Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Cirque of the Towers, Worldwide. 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
- Worldwide
- Biome
- Sub-alpine granite (3,000–3,700 m)
- Best season
- July – September
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Climbing
- Canoeing
- Fishing
Key takeaways
- Biome: Sub-alpine granite (3,000–3,700 m)
- Best season: July – September
- Difficulty: moderate
- Top activity: backpacking
Photos of Cirque of the Towers
Topic summary
A granite amphitheater deep in the Wind Rivers — Lonesome Lake ringed by 14 peaks.
Key takeaways
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best season: July – September
Intended uses
backpacking
Climate suitability
Sub-alpine granite (3,000–3,700 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
Cirque of the Towers trip tools
How to get there
Cirque of the Towers is in Wyoming, USA, Worldwide. Its center point is 42.7500, -109.2000. 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.
- Bridger-Teton National Forest
Regional access-research starting point on the western side of the Continental Divide. A specific Cirque trailhead or driving approach is not established here; confirm both before travel.
- Shoshone National Forest
Regional access-research starting point on the eastern side of the Continental Divide. This identifies the forest’s position in the range, not a verified entrance or approach to the Cirque.
Popular pursuits at Cirque of the Towers
- 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.
- Canoeing
Paddle routes, portages, and put-ins.
- Fishing
Resident gamefish, seasons, and the water that holds them.
Animals around Cirque of the Towers
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 — Cirque of the TowersAmazon 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 Cirque of the Towers
Planning to fish Cirque of the Towers, 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 Cirque of the Towers?
- 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.
Hunting near Cirque of the Towers
Thinking about hunting Cirque of the Towers, 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 Cirque of the Towers?
- Confirm the land around Cirque of the Towers is open to hunting and which management unit it falls in.
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.
Regional setting
A trip to Cirque of the Towers needs destination-level planning, not just a general map of Wyoming’s mountains. The broader regional setting is the Wind River Range in western Wyoming, part of the Rocky Mountains. The Winds run roughly northwest to southeast for approximately 100 miles, with the Continental Divide following their crest. This is substantial mountain country: Gannett Peak reaches 13,802 feet, Fremont Peak reaches 13,750 feet, and more than 40 other named peaks exceed 12,999 feet. Those elevations describe the range, not the elevation or difficulty of a Cirque itinerary. Use that regional scale to frame preparation, while confirming the actual approach, terrain and elevation changes before choosing a route or setting a daily schedule.
Land management and access planning
Most of the Wind River Range lies within two national forests that together encompass three wilderness areas. Shoshone National Forest occupies the eastern side of the Continental Divide, while Bridger-Teton National Forest lies to the west. Portions of the range’s eastern side are within the Wind River Indian Reservation. These distinctions matter when researching access, but they do not establish the jurisdiction of a particular Cirque trailhead, campsite or route. Confirm the managing agency for the exact itinerary before departure, and ask that agency about current access requirements and camping rules. A forest name is a starting point for research, not a verified access point. No specific trailhead, driving approach or campsite can be identified here with enough confidence for navigation.
Choosing a mountain itinerary
The Continental Divide provides a useful geographic framework for understanding the Winds, but it is not a substitute for a verified Cirque route. The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail extends between Mexico and Canada along the Rocky Mountains and crosses Wyoming among its five states. That national-scale description does not establish a connection to Cirque of the Towers or identify a suitable local segment. Before committing to an itinerary, obtain destination-specific mapping and confirm the approach, navigation demands and expected travel time. Prepare for mountain weather and carry clothing, food and water appropriate to the verified outing. The range’s high elevations warrant a conservative pace and room to adjust plans; they do not support assigning a difficulty rating to an otherwise unconfirmed route.
Route options
- Cirque of the Towers
A destination-specific approach cannot be described reliably here. Obtain a verified route description and map before selecting a trailhead or planning hiking stages.
- Continental Divide National Scenic Trail
A long-distance trail crossing Wyoming along its Mexico-to-Canada course. Its regional presence does not establish a Cirque connection; no local segment is recommended here.
