Wind River Range (Wyoming) Backpacking - July 2021

For the fifth trip of the 2021 season we returned to the Wind River Range in Wyoming to do a hike very similar to the hike Carl and I did in the Winds in September 2019, with one notable difference - an added day hike up to the magnificent Titcomb Basin.
Carl and I have always regretted that we didn't make it up to the Basin on our 2019 Winds hike, and when we were talking to Travis about a 2021 western US trip it didn't take much convincing to come to a consensus that a return to the Winds, and the Titcomb Basin this time, was the hike we would do. My son, Christian, was also available and eager to join us, and Jeremy (KZbin channel 'All Things Outdoors') from the 2020 Adirondack hike rounded out the team.
Check out Jeremy's video from our Winds trip at KZbin channel 'All Things Out Doors': / @all_things_out_doors
As we did in 2019 this year's trip was a 3-day, 30-mile hike that took us back to the spectacular Island Lake / Titcomb Basin area, with the addition this time of a 7-mile out and back day hike to the Basin on day #3. 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.
The weather was absolutely perfect. Highs in the 70's, lows in the 30's/40's with clear, deep blue skies for the entire hike. We did get some smoke from western US forest fires rolling in while we camped at Island Lake, but it didn't really impact our experience or the views we had (it got much worse in the days after our hike).
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 amzn.to/3dHJvni
Lens: Nikkor 24mm f1.8 Z-mount lens amzn.to/2QZqNOo
Tripod: Sirui T-025X carbon fiber tripod amzn.to/3bH3Rvg
Camera shoulder clip: Peak Designs Capture clip system amzn.to/2wRdusp
Video Editing Software: Vegas Pro 16 amzn.to/2X5dKyu
Pack: Zpacks Arc Blast 55L
Tent: Zpacks Triplex
Sleeping Bag: Zpacks 20degF Sleeping Bag
Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir X-Therm amzn.to/2yjrUlj
Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite amzn.to/39zju6v
Pillow: Exped Air Pillow UL amzn.to/2WYE5hZ
Stove: JetBoil Flash amzn.to/3azKRi7
Stove: MSR PocketRocket 2 amzn.to/3dPtOL5
Pot: MSR Titan titanium 0.9L kettle amzn.to/3bF1RDB
Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot amzn.to/2R0JvoW
Buff: Merino wool Buff amzn.to/3dCYHSC
Recharging Battery: Anker 3500mAH ‘lipstick’ charger amzn.to/2URI7G3
Camp Chair: Helonix Chair Zero amzn.to/2xzbwgh
Camp Shoes: Xero Shoes Z-Trek amzn.to/3bA3X7I
Wet Wipes: Survivorware Wet Wipes amzn.to/2JwbQ2e

[@tylerscales2396]

I’m new to hiking/camping. Buying gear up for the last several months in preparation. Stumbled upon David’s videos by simple chance. I can honestly say that his are the best I’ve seen anywhere. The info has helped me tremendously. I live vicariously through him as he explores. I love it as a new video is posted and can’t wait to see more. I can’t wait to have “cheddar cheese spread and Duncan donuts coffee” on the trail! David, thank you so much for these vids. Please don’t stop! Awesome

[@delvinmorales9458]

This makes my day. Thanks for sharing

[@AskinsAdventures]

The BEST backpacking videos out today. Entertaining, informative and inspiring many others, like me, to get outdoors and see the beauty of our country. Thank you for taking us on so many of your adventures.

[@davidgrayin]

Thank you for the very kind words, Jared. Your feedback 'nails it' in terms of why I take the trips, and make the videos. Trying to provide some information... certainly hoping people who can't hike those trails can live vicariously through my adventures... share a little bit of the incredible beauty that you can experience when you get off the 'beaten path' a bit.... and, yeah, maybe to provide a little entertainment and relaxation too. Love your comment! Thank you.

[@mrrainbow3526]

wonderful trip. thanks for this!

[@hawklets03]

Thank you, David, for another awesome video!

[@normannix4623]

Thanks David for sharing with everyone! One of you all’s best!

