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Pinedale is a small ranching and outfitting town in Sublette County, southwestern Wyoming, sitting at roughly 7,175 feet elevation on the high desert plateau at the foot of the Wind River Range. With a permanent population of under 2,000, it functions as the county seat and the main supply point for travelers heading into one of the most remote and spectacular mountain ranges in the Lower 48.
The Wind River Range stretches for more than 100 miles to the northeast and contains Wyoming's highest peak, Gannett Peak, along with hundreds of alpine lakes and the largest glaciers in the Rocky Mountains south of Canada. Pinedale has served as an outfitting hub since the fur-trade era, and that identity still shapes the town's character today — outfitters, fishing guides, and wilderness outfitters remain central to local commerce.
The town itself is modest but functional: a main street with restaurants, a grocery store, gear shops, and a handful of lodging options. Visitors typically use Pinedale as a launchpad rather than a destination in its own right, though the Museum of the Mountain Man and the lakeshores just outside town are genuine draws in themselves.
Before You Go
Visas
Pinedale is in the United States. For visa and entry requirements, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website at cbp.gov.
Altitude
Pinedale sits above 7,100 feet, and trailheads in the Wind River Range commonly start between 8,000 and 9,500 feet. If you are arriving from sea level, plan at least one acclimatization day before strenuous hiking. Stay hydrated and be alert for headaches, fatigue, or nausea.
Cell Service and Connectivity
Cell coverage is limited in and around Pinedale and largely absent once you move into the backcountry. Download offline maps before you leave town. A satellite communicator (e.g., Garmin inReach or SPOT device) is strongly recommended for any backcountry travel.
Bear Country Preparedness
The Wind River Range and surrounding areas support healthy grizzly and black bear populations. Carry bear spray, know how to use it, and store food in bear canisters when camping. Canisters are sometimes required in specific wilderness areas — verify current regulations with the Bridger-Teton National Forest before your trip.
Seasonal Considerations
- Summer (June–September): Peak season. Roads to trailheads are generally passable, but alpine snowfields can persist into July. Afternoon thunderstorms are common above treeline — start hikes early.
- Winter (November–March): Temperatures regularly drop well below 0°F. Roads to trailheads may be impassable without a snowmobile. The town itself remains open year-round.
- Spring and Fall: Weather is highly variable. Trails at elevation may be snowpacked through May and again from October onward.
Getting There
By Air
The nearest commercial airport is Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) in Jackson, Wyoming, approximately 75 miles southwest of Pinedale. Several major carriers serve Jackson with connections through Salt Lake City, Denver, and other hubs. From Jackson, Pinedale is roughly a 1.5-hour drive north on US-191.
Rock Springs–Sweetwater County Airport (RKS), about 100 miles south, offers limited regional service and may be an option depending on your origin city. Verify current routes directly with airlines.
By Car
Driving is the most practical way to reach and navigate Pinedale. US-191 is the primary artery, running north–south through town. From Salt Lake City it is approximately a 3.5- to 4-hour drive; from Denver roughly 5–6 hours depending on route. A high-clearance vehicle is advisable and four-wheel drive is recommended for winter travel and for reaching backcountry trailheads on unpaved forest roads.
By Bus
Regular intercity bus service to Pinedale is limited. Verify current options locally or through regional transportation providers, as schedules change seasonally.
Getting Around
A personal vehicle is essentially required to make the most of Pinedale and the surrounding area. Town amenities are walkable, but Fremont Lake, Green River Lakes, Big Sandy, and other key destinations are several miles to many tens of miles away on roads ranging from paved two-lane highways to rough dirt tracks.
Car rentals are not available in Pinedale itself; arrange a rental at Jackson Hole Airport or another regional hub before arriving. Some outfitters offer shuttle services to specific trailheads — inquire locally when booking.
In winter, snowmobiles are a primary means of accessing the backcountry. Rentals and guided tours are available through local outfitters; verify availability and pricing directly with providers.
Where to Stay
Pinedale has a small selection of motels, lodges, and vacation rentals sufficient for most travelers. Options fill up quickly in July and August, particularly on weekends, so book well in advance if visiting during peak summer season.
Fremont Lake Campground, operated by the U.S. Forest Service, is a popular choice for campers and typically offers first-come, first-served sites as well as some reservable sites through Recreation.gov — verify current booking procedures on that site. Additional dispersed camping is available on National Forest lands outside designated campgrounds, subject to regulations.
For more hotel variety, Jackson (about 75 miles southwest) offers a wider range of accommodation at all price points, though it is a considerably more expensive market. Some travelers stay in Jackson and make a day trip to the Pinedale area, though an overnight stay in Pinedale is more practical if you plan to access early-morning trailheads.
