Wind River High Route
Wind River Range, WY
Elevation Profile
Current Conditions
Bottom Line
Weather forecast is unavailable, which is a real problem for a 3-day high route in late April — you need that data before you go. Stream crossing data shown is from California gauges, not the Wind Rivers, so it's useless for this trip. The 52" snowpack at elevation is the dominant factor: expect postholing, obscured route-finding, and cold creek crossings swollen by afternoon snowmelt.
Data temporarily unavailable
This data source did not respond. Try regenerating the briefing.
Data temporarily unavailable
This data source did not respond. Try regenerating the briefing.
52" depth
Elevated flows · 5 gauges
No active fires within 50 miles
13h 44m daylight · Sunrise 6:24 AM · Sunset 8:08 PM
Full Briefing
The biggest issue with this briefing is data quality. The weather forecast is down, and the five stream gauges cited are all California stations — San Antonio River, Salinas River, Llagas Creek — none of which have any relevance to the Wind River Range. Do not use those numbers to assess crossing difficulty on this trip. Before you leave, pull the Green River or New Fork River gauges from USGS for a regional proxy, and check the Bridger-Teton NWS forecast for Sublette County. Without weather data, you're flying blind on the single biggest hazard for a late-April Wind River trip: afternoon thunderstorms and temperature swings that drive snowmelt and creek levels.
The 52-inch snowpack is real and will shape every day. Late April in the Wind Rivers typically means consolidated morning snow that firms up overnight and turns to heavy, punchy mush by midday. Expect to move fast in the early hours while the crust holds, and plan for significant postholing from roughly 10 AM onward. Route-finding will be harder than summer — cairns are buried, trails are invisible, and the terrain blends together under snow. Have your GPX loaded and know your bail options before you drop into the backcountry.
Crossings are the specific risk that warrants caution even without local gauge data. Late April in a 52-inch snowpack year means afternoon melt pulses hitting drainages hard. Fords that are knee-deep at 8 AM can be thigh-deep and fast by 3 PM. Cross any significant water before noon. Trekking poles are non-negotiable — unbuckle your hipbelt before every crossing. If a crossing looks wrong, it probably is; scout upstream for a snowbridge or log before committing.
Fire is a non-issue — nothing within 50 miles, clean air. Daylight is generous at nearly 14 hours, sunrise at 6:24 AM, so you can be moving well before the snow softens. Use that window. Plan your camp locations around being off exposed ridges by early afternoon in case weather rolls in — which it will at some point over three days, even if you can't see the forecast right now. Get the NWS forecast before you leave; this briefing cannot substitute for it.
Waypoints
Green River Lakes
Northern terminus with dramatic views of Squaretop Mountain.
7,999 ft
Vista Pass
First major pass. Off-trail from here—compass and map essential.
11,499 ft
Titcomb Basin
Spectacular alpine basin beneath Fremont Peak. Turquoise lakes.
10,499 ft
Cirque of the Towers
Iconic granite cirque. World-class climbing and stunning camping.
10,200 ft
Big Sandy Opening
Southern terminus at Big Sandy. Rough dirt road to highway.
8,999 ft
Route Details
Distance
80.0 mi
Elevation Gain
23,999 ft
Elevation Loss
25,000 ft
Max Elevation
12,500 ft
Estimated Days
8
Trailhead
Green River Lakes Trailhead
Best Season
Late July through mid-September. Early season snow on passes. Short weather windows.
About This Route
The Wind River High Route is an off-trail alpine traverse through Wyoming's Wind River Range, following a path first described by backpacker Alan Dixon. This ~80-mile route stays almost entirely above treeline, crossing passes above 12,000 feet and traversing some of the most remote terrain in the contiguous United States. The route passes beneath the Continental Divide, skirting glaciers and crossing through talus fields, boulder-strewn valleys, and alpine meadows. Navigation skills are essential—there is no maintained trail for much of the route. The Cirque of the Towers and the views of Gannett Peak (Wyoming's highest) are highlights. This is a serious undertaking requiring strong navigation, scrambling ability, and experience in remote backcountry travel. Weather can be severe above treeline. Most parties take 7-10 days and carry 8+ days of food. Water is abundant from snowmelt streams and alpine lakes.
Plan This Route
Get a personalized conditions briefing with detailed analysis for your trip dates.
Plan This Route