[@panhandlejake6200]

Fantastic trip ! This area was the site of my first backpacking trip 50 years ago - a 40 mile loop with the last night at Seneca Lake. I will be back on this trail in about two weeks for a little longer anniversary trip.

[@shcmoly]

I'm almost 52, have not backpacked in at least 5 years and frankly too lazy to get it done, these videos give me hope, thank you David.

[@marku.4297]

Gotta love the Winds. Thanks for sharing

[@clc41297]

Love your videos. Please keep them coming!

[@andreabritz4572]

Thanks for sharing. This hike is on my bucket list.

[@jeffharwood7314]

So enjoy your videos David! Thanks for taking us along.

[@TheWayOutdoors]

Every time David! What a great video. Thanks so much for taking us along with you.

[@nelsonminingandabandonedplaces]

As always an epic video. Cheers

[@rickneece7554]

David Gray for President!

[@Seamus95364]

Every hike, every video is better than the last. Thanks, David.

[@jsallen50]

Thank you for making your video's, I have watched them all, and is always a treat to see a new one pop up!!!

[@BS2Dos]

Yay! You’re back!! Been too long. 👍👍

[@LittleTravelChannel]

Great video. Really enjoy your format and showing the whole travel experience up to the hike...

[@richdorsett7895]

Just a great, great video of your trip...one of your best. Thank you David, your videos NEVER DISAPPOINT!!

[@dorothypinckney885]

Always a pleasure to watch and enjoy your videos and photos. Looking forward to seeing what is up your sleeve for the 2022 season!

[@hikingmule]

Another fantastic video in a beautiful area! I was there last year staying in some of the same places. This brought back some fantastic memories, so thank you!

[@adventurebythemile]

I always love your videos! It's such fun and I wish I was capable of doing adventures like that.

[@srameypr]

What an amazing hike! You did really get lucky with the weather this time, as well as wildfire smoke. Just spectacular!

[@boomersoutdoors8898]

Beautiful Place! Looks like you guys had a great time there!!! We would love to go there someday! Thanks David!

[@ridiculousfishr9812]

Thanks for another wonderful video. I’m glad you got to have such a great crew to share these all memories. I really hope I’m able to do some of these types of trips with my kids some day. Thank you for the inspiration!

[@kevinseversonandhisvizslas8287]

Great to see that Christian is still living out in Colorado! Great to see all of you guys back together again and so happy. Great job finally making it over into the basin. Great video, unbelievable views. Thank you David.

[@teddysmith457]

Again David Gray thank you for sharing the beauty. I used to live in Pinedale in the mid 80s

[@christinerolle3876]

Aweome video again.Thans for sharing.i wish David you are a neighbor of mine and join your group .lol.that is what you call life .!!🙏😍

[@tylerberry2476]

Awesome!!! I'm loving this great hike !! Thanks for sharing this with us!! Now I'm wanting to go hike the winds !!! 👍👍😎

[@vegasdavetv]

great to see you all again david

[@naoh4213]

Keep putting one foot in front of the other David. Stay young at heart and keep the inspiring vlogs coming. Thanks for sharing another one of your amazing adventures.

[@nagaviper1169]

What a fantastic video. Thank you again for taking us along. I'm actually heading up to Wyoming in about 3 weeks. I'll be doing a 7-Day backpacking trip around Heartlake. Can't wait.

[@MarkfromArizona]

What a treat! We remember the last trip you made there. My wife and I have been following you for a few years. Always ready to sit back and be amazed ! Beautiful scenery, crystal clear photography . Thank you for all the adventures you brought to people.

[@61DJ]

Beautiful photos!

[@candacemeifert-polk7383]

Great to see you back David! Always enjoy your adventures!

[@candacemeifert-polk7383]

Another wonderful video! Beautiful, breath taking scenery, fun times, and of course, Dunkin Doughnuts Coffee! Thank you for taking us along.

[@discipleofyeshua4990]

These hikes are what I only dream I could do😃💖

[@joshuahynek399]

Been through there 3 times. Going on my 4th in 2 days. Starting at the reservoir. SUPER excited.

[@Victorted]

Been to the Winds, Pinedale, Log Cabin Motel, Titcomb Basin...all of it, a number of time since my first trip in the mid-90's. I've backpacked all over North America, and there's nowhere like this place. Will be back in September of '22. Thanks for the memories and the preview and for, as always, presenting both with such elegance.

