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.
Your Day, Your Adventure: Dubois—A Pocket Guide to Exploring Wyoming’s 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
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.
Step into Wyoming’s past at Castle Gardens Petroglyph Site. Just 46 miles from Riverton, this unique site features ancient Native American petroglyphs carved into its soft sandstone walls.
Photo: Wind River Country/ Helen Wilson
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Sep 16
“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” -Albert Camus
Photo: Scott Copeland
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Sep 15
Fall was made for fly-fishing in Wind River Country.
Photo: Davis Clem
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Sep 11
If you`re looking for authentic Wyoming charm, make your way to Dubois. 🏔️
Surrounded by the Wind River and Absaroka Mountains, this small town is packed with history, outdoor adventure and incredible views. While you`re here, stop by the National Bighorn Sheep Center and the National Museum of Military Vehicles and enjoy easy access to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.
Learn more in our bio.
Photo: Brady McLean
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Sep 9
Happy Labor Day from Wind River Country. 🇺🇸☀️
Here`s to the long weekend! Whether you`re hitting the trail, casting a line or just enjoying the view, we hope you have a safe and memorable holiday.
📍Where are you exploring today?
Photo: Davis Clem
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Sep 7
We love fall colors…who else is ready?
Photo: Scott Copeland
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Sep 5
The best way to see Wyoming? From the back of a horse.
Photo: Davis Clem
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Sep 2
Sometimes all you need is a change of scenery. 🌄 Wind River Country is waiting.
Photo: Davis Clem
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Aug 31
"The landscape of the American West has to be seen to be believed and has to be believed to be seen." – N. Scott Momaday
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Photo: Wind River Country, Brady McLean
Aug 28
Explore the stories, history and traditions of the Wind River Indian Reservation.
As the only reservation in Wyoming and home to the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes, it`s a place rich in culture and heritage. Take the self-guided driving tour to learn more about the people, places and history that make this landscape so special.
Want to learn more? Visit the link in our bio.
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Photo: Wind River Country
Aug 27
If you`re ready to find room to breathe and space to roam, take a deep dive into the heart of Wind River Country.
Start planning in our bio.
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Photo: Bill Sincavage
Aug 26
As we`re approaching hunting season, there`s no better photo opp than this.
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Aug 22