Cirque of the Towers ~ Women-Only Backpack

About This Event

One of our favorite parts about backpacking is finally getting uninterrupted time with friends. There’s no service, no emails, no phone calls, no texts. Zero obligations. Just 100% presence. How often does that happen these days? Very. Rarely.

If you’re like us, then you’ve been craving this distraction-free time on the trail too. And, if you’re like us, you also love adventure and bucket-list-worthy views.

But, maybe you don’t have anyone to go with. Maybe your friends aren’t backpacking friends. Or maybe your significant other isn’t into backpacking.

If you are an experienced backpacker who is looking for some fun, adventurous women to explore the beautiful backcountry with, then you don’t want to miss our women-only-backpack in the Wind River Range of Wyoming!

Join Wine Hiking Society co-founders Angelique and Cindy for 3 days / 2 nights as we complete the Cirque of the Towers, a spectacular semi-circle of fifteen 12,000-foot peaks in the Wind River Range. Before we hit the trail for our 3-day trip, we’ll spend 1 night at the Big Sandy Lodge.

TRAIL RATING: HARD (2,907 ft of elevation gain)

LENGTH: ~18 miles RT CARPOOLING: Will be coordinated via Facebook Events. Please plan on leaving the Salt Lake Area at NOON the day of the event.

ALLTRAILS LINK: Cirque of the Towers via Big Sandy Trail

$499 Cost Includes:

• One night at Big Sandy Lodge
• Dinner at lodge (served at 6:30 PM)*
• Breakfast at lodge (served at 7:30 AM)*
• A packed lunch for day 1 on the trail*
• WHS Backpacking Checklist so you know what gear you need
• 3 days, 2 nights at a beautiful backcountry campsite near a lake
• Food menu ideas tailored to backpacking in the Wind Rivers
• Emergency gear including two group first aid kits, GPS locator / SOS device, and two experienced backpacking guides who are both certified in wilderness first-aid and CPR

*Big Sandy Lodge is unable to accommodate special requests for food allergies and dietary restrictions. Guests with special dietary needs are welcome to bring personal foods items, supplementary to the lodge meals.

IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ

Backpacking experience is required.

Pricing is based on each attendee’s ability to be self-sufficient while backpacking. Below are requirements to attend this backpacking trip. Basic Requirements to Attend: 

• Need little to no direction on the following:
  • How to pack you backpack
  • What gear is required
  • Clothing and footwear needed
  • Basic trail finding
  • Food / menu planning
  • Leave No Trace Principles

WHS backpacking trips rated as HARD also have the following requirements:

• Ability to hike 10+ miles per day with a 30+ pound backpack
• Average backpacking pace: 40-minute miles
• Have been backpacking two (2) or more times when you did not rely on someone else for direction on the “Basic” requirements

Email us at [email protected] if you have questions about these requirements.

ITINERARY Day 1: Arrive at Big Sandy Lodge in Boulder, WY, anytime between 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM MST.

Day 2: Pack in approximately 5.5 miles to Big Sandy Lake and set up base camp.

Day 3: Leave base camp and day hike to the Cirque, approximately 8 miles RT. (No moving camp!)

Day 4: Pack up and head back to the trailhead. The following items are available to rent in our shop:

• Backpack
• Tent
• Sleeping Bag
• Sleeping Pad
• Backpacking Stove (JetBoil Stash)
• Backpacking Chair

If you would like to bring a four-legged friend, please e-mail [email protected]. The lodge does have pet friendly rooms, but there is a pet fee and it would be based on availability.

Cancellations prior to June 1, 2023, will be eligible for a full refund minus a $50 convenience fee. Cancellations prior to June 16, 2023, will be eligible for a 50% refund minus a $50 convenience fee. No refunds will be issued for cancellations after June 30, 2023. NO EXCEPTIONS.