Is Pinedale Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Pinedale’s tourism guide makes a bold statement, calling itself “The Real Wyoming.”

Reaching nearly 7,200 feet above sea level, this charming community of about 2,000 residents is a gateway to the Wind River Range and is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.

Its elevation means crisp mountain air, abundant outdoor activities, and some of the most stunning alpine views in the state.

Founded in 1904, Pinedale was named for the pine trees that surround it, giving the town a rugged, natural beauty that remains its hallmark.

It grew as a hub for ranchers and trappers, with its history deeply tied to the fur trade.

Surrounded on three sides by Bridger-Teton National Forest, Pinedale is known for its pristine wilderness, glacial lakes, and wilderness access.

The Wind River Range offers hiking, fishing, and mountaineering adventures that feel miles away from the busier trails near Jackson.

At the same time, Jackson and Grand Teton National Park are a scenic 80-mile drive northwest.

Pinedale is part of Sublette County, which has more antelope than people.

It’s also a prime spot to catch a clear view of the Milky Way thanks to minimal light pollution.

Warnings & Dangers in Pinedale

OVERALL RISK: LOW

The risk in Pinedale is low, at least when it comes to crime. Outdoor risks are plentiful, you're 100% in charge of how safe you are and how much you follow guidance from the authorities.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

While there isn't a formal public transportation service in Pinedale, the town does have Lyft, Uber, and the Great Outdoor Transportation Company. You'll likely need a rental car to get to and from Pinedale, and that's the best suggestion I have for getting around the region. Just be sure you get an all-wheel drive vehicle (at minimum) if not a four-wheel drive option.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

One purse snatching was reported in 2023, but it's still a low risk here. The chances of this happening to you are just incredibly low, but you keep it that way by using smart safety tactics when it comes to what you carry with you and how secure you keep your belongings.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Treat this as a medium risk since so many activities require good weather outside. The biggest threats are snow storms, blizzards, winds, thunderstorms, and wildfires. Most risks will come with plenty of advance notice, but you need to pay attention to the forecast and heed all safety guidance.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Robberies aren't a problem in Sublette County, as there hasn't been a single report since at least 2022. Let's keep that risk low by staying in well-lit areas and paying attention to your surroundings, especially after dark.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Like anywhere, staying aware of your surroundings is wise, but this isn’t a location where terrorism is a concern. Pinedale is a small, remote town with a very low terrorism risk.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Scams in Pinedale are rare but could include overpriced tourist services or fake online rental listings for cabins. Check local police department and sheriff’s office social media sites for the latest scams. That will help keep the risk low.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Pinedale is very safe for women travelers, whether exploring solo or in a group. The community is friendly and welcoming. Basic precautions, like letting someone know your hiking plans or avoiding isolated areas at night, are always a good idea, but crime rates here are exceptionally low.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

The U.S. has strict standards for tap water per the Safe Water Drinking Act. Communities are required to provide a Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report) once a year by July 1. The 2023 report from Pinedale shows full compliance and no violations.

Safest Places to Visit in Pinedale

The tourism website is VisitPinedale.org, provided by the Pinedale Travel and Tourism Commission.

A free travel guide is available without having to give any personal information.

The city’s website also has a tourism section, but it just offers headlines that take you to the websites of each attraction or location.

The small downtown area (mainstreetpinedale.com) is home to local shops, restaurants, and bars.

Walk along Pine Street to explore unique boutiques, grab a bite, or enjoy a drink at a locally owned establishment.

Summer visitors might want to plan around the Green River Rendezvous, and winter guests should look for the dates of the Winter Carnival.

The Museum of the Mountain Man showcases the fur trade era and early exploration of the Rocky Mountains.

Exhibits include artifacts from the 1800s, a full-size tepee, and detailed displays on mountain men like Jim Bridger.

For more history, the Green River Valley Museum in Big Piney is worth the drive.

This small museum covers the history of ranching, homesteading, and early settlers in the region.

