Located in the Wind River Range, on the Shoshone National Forest, the Fitzpatrick Wilderness area covers 198,525 acres. It was designated Wilderness in 1976 and named for Tom Fitzpatrick, a mountain man and partner of Jim Bridger. Carved by glaciers from granite and limestone rock, the area contains alpine meadows, numerous lakes, rock-covered plateaus, precipitous canyons, and meandering streams. The western border is the Continental Divide, shared with Bridger Wilderness. The eastern border is shared with the Wind River Indian Reservation.
Fitzpatrick Wilderness currently has 44 active glaciers. Gannett Peak, Wyoming's highest point, at 13,804 feet, is flanked by three of these glaciers. Several other peaks in this area also rise above 13,000 feet. One of the main routes enters the Wilderness from Trail Lake.
The following wilderness regulations are in effect for this area. Not all regulations are in effect for every wilderness. Contact the USFS Wind River Ranger District in Dubois, WY for more specific information about the regulations listed: (307) 455 - 2466 .
ALL VISITORS
-- Group size is limited to no more than 20 people.
-- Storing equipment, personal property, or supplies for more than 24 hours is prohibited.
-- Do not cut switchbacks.
-- Store food, refuse, or harvested animal carcasses acceptably as to minimize adverse interactions between bears and humans.
-- As with all designated Wilderness areas, mechanical transportation (including wagons, game carts, wheelbarrows, bicycles, and other vehicles) is prohibited.
OVERNIGHT VISITORS
--Camping is prohibited within 100 feet of any lake, stream, or trail.
-- Camping is prohibited between the base of Dinwoody Glacier and the confluence of Dinwoody Creek and Knoll Lake Creek, along the Glacier Trail.
-- Camping in a single location for more than 16 days is prohibited.
STOCK USERS
-- Possessing more than 30 head of pack or saddle stock is prohibited.
-- Possessing and using feed other than pelletized feed, processed grain, or cubed hay that is certified weed seed free is prohibited.
-- Free trailing stock is prohibited.
-- Hitching, tethering, or picketing pack or saddle stock within 200 feet of a lake and 100 feet of a stream is prohibited.
No regulations exist for dogs, however, be aware that this area is moderately populated with Grizzly and Black bear. Dogs off-leash can create interactions with either species that lead to bad outcomes.
