Have you ever stood on the edge of a cliff where the horizon feels endless, the air is crisp, and the silence is broken only by the wind and the flutter of a hawk’s wings? That’s the magic of the Sacred Rim Hike in Sublette County, Wyoming.

Oh, and a quick note: affiliate links are sprinkled throughout this blog like wildflowers along the trail. If you click and purchase, I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. It helps support future adventures!

Visit the Sublette County Visitors Center

Before you lace up your hiking boots, your first stop should be the Sublette County Visitors Center at 19 E Pine St, Pinedale, WY 82941. Here, you can talk with locals who always seem to know the best-kept secrets. Like which lakes are biting for fishing, what family events might be happening in town, or which campground has the best sunrise. Most importantly, this is where you’ll pick up a map and directions for the Sacred Rim Trail.

Why the map? The trail itself isn’t marked with signs, and it’s easy to wander onto the wrong path. Having that map in your pocket can be the difference between a perfect morning hike and a confusing detour.

Parking at Pole Creek Trailhead

To reach the Sacred Rim Trail, you’ll need to head to the Pole Creek Trailhead parking lot. It’s not large, so plan to arrive early. We visited on a Friday morning in late June, and by 9 a.m. the lot was already filling up quickly.

Thankfully, the trailhead does have a vaulted restroom. A welcome feature for hikers before setting out. Just don’t expect drinking water and benches. Once you step onto the trail, you’re on your own with the essentials you’ve packed. Bring your daypack with water and walking trail poles.

At the visor center, the host smiled as he handed us our map and added a memorable reminder: “Be bear aware, not bear paranoid.” It was the perfect balance of caution and reassurance for anyone hiking in Wyoming’s wild country. We packed our bear mace.

Hiking the Sacred Rim Trail

The Sacred Rim Hike is an out and back route, 4.2 miles in total, with an elevation gain of about 636 feet. While not overly strenuous, the steady incline and high elevation make it a workout for even seasoned hikers.

We began our hike around 9 a.m. when the temperature hovered at a comfortable 66°F. With a slow and steady pace, it took us about 50 minutes to climb up to the rim. The view at the top? A sweeping panorama of alpine lakes, mountain peaks, and an endless sky that makes you stop and simply breathe.

We lingered for about half an hour at the top, soaking in the sights while also swatting away persistent mosquitoes (bring bug repellent or risk becoming their favorite snack). The return hike down took us another 50 minutes, bringing our total time to about 2.5 hours with stops.

A few things to keep in mind:

• There are no benches along the trail, so rest breaks are standing or sitting on rocks.
• The trail has both shaded stretches and fully exposed sections. So a wide-brim hat or cap is a must.
• The best part? That moment when the forest opens up to the rim, and suddenly the view stretches out forever.

FAQ: Sacred Rim Hike

1. How long does it take to hike the Sacred Rim Trail?
Most visitors complete the hike in about 2–3 hours, depending on pace and time spent enjoying the view at the rim.

2. Is the Sacred Rim Hike family-friendly?
Yes, the trail is considered moderate and is suitable for families with older kids. Just keep in mind the elevation gain, lack of benches, and exposure to sun and insects.

3. When is the best time of year to hike Sacred Rim?
Late spring through early fall (June–September) offers the best weather. Early mornings are ideal to avoid crowds and afternoon storms.

Share Your Experience

If you’ve hiked the Sacred Rim Trail, we’d love to hear what stood out to you most. Was it the peaceful forest walk, the breathtaking cliff views, or simply the joy of disconnecting for a few hours? Share your favorite moments in the comments. Your story might inspire the next traveler to lace up their boots.

Extend Your Trip: Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area

If you’re already exploring Sublette County, consider adding a visit to Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. It’s just a few hours away, and the dramatic red cliffs paired with the turquoise waters create one of the most photogenic landscapes in the region. We wrote a full blog about Flaming Gorge with tips. You can read it by clicking here.