Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Fitzpatrick Wilderness (Winds N), United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
- Region
- Wyoming, USA
- Country
- United States
- Biome
- Alpine granite (2,700–4,200 m)
- Best season
- July – September
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Climbing
- Mountaineering
- Wildlife Viewing
- Canoeing
- Fishing
Key takeaways
- Biome: Alpine granite (2,700–4,200 m)
- Best season: July – September
- Difficulty: moderate
- Top activity: backpacking
Photos of Fitzpatrick Wilderness (Winds N)
Topic summary
The northern Wind River Range — Dinwoody Glacier, Gannett Peak, and the wildest granite in the Lower 48.
Key takeaways
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best season: July – September
Intended uses
backpacking
Climate suitability
Alpine granite (2,700–4,200 m)
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
- Sleep System Temp CalculatorCold nights: check your bag and pad add up to a safe sleep.
- Base Weight CalculatorEvery ounce is carried — total your kit and find your base weight.
- Pack Volume SizerSize the pack for your trip length and season.
- Water Purification MatrixTreat water from streams and lakes on trail.
- Layering CalculatorCold-season miles: layer for climbs and camp.
Plan with verified data
Fitzpatrick Wilderness (Winds N) trip tools
How to get there
Use western Wyoming and the northern Wind River Range for regional orientation. Shoshone National Forest is east of the Continental Divide; Bridger-Teton National Forest is west. Confirm a specific Fitzpatrick Wilderness trailhead and its road access before setting a driving itinerary.
- Shoshone National Forest
Regional orientation for the eastern side of the Continental Divide, not a confirmed trailhead. Check the intended approach and land boundaries, including whether travel enters the Wind River Indian Reservation.
- Bridger-Teton National Forest
Regional orientation for the western side of the Continental Divide, not a confirmed access point into Fitzpatrick Wilderness. Verify a connecting itinerary rather than assuming direct wilderness access.
Sources: Wikipedia · Wikivoyage. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
Popular pursuits at Fitzpatrick Wilderness (Winds N)
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Climbing
Rock and alpine lines with approach beta.
- Mountaineering
Glacier and high-route objectives with real consequence.
- Wildlife Viewing
Best light, best season, and where animals move.
- Canoeing
Paddle routes, portages, and put-ins.
Animals around Fitzpatrick Wilderness (Winds N)
Maps, GPS & compass for this trip
Carry a waterproof paper map and a compass you can steer by, and treat the GPS as the backup — not the other way round. Buying links go to Amazon; Wild10 earns a commission at no cost to you.
Waterproof topo maps
- Waterproof topographic map — Fitzpatrick Wilderness (Winds N)Amazon search for waterproof, tear-resistant topo maps covering this area.
- National Geographic Trails IllustratedThe waterproof Trails Illustrated series — check for a sheet covering this area.
- Waterproof map case & compass lanyardKeep a paper map readable in rain, spray and a swamped boat.
Fishing at Fitzpatrick Wilderness (Winds N)
Planning to fish Fitzpatrick Wilderness (Winds N), Wyoming? Fishing licenses, open seasons and catch limits in Wyoming are set by the local wildlife authority and change every year — check the official source before you cast a line.
Do I need a fishing license at Fitzpatrick Wilderness (Winds N)?
- A Wyoming fishing license is normally required for anyone over the local youth age.
- Read the current Wyoming fishing regulations for special waters, barbless-hook or catch-and-release rules.
- Clean, drain and dry boats and gear between waters to stop invasive species.
- Fitzpatrick Wilderness (Winds N) may add its own fishing rules on top of Wyoming law — check the managing agency too.
Hunting near Fitzpatrick Wilderness (Winds N)
Thinking about hunting Fitzpatrick Wilderness (Winds N), Wyoming? Hunting seasons, tags and draws in Wyoming are set by the wildlife authority each year. Confirm the rules for your species and unit before you go.
Is hunting allowed at Fitzpatrick Wilderness (Winds N)?
- Hunting is prohibited or heavily restricted in many national parks, wilderness and protected areas — confirm with the Fitzpatrick Wilderness (Winds N) land manager before planning a hunt, and look to surrounding public land.
What do I need to hunt in Wyoming?
- A Wyoming hunting license — most jurisdictions also require hunter education certification.
- Species tags or draw results for big game such as deer, elk, moose or bear where they occur.
- Knowledge of firearm and bow transport rules, which differ by land type and border crossing.
The Northern Winds in Context
Fitzpatrick Wilderness is the destination here, with the Wind River Range providing the broader geographic setting for planning. The Winds lie in western Wyoming and run roughly northwest to southeast for about 100 miles. That figure describes the mountain range, not a wilderness boundary or a hiking distance. The Continental Divide follows the crest, giving the range a clear geographic spine. For a trip in this setting, the important distinction is between regional orientation and a usable itinerary: knowing the range’s length and highest summits does not establish a trailhead, approach, or daily mileage. Start with the northern Winds as the planning area, then confirm the wilderness boundary and a specific access route before building a schedule.
