March 24, 2023
Wind River Country’s museums offer a variety of programs, tours and treks for both visitors and residents. Beginning around mid to late spring, treks are offered throughout the summer and into early fall. These treks are a great opportunity to get outside to explore, experience and walk in the footsteps of the rugged and independent people who discovered and settled the extraordinary Wind River region. Round up your family or friends and join us outside.
May 13 — “Lander Area Petroglyphs”
See the Lander area petroglyphs with the Pioneer Museum on this Wind River Visitors Council Adventure Trek. Visit a unique site near Lander with many examples of Native American rock art. There is roughly 1.5 miles of hiking over uneven ground to reach the site. Meet at the Pioneer Museum to take a bus to the petroglyph site and enjoy seeing the beautiful figures and carvings created long before our time.
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Reservations are required (15 person limit), and transportation is provided. $12 per person. Call the Pioneer Museum at (307) 332-3339 for details.
June 10 — “The South Pass Trek”
Explore the greater South Pass National Historic Landmark with retired BLM Archeologist Craig Bromley. The tour starts at South Pass City and explores multiple pre-historic and historic sites.
Meet at the South Pass City Dance Hall at 11 a.m. then travel to remote locations. Bring a full tank of gas, water, hiking boots and your curiosity. Reservations are required (24 person limit.) Visit southpasscity.org to make your reservation.
June 17 — “Historic Miners Delight Gold Mine Town Trek”
Explore Wyoming’s most significant gold mining area on this Wind River Visitors Council Adventure Trek program with Craig Bromley and the Pioneer Museum. Tour the historic ghost town and gold mining community of Miners Delight in the historic South Pass City/Atlantic City area. Learn about the history of Miners Delight and find out about stabilization efforts to preserve it.
Reservations are required, and transportation is provided. $12 per person. Meet at the Pioneer Museum at 10 a.m. Call (307) 332-3339 for details.
June 24 — “Castle Gardens Adventure Trek”
Visit Castle Gardens, where there is an abundance of rock art. See the famous Castle Gardens Shield Style figures, circular engravings, all roughly the same size with different interior designs of geometric shapes and animal forms, and learn about the Bureau of Land Management’s efforts to preserve them. The Riverton Museum hosts Craig Bromley for this Wind River Visitors Council Adventure Trek Series program from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This trek requires a good amount of walking so please dress accordingly. Bring a sack lunch and water.
Reservations are required, and transportation is provided. $20 per person. Meet at the Riverton Museum at 9 a.m. Call (307) 856-2665 for details.
June 27 — “Geology Road Trip to the Union Pass Area”
Head to Union Pass for a Geology Road Trip with the Dubois Museum during this Wind River Visitors Council Adventure Trek Series program.
Join Dr. Dave Love of New Mexico Tech for a fun road trip to look at rocks and their geologic histories in the area of drainage divides near the top of the continent. Stream headwaters drain in three directions—Wind River to the Gulf of Mexico, Green River to the Gulf of California and Gros Ventre River to the Pacific Ocean. Along the route participants will see some of the oldest rocks in North America, as well as younger rocks from more recent mountain-building episodes. Gold-bearing gravel along the way may provide an opportunity to pan for tiny flakes of gold. The returning loop of the trek provides spectacular panoramic views of the volcanic mountains and Wind River Valley to the north and west.
This trek will have some walking, but will be mostly driving. You will need to arrange your own transportation. Put on your hiking boots, bring a lunch, water, bug spray and bear spray, and anticipate an enjoyable and informative outing. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reservations are required. $15 per person. Call (307) 455-2284 to reserve a place.
July 7 — “Spring Mountain Geology Trek”
Explore the geological record of the northern margin of the Wind River Basin with the Dubois Museum on a trek up the backside of Spring Mountain. Examine igneous and sedimentary rocks, and discuss and see evidence of ancient oceans, the making of mountains and more recent volcanic activity and glaciers.
A high-clearance and/or four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended to get to the parking area where the trek begins. Difficult hiking. Bring bear spray, bug spray, hiking boots, trekking poles, water and lunch. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Reservations are required. $10 per person. Call (307) 455-2284 for details.
July 15 — “Early Mining at South Pass City: Arrastra & Stamp Mill Demonstrations”
Gold was discovered in 1867 on a windswept ridge above a minor tributary of the Sweetwater River. In less than a year, the rush was on and the creek had a name, Willow Creek, and a town called South Pass City that boasted 1,000 people. Even though the place was very remote, miners were enterprising, bringing in huge pieces of equipment to process gold ore.
This trek follows Willow Creek along South Pass City’s Flood & Hindle Trail and looks into the history of early mining at South Pass City. This is an easy 1.5 mile walk on a well-maintained trail. This trek also includes a full demonstration of the stamp mill and the one of a kind Arrastra.
Meet at the South Pass City Dance Hall at 11 a.m. Reservations are required (25 person limit). Visit southpasscity.org to make your reservation.
