🌤 Weather at Fort Bonneville by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14–61 °F | 38–80 °F | 13–69 °F | 2–31 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Pinedale, 10 mi away, elevation 7,210 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Mountain Man Fort — Site of Captain Bonneville’s 1832 fur trade fort — where Washington Irving’s famous book brought the Rocky Mountain fur trade to life
Fort Bonneville is the site of a fur trading post built by Captain Benjamin Bonneville in 1832 on Horse Creek near the Green River — one of the most storied locations of the Rocky Mountain fur trade. Bonneville’s adventures were immortalized by Washington Irving in “The Adventures of Captain Bonneville” (1837), which became a bestseller and introduced Americans to the wild beauty of the Rocky Mountains. The annual Green River Rendezvous (1825–1840) — held nearby — was the legendary gathering where mountain men, fur traders, and Native Americans met to trade, compete, and celebrate.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Sublette County, WY (Green River!) |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Year | 1832 — Mountain Man era! |
| Book | Washington Irving bestseller 1837! |
About Fort Bonneville
Fort Bonneville preserves the site of Captain Benjamin Bonneville’s 1832 fur trade outpost near present-day Daniel in Sublette County. Bonneville — a French-born U.S. Army officer — established the fort on the Green River as a base for Rocky Mountain fur trade operations. Washington Irving immortalized his adventures in “The Adventures of Captain Bonneville” (1837). The fort sat at the crossroads of the fur trade, where mountain men gathered for the annual rendezvous.
Things to Do
Viewing the fort site and interpretive markers, fishing the Green River, exploring the Upper Green River Valley where fur trappers once gathered, and connecting to the broader Mountain Man heritage trail through western Wyoming.
Insider Tips
Fur trade era: Fort Bonneville (1832) was built by Captain Benjamin Bonneville during the Rocky Mountain fur trade — Washington Irving wrote a book about his adventures. Pro tip: The fur trade era (1820s-1840s) was the first American commercial enterprise in the West — mountain men like Jim Bridger and Kit Carson explored the Rockies. Wind River: The fort sat near the Wind River Range — one of Wyoming’s most spectacular mountain ranges.
Best Time to Visit
Summer: Best access to the site. Fall: Wind River Range foliage. Spring: Green-up on the plains. Year-round: Interpretive markers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the fur trade?
The Rocky Mountain fur trade (1820s-1840s) sent “mountain men” into the wilderness to trap beaver — beaver pelts were enormously valuable for European hat-making. Annual “Rendezvous” gatherings brought trappers, traders, and Native Americans together. The trade collapsed when silk hats replaced beaver felt in the 1840s. But the mountain men had mapped the West — their trails became emigrant roads to Oregon and California.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Names Hill is elsewhere in the state, and Sinks Canyon State Park is elsewhere in the state.
Wildlife & Nature
Fort Bonneville — the 1832 fur trade post built by Captain Benjamin Bonneville — later chronicled by Washington Irving in “The Adventures of Captain Bonneville”. The site’s Green River valley, sagebrush, and prairie support pronghorn, mule deer, and sage grouse.
Nearby Attractions
Daniel — nearby. Green River Valley — surrounding. Wind River Range — to the east.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Fort Bonneville
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in Wyoming state parks, historic sites and recreation areas, but must be in a vehicle or on a leash whenever outside a camping unit.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash no longer than 10 feet, physically controlled at all times (statewide rule)
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited on designated beach areas statewide
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited in public buildings, eating places and food stores; no statewide pet-lodging policy published
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Guide dogs are exempt; hunting dogs allowed where hunting is permitted; pets may not be left unattended longer than one hour; pets are prohibited in the reservoirs at Curt Gowdy State Park
Are dogs allowed at Fort Bonneville?
Pets are welcome in Wyoming state parks, historic sites and recreation areas, but must be in a vehicle or on a leash whenever outside a camping unit. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via wyoparks.wyo.gov. More: Wyoming state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Fort Bonneville
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