From Kelly, WY, I've watched alpenglow dwindle gloriously from the mountain called Sleeping Indian. The Indian, in full warbonnet, lies on his back and behind him hides this wild, steep and rugged Wilderness paradoxically interspersed with rolling, luxuriant meadows. Meandering streams occasionally roar through narrow chasms when the snow melts higher up on over 20 peaks that rise above 10,000 feet. Doubletop Peak, the highest point in the Wilderness, reaches 11,750 feet. Elk and moose live here in abundance with black bears, mule deer and bighorn sheep.
Excellent fishing is available in a half-dozen alpine lakes and many miles of streams.
In July and August a profusion of colorful wildflowers bloom in the meadows near forests of quaking aspen, lodgepole pine, Engelmann spruce, alpine fir and whitebark pine. Many trails lead into the area from numerous trailheads. A shuttle is required to complete the loop. On the south side, four trailheads leave the region of Granite Creek Hot Springs including the Swift Creek Trail which offers excellent scenery. Click here to find out how.