Trail Run Project Logo

Lovely alpine lakes, and solitude from the popular Cirque of the Towers.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

15.6

Miles

25.1

KM

93%

Runnable

10,718' 3,267 m

High

9,096' 2,772 m

Low

1,855' 565 m

Up

1,856' 566 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

35%

Max Grade (20°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Fishing · Geological Significance · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

As per USFS rules:
1) Make sure to camp 200 ft from trails and water.
2) Dogs have to be leashed or under control (i.e. training collar or equivalent) at all times.
3) All food and attractants need to be suspended at least 10 feet high and 4 feet from a post or tree or stored inside a bear-resistant container.
4) Check current fire restrictions. Fire rings must be dismantled after use.

Overview

This 1-3 day out and back is located in the Deep Lake Drainage. It is less popular than the nearby Cirque of Towers and not visited as often as Clear Lake #7044 next door. There is great camping on rolling alpine grasses around Temple Lake, and plenty of day hikes and scrambles from camp.

Need to Know

This route begins in the now very popular Big Sandy trailhead. In consequence, parking at the trailhead is often very full. Please be mindful about where you park, and do not destroy the vegetation to create "new parking spots". There is overflow parking near the turnoff for Big Sandy Lodge.

Also due to its popularity, traditional backcountry pooping etiquette of burying your poop and toilet paper has degraded the water quality of many pristine alpine streams and lakes, and bathroom litter is often noticed around campsites. Please consider packing it out.

If you're hungry after your trip, head a mile down the road to Big Sandy Lodge for a burger and beer. They are open Thursday-Monday & Holidays from Opening Day through Labor Day Weekend from 11am to 8pm or last call.

Description

Start at the Big Sandy trailhead and walk the gentle and sometimes ascending Big Sandy Trail for approximately 5 miles, or until you reach Big Sandy Lake. Take the right fork around the south side of the lake to reach the Rapid Creek to Temple Lake (Off-trail) trail. This trail can be sometimes tricky to follow as it more aggressively and consistently climbs the Rapid Creek sub-drainage. The trail eventually mellows as you exit the tree line and walk through the alpine tundra. You'll pass by two smaller lakes, Rapid and Miller Lake, before reaching the much larger Temple Lake which sits just below Temple Peak.

The area is fairly grassy and flat, making it a comfortable spot to set up camp. Many large boulders stand alone in the grass which may serve as good protection from incoming weather.

From here, there are many options for day hikes. A walk to the head of the lake gets you close to the steep glaciated apron of the Temple Peak, or you can continue up the faint path to the saddle between Temple and East Temple Peaks for a great view of the valley below. Alternatively, you can locate the trail to Deep Lake, located just north-east of Temple Lake, to enjoy the spectacular views of the north face of East Temple Peak, Lost Temple Spire, and Haystack Mountain. If you are a peak bagger, there is easy access to East Temple Peak's 2nd class Southwest Slope.

Contacts

Shared By:

Justin Bowen

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 1 vote

#2252

Overall
  5.0 from 1 vote
5 Star
100%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#59

in Wyoming

#2,252

Overall
0 Views Last Month
0 Since Sep 30, 2024
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
0%
0%
100%
0%
0%

Photos

Big Sandy Lake sunset.
Aug 4, 2016 near Lander, WY
Camping at Temple Lake.
Sep 30, 2024 near Big Sandy, WY
The trail to East Temple Lake close to camp.
Sep 30, 2024 near Big Sandy, WY
Bouldering around camp.
Sep 30, 2024 near Big Sandy, WY
Nice teaser views of Big Sandy river before you get the views of the mountains.
Dec 22, 2020 near Big Sandy, WY
Big Sandy Trail
Sep 25, 2022 near Big Sandy, WY

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

none
Welcome

Join the Community! It's FREE

Already have an account? Login to close this notice.