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One of the best hikes in the world is the
CIRQUE OF THE TOWERS
Hikes in the same area are called:
- Jackson Pass (Big Sandy Pass)
- Texas Pass
- Pingora Peak
Do you know this hike?
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 AT A GLANCE
- 2 days, a great weekend hike
- 20.4mi (32.8km)
- best months mid-July-Sept (depending on when the snow melts)
- lightning hazard many afternoons
- medium difficulty hiking
- it's a very popular destination. Even more so with mountaineers than with hikers.
WHY WE LIKE THIS HIKE
The Cirque of the Towers represents a real "must see" on the lifetime list of most serious backpackers ... TwoHikers.org 
- easy access to the continental divide at Jackson Pass
- the spectacular, jagged Cirque itself
- no permit required!
- wildflowers late June to early August
- good fishing
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The Wind River Range includes some of the best peaks and biggest glaciers in the continental USA. There's no better place to start than here.
CONSIDERATIONS
- immediate 2000ft (609m) climb to start the hike!
- mosquitos are infamous here early in the season
- you may need an ice axe early in the season, especially if you opt for Texas Pass
- you may need an ice axe. It can snow any day of the year.
- bring binoculars or a high powered zoom lens for observing animals
- you need to be bear aware to hike here. Store food and smellies safely away at night
- you need a fishing permit here (unlike Glacier national Park where you do not)
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ROUTES
Lonely Planet Hiking in the Rocky Mountains lays out this hike.
- start and finish at (free) Big Sandy campground trailhead (tent there the night prior, or after, your hike if you wish)
- nearby Big Sandy Lodge offers accommodation under a roof and can probably shuttle you to the trailhead
- schedule your hike to spend as much time up at the Cirque as possible
- hike out via Marms Lake, Dads Lake and Mirror Lake back to the start
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Many hike up and back on the same trail. But why backtrack when you can loop?
There are other longer hikes which get you to the Cirque of the Towers. This is the best, we reckon.
LOGISTICS
- driving your own vehicle is easiest
- the nearest major airport is Salt Lake City, Utah (alternative airports: Rock Springs, Riverton and Jackson, Wyoming)
- from Salt Lake city you can catch the Sublink Stage bus to the closest town to the trailhead, Pinedale, Wyoming
- stop in Pinedale to purchase stove fuel and last minute items at the Great Outdoor Shop which can likely shuttle you to the trailhead, as well. They also rent ice axes and know if you will need one!
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INDEPENDENT OR GUIDED?
Most hike to the Cirque independently, but check with the Great Outdoor Shop. If anyone knows of hiking guides, it is them.
LOCAL INFORMATION
BEST HIKING GUIDEBOOKS
Lonely Planet guides are consistently good and have excellent maps. If you are hiking in other places in the Rockies or in the USA, their Rockies or USA guidebook would be the best investment.
The local guidebooks are somewhat out-of-date though they would be enough to get you through this short hike. Many like the Rebecca Woods guide.
BEST MAPS
BEST PHOTOS & TRIP REPORTS
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