By Erica Bray. This piece was originally published on the Orbitz blog.

If y’all want to tap the real wild west of Wyoming, get the heck out of Jackson Hole, and think beyond the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone.

While these three must-see destinations are popular for good reason, they also invite a parade of tourists and “Wild West” commercialization that can run counter to that uncrowded, rough-around-the-edges mythology you’d expect of the West—the one made famous by the cowboys, frontiersmen, Native tribes and westbound settlers who first explored this landscape.

To uncover places that capture the Wild West spirit of these pioneers with rugged authenticity and fewer crowds, you’ll have to ditch the upscale hotels and mass-marketed tours that originate from Jackson and venture a bit further afield with a little DIY bravado.

Read the full post and what Erica wrote about Lander, the Wind River Indian Reservation, and Dubois in Wyoming’s Wind River Country.

Follow the Moments That Make Wind River Country


See Wind River Country as it happens, on the trail, in town and out on the land. Follow along for real moments from real people, and share your own journey by tagging @windrivercountry.

📍South Pass City, Wyoming 

While you can visit this historic gold mining town from the end of May - mid October, save the date for Gold Rush Days - July 11 & 12.

Photo: Wind River Country

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There's no place quite like old Wyo'. 

Photo: Journal of Lost Time

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When the mountains call, there’s only one thing to do. Go. 

Photo: Journal of Lost Time 

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Ready to learn more about the wild horses of the West? The Wind River Wild Horse Sanctuary - which is located on the Wind River Indian Reservation - has a visitor center with an interpretive display, and also offers guided tours.
Plan your trip at the link in our bio. 

Photo: Melissa Hemkin

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This is what we like to call the perfect summer day in Wind River Country.

Photo: Wind River Country/Paula McCormick 

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Combine history and modern-day culture at the Eastern Shoshone Indian Days Powwow, June 19-21. Held in Fort Washakie, the event includes a parade, hand game tournament, drum contest, Indian rodeo and relay races and Grand Entries. 

Find more information at the link in our bio. 

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Plan a trip to Lander and Lander Brewfest to enjoy 80+ beers made all across the Mountain West on June 12-13. We hope to see you there - cheers! 

Photo: Wyoming Office of Tourism

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Spring storms and lush landscapes. 

Start planning your visit at the link in our bio. 

Photo: Scott Copeland 

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