Solitude
It seems quite a few visitors don’t know that solitude is one of the fundamental experiences intended by wilderness. Solitude is simply having the opportunity to be in the mountains and feeling alone. For many, it’s a very special experience. It’s more about communing with nature and maybe enjoying a little relief from communing with each other.
Our mountains draw many visitors every year. Some areas areas are popular. However, we are quite confident that you find solitude in the Wind Rivers. If we can follow some simple practices (again, a little effort required here), and advocate those same practices among our fellow visitors, we think we can see change in the future
Of course there will be other visitors in the backcountry that we’ll pass along the trail and visit with. Along with striving for solitude is making our backcountry community special. Sure makes a huge difference when we try and be friendly, positive, respectful of others, and set a good example with our own behavior
I’d like to experience solitude in this beautiful place! Here are just a few tips:
Keep your camp hidden! If you can see the trail, people on the trail can see you, so we suggest always camping where you cannot see the trail! Likewise, please don’t camp between the lake and the trail. You’ll appreciate that quietness and serenity during your evenings! Just a reminder, finding a good camp takes some extra time and effort, please keep that in mind after a long day of hiking! Tents with colors that blend in with the natural setting are cool, too!
Many of us, by default, choose lakes for campsites! But there is water in abundance here, so perhaps not choosing lakes for your campsite can help, especially at popular lakes. We think its a intriguing option camping away from the hustle and bustle at popular backcountry lakes. You don’t have to camp very far away, perhaps just a 15-20 minute jaunt and you’re there to take in the sights, but in the evenings, you can return to your perfect, quiet camp!
Our mountains have busy trailheads (sometimes parking lots are overflowing!) and busy trails during busy times of the summer. But this is a big place, so going back to the concept of planning ahead…there is truly something to that. Might be cool to know what tends to be busy and when so you’re able to go where it’s easier to experience solitude. We cannot emphasize enough the beauty of planning your own adventure. Again, we sure encourage you to do a little homework before arriving, know this stuff and your experience will be incomparable!