Wind River Range Wyoming: Backpacking the Last Great Wilderness

The Wind River Range is the Sierra Nevada forty years ago: 3 million acres of roadless wilderness, 40+ active glaciers, Wyoming's highest peaks reaching 13,800 feet, and no permit required to camp anywhere in most of it. You just show up, shoulder your pack, and go. If you've been eyeing a true wilderness backpacking trip without the lottery stress of the Enchantments or John Muir Trail, this is where to go.

Overview

• Location: Bridger-Teton National Forest and Shoshone National Forest, Wyoming
• Highest peak: Gannett Peak, 13,804 ft (highest in Wyoming)
• Permits: No camping permit required in most wilderness zones
• Best time: Mid-July through September (snow lingers at high elevation through early July; access roads muddy in spring)
• Gateway towns: Pinedale (west side), Lander (south and east side)

Why the Winds?

The Wind Rivers offer something increasingly rare in American wilderness: genuine solitude at world-class scenery without the bureaucratic overhead. No self-issue quotas, no lottery, no campsite reservations. The backcountry is managed for low-impact use and most zones are pristine. The trade-off is access — there are no paved roads into the range, trailhead approach drives are long and sometimes rough, and the elevation is real (most passes are above 11,000 ft).

Top Routes

Elkhart Park to Titcomb Basin (28 miles RT)

The signature Wind River trip. From Elkhart Park (9,400 ft), the trail climbs through Fremont Crossing and past Island Lake to reach Titcomb Basin — a glacially-carved cirque with turquoise lakes surrounded by towers of granite reaching 13,000 ft. Most hikers do this as a 3–4 night trip. Indian Pass approach adds a glacier crossing option for the adventurous. This is one of the most beautiful places in the lower 48.

Cirque of the Towers (30+ miles RT from Big Sandy Trailhead)

The crown jewel of the southern Winds. Dramatic granite towers — Pingora, Wolf's Head, Warbonnet — ring a small basin at 10,800 ft. Over 30 established technical climbing routes on the towers. For hikers, the classic approach is over Jackass Pass (11,600 ft) from Big Sandy Lake. Do this as a 3-night minimum. Campsites fill early; go midweek if possible.

Big Sandy Lake Loop (20 miles)

A gentler introduction to the Winds. Big Sandy Lake sits in an open basin with granite spires above. Loop options extend it to 20–30 miles with views of Temple Peak. Excellent for first-time Wind River visitors or those wanting shorter daily miles.

Highline Trail (70+ miles, point-to-point)

The Winds' long-distance route parallels the range for the entire length. Elkhart Park to Big Sandy — or the full range from Green River Lakes to South Pass — offers a week-long traverse at altitude with minimal road crossings. Shuttle logistics are complex but the experience is unmatched.

Permits and Regulations

• No overnight permit required in most of Bridger Wilderness or Popo Agie Wilderness
• Bear canister: Required in some zones (Bridger Wilderness canister use is strongly recommended everywhere — grizzly bears are present in northern portions)
• Bear spray: Required if hiking in areas with grizzly bear activity (northern Winds near Dubois access)
• Leave No Trace: Camp 200 ft from water and trails; pack out all waste; no fire rings in many wilderness zones
• Fee: No day use or parking fee at most trailheads

Fishing

The Wind Rivers contain thousands of high-alpine lakes loaded with cutthroat, brook, rainbow, and golden trout. Many lakes see minimal fishing pressure. Wyoming fishing license required. The Fremont Lake and New Fork Lake area near Pinedale offers car-accessible fishing.

Getting There

• Elkhart Park trailhead: 15 miles from Pinedale via paved road
• Big Sandy trailhead: 68 miles from Pinedale on rough, high-clearance dirt road (check conditions in spring)
• From Jackson, WY: 90 minutes to Pinedale via Hwy 191 — easy to combine with Grand Teton
• Nearest airport: Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), 90 minutes; Rock Springs Regional (RKS), 75 minutes to Pinedale

What to Bring

• Bear canister or bear hang system: Required in some areas, recommended everywhere
• Water filter: Lakes are pristine but filter everything
• Trekking poles: Passes are steep and rocky
• Weather layers: Afternoon thunderstorms July–August; snow possible any night at elevation
• Navigation: Trails are generally well-maintained but some off-trail sections require map and compass skills
• Bug protection: Mosquitoes are intense near lakes in July; bring headnet and DEET

Pair this trip with Grand Teton day hikes or browse all national park itineraries. Use the Trip Finder to customize a Mountain West adventure.