Wind River Range (Wyoming) Backpacking - September 2019

Instagram: @davidgray.photography
In early September 2019 I teamed up with Carl once again to make a return trip to the Wind River Range in northwest Wyoming. The route for this trip was identical to the trip we had planned for our June 2018 hike, but on that trip when we got out to Pinedale the local outfitter convinced us to change our plans due to flooded trails and lingering snow.
This year's trip was a 3-day, 30-mile hike that took us back to the spectacular Island Lake / Titcomb Basin area. This section of the Winds offers truly breathtaking scenery reminiscent of what you find in Glacier National Park and the Sierra Nevada of California. Beautiful alpine lakes and granite mountains that rise sharply from the surrounding terrain.
It certainly didn't hurt that our 'great weather' theme that we have enjoyed for all of 2019 remained intact. The skies were clear and deep blue for the entire hike, and temperatures were extremely mild for September in the Winds. With clear skies and zero light pollution the stars at night were breathtaking.
For those who have watched my other videos this one is done in the same style - an hour in length, intended to bring the audience along for the 'ride', and with a still picture slide show with music at the end. If you just have a few minutes skip to the end and enjoy the pictures.
Equipment / Gear List:
Still and Video Camera: Nikon Z6 with Nikkor Z-mount 35mm and F-mount 20mm f1.8 lens, and FTZ Adapter
Video Editing Software: Vegas Pro 16
Pack: REI Flash 55L
Shelter: Zpacks Hexamid Solo-Plus
Slide show music - Acoustic Guitar 1 by Jason Shaw, AudioNautix. www.audionautix.com
Carl kept track of our hike using the app GaiaGPS (great free app, by the way). He's made the trip data, tracks, and waypoints public so you can take a look at our trip at:
www.gaiagps.com/datasummary/f...

[@bradsgonebackpackin9069]

Hey! I recognize that creepy guy on the far side of the campfire at Hobbs Lake...it’s me! Great meeting you guys and thank you for the hospitality of the fire and a little of the infamous cheese spread! Awesome video. You guys probably made a good choice to come out when you did. My wife and I hiked into the basin and then pushed back but had to camp another night. That last night it rained all night on us, but we stayed dry. We camped between Eklund Lake and Photographers Point that last night in that little meadow area just before the point and had two moose come walking by camp. It made what I thought would be a slightly regrettable decision all worth it. A bull elk started bugling the next morning for an alarm clock. Just a great trip! That view as you cross those two saddles to get to Island Lake made me choke up a little when we got there. Maybe we’ll bump into you again somewhere on the trail! Happy trails!

[@davidgrayin]

Hey Brad! Great to hear from you. That night at Hobbs was awesome - thank you for coming over to share the fire and the conversation. My only regret for the trip was that we didn't get up to the Basin, but we really underestimated how much time and effort it would take to get up there after setting up camp at Island Lake, and how wiped out we'd feel from the hiking and altitude. In hindsight we should have just planned to spend two nights at Island Lake, and day hike up to the Basin. But it gives me a great reason to go back, and the next time we'll be much more knowledgeable. Take care, and I hope to see you out there on the trails again.

[@offroadingcolorado4751]

David Gray, a truly spectacular videographer and narrator! I’m from the Chicago area, so I understand the concept of living and working in the flat lands and taking trips to the beautiful mountainous areas in our country as often as possible! Only 28 years old myself, so vacation time is still hard to come by at work. These videos inspire me tremendously, and are great to watch to wind down in the evening before bed. I’m sure I’m not the only one that is sad when they become “caught up” on David Gray backpacking videos. Or the only one to wait patiently for the next video to drop! Can’t wait for your 48th video!

[@mattraisbeck3701]

Great work David Gray! Keep them coming. Backpacking is hard enough without carrying all the extra camera gear and creating such great content on the trail for us to enjoy. Thank you so much!

[@larrybell5144]

Always good to see your adventures and share your experiences. It is wonderful! Thank you so much!

[@glenndiamond3428]

I cannot wait to see this trip. I really enjoy David’s trips.

[@janetantill2919]

Just love your trips. Thank you for sharing the trips with us.

[@sally..3242]

Awesome views; homesick for Wyoming........miss the August High Mountain Trail Rides in beautiful Wyoming. Thanks for taking us along on this awesome journey! Great job !

[@nancycronin601]

Scenery is breathtaking. Thank you for sharing. Always love your videos.

[@CarlMonin]

What an awesome part of the country. You captured our trip perfectly, David. I think this is your best work yet. Thanks for such a quality video.

