Wyoming Range

Getting There

Listing all means of access to this vast area would be quite a task, but I will discuss some major spots.

From the east, leave U.S. 191 east of Bondurant and turn south on Upper Hoback Road (FR 30700). A good gravel road leads to a trailhead from which you can hike a primitive trail called Upper Hoback into the eastern reaches of the Wyoming Range. This road is also the way to access the route on Hoback Peak that Thomas Turiano describes in Select Peaks of the Greater Yellowstone.

The Greys River Road, west of the range's spectacular western side, is an adventure in itself and provides access to both ranges. There are several trailheads that access the Wyoming Range National Scenic Trail and some of the highest peaks in the range. Please read the next section for a more detailed account of this spectacular mountain journey.

Greys River Road

  Start in Alpine, Wyoming, and head south on the Greys River Road. This road is a little rough and bumpy in places, but you can travel it with almost any passenger car. In good weather, this road gives wild scenery and a remote feel that only the truly dead of heart will fail to appreciate.

It is about 60 miles from Alpine to Tri-Basin Divide, a few feet north of which the Greys River begins as a trickle in some gorgeous meadows. Look for the sign saying “Greys River--- Watch Me Grow” and reflect on how the river has changed since you left Alpine (or, if you’re heading the other way, get yourself ready). At the divide, falling (and melting) water runs to the Colorado River, the Columbia River, or into the Great Basin. Tri-Basin Divide is also where the road splits three ways--- south, east, and west--- and leads to other fine Wyoming destinations. Along the way there, you get to enjoy what I like to think of as the "real" Wyoming-- classic mountain country with canyons, meadows, wildlife, rugged peaks, and no crowds. This country is so big, beautiful, and remote that you will feel as though you are on safari in some undiscovered territory despite the fact that you're on a signed road.

The first few miles of the road take you through a dramatic rapids-filled canyon. Then the scenery opens up as you travel well above wildflower meadows and the river's east banks while pyramid-like peaks of the Salt River Range compete for your attention. Watch for cattle, but watch for moose, too, and look out for the ground squirrels-- they deserve a break (and brake), too.

As trees begin to block your views of the Salt River Range and the road gets a little rougher, the Wyoming Range comes into view. Some particularly beautiful areas are around Box Canyon Creek, where a great trail accesses the crest of the range, and Poison Meadows, where there are stunning meadows of gold and purple in July. All the while, take time to enjoy the changing faces of the Greys River. The side trip to McDougal Gap does not take long and is worth the time.

You can approach Tri-Basin Divide from La Barge or from U.S. 89, too. There is also a way from the Pinedale area by heading over McDougal Gap, but I have not been that way yet and cannot describe it. The way from 89 is nicer and easier than the La Barge way, but it is still nowhere near as scenic as the Greys Riverway.

Controversy, and Salvation (for now)

Mining and other extractive uses have occurred out here before, and there are new pressures for them to begin again or increase from current levels.

It is not my intent to delve into politics here but to provide a factual account of some issues facing this region. As a political independent, I often see and respect both sides of contentious issues. Here, I admit the benefits of job creation and satisfying our energy needs that extractive uses bring, but I also see how our short-term wants negatively impact the long-term good for both the ecosystem and ourselves. I offer no prescription here; this is not the forum for it.

Fact-- wisely or unwisely, the Bush administration pushed for expanded energy exploration on federally owned lands in the West, and a great deal of that push occurred in Wyoming’s Upper Green River Basin and the Salt River/Wyoming Ranges. Previously, those that know about these things decreed that the mineral reserves out here were not substantial or accessible enough to make profitable ventures, and the region seemed spared. But a more industry-friendly administration, reliance on foreign oil, high gasoline prices, and new technology put renewed attention on the energy potential stored in these parts of Wyoming.

Not surprisingly, numerous locals opposed many, most, or even all of these proposed projects. And these were not your stereotypical tree-hugger types who seem more like irresponsible kids than thoughtful adults-- they were conservatives and Republicans who saw their way of life, and their hunting and fishing, threatened. Even late Wyoming Senator Craig Thomas (R) came out against some of these plans, showing that the issues were less about partisan politics and more about values and priorities.

In May 2009, though, President Barack Obama signed the Omnibus Public Land Management Act, which added or created wilderness protection in many areas in many states, including the Wyoming Range. For now, at least, 1.2 million acres are protected from oil and gas development.

Red Tape

There is not too much trail maintenance or signage out here. Know what you are doing before you venture out into these mountains.

Hunting is popular in the fall--- hikers and climbers might want to stay away at those times. Most hunters and some hikers are very responsible, but there are accidents every year all over the country.

The Greys River Road is unplowed in winter.

Camping, etc.

There are several Forest Service campgrounds along the Greys River Road. They are primitive sites (no water, no flush toilets). Fees for them, if any, would be small. Dispersed camping opportunities are delightful and virtually limitless.

The town of Alpine provides all services. Other "gateway" towns include Big Piney and La Barge, which have full services but a more limited selection than Alpine does.

Books and Maps

Most of the area lies within the Bridger-Teton National Forest, and contacting that agency for a map would be a good idea. The forest map will not show the topography, but it will identify the USGS quads you should have for hikes and climbs out here. Alternatively, get DeLorme’s Wyoming Atlas and Gazetteer, which does show topography and has the added benefit of covering the entire state; it is not, however, suitable as a hiking map.

Falcon Publishing has Hiking Wyoming, which details a few good hikes in the range, and Wild Wyoming, which gives useful travel information, overviews, and trip suggestions but is not so good with trail descriptions and maps.

Thomas Turiano’s Select Peaks of Greater Yellowstone is the climbing Bible for the region, and it is available at Amazon.com. The book covers several Wyoming Range peaks not on SP, and it has extensive information about the region's natural and human history.

Contact Information

Bridger-Teton National Forest

Greys River Ranger District
617 North Washington St.
P.O. Box 339
Afton, WY 83110
307-886-5300
Fax: 307-885-5339

Big Piney Ranger District
315 South Front Street
P.O. Box 218
Big Piney, WY 83113
307-276-3375
Fax: 307-739-5335

Jackson Ranger District
25 Rosencrans Lane
P.O. Box 1689
Jackson, WY 83001
307-739-5400
Fax: 307-739-5450