Crowds in the Wind River? Cirque?

I'm headed to the Winds here in about a week (21-26) and was wondering if it tends to be a crowded time of year. I know the Winds don't see as much traffic as some places but I'm not looking to wait in line to get on Pingora or Wolfs Head. Anyone got any idea of what it'll be like? Only thing I'm really worried about is that lots of colleges go back on the 23rd but I'm hiking in on the 21st so I can deal with one day of crowds if everyone leaves Sunday-ish. Thanks.

My advice is just to be prepared to take a different route than what you plan for. Not that you'll always need to, but if your open minded and plan more for the moment (i.e. being prepared with topos for other routes), youll never have to wait in line.

I wouldn't say my experience in the winds ever involved crowds, just a couple other partys.

I just returned from a week in the Cirque.. as usual, the trailhead was packed with 100+ cars, also as usual, this place just sucks up the people and it is never an issue. I suspect there were maybe 10 parties camped in the Cirque. I never saw more than one group on the Wolf's Head or NE Pingora in the 5 days we were there.

Don't get too concerned - just go and enjoy!

I was there a couple weeks ago, crowds were not really an issue, despite the parking lot being absolutely packed. We were the only party camped at deep lake- I couldn't believe it.

Mosquitoes on the other hand, that's another issue..

Just got out of the cirque yesterday. 10 parties camping sounds about right. It's pretty easy to get on whatever you like. Mosquitoes are pretty much gone, and the wildflowers are in full bloom. Enjoy!!!

Monty wrote: I wouldn't say my experience in the winds ever involved crowds, just a couple other partys.

When we were out there in the prime season; it was fairly crowded on the hike in, but the backcountry users weren't all climbers; there were some outfitters, backpackers, fisherman, people just out strolling, and having fun, and such, amongst climbers, so by the time we got up to Jack-Ass Pass the crowds died down quite a bit on that last leg to the Cirque; during our stay there were maybe 5-6 other parties camped out (who were barely visible) scattered about a good distance. On Wolf's Head we were the only party on it the day we climbed it, and had the South Buttress on Pingora to ourselves. We did see one other party who were nearby on Pingora, who were off route, and chatted for a bit when they asked for some beta, but that was it.

Have fun!

Don't forget to bring lots of DEET. The bug spray works good to disperse the crowds of people!!