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.
Pony Express
Boysen State Park
Sinks Canyon State Park
Grand Teton National Park
Yellowstone National Park
Bighorn Sheep
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.
Step Back to 1838 at the Mountain Man Rendezvous
What Does Wind River Country Taste Like?
Saddle Up in Wind River Country: Riding Through Wyoming’s Wild Heart
Dancing the Night Away: Tuesday Night Square Dancing at the Rustic Pine Tavern
Your Day, Your Adventure: Riverton—A Pocket Guide to Exploring Wyoming’s 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.
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
#WindRiverCountry #Wyoming #ThatsWY
Jul 27
Sunny summer days are the best days.
Photo: Natalie Kovarik
#WindRiverCountry #Wyoming #ThatsWY #CowboyState
Jul 24
Have you seen a jackalope?
Photo: Natalie Kovarik
#WindRiverCountry #Wyoming #ThatsWY
Jul 22
We love to chase waterfalls around Wyoming.
Photo: Scott Copeland
#CowboyState #WindRiverCountry #Wyoming #ThatsWY #Beautiful
Jul 20
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
#WindRiverCountry #Wyoming #ThatsWY #CowboyState
Jul 17
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
#WindRiverCountry #Wyoming #ThatsWY #CowboyState
Jul 15
The perfect Wyoming day: hiking and viewing petroglyphs.
Photo: Helen Wilson/Wind River Country
#WindRiverCountry #Wyoming #ThatsWY #CowboyState
Jul 14
Welcome to Wyoming, a place where badlands and mountains collide.
Photo: @nataliekovarik
#WindRiverCountry #Wyoming #ThatsWY #CowboyState
Jul 10
Road trips like these are worth every mile. ❤️
Footage: @bradytildeath
#windrivercountry #wyoming #thatswy #cowboystate #explorewyoming
Jul 8
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
Jul 6
Happy Independence Day from Wind River Country!
Photo: Wind River Country/Brad Christensen
#Wyoming #WindRiverCountry
Jul 4
Soaking in the beauty of Jade Lake, one perfect view at a time.
📸: @jakeysforkphoto
#Wyoming #WindRiverCountry
Jul 3