Cirque of the Towers (CDT high route)
~3 days · 30.5 mi · hard · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Cirque of the Towers (CDT high route) is known for
A point-to-point CDT alternate through the Cirque of the Towers in Wyoming's Wind River Range, leaving the official divide route to cross Jackass Pass and Texas Pass beneath the granite walls around Lonesome Lake. About 28 miles as mapped, all of it high-elevation travel; most parties take 2-3 days.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 29,977 ft to 37,717 ft over 30.5 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 13.7 mi · 45%
- Downhill 13.8 mi · 45%
- Flat 2.9 mi · 9%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Cirque of the Towers (CDT high route)?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Cirque of the Towers (CDT high route) scores 20/100, a relative rating across the 1,243 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Cirque of the Towers (CDT high route) take?
Most backpackers hike the Cirque of the Towers (CDT high route) in about 3 days (2 nights out) over its 30.5 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Cirque of the Towers (CDT high route)?
The Cirque of the Towers (CDT high route) climbs roughly 5,535 ft total — about 181 ft per mile, topping out near 11,503 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry from OpenStreetMap, © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.