A Wind River Adventure
Explore these links!(but ignore those with the construction sign; they're not paved yet.)
(Bookmark this site now before you leave)
Wind River Mountain Range of Wyoming
The Winds are a craggy section of the Rockies, with an unusual low area at South Pass. Here lies the Oregon Trail of pioneer fame.
Wind River Mountains of Wyoming.
Lander, Wyoming
This town of some 7000 people is on the eastern foothills of the southern Wind River Mountains. The route to Yellowstone passes through, bringing considerable tourist traffic. The town is the Fremont County seat and serves the outdwelling country with supplies and services.
http://weather.noaa.gov/cgi-bin/iwszone?Sites=:wyz012Lander foothills weather
http://www.wyomingoutdoorsradio.com/events.htm
Area Attractions
There are several interesting attractions here; take time to see them.
The Sinks, where the Little Popo Agie River disappears underground for half a mile
This is a short hike uphill from Bruce's Bridge to a beautiful place.
Photo Guide
Vistas and forests. Some photo gifs may be large, but also wonderous. Still in progress
The Wind River Basin showing forks of the Popo Agie river system
Episodes of Past Trips
Trail Guides
Comment: I plan to include a few trail guides in this area. GPS values will be from topo map estimates until actually measured. Your data would be welcomed.
Other Related Trail Maintenance Pages
by Frank R. Leslie, 1996
by Frank R. Leslie, 1996
Some other trail maintenance clubs
Wilderness Equipment Websites
Comment: A few links to suppliers and outfitters
Travel Aids
You may want to check travel by air with the Internet.There are no trains to Lander, the closest route stop being at Rock Springs. There is (is/was) a bus run by the Shoshone and Arapahoe Indian Nations between Salt Lake City UT and Lander WY once a day. Cost is $75 each way. 800-?[More on this later.]
Driving from Salt Lake City? Take the Interstate 80 to Rock Springs and turn north on WY 191 to Farson. The western side of the Winds is beautiful from here, and Wind River Peak usually has snow on it. Have an ice cream cone, and then head east to Lander on WY 28 alongside the Oregon Trail. Take the road to the south to South Pass City, and continue on to Atlantic City, an old mining town. The road will turn north back to WY 28, then turn east to pass through Red Canyon. You will soon reach US 287, which comes from Rawlins, passing through Lander on the way to the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone.
If you fly to RIverton, you can take a bus to Lander. Cost is about $35 for round trip from the Great Divide Tours.
Weather
The weather can change quickly in the mountains. No matter how hot it is, be prepared to ward off hypothermia.
Lodging and Restaurants
Comment: A few hints on local establishments
The Solar-Powered Hiker's opinion code: $, price; Q, quality; P, portion; DN, don't know; one to four symbols where four is highest
The Commons (Main St.) for family dining. $$, QQ, PP
The Showboat (Main St.) for fantastic breakfasts. $, QQQ, PPP
Tony's Pizza (Main St.) for the after trip get together. $, QQQ, PPP
Judd's Grub (634 Main St.) for burgers and such. $, QQ, PPP
The Dairy Queen (Main St.) for dessert. $, QQQ, PP
and on the way from Salt Lake City at Farson, WY try the Mercantile's mammoth ice cream cones! $, QQQ, PPPPP (well, they are dangerously large)
Of Other Interest
Miscellaneous Information:
ARCO for general merchandise; across from the Ranger Station The Washakie Ranger Station (333 South 789) for local info and bear reports
Outdoors Place ( Main St.) for topo maps and sporting goods; near the grain elevator
The Showboat Diner ( Main St.) Great breakfasts at a reasonable price McRae's Drugs (371 Main St.) for souveniers and postcards. They handle UPS shipments. Safeway ( Main St.) for groceries
Mr. D's ( Main St.) for groceries
(north side of Main St.) for backwoods clothes at the last minute. Pamida for general merchandise; northwest end of town
Back to the front
From www.oocities.org/Yosemite/1270/linkindex.html