Like the slightly better known Cirque of the Towers, the collection of peaks surrounding Deep Lake and Clear Lake are renowned for clean rock and superb climbing.

The magnificent prow at the end of the face on East Temple Peak has inspired considerable passion over the years, but it is overshadowed by the mile-long expanse of rock on Haystack Peak, the main goal for devotees of Wind River alpine rock climbing.

The approach to Deep Lake is short and the elevation gain is minimal, attributes a rock climber considers virtues. The area between the lakes is blessed with many fine campsites amidst stunning alpine scenery.

The numerous climbs offer a variety of moderate and difficult routes with pleasing lines that, in quality, are not exceed anywhere in the Rocky Mountains.

It is a place to which people return, longingly, for decades.