Big and Little Sisters

OCTOBER 2006

Whiskey Peak looms above Dubois, Wyoming, though it seems rather blah when viewed from that angle. The mountain itself is pretty nondescript, but the views are incredible, top to bottom. Starting in near desert terrain, passing through forest and ending on a mostly barren and windswept summit. Doesn't get much better than this.

From the bridge that crosses the Wind River as you are headed out of Dubois to the east, drive 2.3 miles and turn right onto the Trail Lake Road. Drive to the end of the road to find several trails leading off into the wilds of the Winds, Whiskey Peak being only one of endless destinations starting here. Gannett Peak being one.

Find the trail easy enough and start walking. Pass Lake Louise and then on up to the junction where the route continues on to Ross Lakes but turning upwards and to the right. It's a few miles. From this point you will soon come to the summit. It will probably have Bighorn Sheep all over it.

Bighorn Sheep are found all over this area. We saw hundreds. The largest herd in North America is found here in fact. Magnificent beasts.

There is a good trail most of the way to the top, though it becomes faint near the summit. No problem though, it is easy to find the way.

Ross Lakes (the largest lakes in the Wind River Range) are further up the trail, to the left where the 'trail' splits.  Ram Flat and 13,355 ft Downs Mountain are to the Southwest, The Ramshorn and the Absorkas to the North. Rugged peaks all around. wOw!

Crowheart Butte is visible to the East. Quite the story about this place.