Highline Trail (Wind River Range)
~6 days · 13.2 mi · easy · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Highline Trail (Wind River Range) is known for
The Highline Trail is the high alpine spine of Wyoming's Wind River Range, threading the lake-strewn basins along the Continental Divide beneath Gannett Peak, the state's highest summit. It passes landmarks including Big Sandy Lake, the Cirque of the Towers area, Pole Creek Lakes, Elbow Lake, and the Green River Lakes, linking the range's most dramatic granite country. Largely within the Bridger Wilderness of the Bridger-Teton National Forest, it is hiked as a long, remote point-to-point traverse.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 9,108 ft to 10,443 ft over 13.2 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 3.2 mi · 24%
- Downhill 6.3 mi · 48%
- Flat 3.7 mi · 28%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Highline Trail (Wind River Range)?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Highline Trail (Wind River Range) scores 10/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Best season & permits
Season: Mid-July through mid-September is the usual window, a short high-country summer set by snowmelt on the passes and frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
Permits: No fee or quota permit is required to backpack the route; the surrounding wilderness areas are generally free to enter under standard self-registration and wilderness regulations.
Official trail & permit info
Always confirm current conditions, closures, and permit rules with the managing authority before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Highline Trail (Wind River Range) take?
Most backpackers hike the Highline Trail (Wind River Range) in about 6 days (5 nights out) over its 13.2 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Highline Trail (Wind River Range)?
The Highline Trail (Wind River Range) climbs roughly 1,188 ft total — about 90 ft per mile, topping out near 10,449 ft.
When is the best time to hike the Highline Trail (Wind River Range)?
Mid-July through mid-September is the usual window, a short high-country summer set by snowmelt on the passes and frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
Do you need a permit for the Highline Trail (Wind River Range)?
No fee or quota permit is required to backpack the route; the surrounding wilderness areas are generally free to enter under standard self-registration and wilderness regulations.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.