If you’re looking for a scenic drive, alpine lake, backcountry campground, or developed picnic site, there’s just one place to go! Head to Togwotee Pass for a fantastic drive through Wyoming wilderness.
The Breccia Cliffs of the Wind River Range are one of the signature features of Shoshone National Forest, and the best way to see them is to drive up Togwotee Pass and explore the area.
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The Togwotee Pass climbs up and over the Continential Divide, reaching an elevation of 9,655 feet in the stunning landscape of Wyoming’s Absorka and Wind River mountains.
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There are hundreds of miles of trails in the section of Shoshone National Forest that surrounds the pass, and if you’re looking to trek through a bit of Wyoming’s wilderness without crowds, this is a fantastic place to set off.
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The forest surrounding the pass is prime grizzly bear country - so be sure to follow bear safety best practices, carry bear spray, and hike in a group. You’ve got a chance to see other wildlife here, ranging from marmot to wolves.
by Mike Lyvers / Moment via Getty Images In recent years, a beautiful grizzly sow and her cubs have made their home in the grasses around the pass. Human behavior put her at risk of euthanasia in 2021 - so please, be sure to not stop along the pass to visit with her. Wyoming Fish and Game have launched an intense effort to haze her away from the pass, and the entire situation could have been avoided had wildlife watchers not encroached on her space by stopping along the pass to snap photos and interact with this gorgeous griz.
If you would rather see the pass and the region from a more developed spot, head out on a day trip to the Wind River Lake picnic site. It sits near the crux of the pass and offers a small alpine lake, a parking area, and a great spot to enjoy lunch.
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For those who love the true wilderness experience, Brooks Lake Campground can be accessed via a side road off of the pass.
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Drop in to paddle along the lake or pitch your tent at one of the campsites here in the backcountry.
Chase Dekker Wild-Life Images / Moment via Getty Images There are more than a dozen sites here, and you can read more about how to camp on Brooks Lake right here.
If you’re a fan of snow sports, you’ll want to come visit the pass for another reason - it’s home to some of the best snowmobile trails in the country.
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No matter when you visit the Togwotee Pass area, you’ll enjoy the scenic drive, the beautiful alpine lakes, and the rugged cliffs and mountains high above.
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For more information on efforts to protect Felicia, the bear near Togwotee Pass, visit this list of resources and take the responsibility pledge before recreating in this area.
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by Mike Lyvers / Moment via Getty Images
In recent years, a beautiful grizzly sow and her cubs have made their home in the grasses around the pass. Human behavior put her at risk of euthanasia in 2021 - so please, be sure to not stop along the pass to visit with her. Wyoming Fish and Game have launched an intense effort to haze her away from the pass, and the entire situation could have been avoided had wildlife watchers not encroached on her space by stopping along the pass to snap photos and interact with this gorgeous griz.
Google Local / Reno Gregory
ChrisBoswell / iStock via Getty Images
Chase Dekker Wild-Life Images / Moment via Getty Images
There are more than a dozen sites here, and you can read more about how to camp on Brooks Lake right here.
Richard Hamilton Smith / Corbis Documentary via Getty Images
jaypeterson / iStock via Getty Images Plus
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Address: Togwotee Pass, Wyoming 82513, USA
