Wyoming·United States
Photo: Derrellwilliams · Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
The Wind River Range has no roads crossing it and some of the largest glaciers in the American Rockies, below Gannett Peak, the highest summit in Wyoming. The Cirque of the Towers and Titcomb Basin are two of the most spectacular alpine settings in the country.
In season: Jul–Sep · Peak: Aug
Long approaches of 15 to 25 km to the high basins, then camping above 3,000 m among lakes and granite. Mosquitoes are fierce in July, and the off-trail High Route needs serious navigation.
Granite amphitheatre over Jackass Pass, the range's signature
Lakes under Gannett Peak, the biggest glaciers in the Rockies
Eighty off-trail miles at altitude, navigation throughout
Start from Big Sandy trailhead for the Cirque of the Towers or from Elkhart Park near Pinedale for Titcomb Basin. Go in August, bring bear spray, and save the Wind River High Route for when you are confident off trail.
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