
Recreation
Outdoor Recreation in Wind River Country
Wind River Country offers a wide range of ways to spend time outside, shaped by season, landscape and access to public land. Rivers, trails and open terrain create opportunities for everything from rafting and fishing to hiking, climbing and wildlife watching.
In winter, snow changes how you move through the region, opening up routes for skiing, snowmobiling and other cold-weather travel. Whether you’re looking for a short outing or a multi-day trip, recreation here is tied to the land and how it changes throughout the year.


Water & River Activities
Rivers and lakes across Wind River Country offer a range of ways to get on the water. Paddle calm stretches by canoe or kayak, or take on sections of whitewater with a guide. Fishing is a steady draw throughout the region, from alpine lakes to larger reservoirs like Boysen.
Some areas are best in spring and early summer when flows are higher, while others are suited for slower days on the water. Whether you’re casting a line or moving downstream, water access is a key part of recreation here.
Winter Recreation
Winter shifts the landscape and opens up new ways to explore. Snow-covered terrain supports snowmobiling, backcountry and Nordic skiing, fat biking and guided dog sled trips.
Higher elevations offer deeper snow and longer routes, while lower areas provide accessible trails and open space. Cold, clear days and quieter conditions make winter a different way to experience the region.

Land-Based Recreation
Trails, peaks and open terrain shape land-based recreation across Wind River Country. Hiking routes range from short canyon walks to multi-day trips in the Wind River Range. Cyclists find both paved routes and rugged singletrack, while climbers come for granite walls and high desert routes.
Horseback riding, camping and off-road travel offer additional ways to move through the landscape, each providing a different perspective on the region.
Legendary Lands, Timeless Trails & Wild Wonders
Public lands define much of Wind River Country, from the Wind River Range and Absaroka Mountains to state parks, historic trails and open access areas. These landscapes support hiking, wildlife viewing, stargazing and travel along routes that have been used for generations.
The region includes segments of the Oregon Trail, Continental Divide Trail and other historic corridors, alongside areas shaped by wildlife movement and seasonal change. These places offer both access and perspective on the land and its history.

Absaroka Mountains

Scenic Drives

Wind River Range

Sacajawea’s Gravesite

California Trail

Oregon Trail
Stories, Spurs, and Local Adventures
Guided trips and local experiences offer another way to understand Wind River Country. Outfitters lead pack trips, fishing excursions and hunts, while rodeos and seasonal events reflect long-standing traditions.
Cultural experiences, including powwows and visits to places like the Wind River Wild Horse Sanctuary, provide context shaped by the people who live and work here.
Wind River Country:
Yellowstone’s Unique Neighbor
Listen in for stories and conversations that explore outdoor recreation, local knowledge and the landscapes that shape Wind River Country.
Follow Wind River Country in Real Time
See Wind River Country as it happens, from time on the trail to everyday moments across the region. Follow along and share your own experience by tagging @windrivercountry.
Happy November, from Wind River Country. Here`s what is happening in our region.
#wyoming #windrivercountry
Nov 3
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
#thatswy #windrivercountry #wyoming
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



















