Baptiste Lake  Photos:  Recent | Best | Popular Elevation:  10,800' Page Views:  6,642. Good page?    Administrators:  Mike Snyder, Tom Erickson Submitted By:  Andrew Carson on Aug 24, 2009 Make this area a Favorite What's New  Printer View Add Area  Add Photo  Add Comment  Add Event  Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun 82° | 46° 72° | 50° 75° | 48° 81° | 45° 77° | 48°

Baptiste lake

Description 

Baptiste Lake is deep in the Winds, nestled just east of the Divide at the headwaters of the South Fork of the Little Wind River. It is a wideopen setting, above timberline, surrounded by some of the Winds' most impressive scenery. Across the valley is the North Face of Mt. Hooker, and towering above the east shore of the lake is Musembeah Peak, a complicated mix of ridges, walls, and rocky couloirs. Mt. Lander, at the head of the Baptiste valley, is another proud summit, with many other lesser peaks offering a wide array of climbing objectives. The area is remote and one is likely to see more fisherpeople than climbers, although several routes are genuine classics. There's alot of room for new routes, and many established climbs are obscure and seldom visited. It's a great area for adventurous parties.
Fishing in Baptiste, once one of the best lakes in the range, declined in a shocking way through the last part of the 20th century, but is regaining its reputation and quality. Camping sites are aplenty but if the weather falls apart be prepared for a wild and windy experience.
Some of the peaks are located on the Wind River Indian Reservation, where special travel regulations may apply.

Getting There 

Parties can reach the Baptiste area from the Big Sandy trailhead, coming over Hailey Pass. That is one long hump of approximately 18 miles. Coming in from Dickenson Park on the east side will net you an approach of about 15 miles, and is probably the 'easiest' entry. Inquire with the Forest Service in Lander (Shoshone N.F.) about the road up to Dickenson, as conditions and travel restrictions change.

The Classics

Featured Route For Baptiste Lake

West Buttress 5.10-  WY : Wind River Range : ... : Musembeah Peak

This is the best line in the central Winds, especially if parties keep to the crest of the upper arete. It's character is that of a mountaineering rock climb, with route finding issues, sometimes unpredictably wet patches, but still, generally enjoyable climbing on good rock. The final pitches provide withering exposure and wonderful movement up sustained cracks and chimneys. Ledges are timely and comfortable. The first ascent climbed the shady rock left of the crest to finish, slightly ...[more]   Browse More Classics in WY

Photos of Baptiste Lake Slideshow

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high on Jaded Lady, Mt. Hooker

sneaker solo on Hooker, waiting for good weather