Where on earth
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- Region
- Wyoming, USA
- Country
- United States
- Biome
- High alpine glacial (3,000–4,000 m)
- Best season
- August – early September
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Climbing
- Mountaineering
- Canoeing
- Fishing
Key takeaways
- Biome: High alpine glacial (3,000–4,000 m)
- Best season: August – early September
- Difficulty: moderate
- Top activity: backpacking
Photos of Wind River High Route
Topic summary
A 90-mile off-trail traverse of the Wind River Range — talus, glacier crossings, and 30 named 12,000-ft passes.
Key takeaways
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best season: August – early September
Intended uses
backpacking
Climate suitability
High alpine glacial (3,000–4,000 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.
- Bear Country Food StorageBear country: canister, Ursack or hang, and the local rules.
- 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.
Plan with verified data
Wind River High Route trip tools
How to get there
Wind River High Route is in Wyoming, USA, United States. Its center point is 43.1500, -109.6300. 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
Broad western-side planning area for the Wind River Range. A specific trailhead, approach road, and connection to the intended itinerary still need to be established.
- Shoshone National Forest
Broad eastern-side planning area for the Wind River Range. Portions of the eastern range are within the Wind River Indian Reservation, so verify the jurisdiction and access arrangements for any chosen approach.
Popular pursuits at Wind River High Route
- 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.
- Canoeing
Paddle routes, portages, and put-ins.
- Fishing
Resident gamefish, seasons, and the water that holds them.
Animals around Wind River High Route
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 — Wind River High RouteAmazon 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 Wind River High Route
Planning to fish Wind River High Route, 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 Wind River High Route?
- 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 Wind River High Route
Thinking about hunting Wind River High Route, 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 Wind River High Route?
- Confirm the land around Wind River High Route 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.
The Wind River setting
The Wind River Range runs roughly northwest to southeast for 100 miles through western Wyoming. The Continental Divide follows its crest, placing the range within the main mountain spine of the Rockies. Gannett Peak, at 13,802 feet, is Wyoming’s highest mountain; Fremont Peak reaches 13,750 feet. More than 40 other named peaks exceed 12,999 feet. Those elevations establish the scale of the surrounding mountains, not the elevation or difficulty of a particular walking route. For a Wind River High Route trip, distinguish the range’s geography from a defined itinerary: the range’s 100-mile length is not a route distance. A usable trip plan still needs a specific alignment, mapped access, and a realistic assessment of the terrain between intended camps.
A crest divided among land managers
Most of the Winds lie within two large 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. This makes the exact alignment important for more than navigation: a route name alone does not establish which jurisdiction governs every part of a trip. Confirm access requirements and current rules with the managing agency for each intended segment, and confirm any access involving reservation lands with the appropriate tribal authority. Treat the forest names as broad geographic starting points, not as interchangeable trailheads or proof that an approach is open to public use.
Turning the destination into a workable trip
The Continental Divide provides a geographic framework for understanding the Winds, but it should not be confused with a single established walking line. The Continental Divide Trail is a separate, named national scenic trail running between Mexico and Canada through five states, including Wyoming. Its national description does not establish a Wind River High Route connection, shared mileage, or an access point. Before committing to a schedule, obtain detailed mapping for the chosen alignment and verify its approaches and exits. Plan conservatively around the range’s high mountain setting, allowing flexibility for weather and individual response to elevation. Carry navigation equipment and clothing suited to changing mountain conditions. The essential planning unit is the verified daily segment, rather than the destination name alone.
Route options
- Continental Divide crest
Geographic planning corridor along the Wind River Range’s crest, not a verified hiking itinerary. A specific traversable alignment, entry point, and exit point must be established before using it as a trip plan.
- Continental Divide Trail
Named long-distance trail that crosses Wyoming as part of its Mexico-to-Canada course. Its relationship to a chosen Wind River High Route alignment must be verified; it is not presented here as a confirmed alternate or connecting segment.
Sample itineraries
- West-side route-planning day · 1 day
Plan a Wind River High Route trip approaching from the Bridger-Teton National Forest side of the range. Confirm access, the intended route, land boundaries, and current conditions with the managing agency before committing to a hiking schedule.
