This is the remote road less travelled. Wind River is a spectacular wilderness area laid over a granite mountain range known for its big, steep walls loved by rock climbers. In winter the climbing crowd stays away and the roads aren’t ploughed so it becomes almost inaccessible and you can have the place almost to yourself. If you’re not familiar with this countryside it’s like the Sierra - high open meadows, alpine lakes and lots of granite. Below 6000 feet the soil is more friendly and there is more growth, forests sprout up in the valleys and wildflowers grow in season. All this quiet, empty landscape on a large scale makes this a place for a proper adventure.

In winter Wind River remains a bit of a mystery. Conditions and the landscape change quickly and you need to find out as much as possible about what you’re going to be faced with before you enter the wilderness. Go being prepared to change your track and objectives. For most people the peaks will be the highlights but they can be challenging and a ski descent is only for the most hard core skiers. Gannett Peak, Wyoming’s highest, is one of the most appealing; off the trail head it’s a semi popular target in Summer and you can ski down the same route you come up. All approaches are multi day trips and it can be tricky going in winter. Spectacular country though and ripe for exploration and adventure.

Read a full trip report.

Written by  Steve Romeo.

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