Overview

The Wyoming Range National Recreation Trail is one of only thirteen national priority trails in the country, offering 75 miles of rugged, remote backpacking through one of Wyoming's most spectacular yet under-visited mountain ranges. This trail runs along the crest of the Wyoming Range in the Bridger-Teton National Forest, crossing high alpine meadows, steep ridgelines, and wildflower-covered slopes between 6,300 and over 11,000 feet elevation. This is a trail for experienced backpackers seeking serious solitude—expect to see more elk than people, with trip reports describing zero human encounters in the backcountry. The route demands strong navigation skills, as the trail is extremely primitive with long sections disappearing into meadows and tundra.

Best suited for self-sufficient backpackers comfortable with route-finding, extended wilderness travel, and potential grizzly bear encounters. Most backpackers complete the trail in 5-7 days. The trail runs from Bryan Flat/Willow Creek Trailhead (6,300 feet) in the north near Hoback Junction to South Piney Creek Trailhead (8,200 feet) in the south, though it can be accessed at multiple intermediate points including McDougal Gap.

Permits & Regulations

No permits are required for backpacking the Wyoming Range National Recreation Trail. This is dispersed camping in Bridger-Teton National Forest with standard forest regulations.

Camping limits: Maximum 14 consecutive days within any 30-day period. After 14 days, you must move at least 5 air miles for 30 days before returning to that area.

Food storage (March 1 - December 1): All food, garbage, and scented items must be stored in IGBC-approved bear-resistant containers when not in immediate use. Bear canisters can be rented from Bridger-Teton National Forest offices in Big Piney and Pinedale. Ursack brand bags are also approved.

Fire restrictions: Campfires may be prohibited during high fire danger periods (typically mid-summer). Check current Stage 1 Fire Restrictions before departure at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r04/bridger-teton/. When restrictions are active, fires are only allowed in designated sites.

Hunting season: Fall (September-November) sees heavy elk and deer hunting activity. If hiking during hunting season, wear blaze orange. Best to avoid September entirely due to archery hunters and late October through November for rifle season.

Motorized use: A short section between Lake and North Piney Creeks is open to motorized dirt bikes—be prepared for occasional motorcycle traffic in this segment.

Best Season

July through September offers the most reliable conditions, with August and early September providing the optimal window.

Early season (late June - early July): Snow typically clears from high passes by late June after average snow years, but expect lingering snowfields and challenging creek crossings during peak melt. Navigation becomes extremely difficult with even light snow cover. Mosquitoes can be intense. Check current snowpack conditions with Bridger-Teton NF before attempting.

Peak season (July - August): Wildflowers peak in July and August, creating spectacular displays across alpine meadows. Water sources are most reliable. July can still have afternoon thunderstorms—expect nearly daily lightning and heavy rain in the afternoon. August offers more stable weather but water becomes scarcer later in the month.

Fall shoulder season (September - early October): Excellent weather with fewer thunderstorms and no bugs, but significantly increased hunting pressure. Elk rut occurs in September, making for incredible wildlife viewing but also dangerous encounters during archery season. Water sources become increasingly unreliable. First significant snowstorms possible by late September. Access roads may close due to snow by mid-October.

Winter: Completely inaccessible. Access roads including Greys River Road are not plowed.

Water & Resupply

Water strategy requires careful planning as sources become scarce in August and are unreliable in fall.

Water sources: Surface water is generally reliable in drainages and large alpine basins from July through early August. No potable water exists along the route—all sources require treatment. By late August, water becomes scarce and you must plan your stops carefully around remaining creeks and snowmelt. High alpine sections may have 8-10 mile dry stretches. Cache water when available and be prepared to carry 2-3 liters between sources.

Resupply towns: No resupply exists along the trail. This is a true wilderness traverse requiring full self-sufficiency for the duration.

Nearest towns: Big Piney, Pinedale, and Afton are the closest towns with full services (groceries, gas, lodging). Alpine offers all basic services. Forest Service ranger stations in Big Piney (US 189) and Pinedale (US 191) can provide current conditions and rent bear canisters. These towns are 30-60+ minutes from trailheads.

Logistics: Most backpackers do point-to-point thru-hikes requiring a car shuttle. GOTCO Shuttles (based in Lander) and Wind River Shuttle offer backpacking shuttle services in western Wyoming and may service Wyoming Range trailheads—contact them in advance to arrange transportation.

Hazards & Challenges

Navigation difficulty: This is the trail's primary challenge. Despite "National Recreation Trail" designation, the Wyoming Range Trail receives minimal use and maintenance. The route is described as "not much more than a patchwork of decades-old sheep trails and fire suppression roads." Expect the trail to regularly disappear in meadows and alpine tundra. Hikers report losing the trail "almost immediately" from some trailheads. You must follow GPS tracks, watch carefully for cairns, tree markers, and occasional posts. Bring downloaded GPS tracks, paper maps (USGS quads covering the Wyoming Range), and strong compass skills. Do not attempt this trail without GPS capability.

