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.

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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The perfect Wyoming day: hiking and viewing petroglyphs. 

Photo: Helen Wilson/Wind River Country 

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Welcome to Wyoming, a place where badlands and mountains collide. 

Photo: @nataliekovarik 

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Road trips like these are worth every mile. ❤️

Footage: @bradytildeath 

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Make plans to attend the Ethete Celebration Powwow, happening this week, July 9–12 at the Ethete Powwow Grounds. Experience the vibrant traditions, incredible dancing, drumming and welcoming community that make this annual celebration so special. 

Schedule:
Thursday -7 p.m. warm up night, royalty contest and youth powwow
Friday -7 p.m. grand entry
Saturday - 1 p.m. grand entry
Saturday - 7 p.m. grand entry
Sunday - 10 a.m. parade
Sunday - 2 p.m. grand entry

#WindRiverCountry #EtheteCelebration #Powwow #ExploreWyoming
Happy Independence Day from Wind River Country!

Photo: Wind River Country/Brad Christensen

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Soaking in the beauty of Jade Lake, one perfect view at a time.

📸: @jakeysforkphoto 

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📍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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