Wind River Peak

Dogs Leashed

Features Commonly Backpacked · Fishing · Geological Significance · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Wind River Peak is the highest peak in the Southern Wind River Range, sitting at 13,197 feet. It's prominence above all other surrounding peaks provides a large view of the entire range. This has been my favorite summit to enjoy anywhere in the Winds. The trip up involves 1 - 3 days, depending on level of fitness and preferred pace. The trail passes through sub-alpine forests, into tundra and alpine lakes, and onto alpine 3rd-class terrain with grand views of the Wind River Glacier. Don't underestimate this run, especially if done in a long day. The elevation gain in addition to the thin air will have you moving slow up the mountain.

If hiking this trail in a day, it is recommended start earlier than 6am. If running this trail, start no later than 7am. Check the forecast before you leave, and check the weather via satellite device on your summit day if possible. Weather comes in fast in the afternoon, and frequently from the west, a direction which cannot be seen from this side of the divide.

As per USFS rules:
1) Make sure to camp 200 feet from trails and water.
2) Dogs have to be leashed or under control (i.e. training collar or equivalent) at all times.
3) All food and attractants need to be suspended at least 10 feet high and 4 feet from a post or tree or stored inside a bear-resistant container.
4) Check current fire restrictions. Fire rings must be dismantled after use.

Running Wind River Peak is a popular challenge with an established FKT. The popular trail run is a loop rather than an out and back which starts on the Stough Creek Lakes Trail #702 at Worthen Meadows trailhead, taking the Stough Creek Cutoff Trail to the Middle Fork Trail. Take the Tayo Lake Trail and ascend the southern ridge to the summit (3rd class). From the summit, follow the trail described on this page back to the trailhead. This is also a great BIG day hike.

Start this route at Worthen Meadows Trailhead. Take the Sheep Bridge Trail to the Middle Fork Trail. There is a small creek crossing here which is usually easy to rock hop over. Follow the Middle Fork Trail for about 3 miles, then take the Pinto Park Trail #708 which ascends the Deep Creek drainage, a tributary to the Middle Fork of the Popo Agie River. The trail gradually climbs easy switchbacks then mellows out to Pinto Lake (~ 3 miles). At the lake, take the Deep Creek Cutoff #709 trail for 2 more miles, or until you reach Deep Creek Lakes. This is a great spot to set up your basecamp for the climb.

The trail to the summit climbs the north-east ridge, which quickly turns from 2nd class to 3rd class terrain. Enjoy views of Wind River Glacier as you take breaks on this climb. The trail reaches a bench at Chimney Rock, a sub-peak of Wind River, circumnavigating its southern side. Now the final push for the summit awaits. It's steep 3rd class and thin air. There is some mild 4th class just before the summit.

Congratulations, you're now on top of the highest peak in the southern range! Enjoy the view of the entire Wind River Range. You can pick out the Cirque of the Towers, Deep Lake, Eagle Peak, Fremont Peak, and Gannet Peak, among all other significant high points of the range. To descend, follow the path you took up from Deep Creek Lakes. Enjoy another night at Deep Creek Lakes or press on out to the trailhead.