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.
Wild Horses in Wyoming
Bird Watching
Petroglyphs
Mormon Trail
Stargazing
Rails to Trails (Wyoming Heritage 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.
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.
Rodeo season is officially starting in Wind River Country. Be sure to join us as we kick off the first night of the Dubois Friday Night Rodeos TONIGHT! And if you can`t make this one, you can catch rodeo action every Friday through August 21.
@duboisrodeo
Photos: Brady McLean
#WindRiverCountry #Wyoming #ThatsWY #CowboyState #Rodeo
Jun 5
Spring storms and lush landscapes.
Start planning your visit at the link in our bio.
Photo: Scott Copeland
#WindRiverCountry #Wyoming #ThatsWY #CowboyState
Jun 4
June has arrived! Take a peek at the events around Wind River Country including Eastern Shoshone Indian Days Powwow, Dubois Friday Night Rodeos, Lander Brewfest and 1838 Mountain Man Rendezvous!
#CowboyState #WindRiverCountry #Wyoming #ThatsWY
Jun 1
One of the best ways to experience Wind River Country this summer is on the water. You can enjoy over 2,000 miles of rivers and streams and 262 lakes and reservoirs.
Photo: Jared Steinman
May 29
Welcome to the Cowboy State, a place that`s made for riding horses and enjoying the great outdoors. Book a stay at a guest ranch and experience Wyoming like a true cowboy.
Book your adventure at the link in our bio.
Photos: Wyoming Office of Tourism, Davis Clem, Gary Kunis
#WindRiverCountry #Wyoming #ThatsWY #CowboyState
May 27
Say hello to a summer in Wyoming filled with wide open spaces and some of the best events around.
Photo: Wind River Country/Preston Ackerman
#CowboyState #ThatsWY #WindRiverCountry #Wyoming
May 24
Planning a summer road trip? Hit the road on a scenic driving tour around Wind River Country.
Learn all about the area`s driving tours in our bio.
Photos: Wind River Country, David Rule
#CowboyState #Wyoming #ThatsWY #WindRiverCountry
May 22
Ready for the ultimate Wild West getaway? Discover history in Lander at the Fremont County Pioneer Museum.
Photo: Wind River Country/Suite 1491
May 20
If you`re ready for a unique Wyoming stay, we`ve got the perfect place for you. Just outside of Lander in Sinks Canyon State Park you`ll find a cozy yurt stay.
Photos: Wind River Country & Brady McLean
#ThatsWY #Wyoming #CowboyState #WindRiverCountry
May 18
Our region is home to eight unforgettable stops you won’t want to miss. From quiet, historic towns with small populations to lively small cities, Wind River Country offers something for everyone.
Start planning your trip at the link in our bio.
Photos: Wyoming Office of Tourism & Wind River Country
#WindRiverCountry #CowboyState #Wyoming
May 15
Looking for epic mountain biking? You’ll find it in Wind River Country 🚵♂️
From rugged trails to scenic rides, adventure is waiting around every turn. Start planning: https://windriver.org/experience/mountain-road-biking/
Photos : DART Trails & Wind River Country
#Beautiful #Wyoming #WindRiverCountry #CowboyState
May 14
Happy Mother’s Day from Wyoming`s Wind River Country. 💐
Photo: Brad Christensen
#Wyoming #Beautiful #WindRiverCountry #MothersDay
May 10