[@zachcherry8221]

Great video again per usual Sir! I grew up in Montana and spent summers in the Bighorn Mtns of Wyoming. Wanting to take my boy up there in the next couple years (from TN) to relive a little of my childhood. This video definitely inspires!

[@wombat_4402]

I am doing this trail next week and this has been my favorite video I have seen on the winds! I'm glad I finally know what to expect haha, thanks for the incredible video!

[@jasonmears4393]

Amazing...all I can say is holy cow, what a beautiful hike, David. You always deliver such high quality videos with epic pictures. I always love your last section of your videos- the still photos part along with the music. The photo of you and your son in the basin was epic.. that is one to print and hang for sure.. You guys looked like you had a blast. If you ever head over to the smokies-grayson highlands area would love to meet up and hike it with you. Great job and great video.

[@lyndastrahmann1782]

Thanks David. I grew up backpacking up to Dads Lake when I was young. Awesome memories, fishing, hiking and family. I live in Cheyenne WY and still enjoy Camping. I love my state. I enjoy your videos. Thanks again.

[@rickloging5709]

So happy you all got in a western trip in this summer! Gorgeous place. Island Lake is on my bucket list. Glad to see the gang back together....the "fellowship of the cheddar cheese spread"!

[@thepsg]

Looks like you’ve got a great crew to hike with this time! We always enjoy your videos. My wife is going hiking in Grayson Highlands next weekend so naturally we had to watch the video you did with Bob!

[@redwhiteblue7831]

Beautiful awesome trip...

[@HopperRox_Shaves]

Binge watching your videos, you'd be an excellent person to take a hike with, love the sense of humour, cheers from SW Ontario.

[@MrJoebmxer]

3rd time is a charm 👍 awesome video 👏

[@annsander]

great video ...thumbs up and a happy week

[@jtpromolab]

I just watched your glacier video when Christian was 18 and then your Wyoming video when he was 26. Pretty cool to see the two of you still hiking together. I just subscribed and plan to watch all of your hikes! Thank you for the content. 👍

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

... WOW !! another amazing David Gray production .. Just can't say enough.. Incredible location ,,along with a great group to share the gift .... The Wind River Range has always been on my list ,but not made it there as yet ..... would have to add a few more days though,, I just couldn't put in that much work and not spend some time fishing every lake ... .. Thank You David for sharing your adventure ,, it's what dreams are made of ....... Stay safe and God Bless .....

[@georgereimuth3382]

so far the backpacking video of wind river range is tops this year , keep trucking see ya next month for another video of your backpacking adventures.

[@matthewb3640]

Hey David Gray , your from Indiana you stated. I'm originally from Kalamazoo. I moved to Wyoming in 2018. We hunted the winds 2020. But fall of 2020 there was a wind storm that came thru there and first service doesn't a week just getting in the forest mile from (I believe where you stated) the upper parking lot. I can't remember the name of it. But that wind storm left logs all over ! I didn't notice many on your hike in our or out . The forest service helo'd like 60's hikers out of there. By your trail it looked all open again. We go in by Boulder lake.

[@theoutdoordogandhikinggirl]

Pinedale looks amazing. Those are the kind of villages I dream about in regards to hiking. That nature looks stunning! Wish we could only have 10% of it. That would make hiking here in the Netherlands so much better.

[@Zoomdak]

Looks like an awesome hike in an amazing area. Makes me want to hike here someday!

[@GrrBear]

Hey Daivd, how are you? Hoping you will continue to post your adventures. My wife and I enjoy watching fellow Hoosiers out enjoying nature.

[@mindywong3839]

I imagine myself following the group. So nice. And my favorite place on earth 🌎 - Wyoming. I like to walk with a big group. WRR is si beautiful. The first photographer's point brought tears to my eyes as I kept staring at its beauty.

