Everyone can hike! No matter your fitness level, you can find gorgeous day-trips or memorable remote backpacking adventures in the Wind River and Wyoming River Ranges.
Adventure Awaits
Visit Pinedale, Wyoming from July to September for endless hiking and backpacking adventures. You can choose to explore the majestic Wind River and Wyoming Range for easy day trips or remote backpacking trips for more advanced explorers. There are hundreds of miles of hiking trails waiting for you to discover them.
Picture open sagebrush valleys surrounded by towering mountains. See yourself hiking shady, forested regions and taking a dip in peaceful lakes, streams, and rivers. With all that and rampant wildlife, the beauty of the Cowboy State is hard to miss.
You don’t even have to plan it all yourself. There are a number of friendly, helpful local companies that will help you discover the great Wyoming backcountry without the hassle. Guided hiking expeditions, trips on horseback, and even llama rentals to pack in your gear are available to make your trip one for the books.
Popular Destinations
Wind River Mountain Range
With ten easily accessible trailheads, it’s a cinch to get to the slopes of the Wind River Mountain Range. With 100 miles of incredible hikes to explore (popular during July and August), you’ll have plenty of options.
Enjoy short, easy day hikes or more intense backpacking trips, depending on what wets your whistle. For stunning water features, try New Fork Lakes, Green River Lakes, Willow Creek, and Spring Creek. For trails that carve through impressive mountain ranges, try Sweetwater Gap, Elkhart Park, and Union Pass.
Travel to trailheads in a solid vehicle, as most trailhead roads are unpaved. No matter which path you choose, it will be a hike with beautiful views, plenty of wildlife, and lasting memories.
Wyoming Mountain Range
If you’re looking to explore the outdoors without the crowds, the Wyoming Range is a choice you won’t regret. With almost 80 miles of wilderness to uncover, you can hike to your heart’s desire amongst elk, moose, deer, and bears. Oh my!
The Wyoming Range National Recreation Trail climbs along mountain ridges, leading you to some unforgettable views up to 10,500 feet up. Do your research before heading out as trails can be easy to difficult, depending on the stretch you decide to tackle. Try the trail to Wohelo Falls, starting at Middle Piney Lake and leading to Wyoming Peak for a larger-than-life panoramic view.
Trails are open from mid-May to mid-October. Peak months are August and September.
Cirque of the Towers
For experienced hikers that want a long day hike or an overnight trip, Cirque of the Towers is a breathtaking place with choice views. The main trail is 18 miles and is a well-loved hike. August through September are peak months. Want to bring your best friend? Good news, dogs are allowed!
You’ll see colorful wildflowers, huge glacial-carved granite, clear lakes and rivers, and views that will knock your socks off. If you’re a fisherman, there are prime spots to catch a meal along the way.
The popular loop trail that starts and ends at the Big Sandy Trailhead is about 23 – 24 miles long, which makes for a memorable 2 – 4 day trip. Be sure to pack a map and compass and bring someone that knows how to use them!
Island Lake
For experienced hikers that want a long day hike or an overnight trip, Cirque of the Towers is a breathtaking place with choice views. The main trail is 18 miles and is a well-loved hike. August through September are peak months. Want to bring your best friend? Good news, dogs are allowed!
You’ll see colorful wildflowers, huge glacial-carved granite, clear lakes and rivers, and views that will knock your socks off. If you’re a fisherman, there are prime spots to catch a meal along the way.
The popular loop trail that starts and ends at the Big Sandy Trailhead is about 23 – 24 miles long, which makes for a memorable 2 – 4 day trip. Be sure to pack a map and compass and bring someone that knows how to use them!
Other Hiking Locations
East Temple Peak
For you hard-core hikers, this area in the Southern Wind River Range through the Big Sandy Trailhead is a challenge, but worth every step. Take plenty of pictures from the East Temple Peak summit viewpoint to show off to your fellow hiking friends. This hike/climb isn't as popular as the basins below, which means more trail for you! One thing is for sure. After conquering this peak, you'll literally feel like you're on the top of the world
Deep Lake & Temple Peak
Southern Wind River Range, accessed from Big Sandy Trailhead.
Titcomb Basion
Emerge from a dense forest to open meadows littered with wildflowers, shimmery lakes, and refreshing ponds. Titcomb Basin has awe-inspiring hikes that will satisfy any hiker with a love for incredible views and changing scenery. This area in the Central Wind River Range is accessible through the Elkhart Park Trailhead and offers a variety of trails, depending on your skill level and time restraints. A must-see if you're in Pinedale to discover the Real Wyoming.
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