Picked the Wind River High Route over the standard CDT section last August. Everyone said I was nuts.

The plan was to do a 10 day stretch in Wyoming. All the chatter online pushed the official Continental Divide Trail path. Said it was proven, easier to follow, better marked. I looked at the maps and saw the Wind River High Route running parallel. More off trail, way more scrambling, no real trail for big chunks. My buddy bailed, said it was too much risk. Went solo. Had to navigate with map and compass for about 40 miles of it. Crossed three sketchy snowfields in the Titcomb Basin area. Saw maybe four other people the whole time. The views were insane, way better than the forested CDT corridor. Took me 11 days, not 10. Ran low on snacks the last day. Worth every hard step. Anyone else gone for the high route option when the crowd said to stay on trail?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_miles1mo ago

Man, the crowd's always wrong about the best routes.

garcia.wade1mo ago

Come on, the crowd is usually right for a reason. Proven trails are proven, you know? I mean @the_miles, that high route stuff sounds like a good way to get hurt or lost when you're out there alone. Sometimes easier and marked better is just smarter.

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the_blair24d ago

Yeah, it's like people lining up for the same overpriced coffee shop when there's a better one right across the street. They just follow the crowd without thinking.