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.

One of the best ways to experience Wind River Country this summer is on the water. You can enjoy over 2,000 miles of rivers and streams and 262 lakes and reservoirs.

Photo: Jared Steinman
Planning a summer road trip? Hit the road on a scenic driving tour around Wind River Country. 

Learn all about the area's driving tours in our bio. 

Photos: Wind River Country, David Rule 

 #CowboyState #Wyoming #ThatsWY #WindRiverCountry
Happy Mother’s Day from Wyoming's Wind River Country. 💐

Photo: Brad Christensen

 #Wyoming #Beautiful #WindRiverCountry  #MothersDay
Community Cocktail Tasting tonight in Riverton!

Be sure to head to Bar 10 and taste Wyoming inspired cocktails at 6:30 p.m. TONIGHT! What a great pre Mother's Day activity! 

#WindRiverCountry #CowboyState #ThatsWY #Wyoming
Big news from Wind River Country—we’ve launched a brand-new website! 

The updated windriver.org makes it simple to explore outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, local events and more—all in one place.

Whether you’re planning a full itinerary or a quick getaway, everything you need is just a click away.

Start planning your adventure: windriver.org (link in bio)! 

 #WindRiverCountry #ThatsWY #CowboyState #Wyoming