Hiking 80 miles Alone on the Wind River High Route

[@JupiterHikes]

Thank you for watching! For those interested I have my gear list for this trip along with stats from my hike in the video description. Next up Teton Crest Trail and the return of Sprocket!

[@lisagitel]

Did you bring a tripod?

[@Too_Much_Too_Fast]

What is the hoody you are wearing at the end wrap up?

[@JupiterHikes]

@@lisagitel No tripod, just setting the camera down on rocks here or there

[@JupiterHikes]

@@Too_Much_Too_Fast It is a Melanzana Wind Stopper, made and sold in leadville colorado and cant buy online unfortunately

[@jordanslucas]

Preesh

[@miguelteixeira1979]

Great decision! The right decision isn't always the most spectacular. That shows maturity and experience. Good for you.

[@NiceLittleAdventures]

I thought we had bad weather on our WRHR hike, but wow, you've got us beat! Awesome job showcasing the area and good on you for making smart decisions and staying calm and collected. Great video!

[@najman2741]

Your positive attitude even when you have to bail stays in my mind and encourages me when I have to do the same. I appreciate it.

[@ericdavis3046]

Such a beautiful, relaxing channel. Watching it is like meditation.

[@kasai1575]

The Winds are the most unforgiving range I've ever hiked in. I've put myself in really bad situations up there multiple times because I underestimated the weather. You made the right choice to bail. I hope you can go back and see the rest some day! Titcomb Basin and Knapsack Col are truly spectacular.

[@two_dog]

Hey Jupiter Thanks for all the videos, I've followed you for a while and used some of your tips on my AZT thru and CDT section (done!). I did the Dixon Route as a section hiker over many years in the Winds. Its no joke. The Winds literally almost killed me in the Blowdown / Blizzard Storm of '20 with cold 18 degrees, 18 inches of snow, and blowdowns 6+ feet high. People need to realize the Winds can be very beautiful with great sites and fishing, however when the weather turns it can be brutal and life threatening. The section of the High Route that goes thru Alpine Lakes Basin is especially tough. Literally a day of boulder hopping. If the weather changes, there are few places to put up a tent and god forbid if you're on Alpine Lakes Pass, the Knifepoint Glacier or Indian Pass. Kelly Hays Hikes dropped to the red line after getting worked in the Alpine Lakes section of the High Route. I would tell 98% of the CDT thru hikers to leave the High Route for another day. Anyone else, only in good weather.

[@paisleyfamily5972]

Great video. Get well soon Sprocket!

[@flyweight_adventures]

Love my tenkara rod when backpacking. Take it into the Adirondacks every time I go. Great option to have for very little weight/work.

[@belindaguerette4249]

That was crazy! Those rocks looked like a nightmare and the weather was insane. But the mountains were beautiful. Glad you are safe. Hope the Tetons are more enjoyable. I’ve always wanted to see them.

[@jenellebarkley]

Really enjoyed this video, spectacular scenery and crazy weather. So glad you stayed safe! Thanks for sharing it with us!

[@marcohanig176]

That was a lot of fun to watch! You have a great attitude and wonderful story teller. Thank you!

[@jeffreyrule8143]

Smart move on your part to exit to Pinedale. The last 12 miles will be yours to finish in the near future. Thanks for having us along.

[@MrA1582000]

So enjoy your stories of your trips. And most of all how you appreciate each moment as it comes. You are definitely not a “peak bagger” but a true lover of the country in which you travel

[@noeleneproud5334]

It looks so beautiful with names to match ('Wind River Range', 'Cirque of the Towers', must be a magical place) . Thanks for the video

[@ropersix]

It's great to learn all about getting pack weight down, cold soaking, etc. But it's even more valuable to learn from someone as experienced as you are, about how to handle actual difficult situations-. Sorry the trip didn't fully work out, but I enjoyed watching and learning about Adventure Allan's HR. And can't wait for the Teton Crest Trail!

[@JustinMcKinneyhiker]

What a great, fantastic adventure !! I've been in those thunder /lightning storms, where you're thinking " Ok this is it, this is where I'm going to die, on the side of this mountain " Hail, snow !!! Crazy. What an amazing area to fish Tenkara rod style !! I really enjoy your videos .

