Big Sandy Trailhead

Was planning on hiking into Cirque of the Towers around July 5th but have heard that there is a washed out culvert on the road into the Big Sandy Trailhead. Anybody have some better info? Is the road passable by car?

Definitely passable. Just really Sandy. Like big time Sandy. 

The road to Big Sandy Opening was never closed. I went up there yesterday. The road may be muddy in spots, but the conditions are typical for this time of year. As to the road being "sandy", the Forest Service took some heavy equipment up there a few days ago and graded the last few miles of the road. What is usually a bumpy ride is very smooth now. 

Will you update us on the conditions of the Cirque itself if you hike up there? Was hoping to do Wolf's Head a few weeks later, but have heard some concern as to how long snow is going to linger.

The only concern about Wolf's Head are the towers themselves, they tend to hold snow and moisture. From the top of Temple, I could clearly see Wolf's Head seeping with water. A climbing party later told me they attempted Wolf's Head and were turned around by snow and water. The only route they were able to climb dryly was the S. Buttress on Pingora. With the warm weather we've been having, that could change. My guess would be that Jackass Pass will be snow-free (but muddy) within the next couple of weeks. By mid-to-late July, most of the southern and eastern-facing routes will be in summer conditions. I've been posting weekly trail and conditions updates on the Great Outdoor Shop blog.

This is the best picture I got the other day, looking over into the East Fork Valley from a shoulder on Temple Peak. You can see Raid and Ambush pretty clearly, and its obvious as to how much snow is left above 10,000 ft. Far right, center of the picture you can see upper Big Sandy Valley and the backside (Warbonnet, Warrior Peaks side) of the Cirque.

Hey Davis,

Your photo of the East Fork Valley makes me want to return. Late August would be a good time.