- East-side planning and preparation · 2 days
Use one day to confirm the intended approach through Shoshone National Forest and whether it involves Wind River Indian Reservation lands. Use the second for route review, weather assessment, and equipment checks. This is a preparation schedule, not a verified hiking itinerary.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring; timing depends on elevation and conditions
Treat the high crest as a mountain environment rather than assuming spring means snow-free travel. Confirm snow conditions and access before selecting a route or departure.
Summer
Summer; assess conditions before departure
The Continental Divide follows a crest surrounded by numerous peaks above 12,999 feet. Prepare for cold and changing mountain weather even during summer; do not assume a particular route is clear.
Fall
Fall; conditions determine suitability
Plan conservatively for cold, shorter daylight, and possible snow at elevation. Set daily objectives around current conditions rather than a fixed completion schedule.
Winter
Winter; assess mountain-travel requirements
Treat a crest-level trip as winter mountain travel, not routine backpacking. Confirm access and snow conditions, and match equipment and skills to the intended terrain.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring; timing depends on elevation and conditions | Treat the high crest as a mountain environment rather than assuming spring means snow-free travel. Confirm snow conditions and access before selecting a route or departure. |
| Summer | Summer; assess conditions before departure | The Continental Divide follows a crest surrounded by numerous peaks above 12,999 feet. Prepare for cold and changing mountain weather even during summer; do not assume a particular route is clear. |
| Fall | Fall; conditions determine suitability | Plan conservatively for cold, shorter daylight, and possible snow at elevation. Set daily objectives around current conditions rather than a fixed completion schedule. |
| Winter | Winter; assess mountain-travel requirements | Treat a crest-level trip as winter mountain travel, not routine backpacking. Confirm access and snow conditions, and match equipment and skills to the intended terrain. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm permit requirements and access permissions with the managing agency for the exact route, including any travel involving Wind River Indian Reservation lands.
Confirm current permits, fees, and closures with the managing agency before you go.
Hazards & regulations
- High elevation: the range includes many peaks above 12,999 feet. Allow for acclimatization and adjust plans if altitude symptoms develop.
- Cold and changing weather: prepare for mountain conditions along the Continental Divide rather than relying on lower-elevation forecasts alone.
- Snow and ice may affect high-elevation travel. Verify conditions and avoid terrain beyond the group's equipment or experience.
- Navigation and boundary mistakes: establish the exact route and land jurisdiction before departure; portions of the eastern range lie within the Wind River Indian Reservation.
What to pack for Wind River High Route
- Topographic maps covering the intended route
- Compass and offline navigation
- Land-boundary and access information
- Written trip plan shared with a trusted contact
- Insulating layers
- Waterproof shell
- Warm hat and gloves
- Shelter and sleep system suited to forecast conditions
- Water treatment and carrying capacity
- Food with a contingency allowance
- First-aid kit
- Headlamp and spare power
- Emergency communication equipment
Wind River High Route FAQ
- Where is the Wind River Range?
- It lies in western Wyoming and runs roughly northwest to southeast for approximately 100 miles. That is the range's extent, not a verified distance for the Wind River High Route.
- Who manages land in the range?
- Shoshone National Forest lies east of the Continental Divide, and Bridger-Teton National Forest lies west. Three wilderness areas fall within these forests. Portions of the eastern range are within the Wind River Indian Reservation.
- How high are the mountains?
- Gannett Peak, Wyoming's highest mountain, reaches 13,802 feet. Fremont Peak reaches 13,750 feet, and more than 40 other named peaks exceed 12,999 feet. These are mountain elevations, not a verified elevation profile for the High Route.
- Is the High Route the same as the Continental Divide Trail?
- Do not treat those names as interchangeable when planning. The Continental Divide follows the range's crest, but a specific High Route alignment and its relationship to the Continental Divide Trail are not established here.
- How many hiking days should be reserved?
- A reliable duration requires a defined alignment, access points, terrain assessment, and current conditions. The planning schedules above are not hiking-duration estimates. Confirm those details before setting daily mileage or arranging transport.
- What ecosystem includes the Winds?
- The entire range, including both national forests, forms part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Follow local wildlife and food-storage guidance for the exact area visited.