[@cgriggsiv]

Looks like you have anyone is having a fantastic blast on that mountain you're back at the log cabin hotels I see and your son is getting your looks I hope he has the passion for The Great outdoors as much as you do and your photography And who in the world gave you a thumbs down your videos are always top notch

[@DaveCollierCamping]

Awesome video - love Pinedale

[@nilo_1981]

great vid David , like usual

[@thewanderingtravellers61]

Just found your channel. Brilliant footage of sunsets. Really enjoyed this video. Will slowly continue watching the rest of your videos.

[@davidgrayin]

Thank you for finding me! There are plenty of videos out there - should keep you busy for a while.

[@markviereck4547]

I fell in love with Peet’s coffee. It is really good. Need to try it. major Dickasons blend

[@rhinoD]

David fellow hiker. I hiked 20 miles on the GA section of the AT and I’ve been trying to get back on the trail. Thanks for your inspiration. Loved the Montana video of you and your Son. Hope to see you on the trail.

[@kywaters574]

You’re an inspiration

[@getubelogin]

Great vido, wonderful views, super weather, not many bugs, all you need is that lighter pack to help your knees. Thanks for sharing.

[@OneEyeHikes]

Y’all gotta try the Wrangler Cafe on north end of town next time! Awesome breakfast samishis! Great video David! Love the WRR

[@Chris.Young.]

Hey! I've camped in that exact spot on Hobbes lake! Such an awesome hike!

[@craigsmith6446]

Great video thanks for sharing! Gets the blood pumping, I need to get out soon.

[@mikejordan9220]

I just returned from Pinedale. I took a class near there and stayed there a few days after the class ended. I didn’t get a chance to backpack but the fishing and scenery were great. I fished the Holbach river and some lakes in the Green River Valley.

[@MarkfromArizona]

I remember and it sticks in my mind the trip you made to Glacier Np with your son in 2018. That was a wet brutal hike when you got up in elevation. Sleepless night and cold.

[@mike158193]

David, love the video, and we are planning to do this exact trip for 2022. Any immediate recommendations regarding the trip that we should be aware of. By watching it’s pretty descriptive of what we need to do and plan.

[@2khawaii]

I'm from Hawaii...Spam is a staple food. 🤙 love yourr vids, been watching for 3 years now.

[@vegasdavetv]

David, here's a challenge for the future, gates of the artic.. big bucket list there

[@elizabethwhite6364]

Oh my - just finished this video! You shared a wonderful trip with your son and friends! Epic views and wonderful and beautiful video! Always enjoy your trips! We love your Glacier videos (I've watched them several times) - are you and Christian planning any more to Glacier? Always fun to see what you and the pups are up to! Thank you for sharing!

[@dwightupton4520]

Thanks, my hiking soul needed to be inspired. I lost my hiking partner last December to a trending vir us. I guess I need to find and train another hiker.

[@dollypartonthe3rd813]

Hi, nice to see those beautifull places I wyomimg thank you to the videos ingredible in travelling outdoors I enjoyed looking the fresh water running thank again for showing the blog with your son accompanied by family . Thank you David Gray my name is dollysomewhere in Los angeles ca. City

[@farbeyonddriven8173]

Well done David! After watching your video from the last time, my son and I followed all of your itinerary in Pinedale including the Outdoor Shop, Brewery, Log Cabin Inn, and Heart and Soul. Clay and I went to Island Lake the first night then day hiked to Titcomb as you suggested then back to Little Seneca for the second night and got back to the trailhead on July 30th. What an amazing place and THANK YOU. We are in Jackson as I write this to spend a few Teton “backcountry “ nights before returning to central PA

[@davidgrayin]

That is awesome, and warms my heart. I hope you had a great trip. I've heard from many people that have replicated some of these hikes, and providing this sort of background info and 'intel', to make other people's hikes a little easier, is one of the reasons I do these videos. Thanks for letting me know that you were able to have a successful hike in the Winds too! Congratulations!

