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XPDTN-3: Circumnavigating the Wind River Mountains

A 4-5 day bikepacking trip around the Wind River Mountain Range in northwestern Wyoming

If there’s one thing I’ve adopted the last few months it’s having a plan A, B, and C. With bike races canceled and the season on hold, many of us have been searching for new adventures on two-wheels. In late May, I was supposed to be in the Caribbean with my family. Needless to say, COVID-thwarted again. Fortunately, local travel was beginning to relax and I was able to go with my fantastic backup plan—riding in Moab, followed by heading north to the Tetons.

Text by TEXT AND PHOTOS BY LAUREN CANTWELL @LMACKENZIE87 OF THE VELOCIO // EXPLORO TEAM @VELOCIO_EXPLORO - 21 July 2020

Day one, I ate breakfast at my parents’ house, finished packing and tweaking my gear organization and finally loaded rolled out at a leisurely 11am. I headed south up Hoback Canyon and in no time had climbed up out of the canyon into Bondurant and onto the high plateau. From there it was southbound towards Pinedale with a brisk tailwind (yay!) I stopped in Pinedale for water refill and lunch at one of my favorite spots there– Obo’s Market and Deli.

South of Pinedale in Boulder, WY I took a left off of the main highway and onto WY 353. About 11 more miles and the gravel began. The Lander cut-off road runs south along the west side of the Winds and is about 50 miles of stunning gravel with mountain views. I stopped for the night on some BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land and after dinner enjoyed a beautiful sunset from my sleeping bag and a night under the stars.


The next morning it was time for more gravel miles! There were some cows and a lot of pronghorn. After a couple miles on WY 28 I returned to gravel and detoured into South Pass City on more dirt to bypass the highway pavement. After another quick highway stint, I chose to take a small risk—Lake Louis Road into Lander. The small risk being that this road was technically still closed which means there may well be snow.

The risk paid off. No cars, stunning views, and only 2 short sections of snow that forced me to walk for about 30 meters each. Before I knew it I was descending dirt down towards Sinks Canyon and Lander. The dirt turned back into pavement and I dropped into the canyon. I stopped by the Sinks and the Rise and then rolled on into Lander. I had plans for ice cream after arrival with my friend and former coworker, Mark, and to my surprise he was outside his house (on the road into town) to greet me as I rolled in! I dropped my things at another friend’s house who was letting me stay in the basement for the night (social distanced!), showered and finally time for ice cream! Then I had a lovely rest of the evening in Lander catching up with several other friends from my NOLS(National Outdoor Leadership School) days.


Early the next morning I headed north into the Wind River Reservation. The lovely tailwind I had enjoyed two days prior headed south was now a stout headwind. By the time I got to Dubois, I was feeling it but a quick latte stop at The Perch Coffeehouse perked me up and I started the climb up Togwotee Pass and back across the Continental Divide. Thanks to COVID, all of the National Forest campgrounds were closed, but at the base of the pass, I headed up a Forest Service road and lucked into one of the best campsite views I’ve ever had—looking across the valley right at the Tetons and Mount Moran.

The final day was a ‘short’ ride back to Hoback through Grand Teton National Park. I opted to take the highway to get a little more family time in (read: a second ride of the day with them). In just a few hours I was rolling into my parents’ driveway to a most excellent dog welcome party with tired legs but a full and happy heart. While I’ll be bummed if racing continues to be canceled for the year, I also will welcome continuing to explore new territory and new adventures on two wheels!

 

LocationCircumvention of Wind River Mountains, Northwest Wyoming, USA

 

Total trip distance (4 days)605 km

 

Ascent in metres5318

 

Trip infoA 4-5 day bikepack trip circumventing the Wind River Mountain Range in northwestern Wyoming. The route has few big climbs, but keeps you on the outskirts of the mountain range and through two mountain passes with spectacular views, wildlife, and passes through several towns making for easy resupply options.

 

Best time to travelLate May-early October

 

Type of terrainMixed- pavement & gravel

 

Expected weatherIn summer the weather is usually warm and dry with possible afternoon storms. As with any high mountains however one should be prepared for snow and cold rain at any time of year particularly if trying the route early/late season.

 

Gearing guidanceLittle steep climbing. SRAM Red AXS 12 speed 10-33T, 46/33T

 

Tyre guidance32-40 recommended. Heavy tread is not necessary, gravel roads are relatively smooth and there is a large amount of pavement.
Do not forget…Sunscreen- no tree cover, water purifier/filter. If camping near Togwotee Pass or other trailheads near the Winds it is bear country need to be prepared to hang food and have bear spray.

 

AirportJackson Hole. SLC nearest international airport.

 

Hotel / camp locationBLM land off of Lander Cut-Off Road. Big Sandy and Little Sandy Trailheads are options. If desiring a shorter day, Pinedale WY has hotels/camping options.

 

(Start / Day 0)
Hotel / camp locationLander, WY– I stayed at a friend’s house, but multiple hotel options or free camping in city park

 

(Day 1)
Hotel / camp location (Day 2)I camped up Forest Road 30160. Also multiple campgrounds at the base of Togwotee Pass or along the pass.

 

Hotel / camp locationFinish in Jackson, WY
(Day 3 / Finish)

 

  • Day 1:  https://www.strava.com/activities/3517356958
  • Day 2:   https://www.strava.com/activities/3517356944
  • Day 3: https://www.strava.com/activities/3526329944
  • Day 4: https://www.strava.com/activities/3526326329

Complete route https://www.strava.com/routes/2715281357451081946

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3 responses to “XPDTN-3: Circumnavigating the Wind River Mountains”

  1. m

    mr rupert hessian says:

    27 July 2020

    sound and looks amazing, one for the bucket list

    regards

    rupert, london (super jealous)

    Reply
  2. H

    Harald Knox says:

    23 July 2020

    Great adventure, stunning pictures and what a beautiful motivation… thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  3. Rene Wiertz says:

    22 July 2020

    Thanks for sharing Lauren, awesome scenery!

    Reply
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