[@davidgrayin]

Thank you very much, Carl, both for the nice feedback and, especially, for tagging along with me on the trip. You're a great hiking partner. It's hard to believe that we met for the first time in March and have now done four trips together! And I hope we're able to do many more together in the future (oh, and you look great in those KZbin thumbnails!).

[@jmash41]

Carl, what pack did you carry on that trip?

[@jmash41]

@@davidgrayin Can you find out what pack Carl used on this trip? Thank you!

[@CarlMonin]

@@jmash41 Sorry I somehow missed your question about my pack. It’s a Gregory Optic 48 (I think actually 51L in the large size that I have). It’s a lightweight pack with plenty of stretchy exterior pockets and rear pouch. It’s a good fit for me on those 3-4 day hikes. Might be a challenge on longer hikes due to the size. Hope this helps! Best, Carl

[@jmash41]

@@CarlMonin No worries! It definitely looks like a versatile pack and must be pretty comfortable too. Thanks for sharing! I am learning a lot from watching y'all on your amazing adventures!

[@will_reischmann]

Great to see another 2019 trip! My gf and I completed Kintla lake > Frances Lake in Glacier last month, mainly due to the inspiration we got from your Glacier vid a few years ago with your son. Thanks for getting us out there!

[@tylerberry2476]

Thank you so very much for sharing this with us!!! Love your videos! I'm looking forward to going on this hike next spring time ! Hope there's more hikes soon to watch !👍👍😎♥️

[@mikek6293]

Amazing video as always. What views, simply breathtaking. Thank you David .

[@dianeclarke2618]

Beautiful places!! Thank you for the dose of reality about the difficulty.being honest to yourself about your ability and your willingness to alter your plans. I especially appreciated your map to reality comparison. Always love the stills at the end.... Stunning.

[@geniemedford9200]

Love this and sure love that country! Thanks for sharing.

[@seanblack4749]

Thanks to your channel and my own frontier channel I couldn't just be a spectator anymore.Finally made it out west to Yellowstone and Grand Teton.Those places were incredible. I feel like I have been missing so much.No more just watching from the couch.Next up is glacier and if it weren't for your awesome videos I may have never gone.Your videos and photography are breathtaking.Keep it up and thanks for the inspiration.Always looking forward to more.

[@davidgrayin]

Wow, thank you for that. It means a great deal to me that I could play a part in getting you to some of the most incredible places on our planet. That is quite a list you've already tackled! I'm pretty sure when you get to Glacier you won't be disappointed (though I'm hearing they're getting a couple feet of snow in some places there right now!)

[@olmedaenrique]

You’re definitely a winner with these videos. I love the still photos at the end. They look like paintings. Thank You...Sir!

[@neo57611]

Awsome no words. Very nice thank you David Jim

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

Great hike David ,, Amazing trail !! Views and images are Breathtaking !! Thank You so much for Sharing your time in The Winds.......... Stay Safe and God Bless.........

[@elizabethwhite6364]

Beautiful! Really enjoyed this - video and pictures! So fun that you mentioned Joey! You both have such great videos! I want to travel along with you guys! Thank you for sharing!

[@lizstangelo6880]

Came across your videos as I am bedridden recovering from an ankle surgery. Been so out of it and in pain but seeing your beautiful views and scenery has been perfect for me! Your filming style is so relaxing and not overly stimulating, it’s hard to explain. It’s just very easy on the senses and gives me a feeling of peace as I am recovering! Thank you!!

[@waymanbell]

Great job, I love hiking the Winds.

[@markshaw7947]

Great video, thanks for sharing ! Looks like Epic would be an understatement for this one.

[@GenX...MCMLXV]

Binge watching for the umteenth time .......... so thankful for your time spent to "bring us along" Slide show is absolutely killer, just proves once again that God is the greatest artist!

[@prestondwhite]

thank you! great job as always. Have a great off season.

[@naturallyadriftphotoadvent123]

'Photographer's paradise," yup that looks like an understatement. You may have just moved the Tetons up on my bucket list. Loved the video, thank-you for sharing your adventures!

[@tutusilver8095]

What a fabulous trip you took. The video was breathtaking! Thank you for sharing🏕

[@DJshutterfly]

Fantastic. I look forward to every video.

[@sierrashere8197]

Your scenery still shots towards the end . . . Oh my goodness . . heavenly : )

[@rebeccalong171]

Really enjoyed. Thanks for shareing and Happy Trails.

[@jkuefner4573]

Amazing views as always. Thanks for sharing!👍

[@tomkirk6942]

Great video. Been to the Wind River’s twice. Need to go back. One of my favorite places on Earth. Cheers!

