The 90-mile long Wind River Mountain range form the Continental Divide of the Rocky Mountains in western Wyoming. These rugged and scenic mountains contain four wilderness areas and over 2,900 lakes and ponds. Wyoming’s highest mountain, Gannett Peak, is in this mountain range. Favorite destinations include Gannett Peak, Cirque of the Towers, Green River Lakes, Square Top Mountain and Photographer’s Point.
The crest of the Continental Divide is composed of towering mountains from 12,000-13,000 feet high, with over 35 named peaks over 13,000 feet that attract climbers and backpackers from around the world. The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail traverses the Wind River Mountains.
These mountains are home to grizzly and black bear, elk, moose, deer, wolves and many other wildlife species. This is the headwaters for the Snake, Missouri and Colorado River drainages.
The high Wind River Mountains typically don’t free up from snow until around mid-July. "Summer" in the high country is about 3 months long, usually lasting until mid-September before snows return. That being said, it can snow ANY day of the year in the mountains given the right weather conditions.
Four designated wilderness areas are located within the Wind River Mountains. Three are managed by the U.S. Forest Service from two National Forests, the fourth is managed by the Shoshone and Arapho Tribes from the Wind River Indian Reservation.
All users should be aware that in the wilderness setting, help can sometimes be days away should misfortune or emergencies arise. Cell phones often do not have reception in many remote areas, so visitors should come prepared to take care of medical emergencies and subsist without help for days.
Be sure to bring good maps, compass and research the area you plan to visit so you are aware of what you can expect to encounter when there. Be alert for signs of hypothermia and altitude sickness.
Wind River Range Wilderness Areas: Bridger Wilderness ( Bridger-Teton National Forest)Popo Agie Wilderness ( Shoshone National Forest) Fitzpatrick Wilderness ( Shoshone National Forest)
Wind River Roadless Area ( Wind River Indian Reservation)
Continental Divide National Scenic Trail
Approximately 80 miles of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT) runs through Wyoming. This scenic trail goes from Mexico to Canada. In Wyoming, it goes from the Sierra Madre mountains to the western edge of Yellowstone National Park along the Continental Divide. The trail passes through the Big Sandy Opening in the southern part of the Winds to Green River Lakes on the northern end of the range. The trail is marked with CDT signs, wooden signs, tree blazes or rock cairns. In some places, the trail is obscure, so it is helpful to have good maps and a compass with you. This is a very scenic segment of the CDT, making this hike a memorable one that will last a lifetime.
Livestock Grazing
Livestock grazing is permitted in certain special allotments of the Wind River Range and in wilderness areas. Sheep graze the southern end of the Bridger Wilderness from July to September. Herding practices are designed to minimize contact with recreationists. Brief encounters may occur in meadows from Cooks Lake south to the Sweetwater River. Cattle graze in the Upper Green River area and some of the western fringes of the Bridger Wilderness. Animals come off these allotments in the fall, usually before hunting season starts or when cold temperatures cause them to drift down out of the mountains. Backcountry users might encounter domestic sheep and cattle in certain areas during the summer, as well as occasional cowboys on horses or sheepherders managing the herds.
The crest of the Continental Divide is composed of towering mountains from 12,000-13,000 feet high, with over 35 named peaks over 13,000 feet that attract climbers and backpackers from around the world. The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail traverses the Wind River Mountains.
These mountains are home to grizzly and black bear, elk, moose, deer, wolves and many other wildlife species. This is the headwaters for the Snake, Missouri and Colorado River drainages.
The high Wind River Mountains typically don’t free up from snow until around mid-July. "Summer" in the high country is about 3 months long, usually lasting until mid-September before snows return. That being said, it can snow ANY day of the year in the mountains given the right weather conditions.
Four designated wilderness areas are located within the Wind River Mountains. Three are managed by the U.S. Forest Service from two National Forests, the fourth is managed by the Shoshone and Arapho Tribes from the Wind River Indian Reservation.
All users should be aware that in the wilderness setting, help can sometimes be days away should misfortune or emergencies arise. Cell phones often do not have reception in many remote areas, so visitors should come prepared to take care of medical emergencies and subsist without help for days.
Be sure to bring good maps, compass and research the area you plan to visit so you are aware of what you can expect to encounter when there. Be alert for signs of hypothermia and altitude sickness.
Wind River Range Wilderness Areas: Bridger Wilderness ( Bridger-Teton National Forest)Popo Agie Wilderness ( Shoshone National Forest) Fitzpatrick Wilderness ( Shoshone National Forest)
Wind River Roadless Area ( Wind River Indian Reservation)
Continental Divide National Scenic Trail
Approximately 80 miles of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT) runs through Wyoming. This scenic trail goes from Mexico to Canada. In Wyoming, it goes from the Sierra Madre mountains to the western edge of Yellowstone National Park along the Continental Divide. The trail passes through the Big Sandy Opening in the southern part of the Winds to Green River Lakes on the northern end of the range. The trail is marked with CDT signs, wooden signs, tree blazes or rock cairns. In some places, the trail is obscure, so it is helpful to have good maps and a compass with you. This is a very scenic segment of the CDT, making this hike a memorable one that will last a lifetime.
Livestock Grazing
Livestock grazing is permitted in certain special allotments of the Wind River Range and in wilderness areas. Sheep graze the southern end of the Bridger Wilderness from July to September. Herding practices are designed to minimize contact with recreationists. Brief encounters may occur in meadows from Cooks Lake south to the Sweetwater River. Cattle graze in the Upper Green River area and some of the western fringes of the Bridger Wilderness. Animals come off these allotments in the fall, usually before hunting season starts or when cold temperatures cause them to drift down out of the mountains. Backcountry users might encounter domestic sheep and cattle in certain areas during the summer, as well as occasional cowboys on horses or sheepherders managing the herds.
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