Bugs in the Winds

Has anyone been to the Winds in late June? How were the mosquitos at the Cirque of the Towers?

Also, has anyone been there in the last 2 weeks that could give a report on snowpack?

Jim, The bugs generally appear enmass around the solstice. The Cirque CAN be a bit later but the hike in and out can be unpleasant to say the least. There is still an exceptional amount of snow in the Winds. I would guess the snow line is barely above Big Sandy Opening. The forecast for next week is more snow in the mtns. I haven't been in the Winds yet because it is so obviously out of summer shape still.

Plan on bringing some DEET. If no mosquitos, great, but I wouldn't count on it. No snow at big sandy opening(~9k), according to snotel web site. And about a foot at 10k, roughly same area and elevation. More snow in the northern half of the range. The southern winds don't get as much precip and should melt out except for some spots by the end of june, unless june turns out to be wet and cold.

Not late June, but I was there first two weeks of July a couple years ago (2005, I think,) and the bugs were thick as thieves.

DEET is an absolute must have.

Took a trip to Haystack on 4th of July in 06. The mosquitoes were so bad that we packed up and left after one night (after carrying a week of supply in). The Cirque might be better -mosquitoes wise-because of the higher elevation, but the routes might not be dry at this time of the year... The climbing store in Lander (sorry don't have the number handy) might have the latest and greatest bug report.

Jungle Juice, bought from your friendly army surplus and cigars. Also, don't spend time in the swamps of camp, get up early and get altitude on the beautiful peaks that surround you. The cooler windier conditions on that beautiful rock will not only get you away from the little buggers, but give you gorgeous views that are unbeatable.....that's why you're there anyway.