Trail & Route Comparisons
The utterly impressive upper East Fork, from just below Raid Peak Pass
The Wind River High Route is most comparable in the continental US to the Sierra High Route and Kings Canyon High Basin Route. In all cases, expect extensive off-trail travel, extreme vertical change, and in general a high-and-lonesome wilderness experience. If you have thru- or section-hiked these routes or similar, you’ll love the Wind River High Route.
There are a few important differences between these routes, however. In the Winds, the summer weather pattern is slightly less friendly — it rains more, and it rains more often. Travel across snow and/or glacial ice is also guaranteed; it’s not just an early-season phenomenon like in the High Sierra.
The High Route should be of interest to thru-hikers on the Continental Divide Trail, which unfortunately follows a relatively lackluster route on on the west side of the crest. If you have time and the ambition, slow down through the Winds — it will probably be the highlight of your CDT experience. Be aware, however, that the High Route is several notches more intense than the CDT: you are not guaranteed of success; the uncertainty and the necessary mental engagement will work you over; and your daily mileage will be shopped in half, plus/minus. Read more.
This sight is typical of the Continental Divide Trail through the Winds. It’s pretty but it’s not in the action. On the other side of this far ridge lies the East Fork, pictured above. Don’t miss it!
Sorry for inconvenience but just purchased the Wind River High Route and didn’t realize ( didn’t read all instructions) not advised to download on iPad. I’m a tugboat captain and currently offshore and away from home for my regular 14 days on/ 7 days off work schedule. Obviously I wasn’t successful in the download on my iPad so forwarded the email to my wife to download on her computer but message said I’ve reached my download limit for this file. Again I apologize for my ignorance and inconvenience but I’m hopeful to be able to get this route for my files. I’m doing the Highline in the Uintas this September and this trip will be next years adventure.
Thanks,
Dennis Pixton
If you’ve not already, send us an email and we’ll get it sorted out.
Hey Andrew,
I completed my first “off-trail” trip this past summer, doing the McGee Pass to Piute Pass section of the SHR. Loved it and felt very comfortable. Completed that in 3.5 days.
I am interested in doing loop 8 of your WRHR this August in 6 days. Do you think given my comfortability and pace on that section of the SHR, I shouldn’t have any stand-out concerns for tackling WRHR loop 8 in 6 days?
Thanks,
Seamus
The best indicator of how you’ll perform on future hikes is how you’ve performed on past ones. Specifically, how many horizontal miles or how much vertical change can you sustainably/comfortably manage each day?
More reading, https://andrewskurka.com/high-route-time-days-management-vertical/