Sample itineraries
- Two-day Wind River hiking plan · 2 days
Allow one day for a hike suited to current conditions and a second for another short outing or weather flexibility. Confirm destination-specific access and route details before committing; the Wind River Range's regional geography alone does not establish a suitable approach.
- Three-day mountain trip · 3 days
Use the first day to check access, conditions, and equipment. Reserve the second for your main hike and the third for a shorter outing or weather buffer. Choose routes and any overnight locations only after checking current managing-agency guidance.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Conditions-dependent mountain access
The range's high elevations warrant planning for lingering snow and cold conditions. Confirm snow coverage and access before choosing a route; do not assume lower-elevation spring weather reflects conditions higher in the mountains.
Summer
Check high-elevation conditions before departure
Prepare for changing mountain weather, strong sun, and cold periods despite warmer conditions below. A summer date alone does not establish that a high route is snow-free.
Fall
Weather-dependent mountain travel
Plan conservatively around decreasing daylight and possible cold or snow at elevation. Carry enough insulation for delays and leave room to shorten the trip.
Winter
Current access and snow conditions govern plans
Treat this high Rocky Mountain setting as a winter mountain environment. Confirm access and route suitability, and match equipment and experience to snow, cold, and limited daylight.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Conditions-dependent mountain access | The range's high elevations warrant planning for lingering snow and cold conditions. Confirm snow coverage and access before choosing a route; do not assume lower-elevation spring weather reflects conditions higher in the mountains. |
| Summer | Check high-elevation conditions before departure | Prepare for changing mountain weather, strong sun, and cold periods despite warmer conditions below. A summer date alone does not establish that a high route is snow-free. |
| Fall | Weather-dependent mountain travel | Plan conservatively around decreasing daylight and possible cold or snow at elevation. Carry enough insulation for delays and leave room to shorten the trip. |
| Winter | Current access and snow conditions govern plans | Treat this high Rocky Mountain setting as a winter mountain environment. Confirm access and route suitability, and match equipment and experience to snow, cold, and limited daylight. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm permit requirements, camping rules, and access permissions with the managing agency for the exact route and overnight locations.
Confirm current permits, fees, and closures with the managing agency before you go.
Hazards & regulations
- High elevation: the Wind River Range contains numerous peaks above 12,999 feet. Match effort to acclimatization and avoid assuming regional elevations describe your exact route.
- Cold and changing mountain weather: carry protective layers and allow time to turn back.
- Snow and ice can complicate high-elevation travel. Check current conditions rather than relying on the calendar.
- Navigation errors: regional descriptions do not establish trailheads, junctions, or a verified approach. Carry detailed mapping for the chosen route.
What to pack for Cirque of the Towers
- Detailed topographic map covering the confirmed route
- Compass and offline navigation
- Current access and managing-agency information
- Insulating layers
- Waterproof outer layers
- Warm hat and gloves
- Sun protection
- Water and water-treatment supplies
- Food and an emergency reserve
- Headlamp
- First-aid supplies
- Emergency shelter
Cirque of the Towers FAQ
- What is the regional setting?
- The Wind River Range lies in western Wyoming and forms part of the Rocky Mountains. The Continental Divide follows its crest, and the range is part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
- Which agencies manage the surrounding mountains?
- Shoshone National Forest lies east of the Continental Divide, while Bridger-Teton National Forest lies west. Three wilderness areas encompass much of the range. Portions of its eastern side are within the Wind River Indian Reservation; confirm jurisdiction for your exact route.
- Which trailhead and approach should be used?
- A specific trailhead or approach cannot be established here. Obtain destination-specific mapping and current access guidance before setting mileage, travel time, or overnight stops.
- How demanding is the terrain?
- This is a high mountain region, with numerous summits above 12,999 feet. That context supports conservative planning, but it does not establish the elevation gain, technical difficulty, or distance of a particular hike.
- Does the Continental Divide Trail establish an approach?
- No destination-specific connection is established here. The Continental Divide Trail crosses Wyoming and follows the Rocky Mountains, but those regional facts are not enough to choose an approach.