Cirque of the Towers: Two Pass Loop

If you choose the clockwise route, take a left on the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. You'll pass by Meek's Lake, Mirror Lake, Dad's Lake and Marms Lake the first day. Approximately 12 miles from the trailhead is Shadow Lake, a great place to set up camp for the night. This area is pretty windy;keep this in mind while looking for a camping spot. The Cirque towering above Shadow Lake is an awesome sight. If you time it right, you can enjoy the dark skies in all their glory during a new moon. Head toward Lonesome Lake via Texas Pass on the second day. On the way you'll see Billy's Lake, Barren Lake, and Texas Lake. The climb up to Texas Lake is gradual, while the elevation gain to the top of Texas Pass is close to 600 feet in about half a mile. From Texas Pass, it's a steep and steady descent of about 2,000 feet over 2 miles all the way to Lonesome Lake. Once you descend from Texas Pass, the area to the left gives a commanding view of Pingora Peak looming large in front of Lonesome Lake. If you look closely, you can see people climbing Pingora Peak. Camping is not allowed within a quarter mile of Lonesome Lake, and most hikers head that direction for camping.The next morning, return to Big Sandy Trailhead from Lonesome Lake via Jackass Pass. There are multiple trails that lead to Jackass Pass from Lonesome Lake. The official trail will lead to a signboard with the name of the pass. But you'll get to the top of the pass following any of the trails, maybe not to the signboard. Enjoy views of Arrowhead Lake, North Lake, and Big Sandy Lake on the way back to the trailhead. There are excellent camping opportunities near each of these lakes, along with many different itinerary options for the Cirque of the Towers Loop. - Description by Aravind Venkitasubramony, Outdoor Project