Trisha Shetty (Editor)

Union Pass

Updated on
Edit
Like
Comment
Share on FacebookTweet on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare on Reddit
Traversed by
  
Prehistoric

Range
  
Wind River Range

Added to NRHP
  
4 April 1969

Elevation
  
2,808 m

Nearest city
  
Dubois

Parent range
  
Wind River Range

Union Pass travellogsus201020LogsWyoming202010105220D

Location
  
Fremont County, Wyoming, US

Topo map
  
USGS Fish Creek Park (WY)

Similar
  
Wind River Range, Togwotee Pass, Rocky Mountains, South Pass, Taulliraju

Union Pass is a high mountain pass in the Wind River Range situated in Fremont County of western Wyoming in the United States. The pass is located on the Continental Divide between the Gros Ventre mountains on the west and the Wind River Range on the east. A triple divide exists nearby, where water may flow to the Mississippi River, Columbia River, or Colorado River. The pass was historically used by Native Americans and early mountain men including the Astor Expedition in 1811 on its way west. On the return trip, fearing hostile Indian activity near Union Pass, the Astorians chose a southern route and discovered South Pass.

Map of Union Pass, Wyoming 82513, USA

The pass was named by U.S. Army Captain William F. Raynolds in 1860. Raynolds was in charge of the Raynolds Expedition which was exploring the Yellowstone region immediately prior to the Civil War. After mountain man and guide Jim Bridger led the expedition over the pass, Raynolds gave the pass its current name.

The Wyoming state highway map lists the following trails of the Union Pass area:

  • Indian trails
  • John Colter (1807)
  • General Phil Sheridan, President Arthur (1833)
  • fur trappers, Captain Bonneville, Captain Raynolds
  • Bridger, Hayden (1860)
  • prospectors
  • hunters
  • settlers
  • An unimproved dirt road crosses the pass, connecting U.S. Route 287 near Dubois to U.S. Route 189 in Pinedale.

    References

    Union Pass Wikipedia