High Peaks and Trip Demands
The Winds contain Gannett Peak, Wyoming’s highest mountain at 13,802 feet, and Fremont Peak, the state’s third highest at 13,750 feet. After the Grand Teton, the next 19 highest peaks in Wyoming are in this range, along with more than 40 other named peaks above 12,999 feet. These are range-wide facts, not a list of objectives for a Fitzpatrick itinerary. They do establish the high-mountain character that should shape preparation. Allow for the effects of elevation when choosing daily effort, and carry layers and weather protection appropriate to mountain travel. A summit’s name or elevation alone says nothing about the suitability of its approach. Choose any hiking or climbing objective only after checking its actual terrain and access requirements.
Land Boundaries Before Logistics
Most of the Wind River Range is encompassed by two national forests that include three wilderness areas. Shoshone National Forest lies east of the Continental Divide, while Bridger-Teton National Forest lies west. Portions of the range’s eastern side are within the Wind River Indian Reservation, so an east-side approach should not be assumed to stay entirely on national forest land. Both forests and the whole range are part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. This overlapping geography makes boundary checks an essential early planning step. Confirm the land manager for the intended trailhead, approach, and overnight destination rather than applying one set of assumptions to the entire range. Check current access conditions and any permit requirements directly with the responsible managing agency.
Sample itineraries
- Northern Winds day-hike plan · 1 day
Use a day hike to assess mountain conditions and personal comfort at elevation. Choose a confirmed access point and maintained route with the managing agency before departure; this plan does not specify a trail or establish access into Fitzpatrick Wilderness.
- Northern Winds overnight plan · 2 days
Plan an out-and-back backpacking trip only after confirming wilderness access, camping rules, and current trail conditions. Keep the first day conservative and return along the same route. Treat this as a planning framework, not a verified route description.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring transition
The Winds include numerous peaks above 12,999 feet. Plan conservatively for lingering mountain snow and cold conditions; confirm access and trail conditions rather than assuming lower-elevation warmth means the high country is ready for hiking.
Summer
Summer hiking season
Summer supports hiking and camping across the Rockies. In the high-elevation Winds, carry layers and weather protection even for short outings. No specific snow-free window is established for Fitzpatrick Wilderness.
Fall
Fall transition
Plan for shorter daylight and colder mountain conditions. Keep trips flexible and check current weather and access before committing to an overnight itinerary.
Winter
Winter mountain conditions
Treat travel as a cold-weather mountain undertaking, not an extension of summer hiking. Confirm local access and snow conditions. Regional winter recreation opportunities do not establish suitable routes within Fitzpatrick Wilderness.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring transition | The Winds include numerous peaks above 12,999 feet. Plan conservatively for lingering mountain snow and cold conditions; confirm access and trail conditions rather than assuming lower-elevation warmth means the high country is ready for hiking. |
| Summer | Summer hiking season | Summer supports hiking and camping across the Rockies. In the high-elevation Winds, carry layers and weather protection even for short outings. No specific snow-free window is established for Fitzpatrick Wilderness. |
| Fall | Fall transition | Plan for shorter daylight and colder mountain conditions. Keep trips flexible and check current weather and access before committing to an overnight itinerary. |
| Winter | Winter mountain conditions | Treat travel as a cold-weather mountain undertaking, not an extension of summer hiking. Confirm local access and snow conditions. Regional winter recreation opportunities do not establish suitable routes within Fitzpatrick Wilderness. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm permit requirements, access rules, and camping regulations with the managing agency before departure.
Confirm current permits, fees, and closures with the managing agency before you go.
Hazards & regulations
- High elevation: the Wind River Range contains many peaks above 12,999 feet. Allow time to adjust and turn back if altitude symptoms develop.
- Mountain weather and cold exposure: carry protective layers and avoid letting an ambitious itinerary override deteriorating conditions.
- Snow and uncertain footing: verify current conditions before committing to high-country travel, especially outside summer.
- Access uncertainty: portions of the eastern Wind River Range lie within the Wind River Indian Reservation. Confirm land jurisdiction and lawful access for the chosen approach.
What to pack for Fitzpatrick Wilderness (Winds N)
- Insulating layers
- Waterproof outer layer
- Warm hat and gloves
- Sun protection
- Current topographic map showing land boundaries
- Navigation device and backup power
- Headlamp
- First-aid kit
- Water and a treatment method
- Shelter suited to the forecast
- Sleeping bag and insulated pad
- Extra food
- Food storage that meets managing-agency requirements
Fitzpatrick Wilderness (Winds N) FAQ
- What is the regional setting?
- Fitzpatrick Wilderness is the requested northern Winds destination in Wyoming. The Wind River Range runs roughly northwest to southeast, with the Continental Divide following its crest.
- How high is the surrounding range?
- Gannett Peak reaches 13,802 feet and is Wyoming's highest mountain. Fremont Peak reaches 13,750 feet. These regional elevations help explain why conservative high-country planning matters; neither peak is presented here as a recommended hiking objective.
- Which land jurisdictions matter when planning access?
- Shoshone National Forest lies east of the Continental Divide, and Bridger-Teton National Forest lies west. Portions of the eastern range are within the Wind River Indian Reservation. Confirm the jurisdiction of the specific approach rather than assuming all access follows the same rules.
- Are the itineraries verified trail routes?
- No. They are trip-planning frameworks without specified trailheads, distances, or campsites. Select a route only after obtaining current access information and checking its demands against the group's experience.
- What wildlife should visitors expect?
- The Wind River Range is part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. No destination-specific species list is established here. Ask the managing agency about current wildlife precautions and food-storage requirements.