Visiting the Wind River Range, USA

The Wind River Range arcs across western Wyoming, a granite spine of the Rockies holding the largest glaciers in the American Rockies outside the far north. Gannett Peak, at 4,209 metres Wyoming’s highest summit, rises from a wilderness of cirques, alpine lakes and high tundra along the Continental Divide. Much of the range is protected wilderness, with no roads and no motors: just trails, peaks and weather.

Why go

This is one of the great backpacking ranges of North America. The Cirque of the Towers, a ring of sheer granite spires around Lonesome Lake, is among the most photographed mountain scenes in the Rockies, while Titcomb Basin offers a gentler high valley beneath glaciated peaks. Hundreds of alpine lakes dot the range, the fishing is excellent, and wildlife includes elk, moose and grizzly bears. For climbers, Gannett Peak is a serious glacier objective.

Best time to visit

July to September is generally the backpacking season, with the high trails usually snow-free by mid-July. August brings the warmest weather and the famous wildflower displays, while September offers golden larches, fewer people and colder nights. Snow can linger on high passes into July, and early autumn storms can arrive without much warning.

Getting around

The usual gateways are Pinedale on the west side and Lander on the east, with long gravel roads leading to major trailheads like Elkhart Park and Big Sandy. Trails are well maintained but distances are big, and most trips are multi-day backpacks. Overnight visits generally require a wilderness permit, so check current permit rules locally before finalising plans.

Good to know

• This is grizzly country. Store food properly, carry bear spray, make noise on blind trails and follow all local food-storage rules.
• Stream crossings can be dangerous in early summer. Check snowmelt conditions locally and be ready to turn back at swollen creeks.
• Afternoon thunderstorms are routine. Plan high passes for the morning and be off exposed ridges by midday.
• Altitude reaches well above 3,500 metres on the high routes. Pace yourself, drink water and watch for altitude symptoms.
• Leave no trace. This is designated wilderness: pack out everything, camp on durable surfaces and respect the solitude of others.

The Winds are the Rockies at their wildest: granite cirques, big skies and trails that go for days. Backpack in high summer, give the bears respect, and earn every view.