Grizzly bears: Grizzlies have expanded into the Wyoming Range in recent years with 2-3 confirmed sightings annually. While encounters remain rare compared to Yellowstone, this is active grizzly habitat. Carry bear spray, know how to use it, make noise in dense vegetation, and follow proper food storage regulations (bear canister required). Check with Wyoming Game & Fish for recent bear activity before departure.

Weather exposure: Much of the trail travels above 9,000 feet on exposed ridgelines. Afternoon thunderstorms in July and August can be violent with dangerous lightning. Start early and plan to be off ridges by noon. Low clouds can engulf the mountains creating zero visibility—critical when combined with the minimal trail tread. Bring layers for rapid temperature swings.

Remote self-evacuation: This is an extremely remote mountain range with minimal cell service. Vehicle-accessible trailheads can be miles from the trail. A self-evacuation could take multiple days. Carry satellite communication device (inReach, SPOT) for emergencies. Nearest hospitals are in Jackson (90+ minutes from northern trailhead) or farther.

Creek crossings: Crossings occur high in watersheds before streams gain dangerous volume, but early season (June) crossings can be swift and hazardous during peak snowmelt. Most are rock-hops by mid-summer.

Terrain: Expect steep, rocky ascents and descents with minimal switchbacks. One section climbs 1,000 feet in a mile straight up. Loose rock on steep trails poses fall risk. Approximately 24,000 feet of cumulative elevation gain over the full 75 miles.

Getting There

Northern trailhead - Bryan Flat/Willow Creek: Located 6 miles southeast of Hoback Junction on US 189/191. From Jackson, drive south on US 189/191 toward Hoback Junction, continue southeast for 6 miles and look for Willow Creek Trailhead signs. Elevation 6,300 feet.

Southern trailhead - South Piney Creek: From Big Piney, Wyoming, drive west on WY Highway 350 for approximately 10 miles. Turn left on South Piney Fish Creek Road/County Road 23-142 and continue approximately 10 miles to enter Bridger-Teton National Forest (road becomes FS Road 10128). Follow FS 10128 for approximately 2 miles and veer left at the fork. The road is graded annually and is generally well-maintained for 2WD vehicles, though roads can be narrow and winding with rocks and washboard sections. Elevation 8,200 feet.

Intermediate access: McDougal Gap Trailhead and other access points along Greys River Road provide options for shorter section hikes.

Nearest airport: Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) is approximately 60 miles from the northern trailhead. Salt Lake City International (SLC) is 280 miles and offers more flight options.

Parking: Free at all trailheads. No reservation system. Willow Creek sees moderate use from day hikers; South Piney Creek is more remote with limited use.

Road conditions: Access roads are typically clear from July through September. High-clearance vehicles are recommended but not strictly required for main access roads. Greys River Road is unplowed in winter and impassable until late spring.

Tips

Download GPS tracks before departure: This cannot be overstated. The trail is essentially impossible to follow without GPS in many sections. Multiple trip reports confirm you will lose the trail in meadows.

Camp selection: Dispersed camping is virtually unlimited with spectacular high alpine sites. Look for established sites on durable surfaces to minimize impact. Some of the best camps are in basins just below ridgeline with access to seasonal creeks. Wind exposure is significant on the ridge—drop slightly below the crest for more protected sites.

Timing strategy: Start hiking at first light to beat afternoon thunderstorms. Plan your daily mileage to reach camp by early afternoon, especially in July when storms are most severe. The ridge crest is not where you want to be at 2pm.

Solitude guaranteed: Unlike Wind River Range trails or anything near Yellowstone/Tetons, you may see zero other backpackers for days. Trip reports consistently describe having the entire range to themselves except for day hikers near trailheads. This is one of Wyoming's best-kept backpacking secrets.

Wildlife viewing: Elk sign is everywhere—described as more abundant than Yellowstone. September brings the elk rut with bugling bulls, though hunting pressure makes this month less ideal. Early morning and evening offer best wildlife viewing opportunities.

Physical conditioning: The trail's primitive nature, constant elevation changes, and heavy pack (with bear canister and extra water capacity) make this significantly more demanding than well-maintained trails of similar distance. Train with loaded pack on steep, rocky terrain.

Shakedown your navigation skills: If you've never navigated with GPS tracks and minimal trail tread, this is not the place to learn. Practice on shorter trips first or consider hiring a guide for your first Wyoming Range traverse.

Plan Your Trip

Select Your Route