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Mountain subrange of the Rocky Mountains in Wyoming, United States

Beyond Alone · Best: Jul – early Sep

Wind River Range

The finest granite alpine range in the Lower 48 — Cirque of the Towers, Titcomb Basin, and 100 miles of glaciated country.

Wyoming, USA

Plan a trip to Wind River Range

Where on earth

Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Wind River Range, Wyoming, USA. 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
Biome
High-alpine granite range
Known for
  • Fishing
  • Climbing
  • Mountaineering
  • Hiking
  • Backpacking
  • Wildlife Viewing

Key takeaways

  • Biome: High-alpine granite range
Loading live weather & climate for Wind River Range…
Biome
High-alpine granite range
Elevation
2,500 – 4,207 m (Gannett)
Best window
Jul – early Sep
Key draws
Cirque of the Towers, Titcomb, Gannett
Watch for
Long approaches, thunderstorms, mosquitoes

Topic summary

The finest granite alpine range in the Lower 48 — Cirque of the Towers, Titcomb Basin, and 100 miles of glaciated country. The Winds sit south of the Absarokas and hold most of Wyoming's remaining glaciers. Approaches are long — 8 to 20 miles just to reach the alpine — which is why the crowds stay small.

Key takeaways

  • Biome: High-alpine granite range
  • Elevation: 2,500 – 4,207 m (Gannett)
  • Best window: Jul – early Sep
  • Key draws: Cirque of the Towers, Titcomb, Gannett
  • Watch for: Long approaches, thunderstorms, mosquitoes

Intended uses

Wilderness trip planning and destination research

Climate suitability

High-alpine granite range

Verification notes

Compiled from published show records, regional agencies, and topographical / satellite imagery. Region: Wyoming, USA. Coordinates: 43.150, -109.600.

The country

The Winds sit south of the Absarokas and hold most of Wyoming's remaining glaciers. Approaches are long — 8 to 20 miles just to reach the alpine — which is why the crowds stay small.

Why enthusiasts come

It's the American Alps that Coloradans go to when Colorado feels tame. Climbing, backpacking, and trail-running objectives stack for weeks.

Planner-relevant notes

Bridger-Teton and Shoshone national forests, no permits, minimal restriction — leave-no-trace matters more here. Mosquitoes into late July.

Top experiences

The Cirque of the Towers (Big Sandy trailhead) is the classic 3-night intro. The Fremont-Titcomb backpack from Elkhart is the deeper mountain trip. Gannett Peak is Wyoming's highpoint (technical). Fishing golden trout in Titcomb Basin.

Planning essentials

No permits required for backcountry camping — a rare luxury. Bear canisters strongly recommended (grizzly reintroduction is expanding). Trailheads are remote and unpaved.

Field notes

  • The 'Big Sandy' side is drier and gets you into the Cirque fastest.
  • Elkhart Park is the standard Titcomb trailhead — long but stable.
  • Snowfields on Bonney and Knapsack Cols can hold into August.
  • Snow lingers at pass elevations through July in average snow years.
  • Golden trout in Titcomb Basin are the only ones many anglers ever catch on trail.

Frequently asked about Wind River Range

Where is Wind River Range?
Wind River Range is in Wyoming, USA. The finest granite alpine range in the Lower 48 — Cirque of the Towers, Titcomb Basin, and 100 miles of glaciated country.
What is the climate like at Wind River Range?
High-alpine granite range. The Winds sit south of the Absarokas and hold most of Wyoming's remaining glaciers. Approaches are long — 8 to 20 miles just to reach the alpine — which is why the crowds stay small.
Mountain subrange of the Rocky Mountains in Wyoming, United States

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Wildlife

Wildlife found around Wind River Range

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