Beyond Trails in the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming

Beyond Trails in the Wind Rivers of Wyoming
Off-Trail Routes for the Advanced Backpacker

Third Edition
©2025 Nancy Pallister
Self-published 

Also available at:
https://www.wildirisclimbing.com  (Lander, Wyoming)
https://www.greatoutdoorshop.com  (Pinedale, Wyoming) 

Designed for the advanced backpacker, the 57 routes emphasize the alpine terrain along the Continental Divide with 10% to 70% off-trail travel.  Route line-maps, travel plans, route profiles and day-by-day route descriptions are in the book.  Virtual tours and a printable map appendix (USGS 7.5 minute) are in the included CD.

$45.00   Book with CD
$11.00   Shipping & handling at USPS Priority Flat Rate (revised when postal rates change)

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Copy the CD onto your computer and store the CD as a back-up.  Contact us if your CD is damaged or lost.  Public libraries or office supply/print shops can transfer the CD contents if you do not have a CD drive.  Other digital means are being considered, but not available at this time.

The default (preferred) CD format has a printable Map Index and 47 “Virtual Tours”, one pdf per route.  The alternate format has the same Map Index, but “Virtual Tours” are grouped by chapter into 7 pdf files and is intended for those who would have to pay per file (for example, Staples office supply) to transfer data to their computer.  The default will be sent unless you indicated that you need the alternate.

This guidebook presents 57 routes in the Wind River Mountains designed for the advanced backpacker with off-trail experience.  Forty-six are essentially loop routes to the same or a nearby trailhead.  Eleven are stand-alone point-to-point routes that can also be used to design your own thru route.  Routes vary from about 20-80 miles in length and 4 to 11 days.  Off-trail travel varies from 10% to 70% of the routes.  All routes require some backpacking experience, a few are suitable for the off-trail novice, most are designed for the experienced off-trail backpacker, and a few require mountaineering experience.

What makes this guidebook stand out from the others?

• Every mile on and off trails is rated for difficulty
• Foul-weather detours are described
• Detailed “travel plans” use the author’s experience to insure the highest chance of success
• Summarized route statistics and hazard statements help you choose a route within your capabilities, hazard tolerance and time limits
• No other guidebook describes as many miles on the Wind River Indian Reservation “Roadless Area”

What’s new in the Third Edition?

• Some routes were reconfigured, reversed, lengthened or shortened.
• An attempt was made to keep the same route number as in the second edition. Some have changed.
• Rather than specific “thru-routes” 11 point-to-point routes can be used as stand-alone routes, or mix-and-match your own custom thru-route.
• Maps have been updated and new photos added.
• Conditions have been updated due to wildfires, wind-storm “blow-downs” and other natural events.
• Verification of current conditions is based on extensive trips in 2018, 2020, 2022 and 2023.

Click here to see a “Virtual Tour” selected from the guidebook.

Condition Alerts and Updates

As of September 20, 2025 the Dollar Lake wildfire has spread to the west side of Green River Lake and is about 60% contained.  Contact the Bridger National Forest in Pinedale for information on access to the campground and trailhead.  The Porcupine Trail, used by Route #37, may have been impacted.