Wind River Range
Still a lot of snow in the mountains. The drive to Big Sandy is muddy and not recommended for another few weeks. It is possible to get about 8 miles from Big Sandy Trailhead, snow travel after that. Bootpacking into the Cirque of the Towers unlikely until mid-June.
Trail Lake Trailhead near Dubois is open and the drive is okay all the way to the trailhead. Expect some muddy conditions on the drive. The trails are open but you will encounter snowpack at about 9000'. It'll be another month or more until Glacier Trail is mostly free of snow.