Wind River Range

The Continental Divide atop its crest, the snow-frosted Wind River Range is populated by some of the most beautiful mountains in Wyoming. The area attracts its fair share of hardcore mountaineers and backpackers who more often than not find plenty of peace and solitude on their expeditions. The main gateway towns to the wilderness are Riverton and Lander, the latter being the home of the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and a great launchpad for outdoor adventures of all kinds. Much of the Wind River Range and the valley of the same name is part of the Wind River Indian Reservation, a 2.2-million-acre sovereign nation that is ...

The Continental Divide atop its crest, the snow-frosted Wind River Range is populated by some of the most beautiful mountains in Wyoming. The area attracts its fair share of hardcore mountaineers and backpackers who more often than not find plenty of peace and solitude on their expeditions. The main gateway towns to the wilderness are Riverton and Lander, the latter being the home of the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and a great launchpad for outdoor adventures of all kinds. Much of the Wind River Range and the valley of the same name is part of the Wind River Indian Reservation, a 2.2-million-acre sovereign nation that is populated by about 7,500 members of the Northern Arapaho and Eastern Shoshone tribes and site of numerous vibrant powwows. The sheer walls of the Wind River Canyon make for a great scenic drive with plenty of places to stop for roadside snapshots.

About the Expert

Eric Peterson has written and contributed to numerous Frommer’s guidebooks covering the American West, including Montana & Wyoming, Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks, and Texas.