Wind River High Route: Section 4

The Wind River High Route stretches nearly 100 miles across the stunning Wind River Range of Wyoming. It is arguably the finest high alpine route in the country. Along the way it spends 65 miles off trail, climbs nine mountain passes, traverses two glaciers and summits two 13,000’ peaks. While not technically challenging (nothing exceeds class 3 terrain) the route is extremely difficult. It is not for novice backpackers - hikers must be experienced with off trail travel and route finding, and be prepared to spend over a week in the remote Wind Rivers where the weather can change on a dime and the nearest bail out point is often more than a day’s hike away. The description below provides a brief overview, but is not a substitute for the official guide and map set by Andrew Skurka (available here).

Section 4 of the Wind River High Route begins from Dinwoody Creek. This final section of the route is unique and extremely exposed. You’ll cross two glaciers, stay above 11,000ft for about 18 miles, and climb the northernmost named 13er in the range. You’ll feel like you’re on the moon at times. While not as challenging as Section 3 technically speaking (nothing exceeds Class 2, and there is 25% less vertical change per mile), this section makes up for it with sheer barrenness and exposure, extreme lack of bail out opportunities and almost no camping.

From Dinwoody Basin you’ll climb up West Sentinel Pass, then cross the Gannett Glacier. You may find microspikes helpful. Along the way you’ll have a stunning up close view of Gannett Peak.

After a steep descent from the glacier, then another climb, you’ll walk past a couple small lakes and come to Grasshopper Glacier. Proceed across this second and final glacier.

A steep descent leads down to Iceberg Lake Pass where you’ll have a stunning view of Iceberg Lake, Klondike Peak, and Sourdough Glacier - a scene straight out of Alaska.

The terrain begins to feel like a moonscape from this point forward as you continue along the Continental Divide and eventually toward Downs Mountain. Its a tedious rock hop up to the 13,330’ summit. The way down may be quicker thanks to a snowfield on the east side.

Continue to No Mans Pass, then to Goat Flat. Proceed across the flat (hint, it’s quite rocky and not exactly flat) before descending to Glacier Trail Pass. Congrats, you’ve made it! Well almost. 

From here it’s an easy 7.5 miles on nice trail and all downhill to the Trail Lakes Trailhead where the Wind River High Route comes to an end.