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Switched my planned route in the Wind River Range at the last minute
I was set on the popular Cirque of the Towers loop but a ranger in Pinedale told me it was 'crowded like a city park' that week, so I took his advice and went for the less-traveled Deep Lake approach instead. Had the whole alpine basin to myself for two nights, which was way better than fighting for a campsite. Anyone have a favorite quiet alternative to a classic crowded trail?
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rileyb612d ago
Honestly, sometimes the crowded classic is the classic for a reason. The Cirque has those iconic views everyone wants for a reason, and there's a shared feeling you get with other hikers on a popular trail. Missing that to be alone can feel like trading the main event for a B-side, even if it's quiet.
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the_holly6d ago
Good call listening to that ranger. I had the same thing happen with the High Sierra Trail. Everyone was packed into Bearpaw Meadow, but a quick chat at the Lodgepole visitor center pointed me toward the Tablelands. Spent two days seeing maybe three other people. Always worth asking the local rangers or even checking in at a gear shop in town. They know which spots are overrun that week and can point you toward something just as good but empty.
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