Wyoming's Wild Heart: Finding Motivation in the Wind River Range

Wind Rivers Day Hiking

There are some places that sing to your soul from a single photograph, a place that whispers, "I am worth the journey." For me, that place was the Green River Lakes in Wyoming, with the magnificent Square Top Mountain standing guard. But this was more than just a trip; it was a quest for motivation during a time I was feeling low, and a true adventure that was both deliriously beautiful and brutally difficult. It was a journey that demanded everything and gave back even more, filled with bushwhacking, moose trails, and mosquito swarms, but also with wildflowers and breathtaking beauty.

The Golden Nugget 🌟

Don't Miss This: The inlet to Upper Green River Lake. After hiking along the lake, the trail can feel disappointing as you lose sight of the peak. But detour down to where the river feeds the upper lake. The view of Square Top Mountain from here is absolutely stunning and worth every step.

TRANSPORT YOURSELF TO THE WIND RIVERS

Feeling low and unmotivated? This immersive 360° experience was made for you. I felt like nature came out in abundance to lift my spirits, and I want to share that with you. Put on your VR headset and use the sounds of nature in this video to align with your inner self and find the motivation to conquer your own "Square Top Mountain."

Green River Lakes & Square Top Mountain (VR 360):

A Hike to the Cirque of the Towers:

"...I have to admit that a few times I wondered my level of stupidity here, for walking through some of the swampy messes was a recipe for a twisted ankle, but the shots were so very beautiful that I was loving soaking it in..."

Adventure at a Glance

🏞️ Area: Wind River Range, Wyoming
🚶‍♀️ Hike Difficulty: Strenuous
⭐ Shauna's Rating: 💎💎💎💎💎 (5 out of 5 Diamonds)
☀️ Best For: Epic mountain views, challenging hikes, solitude, feeling accomplished
⏳ Recommended Time: One full day for Green River Lakes; another full (very long) day for the Cirque.
🧭 Can't-Miss Sights: Square Top Mountain from Upper Green River Lake, the views from Sandy Lake, the sheer scale of the Cirque.

My Wind Rivers Story

The Beautiful Bushwhack to Green River Lakes

The adventure starts long before the trailhead, with a 2-hour drive on a rough dirt road from Pinedale. Once on foot, the main trail to the two Green River Lakes stays high on a hill, far from the water. I wanted to be closer. Following a moose trail, I spent the first mile bushwhacking along the shore. It was brutal, navigating swampy messes and thick brush, but the reward was being surrounded by wildflowers with incredible views. When you reach the end of the lower lake, the magnetic pull of Square Top Mountain is too strong to ignore, urging you forward to the Upper Green River Lake. The views along the river connecting them are beautiful, and when you finally arrive at the upper lake, it’s phenomenal. A quick tip: fellow hikers encouraged me to go just a bit farther, to the inlet at the far end of the upper lake. They were right. The view there was everything I had hoped for and more.

The Grueling Gauntlet to the Cirque

Fresh off a 10-mile hike, I decided to tackle the legendary Cirque of the Towers the very next day. This requires a very early, pre-dawn start. My first attempt was thwarted by a VERY large animal splashing in the river next to the dark trail, which sent me running back to the car to wait for other hikers! The first few miles are a slog with just okay views, but things get truly beautiful at Sandy Lake. From there, it's a brutal climb through huge boulder fields, made tougher by the high altitude. I was getting exhausted, facing 60 mph winds on steep cliff edges, and knew I had a long 7-9 miles back to the car. I decided my distant view down into the Cirque would have to be enough this time. It was gorgeous, but a serious lesson in respecting my limits (and bringing more mosquito repellent!).

Your Trail Guide: Helpful Hints

♦️ Fuel Up: The road to Green River Lakes is long and remote. Fill up on gas in Pinedale before you head in!
♦️ Mosquito Warfare: This is not a suggestion, it's a command. Bring more mosquito repellent than you think you need. The swarms are legendary, especially near water. Reapply often!
♦️ Green River Lakes Strategy: For the best views, you have to get off the main trail. Either be prepared for some serious bushwhacking along the lower lake's shore or consider kayaking/paddleboarding up the lakes.
♦️ Cirque Hike Prep: Do NOT hike to the Cirque the day after another long hike. Your body will thank you. Start before dawn, bring a water purifier, and be prepared for extreme weather and challenging boulder fields at high altitude.
♦️ Stay Safe: The wildlife is active, especially at dawn and dusk. Be aware of your surroundings and consider hiking with others in the dark.

VR Video Treasure Hunt!

🔎 Sounds of Nature: In the Green River Lakes video, close your eyes. Can you hear all the distinct sounds of nature I captured?
🔎 Winding River Views: Find the shot where you can see the river winding through the valley between the two lakes.
🔎 The Boulder Fields: In the Cirque video, can you appreciate the scale of the huge boulders you have to navigate to get to the final viewpoints?
🔎 A Moment of Peace: Look for the shot at the Upper Green River Lake where the water is calm, and the reflection of Square Top Mountain is nearly perfect.

Conclusion

The Wind Rivers will make you work for it. This is not an easy destination. The drive is long, the hikes are tough, and the mosquitos are relentless. But the reward is a sense of accomplishment and a connection to a landscape so epic and raw it recharges your soul. This trip taught me to listen to the encouragement of others on the trail, to respect my own physical limits, and that sometimes the most beautiful views are found when you dare to leave the main path. If you're looking for a challenge that will give back tenfold in beauty and motivation, the Winds are calling.

Happy Hiking Friends!

Shauna