[@JupiterHikes]

I figured I wouldn't die, but I also was not super happy about it!!

[@claytonmcglothlin4815]

You weren't alone. I distinctly remember hanging out with you for like 2....maybe 3 minutes

[@kevingraham7039]

Its great seeing people do the right thing even though you wanted to finish it out. Amazing shots and memories you will never forget!

[@RC-qf3mp]

Francis Ford Jupiter. Great videography. 👏

[@Oscar_MCC]

Epic landscape and epic weather to match! Looks fun …

[@billprice6458]

Your experience points are through the roof.

[@JupiterHikes]

😂 Hopefully I'll get that level up soon

[@stuartb9194]

First time I've seen you fish. It's such fun in alpine lakes, I have my tankara kit dialed to just over 2oz, but any fish over 1lb would probably snap it. Good job I'm not that good at fishing

[@13Wademarshall1]

You absolutely made the correct decision to bail. I hiked a section of the Skurka high route in Sept 2024 going from knifepoint glacier to angel pass. Weather never got above 40F and several inches of snow was projected to come on my last day. So I had to haul ass out of the high elevations. It was a very humbling and educational experience. Be prepared for any possible weather in the Winds.

[@nicoleandjoshbaldwin4228]

You are seriously the most stoic person I’ve ever seen. You are very inspiring to watch man. Keep it up.

[@ChristyHikes]

Jupiter, I have the utmost respect for you, knowing when the trail becomes too sketchy to hike on. There's a time for "beast mode" except when the weather dictates otherwise. Since I've hiked the Grand Tetons twice, the Bridger-Teton Wilderness is on my radar for next year (along with the Wonderland Trail) I can't wait for the return of Sprockets! The Teton Crest Trail is pretty spectacular! As always your narration blends effortlessly with your epic scenery captures!

[@JupiterHikes]

The tetons are a very worth place to have hiked twice!! Really feels like being in the european alps once you're off into the backcountry.

[@denise20240]

I don’t know why but when I think of Wyoming I don’t imagine this. Nice to see, thanks.

[@JupiterHikes]

Wyoming has so much cool stuff! But yeah a lot of flat land too

[@TheRealAlanStephens]

I know how you feel. I had to quit the TMB earlier than expected. Just had one more pass to go but illness and bad weather stopped us. Had an amazing experience though and sometimes bad weather is part of the experience. Playing it safe means that you get more opportunities for different outcomes.

[@davidstrauss4808]

Staying safe by making good decisions. No pannicing, just staying calm and put. Well done. There will be another time in great weather, I am sure.

[@RequiosWoW]

yeah man!! Nice to see a video with you whipping out the Shadowfire and catching some fish

[@samkestan1210]

Looks amazing. Great footage. Thank you.

[@MojaveZach]

loved this one, those views in the winds were absolutely amazing

[@Bananamaltastic]

Hey Jupiter! We have a mutual buddy Beaver that I met on the CDT this year. (Funny enough, I was in the Winds the same time as he was). I did the Dixon route and got my ass handed to me! Broke both my trekking poles in a tumble on some talus next to Alpine Lakes and had a terrible night camping on snow at the base of Knife Point Glacier. You didn't miss much north of there, and you can always come back and just do the Knapsack Col alt of the CDT :) ~Iceman

[@TalesFromAbroad-SJ]

This was such an enjoyable watch! The Wind River High Route looks absolutely breathtaking, and it’s clear it was a challenging but rewarding experience. The alpine lakes and snowy passes are stunning, and the solitude must have been incredible. Despite the tough weather, it sounds like an unforgettable adventure. Great video!

[@TeaLeeMoe]

I am originally from this area (Lander side) and this weather is no joke. Glad you are safe, the mountains will be there for you another time.

[@andrewbriscoe5953]

Looked absolutely incredible! Glad you played it safe. Great job!

[@michaelb1761]

I hope you get a chance to go back and enjoy the Winds. Of course, you also need to do the Sierra High Route to compare. Roper's guidebook is certainly enjoyable as are the little bits of off-trail that I've done as parts of other trips.

