Jeffrey City
Where the Boom Once Swept Through the Town
Welcome to Jeffrey City
Jeffrey City rose quickly during the uranium boom of the 1950s, when discoveries in the nearby Gas Hills turned this stretch of high desert into a busy mining town. When the mines closed, much of that activity faded, but the story remains.
Today, it’s a quiet stop along the highway where that history is still visible. Spend time at the Split Rock Bar & Cafe, stay at the Green Mountain Motel or browse a local pottery shop. It’s a place that feels unchanged in many ways, and that’s exactly what makes it worth the stop.
Fun Facts
Population
About 50 residents
Elevation
Approximately 6,400 feet above sea level
What the Area Is Known For
Jeffrey City was once a booming uranium mining town during the Cold War, when thousands of workers and families lived there. Today it stands as one of Wyoming’s most well-known near-ghost towns, offering a fascinating glimpse into the rise and fall of America’s uranium industry.
Events
Community gatherings and occasional local events hosted by residents and nearby communities in the Sweetwater River and South Pass regions.
Gallop, Bike, Then Stay the Night Under the Stars
Just south of town, Green Mountain opens up into wide, quiet country. Camp at Cottonwood Creek, ride horseback, mountain bike or spend the day watching for wildlife across the high desert. Wild horses are sometimes seen near Carmody Lake, and rockhounds may find jade or agate in the surrounding hills.
Some areas may be seasonally closed from December 1 through June 15. Check with the Bureau of Land Management in Lander for current access.
Discover Ghost Towns and the Pioneer Spirit
Roads near Jeffrey City pass through historic mining areas, open land and remnants of earlier settlement. Follow these routes to see how this part of Wyoming developed.
Wind River Country: Yellowstone’s Unique Neighbor
Hear the stories behind Jeffrey City and the surrounding landscape. This podcast adds context and voices to the places you pass through, offering a deeper understanding of the area’s history and character.
In Town for These Events
See what’s happening nearby and consider adding a local event to your time in this part of Wind River Country.
Businesses in Jeffrey City
Follow Jeffrey City in Real Time
See Jeffrey City as it is today, from quiet stretches of highway to everyday moments in town. Follow along and share your own experience by tagging @windrivercountry.
November is Native American Heritage Month. Wind River Country is home to two tribal nations – the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho. While we share about the tribal nations year-round, this month is a time to honor their cultures, traditions, histories and contributions. As we move into the new month ahead, we invite you to learn more about Indigenous voices and the living culture and landscapes that exist in every part of modern-day Wyoming.
Learn more at the link in our bio.
Photos: @bradytildeath
#windrivercountry #wyoming #thatswy
Nov 2
Where the Wild West lives on.
Photo: Bob Wick
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Oct 30
Beautiful views in every direction. That`s what you`ll find in Wyoming`s Wind River Country.
Photos: The New Fly Fisher
#windrivercountry #thatswy #wyoming
Oct 27
Dirt bikes + badlands + snow-dusted mountains in the background = our perfect Wyoming day.
Photo: Melanie Limpus
Oct 26
Planning a summer trip to Wyoming and want to visit during one of our notable and iconic events? Here are a few to put on your radar:
-1838 Mountain Man Rendezvous in Riverton (June)
-Dubois Friday Night Rodeos (summer)
-Gold Rush Days in South Pass City (July 10-11)
-Riverton Rendezvous Balloon Rally (July 17-19)
-Lander Pioneer Days Rodeo (July 3-4)
-Eastern Shoshone Indian Days Powwow (June)
-Ethete Celebration and Powwow (July)
-Northern Arapaho Powwow (August)
Balloon image: Preston Ackerman
Mountain man: Brad Christensen
#wyoming #windrivercountry #thatswy
Oct 23
No matter how you found our account, we`re happy you`re here. This is Wyoming`s Wind River Country, a destination with wide-open landscapes, living cultures and the kind of space that lets you breathe deep.
Come find your West with us here in Wyoming. Learn more at the link in our bio.
Photo: @bradytildeath
#wyoming #windrivercountry #thatswy
Oct 19
Fall colors in Wyoming? You better believe it.
Photos: Helen Wilson
#windrivercountry #wyoming #thatswy
Oct 16
While Wyoming may be known for Yellowstone National Park, the good folks at @lonelyplanet think there`s way more to The Cowboy State than just the park. And, we agree. Read their story all about how to go beyond Yellowstone to Wind River Country at the link in our bio.
#ThatsWY #Wyoming #WindRiverCountry
Oct 15
When you road trip through Wyoming, you may not expect to find a place like red canyon. With striking landscapes, it`s one of those places that invites you to slow down, breathe deeply and take in the view.
Photo: @montanatia
#Wyoming #WindRiverCountry #ThatsWY
Oct 14
Happy October! Be sure to keep an eye on these events this month.
#Wyoming #WingRiverCountry
Oct 12
Little moments, from one of the best small towns in the country.
#Wyoming #ThatsWY #WindRiverCountry
Oct 11
Life gets busy. We believe in slowing down, soaking it in and enjoying life at the Wyoming pace.
Photo: Gary Kunis
#WindRiverCountry #Wyoming #ThatsWY
Oct 9