Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Washakie Wilderness, 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
- Absaroka volcanic (2,000–3,700 m)
- Best season
- July – September
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Wildlife Viewing
Key takeaways
- Biome: Absaroka volcanic (2,000–3,700 m)
- Best season: July – September
- Difficulty: moderate
- Top activity: backpacking
Photos of Washakie Wilderness
Topic summary
The wildlife-rich wilderness southeast of Yellowstone — grizzly country and volcanic canyons.
Key takeaways
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best season: July – September
Intended uses
backpacking
Climate suitability
Absaroka volcanic (2,000–3,700 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
Washakie Wilderness trip tools
How to get there
Washakie Wilderness is in Wyoming, USA, United States. Its center point is 43.9500, -109.7500. 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 Washakie Wilderness
- 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.
- Wildlife Viewing
Best light, best season, and where animals move.
Animals around Washakie Wilderness
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 — Washakie WildernessAmazon 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 Washakie Wilderness
Planning to fish Washakie Wilderness, 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 Washakie Wilderness?
- 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.
- Washakie Wilderness may add its own fishing rules on top of Wyoming law — check the managing agency too.
Hunting near Washakie Wilderness
Thinking about hunting Washakie Wilderness, 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 Washakie Wilderness?
- Hunting is prohibited or heavily restricted in many national parks, wilderness and protected areas — confirm with the Washakie Wilderness 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.
Wyoming setting
Washakie Wilderness is a Wyoming destination, but a useful trip plan needs more detail than the statewide setting alone. Western Wyoming consists largely of Rocky Mountain ranges and rangelands, while the eastern part of the state is predominantly high-elevation prairie. That contrast matters when choosing equipment and judging travel conditions: a general description of Wyoming cannot establish the terrain on a particular wilderness route. Treat the broader mountain setting as orientation, not as a trail guide. Before committing to an itinerary, establish the wilderness boundary, the intended entry point, and the terrain between that entry and the proposed turnaround or campsite. Specific trail names, elevations, and route connections are not confirmed here.
Weather and equipment planning
Wyoming is generally drier and windier than many other states, with substantial temperature extremes and a mix of semi-arid and continental climates. Those statewide patterns support a cautious packing approach, but they do not establish conditions within Washakie Wilderness on any given day. Carry layers that allow adjustments for changing temperatures, include protection from wind and precipitation, and check a forecast relevant to the intended terrain shortly before departure. Do not use a statewide climate description to choose a firm hiking season or assume that water will be available along a route. Confirm local conditions and water availability separately, and build enough flexibility into the plan to change course when actual conditions differ from expectations.
Establishing a workable itinerary
The Rocky Mountain region supports hiking, camping, horseback riding, and other outdoor activities, but regional recreation opportunities do not establish which activities or routes are appropriate within Washakie Wilderness. Start planning by identifying the managing agency and obtaining current, destination-specific access information. Confirm the road approach, the actual trailhead, route continuity, and any rules that apply to the intended activity. Ask the managing agency about current permit requirements rather than assuming that a wilderness trip follows the same arrangements as another Wyoming destination. No specific entry point, route distance, difficulty rating, or driving time is established here. Until those details are checked, keep the itinerary provisional rather than treating a regional overview as sufficient navigation or access guidance.
Sample itineraries
- Washakie Wilderness day-hike planning · 1 day
Plan a day hike only after confirming a suitable trail and access point with the managing agency. Set the turnaround point around current conditions and the group's ability. No specific route or travel distance is established here.
- Washakie Wilderness overnight planning · 2 days
Use a two-day format for an overnight trip only after confirming access, camping rules, and a suitable route with the managing agency. Keep both days flexible for weather. This is a planning framework, not a verified backcountry itinerary.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Confirm local timing
Wyoming's regional climate includes wind and temperature extremes. Spring trail readiness and wilderness access are not established here; check local conditions before choosing a route.
Summer
Confirm local hiking conditions
Summer is associated with hiking and camping across the Rocky Mountains. That regional pattern does not establish when individual Washakie Wilderness routes are suitable. Confirm access and weather before departure.
Fall
Confirm local timing
Plan conservatively around Wyoming's variable temperatures and wind. Local fall trail conditions and the end of the hiking season are not established here.
Winter
Confirm local winter access
Winter recreation occurs across the Rocky Mountains, but no winter route or access point is established here for Washakie Wilderness. Do not treat regional skiing opportunities as confirmation of a suitable local trip.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Confirm local timing | Wyoming's regional climate includes wind and temperature extremes. Spring trail readiness and wilderness access are not established here; check local conditions before choosing a route. |
| Summer | Confirm local hiking conditions | Summer is associated with hiking and camping across the Rocky Mountains. That regional pattern does not establish when individual Washakie Wilderness routes are suitable. Confirm access and weather before departure. |
| Fall | Confirm local timing | Plan conservatively around Wyoming's variable temperatures and wind. Local fall trail conditions and the end of the hiking season are not established here. |
| Winter | Confirm local winter access | Winter recreation occurs across the Rocky Mountains, but no winter route or access point is established here for Washakie Wilderness. Do not treat regional skiing opportunities as confirmation of a suitable local trip. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm current permit requirements and camping rules with the managing agency for Washakie Wilderness.
Confirm current permits, fees, and closures with the managing agency before you go.
Hazards & regulations
- Wind: Wyoming is generally windier than many other states. Check the local forecast and carry wind protection.
- Temperature extremes: Wyoming's regional climate calls for adaptable clothing and conservative trip planning.
- Dry conditions: Parts of Wyoming are semi-arid. Confirm water availability rather than assuming dependable sources along a route.
What to pack for Washakie Wilderness
- Wind-resistant outer layer
- Insulating layers appropriate to the forecast
- Weather-appropriate shelter for overnight travel
- Water capacity matched to confirmed availability
- Current map for the confirmed route
- Navigation tools usable without cellular service
Washakie Wilderness FAQ
- Where is Washakie Wilderness?
- Washakie Wilderness is in Wyoming, United States. Confirm its access points and boundaries with the managing agency before planning travel.
- Which trailhead should a trip use?
- No specific trailhead is established here. Ask the managing agency for an access point suited to the planned activity, current conditions, and group ability.
- When is the best time to hike?
- Summer is a regional hiking season in the Rocky Mountains, but a reliable local hiking window is not established here. Choose dates after checking route conditions and access.
- Are permits or reservations required?
- Confirm requirements directly with the managing agency before departure. Do not assume that an overnight trip needs no permit or reservation.
- What wildlife should visitors expect?
- No destination-specific species are established here. Obtain local wildlife guidance and food-storage instructions before traveling.
- Are these itineraries ready to follow?
- No. They are trip-planning frameworks without verified routes, distances, or campsites. Establish those details and check current conditions before setting out.