Fremont Peak and Jackson Peak - Wind River Range

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

Square Top Mountain, Wind River Range - Visit Pinedale, WY

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
Backpacking the Wind River Range - Visit Pinedale, WY
Temple Peak and Deep Lake - Wind River Range
Climber on Gannett Peak Wind River Range Pinedale WY
Titcomb Basin, Wind River Range - Visit Pinedale, WY
Pinedale, WY and the Wind River Mountain Range

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

Looking for Something Different?

Jackass Pass, Cirque of the Towers, Wind River Range - 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.