From the trailhead at West Tensleep Lake, we rode up through the pines and into the open grass land along the creek basin. We'd hoped to spot mule deer or moose grazing in these meadows, but the late-morning hour was obviously past prime viewing time for wildlife.
As the trail cut back along the creek, we spotted a waterfall and stopped for some pictures. From here, the trail crossed into the wilderness area, and began to climb up through more pine forest toward Mirror Lake. Upon reaching this small lake, we tied our horses for a brief rest and scrambled down the rocks to the lakeshore to stretch our legs.
After taking time to "reflect" by Mirror Lake, Bobby and George opted to head back down the mountain with their mules. Marvin and I pressed on to our intended target just a few miles away. As we continued up the mountain, the trail became very narrow, with a steep drop off to the creek bed below. We had to carefully cross over several areas of bare rock face, the horses treading attentively to keep their footing.
As I checked the GPS coordinates, it appeared that we should be within a stone's throw of the lakes, but the trail suddenly ended, and they were nowhere in sight. Securing our horses to shrubs, we scaled the rock pile before us hoping to see two pools of water hiding on the opposite side.
Upon cresting this mound, our efforts were rewarded: The Lost Twin Lakes had once again been found. I took in the view, mindful that our horses might decide to head back on their own. We scurried down, grabbed the reins, and started home for base camp.
Bomber Mountain
On our second morning out, after a good night's rest, we set our goal a bit higher. Marvin and I would ride to the base of Bomber Mountain, resting site of a B-17 bomber that crashed en route to England in June 1943. Bobby and George would ride as far as Lake Helen, the first of four lakes located along our chosen path.
Heading up the trail, it was soon obvious that this route would be far less challenging than the previous day's ride, and the scenery exceeded my wildest expectations. As we traveled up above the West Tensleep Creek basin, we enjoyed the spectacular views of the alpine-like mountains rising around us, and the scenic vistas of the valley below.
As incredible as the surrounding landscape had appeared until now, when we arrived at Lake Helen we'd truly found nature's masterpiece. The crystal-clear water was surrounded by green pines mixed with deadwood, all set beneath a backdrop of craggy mountain peaks. I could've stared at this splendor all day, but after a long Kodak moment, we pressed up the trail.
We passed Lake Marion, then Mistymoon, finally reaching the Fortress Lakes beneath Bomber Mountain by early afternoon. Achieving our objective at nearly 11,000 feet, we enjoyed the wildflowers scattered among the glacial boulders above the tree line, then began our return descent down the trail.
When we arrived back at the trailer that evening, I jokingly remarked to Bobby that I was very disappointed with the scenery here in his new home state of Wyoming. I'm sure he was well aware that this was one of most beautiful places we've ever ridden, and that I'd recommend it to everyone.
For more information on the Cloud Peak Wilderness, visit www.fs.fed.us/r2/bighorn/recreation/wilderness/.