Things to See & Do
Museum of the Mountain Man
This well-regarded local museum chronicles the Rocky Mountain fur trade of the early 19th century, the role of Sublette County in that history, and the annual Green River Rendezvous — a gathering of trappers and traders held in this region from 1825 to 1840. Exhibits include period firearms, equipment, and historical photography. Verify current hours and admission fees directly with the museum before visiting.
Fremont Lake
Located just a few miles northeast of downtown, Fremont Lake is one of Wyoming's largest natural lakes. It offers swimming, boating, kayaking, and fishing. A Forest Service campground sits on the shoreline. The views toward the Wind River peaks are particularly striking in morning light.
Green River Lakes
A 50-mile drive north of Pinedale on a partially paved road leads to Green River Lakes, a stunning pair of turquoise glacial lakes at the foot of Squaretop Mountain — one of the most photographed peaks in Wyoming. Day hiking and camping are available. The road is typically open from late June through October; confirm conditions with the Bridger-Teton National Forest.
Wind River Range Backcountry
The range contains several designated wilderness areas, including the Bridger Wilderness and the Popo Agie Wilderness. Hundreds of miles of trails lead to remote alpine lakes, high passes, and glacier views. Popular multiday routes include the Highline Trail and approaches to Elkhart Park. Permits and regulations vary by area — check with the Pinedale Ranger District before departing.
Fishing
Sublette County rivers, streams, and lakes offer blue-ribbon trout fishing. The New Fork River, Green River tributaries, and numerous alpine lakes hold brook, rainbow, cutthroat, and brown trout. Wyoming fishing licenses are required; purchase one through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department website or at local retailers.
Snowmobiling
The area around Pinedale is a significant snowmobiling destination in winter, with access to hundreds of miles of groomed and ungroomed trails across the high desert and into the mountains. Local outfitters offer guided trips and rentals.
Food & Drink
Pinedale's dining scene is small but covers the basics well. Expect a handful of casual restaurants offering burgers, steaks, pub fare, and American comfort food — consistent with the ranching culture of the region. Hours can vary seasonally and some establishments may close on certain days during the off-season, so it is worth calling ahead.
A grocery store in town allows travelers to stock up on supplies before heading into the backcountry. If you are planning a multi-day wilderness trip, do your resupply shopping in Pinedale or in Jackson, as options thin out considerably once you leave town.
Alcohol is available at licensed establishments and retail outlets. Wyoming liquor laws apply; verify locally if you have questions about purchasing hours or regulations.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
Dial 911 for all emergencies. Sublette County is large and response times in remote areas can be significant. For backcountry emergencies, a satellite communicator is the most reliable way to call for help.
Medical Care
SubCare Medical Center in Pinedale provides basic medical services. For serious trauma or complex care, patients are typically transported to larger facilities in Jackson or further afield. Verify current services locally.
Money
ATMs are available in town. Credit cards are accepted at most businesses, but carry some cash as backup, particularly before heading into the backcountry.
Fuel
Fuel up in Pinedale before heading to remote trailheads. There are no services on roads like the Green River Lakes corridor once you leave the highway.
Weather Information
Check forecasts through the National Weather Service (weather.gov) before any outdoor activity. Mountain weather changes rapidly; afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer. Always carry rain gear and extra layers.
Leave No Trace
The Wind River Range wilderness areas are pristine but under pressure from increasing visitation. Follow Leave No Trace principles: pack out all waste, camp on durable surfaces, and respect wildlife. Many trailheads now require bear canisters.
Safety
Pinedale and Sublette County are generally very safe communities with low crime rates. The primary safety concerns for visitors are environmental rather than social.
Wildlife: Grizzly bears are present in and around the Wind River Range and have occasionally been encountered near trailheads. Black bears, moose, mountain lions, and rattlesnakes also inhabit the region. Give all wildlife a wide berth, never approach or feed animals, and carry bear spray on all hikes.
Weather hazards: Lightning is a serious risk above treeline during summer afternoon storms. If you see a storm building, descend below treeline immediately. Hypothermia is a risk year-round at elevation, even in summer — temperatures can drop dramatically and wet conditions accelerate heat loss. Always carry a layering system regardless of morning conditions.
River crossings: Some backcountry routes require ford crossings of streams and rivers that run high and fast during snowmelt (typically June into July). Assess crossings carefully; high water has caused fatalities in Wyoming's backcountry. Trekking poles and unbuckled pack hip belts are recommended for any crossing.
Getting lost: Trails in the Wind River Range are not always well-marked. Carry a paper topographic map and compass in addition to any digital navigation tools, and know how to use them.
