Pinedale, WY – Half Moon Lake Trail is 3 miles in length (one way) and gains 760 feet and loses 358 feet in elevation located in the Bridger Teton National Forest. An out and back hike would total 6 miles and 1,118 feet elevation gain/loss. If you want to hike further, the trail connects to Fayette Lake Trail or the trail to Little Half Moon Lake. This trail was recommended on a list provided by our RV campground and was not in the book I used for selecting trails, “Falcon Guides: Hiking Wyoming’s Wind River Range” by Ben Adkison which includes both day hikes and backpacking options.
Half Moon Lake near the start of the trail
From the trailhead, located at 7,644 feet elevation, the trail is obvious. You will travel through some tall pines before climbing up to an open slope that travels around the north shore of the lake. The trail undulates along the shore, going around large rock domes/boulders and climbing through aspen/pine forest. The trail also passes through sagebrush and even some cacti. Along the route we spotted an Osprey fishing. The trail is in the open for much of the route allowing for excellent views of Half Moon Lake.
Large pines near the trailhead
Half Moon Lake
The trail travels through sagebrush
Looking up slope from the trail
Another view of the lake near the eastern end
Along Half Moon Lake Trail
Along Half Moon Lake Trail
To reach the trailhead, from the town of Pinedale, Wyoming, head East on highway 191 and make a left turn onto Fremont Lake Road. Continue on Fremont Lake Road for approximately 3 miles where the road transitions to Skyline Drive/Forest Service Road 370740. Continue on FS 370740 for 3.8 miles and then turn left onto Half Moon Lake Road/FS 370743. Follow FS 370743 for 2.5 miles to the end of the road where the trailhead is located.
Half Moon Lake
We stayed at Highline Trail RV Park in Boulder when we hiked Half Moon Lake Trail. Other hikes we completed during this visit to the Wind River Range included:
