Wyoming Mountain Range
The Wyoming Mountain Range is located in Wyoming, though these mountains are not as remote or rugged as the neighbouring Gros Ventre or Wind River peaks. However, their beauty and recreation opportunities abound, drawing in visitors throughout the year, though mainly during the summer months.
Wyoming's mountains are numerous and rugged, but the Wyoming Mountain Range is less rugged than most and easier to access during the summer months. Visitors can enjoy many activities, ranging from hiking to camping.
The Wyoming Mountains run for about 80 miles in a north to south direction across the state. The highest peak is Wyoming Mountain, rising at about eleven thousand, three hundred and sixty-three feet, though many nearby peaks are over the ten thousand feet mark. In fact, though they are visited, they are still isolated enough for visitors to enjoy their outdoor adventures without crowds and in solitude.
Various wildlife call the Wyoming Mountain Range their home. Lynx, mountain lions, black bears, grizzly bears, deer, moose, antelope and elk are common.
The range is best known for its hiking. Many miles of trails traverse across the landscape, some of which require mountaineering and climbing experience. The main trail systems include the Wyoming Range National Recreation Trail (70 miles long and rising to about nine thousand feet), the Wyoming Range Snowmobile Trail (100's of miles long with varied terrain) and the Range Snowmobile Trail (100's of miles long and rising to over ten thousand feet). Other notable trail routes include the Cottonwood, Big Sandy, Big Piney, South Cottonwood, North Cottonwood and Horse creeks. In fact, many of the trails are only open to mountain bikers, horse riders, hikers, snowmobilers, mountaineers and climbers. Access to the trails is best from July to September, though any trail activities during the winter months are best done with qualified guides.
Camping is another popular past time. In fact, there are two fairly good campgrounds in the area, providing excellent facilities with washrooms, picnic tables and some even cater to RV hook-ups. These include the Sacajawea Campground and the Middle Piney Lake Campground.
The best way to access the Wyoming Mountain Range is by a series of single lane gravel-topped roads. They are usually very winding and narrow, so caution is advised. During wet and snowy days, some may be impassable, except with special off-road vehicles. As the weather changes without warning, visibility can also become an issue.
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