Wind River High Route Permit
America's premier off-trail alpine traverse: 80 miles of glacier crossings, 12,000-foot passes, and route-finding through the largest wilderness in the Lower 48.
“Navigate by map and compass through 80 miles of Wyoming's most spectacular alpine terrain, where trails end and true mountain travel begins.”
Plan your Bridger-Teton National Forest / Wind River Range trip here, then get your permit from the agency.
Walk-up permit
How to get Wind River High Route
Wind River High Route is issued by the agency rather than through a booking calendar. Their page has the current process and any dates.
Official permit pagePlanning another trip? See the permits we alert on.
Wind River High Route permit season
- route distance, point to point
- 80mi
- elevation gain
- 20,000ft
- max group size
- 15people
The five passes of the Wind River High Route
80 miles from Green River Lakes Trailhead to Big Sandy Trailhead, over five passes.
Mile 0 at Green River Lakes Trailhead
Vista Pass
- ELEVATION
- 10,129 ft
First major pass, 10,129 ft. Views of the Winds' northern ramparts.
Wind River High Route key landmarks
Wind River High Route elevation
MILES 0 TO 80 · 8,058 TO 12,251 FTHow to get a Wind River High Route permit
No permit needed.
No permit is required for an individual or family trip. Bridger-Teton National Forest requires free permits only for organized groups and recreational livestock users, and accepts applications from April 1 for the current year
Wind Rivers trailheads and parking
- Green River Lakes
8,000 ft
- Big Sandy
9,100 ft
The two Wind Rivers trailheads in full
Primary8,000 ft elevation
Green River Lakes TrailheadNorthern terminus. Long dirt road access from Pinedale.
- Restrooms
- Water on site
- No signal
Parking
Primitive camping available. Fee required for some areas.
Getting there
From Pinedale, take FR 111 approximately 55 miles. Gravel road, passable by most vehicles.
Nearest services
Pinedale (55 miles) has full services including gear shops.
Alternate9,100 ft elevation
Big Sandy TrailheadSouthern terminus. Most common exit point.
- Restrooms
- No water
- No signal
Parking
Popular trailhead for Cirque of the Towers. Can be crowded.
Getting there
From Pinedale, approximately 45 miles on dirt roads. High clearance recommended for final miles.
Nearest services
Pinedale (45 miles) has full services. Shuttle services available.
As of September 2026, the managing agency does not require a permit for Wind River High Route in Bridger-Teton National Forest / Wind River Range, Wyoming. Wind River High Route rates 6/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. The Wind River High Route route covers 80 miles with 20,000 feet of elevation gain, rated expert.
- Permit required
- No
- Type
- Thru-Hike
- Location
- Wind River Range, WY
How this permit is issued
Get this permit in person at the trailhead or ranger station, or by phone.
Official permit page →More on Wind River High Route: Live availability activity
How much a Wind River High Route permit costs
Wind River High Route permit fee: No fee. Individual backpacking in the Bridger Wilderness needs no permit.
The Wind River High Route hike
- Distance
- 80 miles
- Elevation Gain
- 20,000 ft
- Route Type
- Point to Point
- Duration
- 6-8 days
- Difficulty
- Expert
- Elevation Range
- 8,000 - 12,500 ft
Navigate by map and compass through 80 miles of Wyoming's most spectacular alpine terrain, where trails end and true mountain travel begins.
About this permit
The Wind River High Route is an approximately 80-mile off-trail traverse through Wyoming's Wind River Range, following the Continental Divide between Green River Lakes and Big Sandy. The route is approximately 65% off-trail, requiring advanced navigation and mountaineering skills.
Most hikers complete the route in 6-8 days. The route was first documented by Alan Dixon ('Adventure Alan') and later expanded by Andrew Skurka. Multiple variations exist with distances ranging from 80-97 miles.
The route
From Green River Lakes, the route heads south along the Continental Divide, immediately leaving maintained trails. The first major challenge is Knapsack Col, a 12,200-foot pass that deposits you into the legendary Titcomb Basin, surrounded by Wyoming's highest peaks.
The middle section traverses the heart of the range: Indian Basin, the Bonneville Lakes, and the approach to the Cirque of the Towers via Texas Pass. Each day involves 3,000+ feet of off-trail elevation change, boulder-hopping across vast talus fields, and careful navigation with map and compass.
The Cirque of the Towers is the route's climax, a granite amphitheater that draws rock climbers from around the world. The final miles descend past Lonesome Lake (where camping is prohibited) and over Jackass Pass before the long exit to Big Sandy Trailhead.
Why it matters
The Wind River High Route is America's answer to the Haute Route, an off-trail traverse through the largest wilderness in the contiguous United States. Unlike the CDT which passes through the range on maintained trails, the WRHR links alpine passes and glacial basins via a route that exists only on maps and in the minds of experienced mountaineers. It's perhaps the finest alpine traverse in the Lower 48.
The feeling
There is no trail. You stand at the base of Knapsack Col, studying the talus field and the glacier beyond, choosing your line up 1,500 feet of boulder-strewn slope. Above, Titcomb Basin waits: a vast granite amphitheater where turquoise lakes reflect spires that rival the Tetons. For seven days, you navigate by pass and peak, by drainage and divide, linking basins that most hikers never see. By the time you descend to Big Sandy, you've completed something that feels less like hiking and more like mountaineering without ropes.
