In reply to Dave Williams:
> The drive from Denver is easily do-able in a 8-9 hour driving day, especially if there are 2 drivers. It'd be much cheaper than flying.
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Sure, but the drive from SLC to Pinedale is half the distance and half the driving time. If you can get a flight direct into SLC rather than Denver that would be preferable.
> Wind River walk-ins are long and not to be underestimated. The approach from Big Sandy trailhead to the Cirque of the Towers with climbing gear/ tent/ food etc etc is really hard work (Jackass Pass is about 11000'). Without a big pack, the walk from the trailhead to the Cirque and back is easily manageable in a day.
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If you're planning to stay in the range for multiple days you'll carrying a pack with full climbing gear, camping gear (in the summer a tent is essential in the Wind Rivers for mosquito protection) and food (bear canisters are needed or else a campsite with trees you can haul food up into). With that type of load, I think most people will want a full day for hiking in to most destinations. Some of these hikes, like the one from Big Sandy to the Cirque, go over high passes as well.
If, like me, you are typically coming from the lowlands with mostly a bunch of cragging for conditioning, then a visit to the Tetons first is an excellent way to prepare for the hike in to the Winds and insure that you get the most out of that part of the trip. In the Tetons, you can stay at the AAC climbers ranch and, if you are so inclined, eat out every night. Even an easy climb like Cube Point (East Ridge is 5.4, 3-5 pitches) has a steep approach up Hanging Canyon and elevation gain from 7,000 feet at the valley floor to the summit at 9600 feet. The East Face of Teewinot is a 4th class scramble (with some snow) that ends at an exciting summit with great views at 12,325 feet. The complete Exum Ridge on the Grand Teton is an American classic (the lower half of the ridge has 5.6-5.7 climbing) and is, for many parties, a two-day trip ending at the 13,766 foot summit of the Grand.
A few days of this and you're in twice as good shape for the Winds.
Alternatively but much more expensively, you can hire a llama packer to take your stuff in and out and cruise with a light daypack.