[@stephenlewis8143]

I posted earlier. I thought about your snow and heavy weather & subsequent change in plans. I've been in the Winds in Sept. a handful of times & always, 'some snow", once over a foot. For years I raced to the tops of peaks or to finish a route. Years later I learned my folly, and realized the 'quality of the experience' transcended everything. I shifted from fishing to photography & new world opened, & then I really began to wander. If you go back. An option to finish the N route (area). Elkhart Park (dropped off or vehicle), to Seneca Lake and then Island lake, up the hill into the edge of Titcomb Basin, set up camp. You are fit and with your legs you can do that in a day. Next day, in the basin, hike N and then up the snowy pass & while on the lip, view NW Gannett Peak, highest point in the Winds. Descend back down what you came up, down the basin and turn E on the Indian Trail pass route, get to the lip of that and view East. You can also see the S side of Fremont peak, (named by John C. Fremont), he felt for two decades, that was the highest point in America. Gannett, Grand Teton & Whitney were/are all higher. Then back to your camp. You can take a sneak route W to the Highline Trail (between the lakes or on the N or S side of the lakes). Or back S of Island lake for the HL trail and then N to Green River lakes and the campground (road). Titcomb Basin is one special place a real 'sweet spot' in my memory bank. I've written articles re visits to the Winds, been on so many routes but never had a sense of awe & wonder like in Titcomb. Traditional trekking in the Winds is mid July - first week or so of Sept. In July - Aug mosquitos are ridiculous. Mandatory sealed tent, Head Net, long sleeve pants and jacket with hood, if going outside the tent to cook. When we did snow, glacier travel, up steep snowy, icy or rocky routes, we had mid weight mountaineering (LaSportiva) mountaineering boots and an ice axe. Boots protect the ankle, better anchor & footing in snow/ice & protect from cold if snow or cold weather comes. Ice axe, safety, going up and down steep snow/ice pitches. I know your goal is light weight, but safety and protection, along with risk, get weighed. (Good luck in the Tetons, I've done many routes there, many friends have climbed the Grand, multiple times and Moran also. High quality experience for them, & I've stayed in the climbers ranch a handful of times, with climbers.) The West (US) a lot of diversity & options, mountains, desert. Have safe travel and enjoy the wonders of the wilds, & walk in the woods, where the fir and spruce beckon & (later) stars twinkle at night.

[@slush714]

Haven't checked into hiking KZbin in a while, but wow if you didn't reignite the the interest. Great video as always and good call on the hike. Looking forward to binging all your latest videos!

[@Saguache]

Hey I'm super glad you made it out okay. Even better you didn't break a foot. The weather along the Winds can be exceptionally dangerous and the places you can bail are limited. You'll be back.

[@gregbottiani1461]

Thanks for sharing another great adventure. Glad you made it out safely.

[@Hobomountainwander]

What a remarkable adventure. I am glad you were able to make some prudent decisions to ensure your safety. As you know, September is usually the end of the backpacking season. However, sometimes you can get Lucky. I went back to Yellowstone and climbed an easy 10k mountain for my birthday, this past September. There was some snow, but the wind was pushing over 60 mph. I wish you the best in finishing the Wind River high route and connecting your foot prints to finish the CDT, if you so desire. You're an inspiration to me Jupiter.

[@explorationnorthwest]

Thank you for showing us your journeys. I vlog too but not to your extent. I’m retired now and live in southwest Idaho which makes the Sawtooths in easy range. However, I do look beyond and the Tetons are on the radar. Again, thank you, Frank

[@SeeDendyOutdoors]

So glad you played it safe. That storm and snow looked really wild! I always enjoy your videos and look forward to your adventures. I know this one didn't turn out like you had planned, but I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@d.2110]

The rock at 8:33 looks like a sleeping cat

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

That soft hail /snow pellet at high altitude is given a name called "graupel" .. sometimes comes with "thundersnow" ...

[@petedixon7590]

Nice one . Buitifull area

[@jeffnorris7789]

I look forward to your posts.

[@ErikJustErik]

Great video! I hiked southbound a few weeks before ya and got stuck for 20 hours at a crummy bivy site near knifepoint glacier during a snow storm. I’ve never felt more remote during those 20 hours. Luckily the weather cleared up after that!

