Pinedale 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.
Pinedale at a Glance#
Costs: Around $140 per day - covers lodges, gear rental, and guided trips.
Safety: Safe, remote mountain town - low crime; be prepared for wildlife and sudden mountain weather.
Best Time: June-September - best summer window for hiking, fishing, and climbing.
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#
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.
December - February
-28 to -5°C (-18 to 23°F)
Brutal, snowy winters with deep cold and limited access - only experienced winter travelers should attempt backcountry trips then. Use caution and plan resupply carefully.
March - May & September - November
-5 to 12°C (23 to 54°F)
Short, changeable seasons - late snow possible, muddy trails in spring; fall offers crisp days, great fishing, and vivid aspen colors. Bring layers.
June - August
5 to 24°C (41 to 75°F)
Short, beautiful summers with cool nights - ideal for backpacking, climbing, and fishing; bugs in lowlands, but mountain air is refreshing. Book permits early.
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 is a drive-in mountain town-rent a car from Jackson Hole or Rock Springs and be prepared for long rural drives. Shuttle services exist for recreational access but are seasonal and should be booked in advance.
- Car (rental) (USD 50-120/day) - A rental car is the most practical way to reach Pinedale and access the Wind River Range trailheads. Roads can be long and remote-carry fuel and supplies and be prepared for rapidly changing weather in mountainous terrain.
- Shuttle / guided transfer (USD 30-120) - Local outfitters and shuttle services sometimes run transfers to trailheads and recreational areas-handy if you’re heading into the Wind River Range. Book ahead during peak hiking and fishing seasons.
- Taxi / local transport (USD 10-80) - Taxi service in rural Wyoming is limited and often expensive for long trips; best used for short local transfers if available. Coordinate with local hotels or outfitters for recommended providers.
- Biking (USD 0-30/day) - The quieter county roads around Pinedale are popular for cycling in summer; expect long distances and significant climbs if exploring the high country. Bring ample water and supplies.
- Walking - Pinedale’s town center is compact and walkable; walking is ideal for short strolls, visiting shops and accessing nearby short trails.
Where to Stay in Pinedale#
Downtown Pinedale - $60-120/night
Pinedale has several budget motels and economy chain rooms aimed at anglers, hikers, and travelers to the Wind River Range.
Pinedale Motel - No-frills rooms near town center.
Super 8 by Wyndham Pinedale - Chain economy rooms with parking.
Near town center - $120-220/night
Mid-range includes local lodges, guesthouses and well-equipped cabins - convenient for outdoor activities and small-group stays.
Pinedale Lodge / Guesthouses - Comfortable local lodges and B&Bs.
Pinedale Ranch-style Rentals - Well-equipped rental cabins and suites.
Wind River outskirts - $250-500+/night
Luxury stays are mainly upscale ranch rentals and private homes offering seclusion, high-end amenities, and direct trail access.
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.