July 22 — “Sinks Canyon Geology Trek”
Sinks Canyon is a geological wonder known for its river that disappears into a limestone cavern, only to reappear in a trout-filled pool on the opposite side of the canyon a quarter mile downstream. Join the Riverton Museum to learn about the geological features and natural history of Sinks Canyon on this Wind River Visitors Council Adventure Trek Series program. Bring your own sack lunch and water, and wear comfortable hiking shoes, as this trek requires a good amount of walking.
Reservations are required, and transportation is provided. $20 per person. Meet at the Riverton Museum at 9 a.m. Call (307) 856-2665 for details.
July 22 — “Bonneville Pass Nature Trek”
Hike the Bonneville Pass with the Dubois Museum on this Bailey Tire/Pit Stop Children’s Exploration Series program. Take in the views of the pinnacles and enjoy beautiful wildflowers along the trail. This hike is intended for kids age seven and older. Kids must be accompanied by an adult who can hike alongside them and provide transportation to and from the hiking destination. When you register, the museum will let you know what to bring and what to expect in more detail.
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. $3 per person. Reservations are required (10 person limit). Call the Dubois Museum at (307) 455-2284 to make your reservation.
July 22 — “The Historic Burnt Ranch Trek”
Burnt Ranch, known historically as South Pass Station and Last or Ninth Crossing of the Sweetwater River, is located at the center of South Pass. Join the Pioneer Museum on this Wind River Visitors Council Adventure Trek from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to The Historic Burnt Ranch and learn about the famous Oregon Trail Landmark, stage station and telegraph station.
This is a carpool trek where you will need a high clearance vehicle to get to the site. Meet at the Pioneer Museum at 10 a.m. to drive to the South Pass area. $10 per person. Contact the museum at (307) 332-3339 for reservations and details.
July 22 — “In the Steps of William Henry Jackson”
Head to South Pass City and follow in the footsteps of renowned Photographer William Henry Jackson as we revisit locations he photographed in 1870. Jackson worked for the United States Geological Service and was the photographer that accompanied the Hayden Expeditions into Yellowstone. In 1870 Jackson took a series of photographs of South Pass City and Atlantic City. The trek will explore early photography and local history.
Meet at the South Pass City Dance Hall at 11 a.m., then travel to remote locations. Bring a full tank of gas, water, hiking boots and your curiosity. Reservations are required (24 person limit). Visit southpasscity.org to make your reservation.
July 29 — “Early Mining at South Pass City: Arrastra & Stamp Mill Demonstrations”
Gold was discovered in 1867 on a windswept ridge above a minor tributary of the Sweetwater River. In less than a year the rush was on and the creek had a name, Willow Creek, and a town called South Pass City that boasted 1,000 people. Even though the place was very remote, miners were enterprising, bringing in huge pieces of equipment to process gold ore.
This trek follows Willow Creek along South Pass City’s Flood & Hindle Trail and looks into the history of early mining at South Pass City. This is an easy 1.5 mile walk on a well-maintained trail. This trek also includes a full demonstration of the stamp mill and the one of a kind Arrastra.
Meet at the South Pass City Dance Hall at 11 a.m. Reservations are required (25 person limit). Visit southpasscity.org to make your reservation.
August 8 — “Annual Tie Hack Trek”
The Dubois Museum will lead the “Annual Tie Hack Trek” as part of the Wind River Visitors Council Adventure Trek Series. Follow the tie hacks up the West Dunoir Valley to see where they harvested ties, stacked the ties and where the main headquarters was. This is a longer hike (approximately six miles). Bring bear spray, bug spray, hiking boots, water crossing shoes/sandals, trekking poles, water and lunch.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Advanced registration is required. $15 per person. Call the Dubois Museum for details at (307) 455-2284.
August 12 — “Boysen State Park Historical Adventure Trek”
Join the Riverton Museum for a historical Wind River Visitors Council Adventure Trek in Boysen State Park from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Boysen State Park is a beautiful and unique lake-orientated park at the south end of the Owl Creek Mountains at the mouth of Wind River Canyon. Enjoy a guided hike around the scenic reservoir and learn about the history of the Boysen Dam. This trek requires a good amount of walking, so please dress accordingly. Bring your own sack lunch and water.
Reservations are required, and transportation is provided. $20 per person. Meet at the Riverton Museum at 9 a.m. Call (307) 856-2665 for details.
August 12 — “Historic Lander Houses Trek: North 3rd Street”
Join the Pioneer Museum in Lander from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for the “Historic Lander Houses: North 3rd Street” Wind River Visitors Council Adventure Trek.
Learn the history of some of the historic homes on Lander’s northside. This historic trek is approximately 1.5 miles of walking.
Meet in front of the Noble Hotel at the corner of 3rd and Main streets at 10 a.m. $10 per person. Reservations are required. Call (307) 332-3339 for details.
August 15 — “History of Union Pass”
Experience the History of Union Pass Trek with the Dubois Museum and Steve Banks during this Wind River Visitors Council Adventure Trek.
This trek starts at the Dubois Museum and ends on top of Union Pass where you will learn who else has used the Pass in the past and why. This trek has a short amount of walking and is mostly driving. You will need to arrange your own transportation. Put on your hiking boots, and bring a lunch, water, bug spray, sunscreen and bear spray.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Advanced registration is required. $15 per person. Call the Dubois Museum at (307) 455-2284 for details.
