Best Hikes in Wyoming's Wind River Range

Washakie Pass, Lizard Head, Cirque of the Towers Loop

Distance: 36.0 miles (Loop)

This backpack, one of my favorite trips in the southern Wind River Range, climbs over two panoramic passes, crosses the spectacular Lizard Head Plateau and visits the amazing Cirque of the Towers.

Whiskey Mountain

Distance: 6.8 - 9.2 miles (Round Trip)

Far reaching views, extending to the Tetons, the peaks gracing the southern end of the Absaroka Range and the summits of the northern Wind River Range, are the rewards of the hike to the saddle between Whiskey Mountain’s twin summits.

Glacier Trail (day hike)

Distance: 6.5 - 16.0 miles (Round Trip)

This hike ascends East Torrey Creek to Bomber Basin and then climbs the slopes of Arrow Mountain to an overlook at 10,000-ft. and Pass 10,895-ft. Views encompass Torrey Peak, Middle Mountain, Whiskey Mountain, the Absaroka Range and, at the pass, Horse Ridge and Burro Flats.

Green River Lakes Day Hike

Distance: 6.2 - 10.6 miles (Round Trip)

This easy, popular day hike features terrific views of the Green River Lakes, the Green River and Squaretop Mountain.

Big Sandy to Elkhart Park via Fremont and Highline Trails

Distance: 53.8 miles (One Way)

Panoramic views of the high peaks along the Continental Divide, lovely lake basins and varied terrain are the hallmarks of this terrific point-to-point backpack along the Fremont and Highline trails.

Green River Lakes to Island Lake & out Elkhart Park

Distance: 41.8 miles (One Way)

The Highline Trail between Green River Lakes and Island Lakes is popular and deservedly so. A relatively easy climb leads to my favorite section of the Highline between Summit and Island Lakes, featuring photogenic peaks towering above beautiful alpine meadows and scenic lakes.

New Fork Lakes to Island Lake & out Elkhart Park

Distance: 45.7 miles (One Way)

Towering granite walls, glorious alpine meadows, beautiful lakes and panoramic views of soaring peaks are the hallmarks of this terrific point-to-point backpack that follows the scenic New Fork and Highline trails to Island Lake. Return to civilization via the Seneca Lake and Pole Creek Trails to Elkhart Park.

Hailey Pass - Lizard Head - Cirque of the Towers Loop

Distance: 40.3 miles (Loop)

This great loop trip in the southern Wind River Range climbs over Hailey and Jackass Passes, crosses the spectacular Lizard Head Plateau and visits the amazing Cirque of the Towers.

Texas Pass - Cirque of the Towers - Jackass Pass Loop

Distance: 24.5 miles (Loop)

For experienced backpackers only, this trip follows a combination of trails and off-trail routes to cross Texas Pass into the stunning Cirque of the Towers. Complete the loop by exiting the Cirque via the Jackass Pass.

Island Lake Backpack

Distance: 24.3 miles (Round Trip)

This very popular backpack leads to Island Lake (10,346-ft.), a stunning destination with great day hiking, good fishing and scenic campsites. The trail to the lake, if done in one day, is long and tiring with lots of ups and downs.

Big Sandy to the Cirque of the Towers via Jackass Pass

Distance: 18.0 miles (Round Trip)

The shortest route to the Cirque of the Towers, an amazing spectacle of jagged peaks and spires rising over 12,000-ft. above Lonesome Lake, is via Big Sandy Lake and Jackass Pass trails.

Cook - Island Lakes Loop

Distance: 32.6 miles (Loop)

The Pole Creek Trail, in conjunction with a segment of the Highline trail, is used to create an interesting and highly scenic loop that explores the Cook Lakes, crosses panoramic Lester Pass, visits the stunning Island Lake area and then returns to the trailhead via the Seneca Lake and Pole Creek trails.

Photographer's Point

Distance: 9.4 miles (Round Trip)

Photographer’s Point, one of the most popular day hikes in the Wind River Range, leads to a breathtaking overlook where a sea of jagged summits along the western side of the Continental Divide fill the horizon.

Lake Louise

Distance: 4.6 miles (Round Trip)

A short hike through a rugged landscape leads to Lake Louise, a beautiful body of water nestled beneath the steep walls of the West Torrey Creek Canyon formed by Whiskey Mountain, to the north, and Middle Mountain, to the south.

Hailey Pass - Washakie Pass Loop

Distance: 35.5 miles (Loop)

This rewarding loop hike climbs over two panoramic passes on the Continental Divide and visits three beautiful lake basins.

Big Sandy to Skull Lake Basecamp

Distance: 19.8 - 20.4 miles (Round Trip)

Families and parties looking for an easy backpack into a basecamp with great day hiking and fishing opportunities will love the trip to the Washakie Creek and East Fork Valleys featuring splendid scenery with plenty of high peaks and lovely lakes.

New Fork-Peak-Elbow-Doubletop Loop

Distance: 43.0 miles (Loop)

A dramatic canyon and five beautiful alpine lake basins set amid the high peaks of the northern Wind River Range are the highlights of this loop backpack out of the New Fork Lakes trailhead.

New Fork-Doubletop-Palmer Loop

Distance: 47.8 miles (Loop)

This great loop backpack out of New Fork Lakes travels through a variety of terrains ranging from impressive canyons with sheer granite walls to beautiful alpine lake basins surrounding by towering peaks.