Baptiste Lake Rock Climbing

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.