A major windstorm at the Bridger-Teton National Forest this week has downed hundreds of trees throughout the area, causing many trails to be closed for a time.
Wind gusts were measured at more than 60 mph during the windstorm on Monday, according to a release from the U.S. Forest Service. All of the forest roads on the Pinedale Ranger District have been cleared, but there are still hundreds of trees down across trails.
The Big Sandy Lodge southeast of Pinedale is currently closed because of the damage. It is 4 miles from the Big Sandy Trailhead north on the Continental Divide Trail. It took hikers seven hours to cover the 4-mile stretch due to downed trees. the Forest Service reported.
At the Pole Creek Trailhead near Fremont Lake, hundreds of trees have been blown down, covering the trail’s first 2.5 miles. At the Miller Park turnoff, there downed trees created a massive blockage that is impassable.
About 100 downed trees have been counted in the 10-mile Highline Trail south from the Green River Lakes to Three Forks Park.
