The Best Hikes in the Bridger Wilderness: Explore the Wind River Range on Foot

If you're looking for breathtaking scenery, rugged alpine terrain, and unforgettable high-country experiences, the Bridger Wilderness in Wyoming’s Wind River Range delivers some of the best hiking in the American West. With trailheads just outside Pinedale, the area offers everything from quick scenic treks to multi-day alpine adventures.

Whether you're visiting for the weekend, shopping for a summer home, or lucky enough to call Sublette County home, here's your guide to the best hikes in the Bridger Wilderness—organized by duration and difficulty.

🥾 Day Hikes (1 Day)

1. Sacred Rim Trail

• Distance: 4.5 miles round-trip

• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

• Elevation Gain: ~600 feet

• Highlights: Panoramic views of the Wind River Peaks, especially Fremont and Temple Peaks

• Trailhead: Elkhart Park

This popular hike is perfect for visitors who want a high reward without a huge time commitment. It’s a short trek with jaw-dropping views overlooking Titcomb Basin—ideal for families or afternoon adventurers.

2. Photographer’s Point

• Distance: 9.6 miles round-trip

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Elevation Gain: ~750 feet

• Highlights: Iconic views of the Winds, wildflowers, and wildlife

• Trailhead: Elkhart Park

This is one of the most photographed spots in the Winds—and for good reason. The trail is relatively gentle, with expansive views of the wilderness. It's a long day hike but manageable with an early start.

🏕️ Overnight Hikes (2 Days)

3. Island Lake via Pole Creek Trail

• Distance: 24 miles round-trip

• Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous

• Elevation Gain: ~2,000 feet

• Highlights: Stunning alpine lakes, camping near Island Lake, views of Fremont Peak

• Trailhead: Elkhart Park

This is a classic overnight backpacking trip that gives you a true taste of the Wind Rivers without requiring a full week. Camp at Island Lake and take in granite cliffs, crystal-clear water, and one of the most iconic scenes in the Bridger Wilderness.

4. Seneca Lake Loop

• Distance: 21 miles round-trip

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Elevation Gain: ~1,800 feet

• Highlights: Alpine lakes, fishing, wildflower meadows

• Trailhead: Elkhart Park

This less-trafficked loop is great for anglers and hikers looking to spend a night in solitude with great fishing opportunities. Seneca Lake is especially beautiful in late July when the wildflowers are in full bloom.

⛰️ Extended Backpacking Trips (3+ Days)

5. Titcomb Basin

• Distance: 30-35 miles round-trip

• Difficulty: Strenuous

• Elevation Gain: ~2,500+ feet

• Highlights: Glacier-fed lakes, towering granite peaks, alpine tundra

• Trailhead: Elkhart Park

This is one of the most sought-after backpacking routes in the entire West. The basin sits below Fremont and Gannett Peaks and offers a remote, glacial landscape that feels otherworldly. Expect to see mountain goats, hear marmots chirping, and be utterly awed by the scenery.

6. Highline Trail (Section: Green River Lakes to Elkhart Park)

• Distance: 42 miles one-way

• Difficulty: Strenuous

• Elevation Gain: Variable (passes and valleys)

• Highlights: Green River Valley, towering granite walls, alpine lakes, solitude

• Trailhead: Start at Green River Lakes, exit at Elkhart Park (or reverse)

If you want the full Wind River Range experience without doing the full CDT or loop, this point-to-point section of the Highline Trail is for you. You’ll traverse high alpine country, pass countless lakes, and see some of the most dramatic topography in the state.

🧭 Trip Planning Tips

• Permits: No permits required for most hikes, but always check with the Bridger-Teton National Forest Service for updates or restrictions.

• Bears: This is bear country. Carry bear spray and store food properly.

• Best Time to Hike: Late June to mid-September. Snow often lingers into early summer at higher elevations.

• Gear: Even for day hikes, carry layers, extra water, and a map or GPS.

🌲 Why Hike the Bridger Wilderness?

Besides the obvious scenic rewards, hiking in the Bridger Wilderness is a true escape from the crowds of more well-known parks. If you're considering relocating, investing, or retiring in the Pinedale area, the proximity to this world-class wilderness is a lifestyle asset no buyer should overlook.