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Upper Wind River Trail

Shoshone National Forest, Wyoming · 4 min read

Distance
12 mi
Elevation Gain
1,800 ft
Difficulty
moderate-hard
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
July through September
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
8 / 10
Trailhead Amenities
Restroom
None
Parking
Free
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
Nearby
Camping
Dispersed
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Upper Wind River drainage below the Wind River Range's northern peaks
  • Views toward Fremont Peak and other 13,000-foot Wind River summits
  • Remote high-country terrain with minimal visitor traffic
  • Strong cutthroat trout fishing in the upper river

Overview

The Wind River rises in the high country near Togwotee Pass and flows southeast through the Dubois country before entering the Bighorn Basin. Its upper reaches, accessible via this trail in the Shoshone National Forest, are clear and cold, bordered by the northern foothills of the Wind River Range. The 12-mile out-and-back and 1,800-foot gain cover terrain that combines river corridor and high-country approaches in a route that rewards patience with solitude and genuine backcountry scenery.

Dubois is the gateway town, one of the smaller and more authentic communities on the national forest circuit a ranching and outfitting town that has served the Wind River country for more than a century. The surrounding landscape has a high-desert character at lower elevations, with sagebrush giving way to conifer forest as the trail gains elevation. The Wind River Range itself, visible from the trail, contains Wyoming's highest peaks including Gannett Peak at 13,804 feet, the state highpoint.

The route is moderate-hard based on its length and elevation gain rather than any technical challenge. The trail is well-defined in most sections, with the upper route requiring more navigation attention where it approaches the range foothills.

The Route

Miles 0 to 4: Trailhead to River Corridor

From the trailhead at approximately 7,000 feet, the trail follows the Wind River upstream through a combination of sagebrush flats and conifer forest. The grade is gentle in the first two miles, gaining only 400 feet before steepening in the approach to the range foothills. Fishing access points to the river are numerous in the first four miles, with good pools visible from the trail.

Miles 4 to 6: High-Country Approach

Above mile 4, the trail steepens and the conifer forest becomes denser as the route approaches the range's northern foothills. The views that develop on this section toward the Wind River Range's main peaks are among the best on the route. The turnaround at mile 6 is at a natural overlook with views back down the river valley and toward the summits above.

When to Visit

Mid-July through September is the reliable window for the full route. Togwotee Pass Road (US-26/287) to the west may have residual snow into early July, and the upper trail portions can hold snow into the same period. September is excellent for fishing and uncrowded conditions.

Check current conditions using the conditions-checking guide.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry the following for this route:

  • 3 liters of water capacity with filter for refilling from the river
  • Bear spray, immediately accessible
  • Navigation tools: GPS and topo map; upper trail markers can be sparse
  • Full rain gear; afternoon storms are routine
  • Fishing gear and Wyoming license
  • Bear canister if camping overnight (see our bear canister guide)
  • Warm layers; evenings at 9,000 feet are cold even in August

Individual needs vary. The combination of altitude and remote character means self-sufficiency matters here.

Practical Details

No permit is required for day hiking as of 2026. Dispersed camping is permitted in the national forest. Follow Leave No Trace principles. Fires may be restricted during dry conditions.

For more on the distinction between national forest and national park rules, see the national forest vs. national park guide.

Getting There

From Dubois, Wyoming (on US-26/287, approximately 55 miles east of Jackson), take US-26 west or US-287 north, then forest roads toward the upper Wind River trailhead. The Wind River Ranger District in Dubois can provide current road numbers and access conditions. From Jackson, allow approximately 2 hours via Togwotee Pass. From Lander, allow approximately 1.5 hours via US-287.

Trailhead Parking

Wind River Trailhead, accessed via forest roads from Dubois, Wyoming. Gravel road; high-clearance recommended. Parking for 15-20 vehicles.

← Back to Shoshone National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does this trail access the Wind River Range peaks?
This trail follows the upper Wind River drainage but does not directly access the major Wind River Range summits. Those peaks are in the Bridger-Teton and Shoshone national forests to the south and require separate approaches. This route provides views of the range and access to its northern foothills.
How remote is this trail?
The upper Wind River drainage sees low visitor traffic. Most hikers in the Dubois area are drawn to other destinations, making this one of the quieter routes in the forest. Parties of one or two commonly go the full day without seeing others.
Is the Wind River good for fishing here?
Yes. The upper Wind River holds native cutthroat trout in its coldest sections. A Wyoming fishing license is required. The river is a tributary of the larger Wind River system, one of Wyoming's major river drainages.
What is the elevation at the trailhead?
The Wind River Trailhead sits at approximately 7,000 feet, making this a high-starting trail with additional gain to the turnaround at approximately 9,000 feet. Hikers should be acclimatized before attempting the full route.
Are there grizzly bears in this area?
The upper Wind River drainage is at the edge of the grizzly recovery zone in Wyoming. Bear spray is strongly recommended as a precaution throughout the Shoshone backcountry, and this area should be treated as active bear habitat.