[@chriscleveland9203]

Thanks for all the great content this year

[@tuckbecky1]

Great trip and video, thanks for taking me along. You inspire me to hike.

[@wyomingsundays]

Nothing quite as beautiful as the Wind River Range ♥️🥾

[@davidgrayin]

I totally agree - quickly becoming one of my favorite destinations, made all the more enticing because no permits are required (for those years like 2019 when I got shut out completely on permit lotteries - Glacier, Wonderland Trail, Enchantment Wilderness, John Muir Trail).

[@Victorted]

Of all the places I've been in the backcountry over the last 50 years, the Winds carry the most meaning and significance for me. Thank you for capturing my "home" so expertly.

[@davidgrayin]

Thank you. It's starting to be a very special place for me too, and I plan to get back for more trips in different areas.

[@rickdavis2235]

Thanks for the new desktop pic at 12:47. Absolutely stunning! I think this is my favorite so far.

[@ricardog.martinez2685]

Congratulations on a great video. Looks like you made your kids really proud. You’re a winner in my book! Cheers.

[@ScottValler]

Really enjoyable time watching your experience and getting to see what that part of the country looks like, thank you. Glad you guys were able to get out there before the season was over and it looks like you made a great call on adjusting your trip. I'll have to add this area to my wish list. I recently started backpacking and am really enjoying it so your videos are very encouraging.

[@phebefriddle9133]

As always you found some spectacular views. Thanks for sharing your hike. I love the Wind River area, I love the way the clouds move across such beautiful scenery bringing drama to the scene. Very different from here in the east. As much as I love the Appalachian Mountains, the western mountain ranges take me to a whole new level of wow.

[@Hefmier]

A day that David Gray premieres a video, is, always, a great day!! Thank you, once again, for bringing us on your adventures!! I will visit Wind River Range, someday!! Greetings from Washington state!! :)

[@daphnesears8097]

David, that you for sharing your trip. Look forward to all your videos. You captured the scenery beautifully. Every view seems to take your breath away. I dream of backpacking the Wind River Range one day. If i don't get there, at least i've see it through your camera. Thank you again for sharing your trip.

[@LWilli5]

Thanks for taking me along on a trip I can’t take myself. ❤️

[@georgereimuth3382]

great video shots of the mountain ranges , and another great trip , see ya next video

[@northernfishing701]

Awesome video with great views. I hadn't heard about hiking in Wind River before. Thank you for sharing your experience hiking these trails! Now I have a trail to add to my bucket list. Like the channel and I'm catching up on all your videos.

[@scottanthony1616]

Hello David, thank you for taking us along on your adventure, awesome views, thank you again for sharing. Have a wonderful week ahead, take care and God bless you and your Family always. 🇺🇸🔥☕️👼🏻👼🏻 P.s. Can't wait until your next adventure out west. 🇺🇸🔥☕️👼🏻👼🏻

[@OutdoorWanderer1]

Truly a beautiful area. Thanks for sharing!

[@david17500]

I was there mid sept. & was amazed! Didn't have the best weather near titcomb, snowstorms made it a bit worrying & were a first for me! There seems so much to do in the area, I can't wait to go back! Your one of the handful of backpackers I'm sure to check out all the videos of & awesome as always!

[@neo57611]

This is going to look great on my new TV....what an adventure

[@srameypr]

OMG. I really, really have chores to do but when I saw my YT notification that you hiked the Winds, I simply could not wait to watch!

[@gragle7494]

I love your videos and photography. They're superb and make we want to try hiking.

[@davidcostantino1838]

Most important piece of hiking equipment...a camera! "No, I'm not tired, I'm taking pictures". I take mine every time out! Great video. I was just planning to head to the Winds before my 6 week camping trip to Yellowstone and Glacier.

[@andersont.2267]

Electric air pump is a must! Love your videos. Can’t wait for the next one!

[@shikhanshu]

woohoo... a new david gray backpacking video... my sunday just got interesting!

[@eatingpoop6718]

All this chaos going on right now, it’s nice to daydream about being out in the wilderness. Thanks for helping

[@JimHayesHiking]

Great video and some spectacular scenery! Thanks for sharing!

[@Adventurion]

Nice trip. We will definitely add to our list. Thanks for sharing!

[@DrJohn493]

Thanks again for another great adventure! Love the way you close your vids by letting the scenery speak for itself and building personal memories. The Winds were certainly popular this summer among those on my subscriber list. Catherine Gregory, Bryan DeLay, Coach David (defcoord), and now Indiana David. Hope you have some good Fall trips coming up to share with your fans.

