7 Must-See Wyoming Mountain Ranges
Updated: Jan 28
Contents
Introduction
The state of Wyoming offers natural wonders to the outdoor adventurer.
From the Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks in the northwest corner of the state, to Devils Tower in the northeast, you will find over a dozen Wyoming mountain ranges to admire.
In this article, I am going to cover 7 must-see Wyoming mountain ranges you need to experience at least once in your life.
Washburn Range
The first Wyoming mountain range I will discuss is Washburn Range in Yellowstone National Park.
The most popular point of interest of this towering mountain range is Mt. Washburn.
I would highly recommend driving Chittenden Road to the parking area and experiencing the 7 mile roundtrip Mt. Washburn summit hike.
When my family and I hiked this trail in 2018, it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life, as you truly feel as if you have reached the top of the world.
Mt. Washburn summits at over 10,000', and the moderate hike will lead you to a fire tower at the peak where you can escape from the chilling wind.
I recommend hiking this trail in the summer months, as even in July we saw snow (I had to make a snowball just to say I made one in July).
The National Park Service doesn't recommend making this hike in the fall, as this is when Grizzly bears are more active as they prepare for hibernation.
Teton Range
Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming is home to the Teton Range.
This Wyoming mountain range is reminiscent of the rugged alpine region you would find in Switzerland with its sharp, snow-capped peaks overlooking the rugged terrain below.
You can see these beautiful mountains driving by, but I would recommend parking and checking out Jenny Lake at the base of the mountains.
You can take a shuttle boat across the lake, or you can even rent a kayak or canoe and explore the lake by paddling.
Wind River Range
The Wind River Range is a Wyoming mountain range that is home to the highest peak in the state.
Gannett Peak towers at over 13,000'. Gannett Peak is a popular backcountry mountaineering destination, with many brave trekkers making the summit in a few days, with some even being able to accomplish this in just 24 hours.
However, Wind River Range in Wyoming also offers exploration for hikers of all skill levels with plenty of easy-to-moderate day hikes.
For something more relaxing, you can also take a scenic drive on the Wind River Canyon Scenic Byway or take a trail ride on horseback.
Laramie Mountains
In southeast Wyoming, you will find the Laramie Mountains. This is one of the Wyoming mountain ranges that stands not quite as tall as its aforementioned counterparts, but the Laramie Mountains should be on your list of must-see Wyoming mountain ranges, specifically Laramie Peak.
Laramie Peak is close in height to Mt. Washburn in the Washburn Range, as it stands 10,275' and is the only mountain in the Laramie Range to reach over 10,000'.
There are several roads to view these mountains from the comfort of your vehicle, and there are also campgrounds if you want to spend the night among these beautiful peaks.
Salt River Range
The Salt River Range in western Wyoming is one of the lesser known hidden gems as far as Yellowstone tourism is concerned.
You typically won't find huge crowds around these mountains, so if you are looking for some tranquility in the Wyoming mountains, Salt River Range might be the place for you.
Mount Fitzpatrick is a must-see, as it is the tallest mountain the Salt River Range at 10,907'.
If you are looking for a quiet place for hiking, fishing, climbing, or horseback riding, make sure to add the Salt River Range to your Wyoming bucket list.
Bighorn Mountains
You can find the Bighorn Mountains in the northern part of Wyoming, and they stretch into southern Montana.
It is close to popular destinations such as Mt. Rushmore and Yellowstone National Park, but many people choose to vacation to the Bighorn Mountains themselves due to the diverse landscape and scenic terrain.
There are national forest trails you can hike and scenic byways to drive if you want to experience stunning views.
Cloud Peak in the Bighorn Mountains is worth viewing, as it stands over 13,000' and is the highest peak within the range.
Gros Ventre Range
For the truly adventurous, the Gros Ventre Range will provide you with the wilderness your wild heart desires.
The Gros Ventre Range is remote with diverse terrain and widlife.
If you're looking for backcountry hiking, hunting, and unique spectacles, the Gros Ventre Range is a must-see Wyoming mountain range for you.
Doubletop Peak is the highest mountain in the range at nearly 12,000' and is visible from highway 189.
Bonus: Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River
While not necessarily a mountain range itself, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone was formed in the Wyoming mountain ranges of Yellowstone National Park.
I had to add this to the list as a bonus because right here, at the Calcite Springs overlook, I took a photograph that has remained my favorite to look at and reminisce on a once in a lifetime experience shared with family in this haven of natural Wyoming beauty.
At the overlook, you might even see wildlife such as Bighorn Sheep on the opposite side of the canyon scaling the steep cliffs.
Conclusion
I encourage you to make time in your life to visit the beautiful, towering mountain ranges of Wyoming in your travels.
I made the trip to Wyoming in 2018 with family to visit Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons, and it was well worth it.
In fact, since that trip I have wanted to go back there to admire the unique beauty of this region.
With over a dozen mountain ranges in Wyoming, hopefully this article of the 5 must-see Wyoming mountain ranges will help narrow down your search so you can spend more time exploring the mountains this area has to offer.
