Fremont peak and jackson peak

Wind Riv­er Moun­tain Range

Overview

The Wind Rivers con­tain more than 40 named peaks over 13,000 feet, includ­ing Gan­nett Peak, Wyoming’s high­est at 13,804 feet. Sev­en of the largest glac­i­ers in the Rocky Moun­tains are found here, includ­ing the sin­gle largest glac­i­er in the Amer­i­can Rock­ies. There are over 1,300 named lakes in the Wind Riv­er Range, and the head­wa­ters of the Green Riv­er can be found here. The Con­ti­nen­tal Divide crests the Wind Riv­er Range’s entire length.

Popular Activities

Pinedale wy square top mountains wind river range

HIGH­ER, LONGER, DEEP­ER: WYOMING’S LARGEST RANGE!

The Wind Riv­er Range encom­pass­es an area of 2.25 mil­lion acres. The Winds are the most pop­u­lar sec­tion of the Bridger Wilder­ness of west­ern Wyoming. This rugged piece of the Rocky Moun­tains, extend­ing for approx­i­mate­ly 80 miles along the west­ern slope of the Con­ti­nen­tal Divide, con­tains a unique com­bi­na­tion of jagged gran­ite rock, alpine for­est, and open alpine mead­ows. Serv­ing as the head­wa­ters for the mighty Green Riv­er, this wilder­ness holds 7 of the 10 largest glac­i­ers in the Low­er 48, more than 2,300 crys­talline lakes and ponds, and numer­ous glac­i­er-carved cirques, ket­tles, val­leys, and hang­ing troughs.

Gannett Peak Wind River Range
Visit Pinedale WY Summer Backpacking Wind River Range
Temple Peak and Deep Lake Wind River Range
Climber on Gannett Peak Wind River Range Pinedale WY
Visit Pinedale WY Summer Titcomb Basin
Pinedale WY

HIK­ING & BACKPACKING

The Wind Riv­er Moun­tains are a pop­u­lar back­pack­ing area for vis­i­tors from around the world. The Con­ti­nen­tal Divide Nation­al Scenic Trail tra­vers­es the Winds from South Pass to Union Pass as part of the trail sys­tem that extends from Cana­da to Mex­i­co. The Cirque of the Tow­ers, in the south­ern por­tion of the range, is a pop­u­lar tech­ni­cal rock-climb­ing des­ti­na­tion, as are any num­ber of sheer gran­ite peaks that make up this range.

Trail­heads lead to 600 miles of trails to access this seem­ing­ly bound­less area. With the jagged peaks and the authen­tic back­coun­try expe­ri­ence, the Winds are a ver­sa­tile range for every type of adven­tur­er. If soli­tude is what you seek, it can be found off any giv­en path. With stun­ning scenery every­where you look, and wildlife around every bend, the Winds van­quish oth­er Wyoming moun­tain ranges in breadth of beau­ty and true alpine experiences.

LOCA­TION

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Jackass Pass Cirque of the Towers Pinedale WY

BEFORE YOU GO

Some trailheads are as much as 50 miles from the nearest town, so be sure to have a full tank of gas, good tires - plus at least one spare - and bring extra clothing, food, and water. There are no telephones at trailheads and cell phone reception is very unlikely. Be aware that trails may not be well marked in some places or may be unmaintained. A good hiking map and a compass are valuable instruments in the backcountry and a guidebook is highly recommended.

  • Special regulations apply to those using the backcountry, and visitors should check with the local Forest Service office for specifics that may apply to their visit.
  • Pets are allowed, but must be kept under control and away from other camps.
  • Registration boxes are provided at all major trailheads, and visitors are asked to register at these stations.
  • Organized groups are required to obtain a permit from the local Ranger Station office before venturing into the Bridger Wilderness area, as are parties with livestock entering for at least one overnight. Parties of 15 persons or more must remain separated for the duration of their visit in efforts to preserve our beautiful and fragile wilderness.
  • Campsites must be vacated after 16 days. Fines apply to those who are found to be delinquent in following preservation regulations.
  • The water in the backcountry looks clean and pure, but visitors are advised to safeguard the water before drinking it to destroy organisms that can make you very ill. Drinking and cooking water should be treated with a filter or purifier, by boiling, or by using chemical treatments to prevent water-borne illnesses.
  • Camping regulations are in place to maintain cleanliness of available water and to preserve our fragile ecosystem.
  • Unless otherwise noted, camps must be made at least 200 feet from water sources, and livestock is not permitted to graze within 200 feet as well.

Commercial services for pack trips, guided hunts, and guided fishing are provided by licensed guides under Special Use Permits from the Bridger-Teton National Forest.

The Pinedale Ranger District office can provide a list of qualified, permitted outfitters and guides who can provide fully catered trips, horseback or llama support, and climbing equipment.