[@MarkfromArizona]

I must say , I know us viewers anticipate , waiting for your journeys. Lovely back country views and nothing in the play book about changing up the plans to be safe. Yes it looked like the altitude was giving you guys difficulties but looking back on your trip to Glacier National Park last year....that one looked tough. Cant believe 2019 season is coming to a close already. Thank you each trip you share with us. Mark and Eva Tonopah, AZ p.s. We also follow this other You Tuber " Catherine Gregory" she also goes on some spectacular backpacking trips.

[@bradsigler4964]

Great video. Now you have added another hike to my "bucket list"!

[@eleanoranderson6283]

Fantastic!! I watch all your videos, but have never commented, love them all!!

[@davidgrayin]

Thank you for watching, and for adding a comment with nice feedback too!

[@NoTrail]

Nice to meet you David Gray (I've actually been watching for long time) Love those cabins...I would just stay there and drink beer.

[@graftoutdoors472]

Just don't understand how you don't have a Discovery channel show. Your videos are always amazing.

[@harryhayen6092]

Great video of a great trip! ... but the best are the last 7 minutes with all these awsome fotos!!! Greetings from Germany

[@conniejohnson9511]

Another absolutely fabulous video. The stills at the end are gorgeous beyond belief. Thank you so much for all the work you put into these videos so that others can see these phenomenal places that we would never see otherwise.

[@BenMcmillen]

Those views are crazy good. jealous!

[@JoshEbersole]

Finally got around to watching this. Another great video. The Winds are absolutely gorgeous, your route looked nothing short of amazing.

[@davidgrayin]

Thank you, Josh. Yes, the Thousand Island/Titcomb Basin area in the Winds is incredible. The only downside is that all that breathtaking scenery sure draws a crowd! (you won't be lonely in that area of the Winds). It wasn't really a problem, and didn't detract too much from the experience, but it was pretty tough to find an empty campsite around Island Lake itself. Overall though, a great place to hike.

[@jackschwind4194]

I was driving home from a grueling couple of days work out of town and noticed you had a new episode to watch. I got all excited because now I could get home, unwind, and watch a little David Gray and dream of an adventure that inspires me and your followers. As always, keep those cards coming. Kudos to you!

[@WayOffTheTrail]

Awesome scenery. I've been to Wyoming a few times but I've never seen anything like this. On my list!

[@sally..3242]

Dave, thank you for yet another spectacular trip to wonderful Wyoming, my favorite place in the USA. We miss our annual trips out there. You sure capture the beauty of Gods creation!!!

[@DavidAmsler]

Awesome video! I'm sure the pain was well with seeing that scenery in person!

[@Douglas21450]

Wonderful video and pictures.

[@jodimiller7931]

Those photos at the end of your video were just amazing! Thanks for adding them.

[@davidgrayin]

Thank you. Yes, I thought the still pictures for this trip came out really well, and I was very happy with them (OK, I guess it's hard not to get good pictures in that type of scenery!).

[@ALifeOutdoors1957]

I really enjoy your videos, David. All the hard work you put into them definitely shows. Looking forward to your next trip, and thanks so much for pointing me in the right direction for that cheese spread. It’s going with me in a couple of weeks on my hike along Suwannee River section of the Florida Trail.

[@MarkFugel]

Such awesome trip and sights...I inspire me so much...thank you David...please take me with you next time!!

[@WildWestTrail]

the winds! incredible footage

[@justmare111]

I'm a little late to the party. Wow, wow, wow! Some of those shots are absolutely postcard perfect! Stellar. Yay for Tapatio! LOL Thanks for another great video. :)

[@trailsnail2892]

Yet another great video. You have a good eye Mr Gray.

[@lambo7403]

Epic!! Thanks Dave!

[@kevinseversonandhisvizslas8287]

Woohoo! Been watching for a new trip vid. 👍🏻

[@travelthenarrowtrail8660]

These pics you got David are outstanding! Thanks for all you do with this channel! Glad to see its monetized.

[@ozarklife9996]

Great video as usual. Drove thru pinedale on the way to Yellowstone. Great scenery, would love to go back. Just got back from Zion National park. Been there 4 times and the weather is PERFECT every year I've gone. The west rim trail has your name on it!! I've grown weary of inclement weather. Again thanks for sharing this amazing place.

[@davidgrayin]

Ahhh... Zion National Park. That's been on my 'short list' of destinations ever since I planned to do a trip there in 2015 as part of the Sierra Nevada / Ansel Adams Wilderness trip I did that year in September. In the end I decided two separate trips (Zion and Sierra Nevada) would just be too much for the time I had available, but I bought the Zion maps and did all the pre-trip planning. Your comment has made me move a Zion trip up a notch or three on my destination 'bucket list'!

