Wind River Range Southern Access Road
Gateway to Wyoming's granite wilderness high country
This scenic route follows the Green River drainage into the heart of Wyoming’s Wind River Range, ending at the Bridger Wilderness boundary. The road starts smooth near Pinedale but degrades significantly as it climbs toward the Continental Divide, with multiple creek crossings and rocky sections that challenge stock vehicles. The final miles wind through alpine meadows with towering granite peaks rising on all sides — classic Wyoming high country at its finest.
Moderate difficulty requires high-clearance 4WD for the creek crossings and rocky climbs above 9,000 feet. Best from late June through early October, though creek levels can be problematic during snowmelt. No permits needed for the road itself, but wilderness permits required for backpacking beyond the trailheads. Excellent dispersed camping throughout, with crystal-clear streams and some of the best stargazing in the lower 48. Fuel up in Pinedale — this is genuine wilderness.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 32 mi / 51.4 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 9400 ft |
| Best season | June-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Pinedale, Wyoming |
| Land manager | Bridger-Teton National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | fs.usda.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle this route, or do I need a lift?
A stock high-clearance 4WD with decent all-terrain tires will get through — no lift required. The creek fords and rocky two-track sections are the limiting factor, not extreme ledges or shelf roads. Aired-down tires (25-28 psi) will make the mixed surface sections noticeably smoother.
When does this road typically open in spring, and is October pushing it?
Snow can linger on the upper sections into early June — late June is a safer bet for a clear run. October is doable but watch the forecast hard; early season storms hit fast at 9,400 ft and can turn the route into a muddy mess or worse overnight.
Do I need a permit to drive or camp on this route?
No permit is required to drive the route or use dispersed campsites on Bridger-Teton National Forest land. If you're planning to hike into the Wind River Range Wilderness from the trailheads along the route, a free self-issue wilderness permit is required at the trailhead register.
How serious are the water crossings — depth, current, time of year?
There are multiple creek fords, and depth varies significantly by season — runoff in June and early July can push crossings to 18–24 inches with real current. By August they're typically knee-deep or less and manageable for most high-clearance rigs. Scout every crossing before committing; rocks shift and bottom conditions change year to year.
How far is the nearest gas from the trailhead, and is cell service reliable enough for navigation?
Pinedale is your last fuel stop — top off there, it's roughly 20–30 miles from the southern access depending on your exact start point. Cell service is spotty to nonexistent once you leave the highway, so download offline maps (Gaia GPS or similar) and don't count on a signal for navigation or emergencies.
Trail track
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