August 20 — “The Great South Pass History Hunt”
The Great South Pass History Hunt is a scavenger hunt that takes teams of history fans all across the site looking for clues and prizes. This is a fun, unique activity and is open for teams of up to 10 people. It begins at 10 a.m., and the last sign-up is at 2 p.m.
How it works: Teams are given an initial clue when they arrive that will send them on a chase that covers all of South Pass City State Historic Site. Be ready to be thrown some curves, mislead just a wee bit, to dig into the history of South Pass City and to have a great time. Prizes are given out along the route.
Teams need to bring a picnic lunch and be prepared for hiking to the different parts of the historic site. Registering in advance is encouraged. Call (307) 332-3684 for more information.
August 26 — “J.B. Okie Manor Tour”
Tour the amazing J.B. Okie Manor with the Riverton Museum on this Wind River Visitors Council Adventure Trek. Experience a rare tour of the sheep tycoon’s mansion, built in 1901 in Lost Cabin. This tour is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and features stories from Okie’s life and the history of the manor, as well as details about the home’s features.
Admission is $20 per person; reservations are required. Participants will meet at the Riverton Museum at 9 a.m. for a bus ride to the manor. Bring a sack lunch and water. Call the Riverton Museum for details at (307) 856-2665.
August 29 — “Lake Louise Nature Trek”
The “Lake Louise Nature Trek” is a day filled with pretty scenery and education, hosted by the Dubois Museum as part of the Wind River Visitors Council Adventure Trek Series. Hike through a rugged landscape to Lake Louise, a gem of a glacier lake, hidden in the expansive Fitzpatrick Wilderness. The hike to Lake Louise is moderate to difficult, approximately six miles with about 1,000 feet elevation gain. Be sure to bring water, lunch, bug spray, bear spray, sunscreen, trekking poles and hiking boots.
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. $15 per person. Advanced registration is required. Call the Dubois Museum for details at (307) 455-2284.
September 9 — “Lander Area Petroglyphs”
See the Lander area petroglyphs with the Pioneer Museum on this Wind River Visitors Council Adventure Trek. Visit a unique site near Lander with many examples of Native American rock art. There is roughly 1.5 miles of hiking over uneven ground to reach the site. Meet at the Pioneer Museum to take a bus to the petroglyph site, and enjoy seeing the beautiful figures and carvings created long before our time.
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Reservations are required (15 person limit), and transportation is provided. $12 per person. Call the Pioneer Museum at (307) 332-3339 for details.
September 9 — “Chief Washakie Camp”
In 1870, photographer William Henry Jackson stopped in South Pass City and Atlantic City to photograph the booming mining towns. On the same day he photographed South Pass City he photographed the camp of Chief Washakie as his tribe gathered pine nuts. Join the folks in South Pass City on this trek to visit that location with John Mionczynski, renowned ethnobotanist who will show you what the Shoshone tribe was collecting.
Meet at the South Pass City Dance Hall at 11 a.m., then travel to remote locations. Bring a full tank of gas, water, hiking boots and your curiosity. Reservations are required (24 person limit). Visit southpasscity.org to make your reservation.
September 16 — “Gas Hills Uranium Adventure Trek” 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
On September 13, 1953, uranium was first found in the Gas Hills, almost 70 years ago to the day. On this Wind River Visitors Council Adventure Trek, the Riverton Museum, joined by historian Zach Larsen, will take participants to the Gas Hills for a tour of the historical sites that shaped Wyoming’s uranium industry. This trek requires a good amount of walking, so please dress accordingly. Bring a sack lunch and water.
$10 per person. Meet at the Riverton Museum at 9 a.m. Call the Museum for details at (307) 856-2665.
September 23 — “The Historic Ed Young Apple Orchard and Ranch Trek”
It all started in 1882, when Lander rancher Ed Young planted his first apple trees, the first planted in Wyoming, on his homestead on the Little Popo Agie River. By 1904, Young’s orchard of more than 2,000 trees was said to produce 60,000 pounds that season. That same year, the newspapers and promoters began calling Lander “Apple City,” and Ed Young the “Apple King of Wyoming.”
The Pioneer Museum’s “Historic Ed Young Apple Orchard and Ranch Adventure Trek” takes you to the site of the apple orchards that made Lander “The Apple City.”
1 to 2:30 p.m. $12 per person. Meet at the Museum at 1 p.m. to take a bus to the site. Reservations are required. Call the Pioneer Museum for details at (307) 332-3339.
October 14 — “Haunted Downtown Walking Trek”
The Riverton Museum is always excited to host the spooky Haunted Downtown Walking Trek. In this Wind River Visitors Council Adventure Trek, local educator and collector of ghost stories, Alma Law guides participants around downtown Riverton and shows you the sites where some of his favorite ghost stories occurred. After the walk, return to the museum and enjoy cookies and hot cocoa.
This event starts at 5:30 p.m. It is one of The Riverton Museum’s most popular treks, and spots are limited, so get your name on the list soon. $10 per person. Warm coats and walking shoes are recommended. Call the Riverton Museum for details at (307) 856-2665.
Posted in Notes From the Field