[@dakta1]

Hey I know those two guys! Excited to watch this on the plane to Pittsburgh. David just keeps pumping out some of the best video's on KZbin.

[@davidgrayin]

Thanks Travis. I know the Winds are your favorite destination, and we truly missed you on this hike. Your local knowledge would have been handy on more than a few occasions (especially around Island Lake!), but it was a good learning experience for Carl and I to fumble around on our own. I hope you enjoy it!

[@CarlMonin]

We truly missed you, Travis. Would have been even better if you were with us.

[@denniswille3997]

I backpacked in the Sierra and Rockies as a young Man. I've always had the itch to return and thanks to your terrific video documentary you have lite the fire back into the passion of backpacking. My Wife sadly passed away seven years ago from Leukemia and I had a one year old little boy to raise on my own. It has been my mission to explore once again with my Son and our first trip was in July to Ediza Lake in the Ansel Adams Wilderness after watching your inspiring video of the region. Thank you for sharing your backpacking documentary and hope to make it to the Wind River Range in 2020.

[@NickandRachel]

Gorgeous!

[@WanderingFromKansas]

It's always exciting to get that email "David Gray uploaded a video"! Thanks for taking us along!

[@wildernessunknown2641]

Damn Dave I thought something happened to you we haven't had a video in a while I was so excited when I saw ur post this morning I grabbed the coffee and started watching but thank you for the video and just checking in from nebraska

[@davidgrayin]

I'm fine, but I don't know where July and August went. It's just the timing of the Yellowstone and Winds trips, combined with a family trip and work stuff prevented me from doing anything in August (my typical time for a Colorado trip). I'm still hoping to get at least one more trip in before winter hits.

[@Rangerphillips]

So happy you posted this, made my day

[@trevort5380]

Beautiful! My brother and i backpacked in the bighorn mountains/cloud peak wilderness in early july and it looks so similar to wind river

[@uclimb3]

Awesome. 👍👍👍

[@light6230]

Thank you so much for this video! My dad would take my siblings and I backpacking in the Winds in the 1980s. I'm not sure we were on the same trail as you, but it sure looks familiar and spectacular! Now I live on the East Coast and realize how privileged I was to be able to be there! I wish dad was still on this earthly plane so I could show him your video! Going to make sure my sibs see this!

[@johnnywhite1681]

Thank you for sharing!

[@jasonmears4393]

Hey David, so excited when this video uploaded. Just finished watching. Absolutely stunning scenery. Excellent, excellent job with this video. This just might be one of my favorites. If you ever hike in the Grayson Highlands...Smoky Mountains or Roan Highlands would love to meet up with you and take a trip on the beautiful Appalachian Trail. I live relatively close to all three. Thank you for your awesome videos.

[@toddb930]

I was able to backpack in the wind river range a couple times in the mid 70's . The last trip was 5 days and about 60 miles. We saw 2 other people. Very memorable trip.

[@steveforsythe9264]

David just love your travels and the photography is excellent. Sure hope there is another trip this year and if I ever get to a Dunken Donuts I have to try the coffee, I am in Ontario Canada so not sure if there is one around here. Always look forward to the spectacular pics at the end of your adventures. Safe travels to you and a great 2019 with your trips, thank you!

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Amazing video David!!!

[@cjones7692ify]

I'm surprised your channel isn't bigger. It should be. Keep livin it up

[@goofsaddggkle7351]

I loved your callout to the myownfrontier guy, He is my favorite backpacker/channel, and between yours and his channel definately keep me going while I am stuck in the humid flatlands.

[@kcwins84]

Joey is the man. And a lot of fun to backpack with too!

[@KatWoman_]

Very nice, David. You had a great weather year, for sure. Seems like a lot of energy/planning for a 3-4 night trip. It may be beneficial to have a longer trip and stay at the same site for two nights to enjoy, relax and recover. It is amazing that when you are still, you can observe and appreciate more awe. I’m your age and I think a little more rest in a trip is a plus:)

[@Jimbo-pm1dp]

Excellent video David...you do a wonderful job with the video and the narration is very interesting and humorous....thank you so much for the effort that goes into a great adventure like this...I thoroughly enjoyed it...only would have been better If I had been there to see the awesome "Winds" myself....take care !!!

[@hikeyourownhike4128]

Great video David. I've become quite the fan of your hiking videos over the last year. I make it up to Nantahala and Smoky Mountain area for several trips per year. I got some awesome hikes you'd love and would be great to see you out there sometime! Thanks for the quality videos as always.