Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Popo Agie Wilderness (Winds S), 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 (2,700–3,900 m)
- Best season
- July – September
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Climbing
- Wildlife Viewing
- Canoeing
- Fishing
Key takeaways
- Biome: Alpine granite (2,700–3,900 m)
- Best season: July – September
- Difficulty: moderate
- Top activity: backpacking
Photos of Popo Agie Wilderness (Winds S)
Topic summary
The southern Wind River Range — Cirque of the Towers on the west, Deep Lake on the east.
Key takeaways
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best season: July – September
Intended uses
backpacking
Climate suitability
Alpine granite (2,700–3,900 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
Popo Agie Wilderness (Winds S) trip tools
How to get there
Popo Agie Wilderness (Winds S) is in Wyoming, USA, United States. Its center point is 42.7333, -109.1667. Use these links for live turn-by-turn directions from where you are, then confirm road, trailhead and access conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
Popular pursuits at Popo Agie Wilderness (Winds S)
- 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.
- Wildlife Viewing
Best light, best season, and where animals move.
- Canoeing
Paddle routes, portages, and put-ins.
- Fishing
Resident gamefish, seasons, and the water that holds them.
Animals around Popo Agie Wilderness (Winds S)
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 — Popo Agie Wilderness (Winds S)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 Popo Agie Wilderness (Winds S)
Planning to fish Popo Agie Wilderness (Winds S), 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 Popo Agie Wilderness (Winds S)?
- 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.
- Popo Agie Wilderness (Winds S) may add its own fishing rules on top of Wyoming law — check the managing agency too.
Hunting near Popo Agie Wilderness (Winds S)
Thinking about hunting Popo Agie Wilderness (Winds S), 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 Popo Agie Wilderness (Winds S)?
- Hunting is prohibited or heavily restricted in many national parks, wilderness and protected areas — confirm with the Popo Agie Wilderness (Winds S) 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.
Popo Agie in the Wind River Range
Popo Agie Wilderness is the focus for a southern Winds trip, but the broader Wind River Range provides the useful geographic context here. The range lies in western Wyoming and runs roughly northwest to southeast for about 100 miles. The Continental Divide follows its crest, separating the eastern and western sides of a substantial Rocky Mountain landscape. The Winds contain Wyoming’s highest mountain, Gannett Peak, at 13,802 feet, as well as many other high summits. Those range-wide features should not be mistaken for a Popo Agie itinerary: neither Gannett Peak nor a route to it is established here as part of this destination. Start planning at the wilderness scale rather than treating the entire range as one interchangeable hiking area.
Land Boundaries Matter
Two national forests encompass much of the Wind River Range: Shoshone National Forest lies east of the Continental Divide, while Bridger-Teton National Forest lies to the west. Across the range, those forests include three wilderness areas. Portions of the eastern side also fall within the Wind River Indian Reservation. This makes the precise location of an approach important; a general description of the Winds does not establish which land a particular trip crosses. Before choosing an entrance, confirm the wilderness boundary, the land status along the approach, and the agency responsible for the intended route. The forest names are useful orientation points, not verified trailheads or driving destinations. No specific Popo Agie access road or trailhead is identified here.
Build the Trip Around Verified Route Details
The Winds are a high mountain setting within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, so trip preparation should account for elevation, changing weather, and wildlife. Carry layers and navigation equipment suited to mountain travel, and check conditions for the actual route before departure. The range’s scale makes a named trailhead and a mapped itinerary more useful than a broad destination label. A Popo Agie plan still needs verified trail connections, mileage, elevation change, overnight locations where applicable, and a clear turnaround strategy. No destination-specific route, seasonal access information, or driving directions are established here. Confirm current access and applicable requirements with the managing agency before committing to travel. Regional outdoor opportunities alone do not establish which activities or approaches are appropriate within this wilderness.
Sample itineraries
- Popo Agie introductory hike · 1 day
Plan a day hike with a turnaround matched to the group's fitness and current mountain conditions. Confirm a suitable trail and legal access with the managing agency before departure; this is a planning outline, not a verified route.
- Southern Winds overnight · 2 days
Plan a conservative overnight backpacking trip, leaving time for the return rather than adding a summit objective. Confirm the trail, camping rules, water availability, and access before choosing an itinerary.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring transition
Use a cautious high-mountain planning approach: do not assume lower-elevation conditions describe the intended route. Confirm snow coverage and access before committing to a hike or overnight.
Summer
Summer hiking and camping season
Summer supports hiking and camping across the Rockies. For Popo Agie, check route-specific conditions rather than assuming every elevation is ready for travel. Carry protection for changing mountain weather.
Fall
Fall transition
Keep plans flexible and check the mountain forecast close to departure. Carry insulation and choose a turnaround that leaves a comfortable margin for deteriorating weather.
Winter
Winter mountain travel
Winter recreation in the Rockies includes skiing and snowboarding, but that does not establish suitable routes in Popo Agie. Confirm local access and terrain conditions; do not treat a summer hiking plan as a winter itinerary.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring transition | Use a cautious high-mountain planning approach: do not assume lower-elevation conditions describe the intended route. Confirm snow coverage and access before committing to a hike or overnight. |
| Summer | Summer hiking and camping season | Summer supports hiking and camping across the Rockies. For Popo Agie, check route-specific conditions rather than assuming every elevation is ready for travel. Carry protection for changing mountain weather. |
| Fall | Fall transition | Keep plans flexible and check the mountain forecast close to departure. Carry insulation and choose a turnaround that leaves a comfortable margin for deteriorating weather. |
| Winter | Winter mountain travel | Winter recreation in the Rockies includes skiing and snowboarding, but that does not establish suitable routes in Popo Agie. Confirm local access and terrain conditions; do not treat a summer hiking plan as a winter itinerary. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm current permit requirements, camping rules, and access requirements 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. Match effort to acclimatization and avoid treating regional summit elevations as ordinary hiking objectives.
- Mountain weather: carry layers and weather protection, and shorten the trip when conditions exceed the group's equipment or experience.
- Access and boundary mistakes: portions of the eastern Wind River Range lie within the Wind River Indian Reservation. Verify the jurisdiction and legal access for the intended route.
What to pack for Popo Agie Wilderness (Winds S)
- Current map showing trails and land boundaries
- Offline navigation with a backup
- Confirmed access information and a shared trip plan
- Insulating layers
- Weatherproof outer layer
- Sun protection
- Drinking water and water treatment
- Food with a contingency margin
- First-aid kit and headlamp
- Shelter and sleep system for overnight plans
Popo Agie Wilderness (Winds S) FAQ
- Where does this trip fit within the Wind River Range?
- Popo Agie is the southern Winds destination covered here. The Wind River Range lies in western Wyoming, runs roughly northwest to southeast, and follows the Continental Divide along its crest.
- Which land boundaries matter when planning access?
- Shoshone National Forest lies east of the Continental Divide; Bridger-Teton National Forest lies west. Portions of the range's eastern side are within the Wind River Indian Reservation. Check the boundaries along the actual approach rather than assuming uniform access rules.
- Are the itineraries verified trail routes?
- No. They are trip formats, not turn-by-turn routes. Select a confirmed trail and access point, then check distance, elevation gain, camping rules, and current conditions before departure.
- Is summer the right time for a first visit?
- Summer is a practical starting point for hiking and camping plans in the Rockies. It is not a guarantee of suitable conditions on a particular Popo Agie route; verify local conditions before setting the schedule.
- What should be confirmed before an overnight trip?
- Confirm legal access, permit requirements, camping restrictions, route conditions, and water availability. Choose daily travel goals that account for elevation, pack weight, and the least-experienced member of the group.