Wind River Range (courtesy, Visit Sublette County)

Trapper Lake (Wyoming)
For casual users, the Wind River Range in Wyoming is eclipsed by nearby Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks, but for backpackers, this glacially-scoured region of high peaks and alpine meadows is second to none. Crossed with a network of trails that undulate gently through terrain mostly above 10,000 feet, the Wind River Mountains offer spectacular hiking and ideal base-camping right in the shadow of the Continental Divide. Much of the area is protected as part of the Bridger Wilderness, so there are only a few automobile-accessible trailheads.

Trapper Lake is reached by taking Trail 165 north from the Trail's End Campground for about six miles. If you don't want to walk that far, don't worry: tiny jewel-like lakes give you a series of beautiful camping options. But if you've got the energy and time, it's well worth the longish hike to Trapper Lake. Here you'll find an abundancy of campsites and a whole network of side trails leading to more lakes, tarns, and views. There's enough to do and see here for an entire week. Bring a camera and fishing gear.

Move on to Speck Pond (ME)

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