[@farbeyonddriven2876]

@@davidgrayin David, As I mentioned above, my son and I went to the Tetons after the Winds. We did a 25 mile lolly pop hike that was all around great and NO permits necessary because the National Forest and the Alaska Basin (which are not part of the park) border the park. By simply looking at a Tetons map you can follow along. Enter at the Death Canyon TH near Phelps Lake and get to Fox Creek Pass to camp W/O a permit, then hike along Death Canyon Shelf which IS in the park, for a few miles and enter Alaska Basin and again camp W/O a permit. Then the next morning hike toward Buck Mtn. and Static Peak Divide along the Alaska Basin Trail back to Death Canyon Trail(DCT) to complete the loop part of the lolly pop. After watching most of your work, we are close the same age and fitness level so a la your RMNP hike it is important to do this hike in a clockwise direction. The DCT isn't difficult and even gets cruisey from about mile 5 thru 8. The only slight draw back is that when going this way you end your day with a 900 ft climb up to Fox Creek Pass which is in J Smith Nat. Forest. (NO PERMIT) Day 1 DCTH to Fox Creek Pass 7-8 hours of hiking at a reasonable pace Day 2 Fox Creek Pass to Alaska Basin lakes area 5-6 hours at the same pace Day 3 Basin area to DCTH 6 hours Even this year water was never an issue, saw three moose. I would HIGHLY recommend this hike and if you wanna know more, just reach out. Tom

[@infrequentgamer_greg]

David, yet another excellent video, sir! Beautiful scenery for sure. I love the group photos...these will make wonderful memories. When are you, and Christian going to hike the John Muir Trail?

[@ajkylen]

Hello David happy new year what is new in regards to your hiking adventures or what is new in your back pack equipment

[@All_Things_Out_Doors]

This was such a great video! Now I totally want to go back lol. Thank you so much for having me along on this one. It was such a great time. Not only a bucket list hike checked off my list, but done so with some of the best people on the trail. Its always a privilege to be able to share the trail w you. Side note Next time I'm hauling in steak and a pan.....I'm probably using a pack w load lifters and hip belt 🤣🤣

[@davidgrayin]

Ahhh, Jeremy. What a trip, eh?! Sorry about having you be the 'pack mule' on that first day, but c'mon... you show up with a 20-pound day-hike pack! Seriously though, thanks for taking one for the team for the pan and ribeyes - that made for one special night for sure. Great hike, and having you with us made it extra special.

[@All_Things_Out_Doors]

@@davidgrayin you cook steaks like that, I'd carry them every hike! Haha

[@NickandRachel]

Really nice video 😀

[@jmash41]

Hi David! Any other hikes coming for you? Merry Christmas!

[@dalesalter467]

I have a trip planned to the Winds again in less than a month. I appreciated your comment about the Big Sandy Trail still having debris from the storm last year. We may have to change our plans and check out the Titcomb Basin. Thanks for the info, I was completely unaware of the storm last year. Thanks also for the recommendation about the Big Sky International cozy, I just ordered one.

[@josephbrecheisen6339]

Well done video looks fun. Native of Colorado and enjoyed all your Colorado backpacking trips. Binge watching your videos. I would also recommend Nick Sengetta on KZbin as well both of you do a wonderful job and continue to inspire me and others. A big thank you to you all. The great outdoors are always waiting!

[@jamesbarclay4433]

So glad to see you out west again David. I hope to make it to the Winds one day. I know you’ve struck out on the Enchantments lottery a few times. If you’re looking for another outstanding Pacific Northwest multi-day trek, I’d recommend the High Divide/Seven Lakes Basin in Olympic National Park. Just finished a trip there. Absolutely out of this world scenery, crystal blue skies, saw more then a half dozen black bears. It’s right there with the Enchantments. Honestly, you can’t beat Washington’s more rugged peaks at less then half the elevation of the Rockies/High Sierra. Check it out!

[@michaelcasey2414]

Wait a minute: David cooked? Looks like you guys had a great time. I did a trip on the AT in the Bigelow Preserve in Maine last week and there was quite a bit of smoke from those western wildfires obscuring the views even there.

[@commonsgiant]

Been taking my Enderox since last year! Don't know what in it, but DAMN! Thanks

[@germanshepherd2579]

Hope all is well. Its been awhile since the last video

[@C-TOS]

I need to catch up on your vids. This is going to be good.

[@MoniqueDiCarlo]

Hi David, I’ve enjoyed your vids for a couple of years. I’m planning for a week long (or longer, but then I’ll need a resupply) loop hike. I think you really love the wind River range, but I wonder if you have other recommendations? I’m 57 and depending on terrain and weather I probably have to start with a couple of 10+ miles a days working my way up to perhaps 20+ thanks!

