Esmeralda Basin – Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Washington – Moquistang; one little mustang who does it all.

Esmeralda Basin – Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Washington

Sep 7, 2025

September 7, 2025

Submitted by: Erin Francis Hurley. Follow her trail adventures @paintedponaynay on Instagram.

For those looking for more views for your buck – this ride in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness will do it. Experienced riders and horses can make a full loop out of this ride, or turn back before the climb for a shorter ride.

Trail Stats:

11 mile loop
Elevation Gain: 2303
Elevation Loss:
Max Elevation: 6016
Difficulty: Difficult
↗ What does this mean?
Footing: Rocky
Hoof Protection: Shoes or boots needed.

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Facilities: De Roux Horse Camp has 5 sites for equestrians. Highline or bring your own corrals. Pit toilet. The two sites at the end of the loop can accomodate larger trailers. Not much shade in camp area. The Ellensburg BCHW chapter plans to update the trailhead in 2026.

Water Sources: Stock water from North Fork Teanaway River in De Roux Horse Camp.

Trail Info: Take the North Fork Teanaway Trail #1358 (it is unsigned so don’t expect it to be labeled) and follow it while it parallels the road for 1.3 miles. You will intersect with the road at Esmeralda Basin Trailhead. Continue on the trail. From here the trail will climb gradually through stunning meadows and can enjoy views of the basin along the way. While most of the trail is easy and the climb is a long mild grade – there are a couple of narrow sections. If you are afraid of heights you may want to hike with your horse those spots. After 2.2 miles you can decide to turn around or continue to climb out of the basin if you have an experienced horse. Continue 1 mile until the trail forks. Experienced horse and riders may go right towards Lake Ann Overlook. This trail is steep and rocky and should only be done by experienced pairs. To continue the loop, remain on the trail (#1358) and take the fork left, ride the switchbacks to the top of the pass for another 0.6 miles. When you’ve reached the top – enjoy neverending views of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and the basin you just climbed up.

To complete the loop, continue on the trail for 0.8 miles until you reach a road. This is Fortune Cookie Jeep Trail 4W301, however it may not be signed that way. Be aware that from this point on, motorcycles are allowed and you will be sharing with them. If you don’t have an experienced horse it’s advised to turn around here. Follow the road for 1.2 miles – shortly after you pass Gallagher Lake, the road will connect with De Roux Trail #1392. Follow De Roux Trail for 4 miles and arrive back at camp.

Trail Challenges: Steepness. Motorcycles on road and De Roux trail returning from Gallagher Lake. Water crossings.

Permits: NW Forest Pass or Interagency Pass for vehicle. Camp fee is $10/night.

Backcountry Sites: Some meadows, but fragile areas and likely not able to responsibly camp there and abide by LNT principles.

Cell Service: None.

Fuel: Cle Elum / Roslyn

GPX File: WHT: Esmeralda Basin

Directions: From Cle Elum travel east and north on Highway 970 for 8.5 miles. Turn left on Teanaway Road and follow for 13 miles to the end of pavement. Veer right on Forest Road 9737 and follow for about 8 miles to the trailhead on the left.

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