Wind River High Route hike highlights
- 80 miles over 6-8 days with approximately 20,000 feet of elevation gain
- 65% off-trail travel requiring map and compass navigation
- Class 2-3 scrambling throughout; some Class 4 moves possible on variations
- Glacier crossings that may require crampons and ice axe
- Nine major passes above 11,000 feet
- The most spectacular alpine scenery in the Lower 48
How hard the Wind River High Route hike is
- Physical DemandFitness and endurance required5/5
- Technical SkillClimbing, scrambling, or specialized skills5/5
- Exposure RiskSteep dropoffs and fall potential4/5
- NavigationRoute finding and trail clarity5/5
- CommitmentDifficulty of bailing out mid-route5/5
Best for: Expert mountaineers with extensive off-trail experience and strong navigation skills.
Recommended experience: Should have completed multiple off-trail alpine routes and be proficient with map/compass navigation, glacier travel, and Class 3 scrambling.
Not recommended for: Anyone without significant off-trail alpine experience or comfort with glacier travel.
When to hike Wind River High Route
Best time to visit
Late July through early September. Before mid-July, passes may be snow-choked requiring technical mountaineering. After mid-September, winter storms begin. August offers the best balance of conditions and reduced mosquitoes.
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (8,000 ft)
Backcountry Tips
- Today: Expect 16°F colder at summit. Layer up.
- Today: Freezing temps at elevation. Bring insulation even if warm below.
- Tomorrow: Expect 16°F colder at summit. Layer up.
Today
56°
38°
Wed
61°
42°
Thu
60°
42°
Fri
61°
41°
Sat
61°
43°
Sun
64°
44°
Mon
63°
46°
Wind River High Route photography guide
Golden Hour
Sunrise in Titcomb Basin with alpenglow on the surrounding spires is the route's signature shot. The Cirque of the Towers at golden hour is equally spectacular.
Best Light
Early morning light illuminates the granite walls. Late afternoon storms create dramatic cloud compositions.
Beat the Crowds
The WRHR itself sees few hikers due to difficulty. Titcomb Basin and the Cirque can be busy; weekdays and shoulder season offer more solitude.
Classic Shots
- Titcomb Basin with surrounding peaks reflected in still water
- The Cirque of the Towers from Texas Pass
- Knapsack Col from below, showing the route up
- Gannett Peak (Wyoming's highest) from Titcomb Basin
- Lonesome Lake with the Cirque's spires rising above
Wind River High Route rules, gear and safety
Gear checklist
Required- Detailed topographic maps (7.5-minute USGS)
- Compass and GPS with pre-loaded waypoints
- Crampons and ice axe (for glacier crossings, even in late season)
- Sturdy mountaineering boots (talus travel demands ankle support)
- Bear canister (highly recommended)
Recommended gear
- Trekking poles (essential for talus fields and river crossings)
- Helmet (for rockfall protection on passes)
- Gaiters (for scree and snow)
- Satellite communicator (no cell service anywhere on route)
- Written route description and waypoint list
Rules & regulations
- 01No permit is required for an individual or family trip. Bridger-Teton National Forest requires free permits only for organized groups and recreational livestock users, and accepts applications from April 1 for the current year
- 02Groups are limited to 15 people and 25 head of stock in the Bridger Wilderness, and to 20 people in the Fitzpatrick and Popo Agie Wildernesses
- 03If your line crosses onto the Wind River Indian Reservation, which borders the north side of the Popo Agie Wilderness, you need a tribal permit to enter it
- 04No campfires above treeline (most of route)
- 05Camp 200 feet from water and trails
- 06Camping prohibited within 1/4 mile of Lonesome Lake
- 07Bear canisters highly recommended (no requirement but bears present)
Hazards & considerations
- Route-finding: getting lost is easy; navigation skills essential
- Rockfall: loose talus on many passes
- Glacier travel: crevasses possible; crampons/ice axe may be needed
- Altitude: most of route is above 10,000 ft; AMS risk is real
- Weather: afternoon thunderstorms common; lightning exposure severe above treeline
- Remoteness: evacuation could take days
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Wind River High Route.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Wind River High Route · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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Wind River High Route FAQ
How do I get a Wind River High Route permit?
Wind River High Route is issued directly by the agency. It is issued in person or by phone, so there is no reservation to book and no cancellation to catch. Bring backup dates and check their page for the current process.
When is the best time to visit Wind River High Route?
Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Wind River High Route permit?
This permit has a demand score of 6/10, making it moderately competitive.
What if I can't get a Wind River High Route permit?
The agency awards this permit directly. Bring backup dates and check the official page for the current process and any closures.
Wind River High Route trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions
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Trip Reports
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Write the First ReportAlternatives to a Wind River High Route permit
- Easier AlternativeNo permit needed
Cirque of the Towers (Big Sandy)
On-trail access to the route's most famous destination via Big Sandy Trailhead.
Tradeoffs
See the Cirque without the full off-trail commitment. Trail is established and navigation straightforward.
- Easier AlternativeNo permit needed
Titcomb Basin
On-trail access to Titcomb Basin from Elkhart Park Trailhead.
Tradeoffs
Established trail to one of the route's highlights. No technical navigation required.
- Similar ExperienceNo permit needed
Continental Divide Trail (Wind Rivers section)
Follow the CDT through the Wind Rivers on maintained trails.
Tradeoffs
Trail-based but still spectacular scenery. Misses the truly remote basins.
Where to stay near Wind River High Route
- Trails End CampgroundBridger-Teton National Forest
- Narrows CampgroundBridger-Teton National Forest
- Willow Lake CampgroundBridger-Teton National Forest
- All Wyoming campgrounds
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