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.

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Need a great place to grab a coffee or treat? Check out Lander Bake Shop! ❤

Photo: Wyoming Office of Tourism

@landerbakeshop 

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Saturday nights. ❤

Photo: Bethany Baldes

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Ready to venture to Wind River Country this fall?

Check out our ranches, cabins, lodges and more at the link in our bio. 

Photo: Natalie Kovarik 

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Consider this a postcard from our backyard. ❤️

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Wyoming Dubois
If you're ready to experience touchable history, venture to South Pass City and try your hand at gold panning. 

Photo: Wyoming Office of Tourism 

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Sunny summer days are the best days. 

Photo: Natalie Kovarik 

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Have you seen a jackalope? 

Photo: Natalie Kovarik 

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We love to chase waterfalls around Wyoming. 

Photo: Scott Copeland 

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Cheers to the weekend! Tell us: where is your favorite place to grab a cold beverage?

Photo: Helen Wilson/Wind River Country 
Location: The Rock Shop Inn 

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Mountain biking, road biking, fishing and hiking. Wind River Country is an outdoor lover's paradise.

Start planning your trip at the link in our bio. 

Photo: Bob Wick 

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