[@baileychristopher9075]

Great video man! Really enjoy watching your perspective and hearing what you have to say

[@mattreynebeau770]

Glad you’re safe man. Looked like an epic trail!!!

[@MsAcreage]

Another amazing video !

[@garagebrewer]

What a great adventure! I had kind of a similar snowy surprise recently. It's great that you were flexible with your plans. ... and prepared. Cheers man!

[@philwarren5354]

Great trip report. Just did this route north to south back in August. Enjoyed seeing some of those sights again.

[@snart7680]

I met a grizzly in the Winds last summer at Rainbow Lake. Not a huge one and not aggressive, but it didn't leave when I yelled at it, I had to skedaddle. Granted there's like a 20% chance it was a massive brown black bear with the longest claws I've ever seen, idk. Either way, there be bears. Bear spray in the Winds is a good idea, sure wish I had it for that incident!

[@pimacanyon6208]

the Winds! Spectacular range. I have not done that high route. Bummer about your weather, but good for you for playing it safe and for bailing near the end. Yes, something to look forward to when you go back! I've been in the Winds twice, once to Titcomb Basin, the second trip to Cirque of the Towers. But the high route looks spectacular, so maybe I have to go back! Grizzers--I didn't know they are in the Winds, we never thought about them, didn't even take bear mace. In fact, I do remember talking about them and at that time the thinking was yes, they are in the Tetons and Yellowstone, but not in the Winds. So I wonder whether it's really true that there are Grizzlies in the Wind River Range.

[@JupiterHikes]

I think it is the southernmost area they can be found, very rare to be seen but they're there!

[@anninwhack1998]

Glad you were safe and had the skills to do it right. Your video is very inspiring. Thx.

[@TylerAdamsStopRewind]

1:00 East fork! i went there in August

[@andrewgoorhuis]

What a great trip. :)

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

... Beautiful location and scenery ... Always "Be Prepared" ,, Sh*t happens , and an extra day or two is very possible .... Grizzly's have been re-introduced into Colorado also .. as well as Wolves ...

[@UKCG_2]

Jaru's episode where he hiked through the Wind River range came out recently (he's attempting a single calendar year triple crown). I wonder if you two passed near to each other.

[@MikeOlin-f3u]

Your last video I commented on how tired you and Sprocket looked. Well, your body language looked even MORE tired from the get go on this trip. Glad you are okay, I know you hate lightning. You are like Blevins in All the Pretty Horses. Wind River is a dream of mine that I am working toward. Happy trails

[@sking1459]

Happy also that you adventured out and waited out the weather long enough so you could do those last two passes before needing to bail, really the wise decision to make- That’s how intrepid explorers get to go out on their next adventure! Hoping the camera doesn’t freeze up on you and Sprocket’s Tetons trip. Thanks for keeping us out in the wild with you!

[@jtdub-wanders]

It’s amazing how quickly the winds become isolated once you leave the cirque of the towers.

[@BukoHikes]

Wonderful landscapes, great trail. And great your wisdom that in the face of such conditions as at the end, you decided not to push, just let it go :) Thank you!

[@Dorfhiker]

Good decision to bail. My buddy and I had 36 straight hours of tent time very near your extended camp back in ‘18, about a mile east of Snowbridge lake. We were planning on hiking over that plateau to the north down to shangri la, into bull lake creek then over Indian pass to Elkhart park but, like you, thought better of it. Ended up going back to Elkhart park via Camp, Hay Pass, Timico, chain lakes etc.. Still disappointing to this day because my knees are too old for that kind of shit for a re-do but it was the right call.

[@Pharoahkeevis]

❤ love your adventures, Jupiter from San Diego through hiker. Stay happy and healthy on trail.

