Where can I backpack in the Wind River Range?

Where can I backpack in the Wind River Range?

Wyoming’s Wind River Range offers one of the most scenic and rewarding backpacking trips in the Lower 48. From the Elkhart Park trailhead, the trail passes several alpine lakes before you reach its crown jewel: Titcomb Basin, surrounded by the amazing Cirque of the Towers.

When should I backpack the Wind River Range?

The backpacking season for the Wind River High Route is short: three months, July through September, in an average year. But the most optimal window is even shorter: August through mid-September, or mid-July through mid-September after a dry winter.

Do you need a permit for Wind River Range?

The trail, which starts at the Dickinson Park trailhead provides the ultimate way to experience the vastness of the range. Getting to the trailhead involves driving on the Wind River Reservation and requires a permit.

Is the Wind River Range crowded?

The only crowded spot is the area around Titcomb Basin, Island Lake and Gannett Peak. Two-day approaches are common to all the alpine, ice, rock and scrambling routes. Middle: This area is somewhat lesser traveled. Mountaineers you meet here tend to already have a couple Winds trips under their belts.

Are there grizzly bears in the Wind River Mountains?

The ENTIRE Wind River Range is home to both grizzly and black/brown bears.

How do I get to Big Sandy Trailhead?

Directions: From the Town of Pinedale, Wyoming, head south on United States Highway 191 (US-191) for about 12 miles, then turn left on Wyoming State Highway 353 (WY-353) and drive approximately 15.5 miles where WY-353 transitions into Big Sandy-Elkhorn Road/Country Road 118.

Can you have fires in the Wind River Range?

Fishing and Hunting: A valid license from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department is required for fishing or hunting in the Wind River Range. Campfires: There are campfires permitted in certain areas of the Winds.

Can you camp in Titcomb Basin?

Camping is also difficult to find in Titcomb Basin—most of the sites are illegal. Look near the outlet of Lower Titcomb Lake, as well as slightly above Titcomb Basin at Mistake Lake. If you get lucky and find a suitable legal camp in the basin, make sure your food is properly stored.

Is there cell service in Wind River Range?

Wireless coverage along the Wind River High Route — and in the Wind River Range, more generally — is poor but possible. As you might expect, Verizon will offer the most robust coverage from inside the range. Cell service is insufficiently reliable for an emergency situation.

Are there bears in the Wind River Range?

Black Bears are common throughout the Wind River Range. Although a Grizzly encounter is possible, it is unlikely. Grizzly habitat is typically to the north and east of the Pinedale area.

Are there wolves in the Wind River Range?

Wolves have been present on the reservation for at least 13 years and are currently distributed across the Wind River and Owl Creek mountain portions of the reservation. No breeding pairs were documented on Wind River.

What kind of bears are in the Wind River Range?

Black Bears are common throughout the Wind River Range. Although a Grizzly encounter is possible, it is unlikely. Grizzly habitat is typically to the north and east of the Pinedale area. Black Bears are not as aggressive as Grizzly Bears and most often want to avoid you.

What are the best backpacking trails in the Wind River Range?

8 Gorgeous Backpacking Trails In The Wind River Range. 1 Elkhart Park to Seneca Lake. Why you should go: This two-day trek will take you deep into the Winds on an easy going, lake filled trail. 2 Cirque of the Towers Loop. 3 Dad’s Lake. 4 Titcomb Basin. 5 Glacier Trail.

Why are the Wind River Range mountains so different?

The Wind River Range mountains are very different from peaks in Colorado. First, the range is extremely remote. Lacking a major mining boom like the Colorado Silver Boom, few access roads pierce the range, requiring long backpacking trips to penetrate the range and reach the highest peaks.

Is hiking the Wind River Range dangerous?

The majority of the Wind River Range’s hikes and primary backpacking trails are at elevations of 9,000 feet or above, making them difficult and potentially dangerous for unprepared visitors.

Where is the Wind River Range in Wyoming?

Home to Wyoming’s tallest peaks and over 100 miles of the Continental Divide, the Wind River Range is beautifully wild. The Wind River Range is protected by 750,000 acres of public land in western Wyoming.