Wind River Peak facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Wind River Peak
Wind River Peak (center) seen from a distance in July 2010.
Highest point
Elevation	13,197 ft (4,022 m)
Prominence	2,552 ft (778 m)
Listing	North America highest peaks 114th US highest major peaks 95th
Geography
Wind River Peak Location in Wyoming Show map of Wyoming Wind River Peak Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Location	Fremont / Sublette counties, Wyoming, U.S.
Parent range	Wind River Range
Topo map	USGS Temple Peak
Climbing
First ascent	1873, Theodore Comstock, L. Hardy
Easiest route	Hike, scramble

Wind River Peak (13,197 feet (4,022 m)) is the highest point in the southern end of the Wind River Range that is located in the U.S. state of Wyoming. The peak straddles the Continental Divide and is surrounded by National Forest lands. The west slopes are in the Bridger Wilderness of Bridger-Teton National Forest, while the east side is in the Popo Agie Wilderness of Shoshone National Forest. In a cirque on the northeast slopes of the peak lies Wind River Glacier.

Hazards

Wind River Peak near its base above Leg Lake in 2008

Wind River Peak, as seen from near Chimney Rock on the ascentwiki

Encountering bears is a concern in the Wind River Range. There are other concerns as well, including bugs, wildfires, adverse snow conditions and nighttime cold temperatures.

Importantly, there have been notable incidents, including accidental deaths, due to falls from steep cliffs (a misstep could be fatal in this class 4/5 terrain) and due to falling rocks, over the years, including 1993, 2007 (involving an experienced NOLS leader), 2015 and 2018. Other incidents include a seriously injured backpacker being airlifted near SquareTop Mountain in 2005, and a fatal hiker incident (from an apparent accidental fall) in 2006 that involved state search and rescue. The U.S. Forest Service does not offer updated aggregated records on the official number of fatalities in the Wind River Range.