[@stephenlewis8143]

Happy you found a piece of heaven (as we use to say, every time we returned from the Winds). I backpacked & traveled there for at least 20 years, N & S sides & E & W (but not all of the E side Indigenous land, that requires a permit). Finis Mitchell wrote the 1975 Wind River Trails book, he was a voice for & protector of the Winds. He lived 1901-1995 & stoked many lakes with fish & climbed many peaks. A railroad foreman by trade, he'd pack mules & travel the full Winds for much of his adult life, & well into his 70's. A piece from P. 75 of his book. "A mountain is the best medicine for a troubled mind. Seldom does man ponder his own insignificance. He thinks he is master of all things. He thinks the world is without bonds. Nothing could be further from the truth. Only when he tramps the mountains alone, communing with nature, observing other insignificant creatures about him, to come & go as he will, does he awaken to his short lived presence on earth. I've been into the Cirque of the Towers and Titcomb Basin many times, taken in youth and adults, stunning scenery & great country. Most importantly I'm happy you made it out safe, weather can be difficult in Sept. Most of my travels were in high 'solitude zones' where others seldom tread. Your route a challenging one, but high quality experience & hopefully good memories. Many that I did outdoor activity with, were born back East, but when they discovered the mountains of the West & deserts in the S, they never returned - these areas became their 2nd home, outside of a profession (in other locations). My friend Roger, Ph.D rocket scientist, left N Carolina for the West, met the Winds, then backcountry skiing and then trekking and canyoneering in the desert (Zion) ; he never returned home, except to visit. Sadly, shortly after he retired early he came down with ALS & a year later died. At his memorial, in a side room, his boots, clothing, pack, gear and tent he used for decades in the Winds. Find that fountain of youth James, you may live forever. Best to you, seriously.

[@MoutainGuyAdventures]

Wow. Crazy weather. I miss The Winds. I did not backpack the Winds this year. They are calling me back though. Hopefully the TCT was better for you. That’s an awesome trail as well. It’s a lot more crowded though.

[@rawbone22]

WRHR weather is no joke, especially later in season like you tried. Took my friend and I 3 years, in 1 week trips per year, to complete the Skurka route, all because of weather, even in late July and early August trips. But we finally completed it this year! Totally amazing place. I highly recommend coming back to attempt the Skurka route, which is also like a Glacier Party 🎉.

[@Pharoahkeevis]

❤ love your adventures, Jupiter from San Diego through hiker

[@TylerAdamsStopRewind]

Yoooooo this is insane

[@1717jbs]

Looks like a beautiful hike. glad you're safe.

[@RichardMooreAndJulieMoore]

Another wonderful video. The winds are definitely beautiful, but crowded if you are on the trails like we were. Not my favorite backcountry experience because of the amount of people. The high route looks better. We also had some nasty weather in mid August, I think the winds are known for that, you were wise in bailing out, better to be able to return.

[@JupiterHikes]

Yeah! I was pretty amazed at how many people I saw near cirque of the towers, and island lake. Funny how there's so many areas beyond that which no one goes to! Many of which would be similarly as easy to reach, just not as known I guess.

[@poetac15]

Amazing footage

[@lookingforcolor]

Great video, I’ve subscribed so I can watch some of your older videos and new ones as you publish. One thing you desperately need to know is you have a spot on your cameras sensor, it’s pretty noticeable too. It’s either on your sensor or on the inside of your lens either way needs to be cleaned. Also maybe invest in a action camera like GoPro or 360 for bad weather hikes.

[@hollygiesen1200]

This was a fantastic video. I really enjoyed it! I'm glad you got down safely. Looking forward to more and we'll go browse your previous videos. I do think the Wind River high route, having seen it here and also with Nine Lives and Peg Legs experience, it may be the most beautiful place I've ever seen. What kind of fish do you catch up there? I've been wondering if there were fish in those lakes, they're so different from other lakes I don't know how they would get nutrients.

[@JupiterHikes]

I caught brook trout, rainbow trout, and surprisingly golden trout! I am sure others exist up there, but that is what I personally saw. I heard that many decades ago people had stocked the lakes by carrying fish up in milk jugs. Don't know if it's true, but funny to think about

[@nancytrekker]

Awesome trek, my friend! I'm adding this one to my bucket list. Love your video style. ❤ Do you bring a reel too, or just the rod?

[@RebeccaCuff]

Great judgement, right equipment and supplies! The trail you shared was absolutely beautiful. Thank you.

[@clarkansas6590]

Good job. Next time.

