Fitzpatrick Wilderness Area

Wilderness Areas
North Absaroka
Washakie
Fitzpatrick
Popo Agie

The Fitzpatrick Wilderness was designated in October of 1976, and contains 191,103 acres. It was named for Tom Fitzpatrick, a mountain man and partner of Jim Bridger. Most of the area was previously classified as the Glacier Primitive Area and is known for its numerous glaciers and mountain peaks. The Fitzpatrick covers the northern half of the Wind River Mountains on the east side of the Continental Divide and is bordered on the west by the Bridger Wilderness, on the east by the Wind River Indian Reservation, and on the north by federal, State and private lands.

The Fitzpatrick is an area of immeasurable beauty and grandeur. The topography is extremely rugged, carved out of granite and limestone by the action of glaciers and glacial streams. There are 44 active glaciers covering approximately 7,760 acres, the largest covering 1,220 acres. Gannett Peak, 13,804 feet in elevation is the highest point in Wyoming and is in the Fitzpatrick, along with several other peaks over 13,000 feet. The Fitzpatrick contains alpine meadows and rock covered plateaus, precipitous canyons with cascading streams and meandering stream bottoms, numerous scenic lakes and areas of virgin timber.

Many wildlife species utilize the Fitzpatrick, primarily as a summer habitat. Elk, mule deer, moose, bighorn sheep, black bear, bobcat and coyote may be seen. Smaller mammals and birds common to northwest Wyoming are plentiful. There are approximately 60 fishing lakes and over 75 miles of fishing streams that provide excellent opportunities for the trout fisherman. Wildlife viewing opportunities are good and considerable big game hunting occurs in the Fitzpatrick during the fall.

Due to elevation and topography, there is no frost-free period and the weather is often variable and unpredictable. Temperatures vary from the 80s to below freezing in the summer and snow is possible at any time of the year in the Fitzpatrick. Afternoon thunderstorms and showers are common at the higher elevations later in the summer. Pleasant Indian Summer conditions often extend up into September. Generally trails are snow free and/or passable from mid June to late October, although unusual winter conditions may vary these dates by one month or more.