Running the Cirque of Towers: A Memorable Adventure

Exploring the Beauty of Wyoming's Trails

Running the Cirque of Towers had been on my mind for quite some time. I had seen friends share stunning photos from their climbing trips to the area, and the scenery looked incredible.

In July 2025, my husband, Mike, and I decided to take a trip to Wyoming over the Fourth of July. We ended up tackling the run on a cool, cloudy day. We completed the loop in a clockwise direction, covering a total of 24 miles with an elevation gain of 4,200 feet. Our total elapsed time was 6 hours and 39 minutes.

To be honest, we didn’t do extensive research before attempting this run. We found the loop on AllTrails and Strava. After looking at recent trips and comments, we noticed that a few people had completed the loop on Strava within the past week. One comment on AllTrails mentioned that the snow fields were easily passable, which gave us confidence to proceed. We downloaded the trail on AllTrails, which proved helpful since our usual Trail Run Project app was glitching. There were a few moments when we strayed off the trail. Most people suggested that going clockwise was the best option, and based on the comment about the current snowpack, it seemed like this direction would make navigating the snow fields easier—and it did!

Essential Gear for the Adventure

We brought about 2 liters of water each, which was sufficient for the cool day. However, I would recommend bringing more water or a filtering device if you plan to go during hotter temperatures or if you expect to be out longer. We carried a can of bear spray and applied mosquito repellent to our legs. The night before, we went on a short hike and encountered the worst mosquitoes I had ever seen. We also packed a wind/rain shell, but fortunately, we didn’t need it.

Logistics for a Smooth Trip

We drove to the Big Sandy trailhead the night before, on July 3rd. There is a small 4-site campground at the trailhead. When we arrived around 4 PM, we were pleasantly surprised to find two available spots. It costs $7 per night to camp, so be sure to bring cash if you plan to grab a site. They also offer an online payment option, but we had no cell service at the trailhead. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, so it’s wise to start early to ensure you’re off the pass before the storms roll in.

The Run: A Journey Through Stunning Landscapes

Big Sandy Trailhead to Marm’s Lake (Mile 0-7)

Overall, this section felt quite runnable for a mountain run. There were a few brief sections with a grade exceeding 10%, but for the most part, it was less steep, and the trails were smooth and non-technical. For the first 3.5 miles, we were mostly surrounded by trees, with limited views. However, at around 3.5 miles, the trees opened up, revealing some breathtaking mountain vistas! It was cloudy that morning, so we may have missed the full extent of the views, but it was still amazing. We ran past Meeks Lake, Mirror Lake, and Dad’s Lake before reaching Marm’s Lake.

Marm’s Lake to Texas Pass (Mile 7-13.5)

From Marm’s Lake to Billy’s Lake (around mile 12), the terrain became a bit steeper but remained manageable for mountain running. We were at elevations of about 9,900 to 10,600 feet during this section. We veered off the trail slightly around Shadow Lake due to numerous side backpacking trails. The trail became more technical, and we were fully exposed during this stretch. Despite the forecasted high of 68 degrees in Boulder, WY, it felt a bit warmer. There were frequent streams along the way. Billy’s Lake was my favorite lake of the day; it was simply stunning!

After passing Billy’s Lake, we continued to Barren and Texas lakes, which were equally beautiful. We encountered our first snow field between these lakes at around 10,700 feet. As we approached the backside of Texas Lake, the trail disappeared, forcing us to choose our own path to get over the pass. This section was only about half a mile, but it was slow going. In early July, we had to cross three separate snow fields, which we managed to navigate with our trail shoes, despite lacking traction. If you’re uncomfortable crossing snow, it’s best to have some sort of traction gear. We never felt like we were in danger of a catastrophic fall, but the potential was there. Between the snow fields, we had to do some talus hopping and scrambling to reach the top of Texas Pass. It’s important to note that this section should not be attempted during or after heavy rain. Once we reached the top of Texas Pass, the views were absolutely breathtaking!

Texas Pass to Big Sandy Lake (Mile 13.5-18.5)

Descending from Texas Pass, we were treated to some of the most incredible views I’ve ever seen in the US. Jagged rocky peaks surrounded us, towering over green fields and vibrant wildflowers. The next five miles were slow-going, though not as slow as the climb up Texas Pass. The descents were steep, especially as we approached Lonesome Lake. There was no established trail around Lonesome Lake, requiring considerable bushwhacking and boulder hopping to stay on track. Following the guidance of AllTrails was invaluable here. We noticed another trail leading up and over Jackass Pass after Lonesome Lake, but the path was unclear, and the snow and lake made it difficult to travel on that route. So, we opted for boulder hopping along the side of Arrowhead Lake. The trail became more defined after this, but it remained a steep and technical descent, which kept our pace slow until we reached Big Sandy Lake.

Big Sandy Lake Back to Big Sandy Trailhead (Mile 18.5-24)

At this point, the trail smoothed out, and the descent leveled off, making it more runnable. My knees were a bit sore from the steep descents, so it took a while to get back into a rhythm. However, this was also my longest run in nearly two years, so I definitely felt it! We started to hear thunder in the distance, and during the last 1.5 miles, it began to pour rain, which motivated me to pick up the pace!

Overall Stats

• Time: We started at 8:10 AM (a bit later than ideal) and finished around 2:45 PM, totaling 6 hours and 39 minutes.

• Mileage: Exactly 24 miles

• Elevation Gain: 4,232 feet

  
  

Final Thoughts

Streams and lakes were abundant, so water filtering would not be an issue. I would definitely recommend packing a rain shell for unexpected weather changes and starting early to avoid being on the pass during a thunderstorm!

Given the presence of snow fields, I believe that going clockwise was the best choice. Personally, I would choose to go clockwise again, regardless of the season. However, my husband prefers to go counterclockwise to tackle the pass earlier and face less steep descents.

Overall, this run ranks among my top three mountain running loops of all time, just behind a couple of runs we did while traveling in Switzerland and perhaps the Four Pass Loop. I highly recommend this adventure to anyone seeking a big day out in the mountains!