[@chrisadventures77]

Great video…thanks for sharing it with us. Will you be headed back to the smokies anytime soon?

[@davidgrayin]

The Smokies are a 'maybe' for 2021, but I'm certain I'll be heading back there soon if not 2021. I'm still trying to sort out what trips I'll do the rest of 2021 (not a good permit season for me, for potential western trips). I've been thinking about doing a Smokies trip in the fall 2021, when the leaves are changing colors (always wanted to get there when the color is peaking).

[@charleslanz410]

Hey David. I was looking forward to seeing this video, and it did not disappoint. I am the "fan" (from Ohio) who met you and your group at Photographer's Point and then again the following day up at Seneca Lake as I was headed out. It was a genuine pleasure meeting you in person. You guys are just as nice and pleasant in person as you come across on your videos. I was happy to see that you made it to the basin and did not get smoked out as the smoke was pretty bad by the time I got back to the trailhead (day two of your backpack). Two thumbs up.

[@davidgrayin]

Hey Charles! It was great meeting you at Photographer's Point, and seeing you again the next day at Seneca. If I recall the Winds were the first stop for you on a multi-week (6?) adventure - how did the rest of your trip go? I think we were really lucky with the smoke because it never really got that bad while we were there, but it sure seemed to be getting worse as we were heading out. It was a true pleasure sharing a little time with you on the trail, and I hope we're able to meet up again some time.

[@charleslanz410]

@@davidgrayin How was the rest of my trip? Long story, David. I went to Idaho (SRA) but did not stay due to heat and smoke. I instead went to Mt. Rainier, which was beautiful but crowded. I did some day hikes and planned to do some backpacking (even got a wilderness permit) but I continued to have the physical issues (fatigue, heart arrhythmia) that caused me to abort the Wind River backpack. I went down to St. Helens for a couple days but, after then developing aches and pains and other issues, I headed home at my wife's urging. After getting home, I underwent some tests and bloodwork, which came back positive for an acute Lyme infection, apparently actually contracted here in Ohio before I headed out west. I am now on an antibiotic and recovering.

[@davidgrayin]

@@charleslanz410 Whoa, Charles! That is quite a story. I've never had Lyme, at least as far as I know, but I know it can be brutal, especially if you don't catch it and get it treated. Sorry that you had to abort a bit early, but very glad you figured out what it was and can get it taken care of. The trails are always going to be there for you! (Yeah, I understand the age issue and being 'up against the clock' a bit, but you have time to get back out there). Thank you for giving me the update, and I hope to see you on the trails again.

[@johnthomas3183]

In case you were wondering, the mountains in the background include Fremont Peak, the wide high center rock and the pointed peak in the smoke to the left is Mt. Helen. Been there a couple of times when maps were the only navigation tool. That is a nice area to hike. Enjoy!

[@nathanarganbright950]

The microbursts must have been widespread. I was at Big Sandy last week and there was an amazing amount of trees down. The campground host at the trailhead told me the blowdown happened in May. Must have been quite the weather event! Btw David, I'm in Estes Park and if you are ever in this area reach out!

[@mindywong3839]

54:15 - breathtaking

[@LWilli5]

Beautiful place, amazing company - can’t get better than that.

[@jeffd8709]

This is so great! Is there a gpx file for this route?

[@timedington7406]

I was a week behind you on the same trail twice now.

[@adventurelifewithbob2960]

I enjoyed your video! Our family has been going to the Wind Rivers and the Green River Lakes since the 1940's. I made a video describing my family's history with this beautiful area of the world.

[@shyra7480]

Great hike! Don’t knock the monkey butt powder! 😂 That stuff is amazing!

[@davidgrayin]

I'm sure it is, and I should have bought some. I've had some pretty gnarly chafing on occasion, and there is nothing worse! I now carry Desitin, Body Glide, and talcum powder to be well-armed against chafing. Monkey Butt powder would be a great addition, but I was really pointing it out because I loved the name!

[@kimberlycockram1894]

I noticed a big duffel bag. Prior service?