This loop can be done as a long 25-mile day hike, or you can break it up and camp along the way. We recommend breaking it up and allowing yourself a layover day at Deep Creek Lakes from which you can ascend Wind River Peak, the highest mountain in the southern Winds. The route up Wind River Peak ascends a long gradual ramp out of Deep Creek Lakes to Chimney Rock and then across a saddle to the main summit. The travel is generally easy through alpine tundra with some stretches of boulder walking. The views are incredible and well worth the effort!
What Makes It Great
From the Sheep Bridge Trailhead, you’ll go north to climb up and over a ridge and then drop down into the Middle Fork drainage where you intersect the Middle Fork Trail.
Head left or west up the Middle Fork Trail to Three Forks Park and the junction with the Pinto Park Trail. The trail climbs up out of the drainage for approximately 600 feet and continues west to a trail junction. Turn south (left) onto the Deep Creek – Ice Lakes Trail Cutoff. Climb 2.2 miles to the Ice Lakes Trail and turn south (left). Follow the Ice Lakes Trail 4.6 miles to Tayo Park. Turn left onto the Middle Fork Trail 1.5 miles before heading east (right) for a 1.4 mile grunt up to the Stough Creek Trail, where you'll turn left and descend back to Worthen Meadows.
You can camp anywhere along this route. Just pull out a map and figure out how far you want to go each day. But make sure to spend time in the Deep Creek – Ice Lakes area.
Who is Going to Love It
The trail is pretty easy, so as long as you can put in the mileage, you will enjoy the scenery and the trek! Even if you don’t climb Wind River Peak, the lakes are beautiful, fun to fish and a great place to camp.
Directions, Parking, & Regulations
To access this loop, drive up Sinks Canyon from Lander, continue up the switchbacks to the end of the pavement. Turn right onto a dirt road that leads to Worthen Meadows Reservoir. Park at the Worthen Meadows Reservoir Trailhead, on the far, western end of the lake.
