Public Lands

If there is one thing that can sum up Wind River Country’s greatest attraction, it’s public land. Wyoming’s Wind River Country is expansive, diverse, and uncrowded. Those of us fortunate enough to Live in Wind River Country have a backyard of more than 5 million acres of public land. We are thrilled to invite you to to our playground!

woman and dog at an overlook — Hike Red Canyon. Photo: Cinthia Hayford

In these more than 5 million acres of public land in the form of forests, mountains, lakes, prairies and colorful desert, it’s easy to pioneer your own adventure in this breathtaking part of the American West. Observe wildlife in their natural habitat or backpack deep into glacial mountains without crossing paths with another human. Summit a 12,000-foot peak in the renowned Cirque of the Towers, paddle rapids down the dramatic Wind River Canyon, and try your luck fishing the high-alpine lakes and streams. Ride your bike in river canyons, atop slick rock, or over feet of snow. Climb a limestone wall just a few miles from town or saddle up and put as many miles between you and civilization as you can. Walk through history along wagon trails and amongst the historically inspired names of our peaks and lakes.

Unplug into heart-opening sunsets, seamless and unpolluted night skies, and the pristine quiet that makes you feel like no place or moment matters but this one.

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QUICK TIPS

In addition to Wyoming’s several state parks and historical sites in our county, our public land is made up of Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management land, Wyoming state game lands and school sections, and the Wind River Indian Reservation. If you are headed to recreate on the Wind River Reservation you will need a special permit you can buy at outdoor stores. And if you are planning large group trip with livestock, you’ll need a permit- check with the Forest Service.

Regional Offices

U.S. Forest Service-Shoshone National Forest
Washakie District Ranger’s Office, Lander, 307-332-5460
Wind River District Ranger’s Office, Dubois. 307-455-2466

Bureau of Land Management
Lander Resource Area, 307-332-8400

Game & Fish Department
307-332-2688

Shoshone & Arapaho Fish & Game Department
307-332-7207

Did You Know?

The Shoshone National Forest is the nation’s first national forest and nicknamed “the recreation forest.” And for good reason. The words “world class” are often used to describe the climbing, backpacking and horse packing the forest provides. The best part is that exploring these lands is free.

There’s also a little bit of Teton National Forest in Wind River Country, accessible over Union Pass near Dubois.

There are several designated Wilderness areas in Wind River Country. You can travel only by foot or horse in these areas—motorized vehicles and bikes are not permitted in Wilderness areas.