Pinedale Travel Guide
City Gateway town to the Wind River Range
Pinedale opens onto the Wind River Range: anglers and climbers use it as basecamp for Green River Lakes and high passes, with outfitters, museums and wide skies on offer.
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Why Visit Pinedale? #
A gateway to the Wind River Range, Pinedale attracts anglers, climbers, and hikers chasing high alpine lakes and jagged peaks. Green River Lakes and the trailheads into the Wind River Range provide access to backpacking, trout fishing, and approaches to Gannett Peak; the Museum of the Mountain Man and annual rendezvous celebrations root the town in frontier history. Wide‑open skies and immediate backcountry make it a practical launching point for serious outdoor excursions.
Best Things to Do in Pinedale
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Pinedale Bucket List
- Museum of the Mountain Man - Interactive exhibits and artifacts chronicling fur trade and mountain man history.
- Fremont Lake - Long glacial lake with boating, shoreline hikes, and scenic mountain reflections.
- Green River Lakes Trailhead - Trailhead to glacier-fed alpine lakes and access to the Wind River Range backcountry.
- Whiskey Mountain bighorn viewing area - Drive to view large wintering herds of bighorn sheep on steep slopes.
- New Fork Lakes - Scenic chain of lakes offering paddling, fishing, and peaceful campground access.
- Local fly-fishing outfitters - Guides offering half- and full-day trips on nearby rivers for trout anglers.
- Grand Teton National Park - Jagged peaks, valley meadows, and Jackson Hole gateway about two hours west.
- Jackson Hole - Gateway town with galleries, restaurants, and access to national parks and outdoor guides.
Best Time to Visit Pinedale #
Pinedale is best in summer for hiking, fishing, and access to the Wind River Range. Winters are long, very cold, and often impassable without specialized gear.
Best Time to Visit Pinedale #
Pinedale's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -18°C to 26°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -4°C and lows of -18°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -17°C. The driest month with just 14 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -11°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -6°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of -2°C. The wettest month with 42 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 3°C. Light rainfall.
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July
July is cool with highs of 26°C and lows of 5°C. Light rainfall.
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August
August is cool with highs of 25°C and lows of 4°C. Light rainfall.
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September
September is cold with highs of 20°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of -6°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -12°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -18°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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How to Get to Pinedale
Pinedale is a rural mountain town best accessed by car from regional airports such as Jackson Hole (JAC) or Rock Springs (RKS). Regular passenger rail is not available-plan to drive or arrange a shuttle for the final leg.
Jackson Hole Airport (JAC): JAC is the most common commercial gateway for Pinedale (approximately 2-2.5 hours’ drive depending on winter conditions). Rent a car at Jackson for the scenic drive; rental costs commonly range from USD 60-120/day.
Rock Springs-Sweetwater County (RKS): Rock Springs provides a closer airport option for some travelers (drive times typically around 1-1.5 hours depending on exact location and route). Car rental and a drive are the usual ways to reach Pinedale from nearby airports.
Train: There is no Amtrak service to Pinedale; Wyoming has very limited passenger rail service and rail is not a practical way to reach the town.
Bus: Regional bus and shuttle services are limited in this rural area-some intercity carriers serve larger towns (e.g., Jackson, Rock Springs) from which onward travel by rental car or local shuttle is necessary. Check local providers for seasonal shuttle options to trailheads and recreation areas.
How to Get Around Pinedale #
Pinedale’s downtown is compact and walkable for shops and restaurants, but a car is essential to reach trailheads and the Wind River Range. There’s no major public transit; many visitors rely on private vehicles or occasionally seasonal shuttles for trailhead access.
Where to Stay in Pinedale #
- Pinedale Motel - No-frills rooms near town center.
- Super 8 by Wyndham Pinedale - Chain economy rooms with parking.
- Pinedale Lodge / Guesthouses - Comfortable local lodges and B&Bs.
- Pinedale Ranch-style Rentals - Well-equipped rental cabins and suites.
- Luxury ranch rentals (Wind River area) - Private ranch stays and upscale cabins.
- High-end vacation rentals - Large homes for groups and families.
Where to Eat in Pinedale #
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Pinedale's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