It features historical buildings, photographs, and artifacts that offer insight into life in Wyoming’s rugged early days.

Just a few miles from town, Fremont Lake is a pristine glacial lake perfect for boating, fishing, and kayaking.

The surrounding trails provide great hiking opportunities with stunning views of the Wind River Range.

A short drive from Pinedale, Half Moon Lake offers fishing, camping, and hiking.

It’s smaller and quieter than Fremont Lake, making it a great spot for those seeking solitude.

This ski area is just outside Pinedale and offers downhill skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country trails in winter.

In summer, the resort provides hiking, mountain biking, and scenic chairlift rides.

With Bridger Teton National Forest nearby, I urge you to review the Forest Service website.

This is 3.4 million acres with more than 600 miles of trails.

Within that, there are designated recreation areas and wilderness areas.

While all the favorite outdoor activities in all seasons are available here, I want you to also consider unique experiences like skijoring, dog sled rides, or ice fishing.

If you aren’t skilled in any activity, spend the money on an outfitter to help you have the best trip possible.

Places to Avoid in Pinedale

The risks in Pinedale and the surrounding mountains are less about crime and more about being able to survive the wilderness.

There aren’t bad neighborhoods in Pinedale.

I also want to address the annual snowfall, which comes in around 70 inches a year.

However, don’t take that at face value.

In some years, snow can be as little as 40 inches, while in other years, it might drop more than 140 inches.

As you go up in elevation, the snowpack will increase substantially.

In addition to the snow potential just about every month of the year in the mountains, the wind can cause dangerous wind chills, avalanche risks, and balance problems on exposed mountainsides.

Finally, avoid going into a designated wilderness area without understanding the difference between that and regular parts of the forest.

Wilderness areas generally have crowd limits, permit requirements, and other safety steps to take before you head into the remote and treacherous landscape of the continental divide up to 13,000 feet above sea level.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Pinedale

So... How Safe Is Pinedale Really?

Since law enforcement in Pinedale comes from the Sublette County Sheriff’s Office, we can’t give exact crime data for the past year or look at crime trends.

However, we can tell you that the entire county saw just six violent crimes in 2023, and in each of the prior two years, just seven were reported.

We also know that no strangers were victims of random acts of violence going back to 2021.

Even countywide, thefts in 2023 numbered just 23.

There’s really not a lot more to say about crime in Pinedale because not a lot of it happens here.

You can always read the local newspaper to see a list of the calls for service from the Sheriff’s Office.

Most of the risks involve the weather, wilderness, wildlife, or water, and you can completely control how much you lower the risk by following safety steps.

How Does Pinedale Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

All international visitors need either a visa defining the purpose of the trip (tourist, work, school, etc.) or a visa waiver. Start the process using the Visa Wizard module on the U.S. State Department website. You can also download the CBP One mobile app for help on the go. Also, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your trip, or you’ll need to apply for a new one.

Currency

Only the U.S. Dollar (USD) is accepted in the United States. International airports usually have a currency exchange desk on site, while regional airports won’t. Your home bank offers the lowest fees. For those using credit cards, check to see if there’s a foreign transaction fee. Credit cards, not debit cards, offer the best fraud protection.

Weather

Pinedale sees cold, snowy winters and mild summers. Average snowfall is about 90 inches, with January lows often below zero. Summer highs rarely exceed 80°F, making it comfortable for outdoor activities. The weather can change quickly, so dressing in layers is always a smart choice when visiting.

Airports

The closest commercial airport to Pinedale is Jackson Hole Airport, about 75 miles away. Rock Springs-Sweetwater County Airport is another option, around 85 miles south. Both offer regional connections, with Jackson Hole being the more popular choice for major airlines and closer access to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance protects the cost of baggage loss/theft, delays, cancelations, and emergency health issues. Rental car insurance should include roadside assistance and uninsured motorist coverage. Comprehensive insurance offers the best peace of mind.

Pinedale Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Wyoming - Safety by City