[@Casual_BackPacking]

Bruh your lvl 99 with max stats your chillin g 😎

[@tracykooken2606]

jupiter, on 1 hand i admire ur educational minded need to research the heck out of ur trips !! on a nother hand i wish u could b 'ok'.. happy... w knowing not much more than whats on the map in ur hands !!😊. rolling w the trail is 1 of lifes wonderous mysteries !!! the nxt bend is the hook. ALWAYS good to take xtra chow !!! its nothg compared to the relaxed feel of weather coming or a side trail just begging. OR 1 spot that DEMANDS 1 2 stay put a xtra day n soak it in. i THINK a big buzz 4 u is the research n thats OK. i really enjoy ur adventures !!!! Sprocket, i am so sorry for ur issue !!!!! and hoping 4 great health 2 return 2 U !!!! SOON!!!!!!😊. amigo, ptl that u r not so trail minded that u cant take some fishing time !!!!!!😊😅😊. i wish we could c u DO some fishing !!! i ❤ the Winds, ur route is a good 1 no matter what dirrection U come. OR the combbo of trails u link 2gthr 😅😊. ATB amigo, thanks for the fun. bummer on the camera biz.

[@sheedove23]

Have you done the continental divide trail yet? If not do you plan to? Can't WAIT to see that!

[@sheedove23]

Also, how can you NOT like grizzly bears!? They're so amazing!!

[@JupiterHikes]

Very soon!

[@Rkolb2798]

@@sheedove23just like Whinny the Pooh

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

@@Rkolb2798 ....just ask Timothy Treadwell ,,, Oh yeah , you can't ,, they ate him ..

[@keithlaurenz3774]

I have seen a black bear near green river lakes but never any bear on the high parts of the high route. Never seen a griz. I've done the high route three times now and never hung my food or carried bear spray but to each their own. I always recommend bear protection for the winds but with the high route there's hardly any trees where I like to camp so no use for the ursack, and if a bear can isn't required I'm not bringing it. I practice Skurka's method he did in Alaska and don't camp where I cook and roll in after sunset mostly. Again I don't recommend this, a bear can is always best for the bears, but this has worked for me. Also, labor day weekend 2020 we did Alan's route and got 14" of snow and had 80mph winds. Typical winds in September. Can be beautiful or some of the scariest to be on the high route. The blow down to big sandy were a jungle gym and took us 4hrs to go six miles on what was supposed to be the easiest section of trail at the end of our hike. Hiking out in the snow storm on the boulders was scary. This trail is humbling but will still be there when you come back.

[@brandonpeterson11]

My first trip into the winds involved snow.

[@kerrir1955]

Looks beautiful, but crazy. Which backpack did you Pick?

[@JupiterHikes]

That is the same backpack I've been using all of this year and last year! The Pa'lante Desert Pack, it is about 37 liters

[@nicoleandjoshbaldwin4228]

How about a waist packing overnight? Wanted to get into super UL and I’ve seen people use 3L packs for this but no videos on it.

[@dominic81634]

Awesome video! What tent is that btw?

[@JupiterHikes]

It is the Zpacks Altaplex

[@paisleyfamily5972]

@@JupiterHikes my next tent when I start my section hike of the pct

[@dominic81634]

@@JupiterHikes thx!

[@stevejohnston1272]

Good idea to bail. A mans got to know his limitations.....

[@Kwm952]

Kudos I don’t think I could go solo in griz country

[@mikmapp]

4:22 11400 feet = 3474.7 meters. Just doing my thing. Cheers

[@colbypark1311]

As they say, "Hike your own hike." You did the right thing and at the end of the day is there really a "start" and "finish" when you thru hike? You start where you want to start and finish where you wan to finish. Sure we'd all love to go from terminus to terminus, but sometimes that just isn't in the deck of cards and it isn't worth the danger just to say, "I did it."

[@christopherch7307]

👍🐿👍

[@CombatBanana]

He brought a pillow??!!?

[@trakyboy5128]

Mor hike trips 😮 I wish I had a trust fund so I can go packing all the time 😅

[@JupiterHikes]

Me too! But hey instead here I am staring at a computer all day and saving my money as best I can to make it happen. Worth it in the end