Public Lands & Trails
Frame Every Sunset. Explore Wind River Country’s Peaceful Lands.
Public land defines much of Wind River Country. More than five million acres of mountains, forests, desert and open terrain provide space to explore without crowds. These lands support hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing, scenic drives and travel along historic routes. With a mix of access points and conditions that change with the seasons, they offer a wide range of ways to spend time outside.
Adventures in the Wild
Across forests, mountains, lakes and desert terrain, public lands support a wide range of outdoor activity. Wildlife is commonly seen in open areas and along water, while backcountry routes lead into higher elevations and more remote terrain.
Day trips and longer routes are both possible, depending on the area and season. Conditions can vary, so planning ahead helps ensure safe travel.
Bring On Wild Exploration
Explore at your own pace, whether that means hiking to alpine lakes, climbing on canyon walls or fishing along rivers and streams. The Wind River Range offers access to both well-known routes and quieter spaces.
Road Wonders
Roads across Wind River Country connect towns, trailheads and remote areas. Scenic drives follow river canyons, cross mountain passes and provide access to climbing areas, trail systems and public lands.
These routes are used by cyclists, drivers and off-road travelers, depending on conditions and access.
Historic Awe & Tranquility
Historic trails and routes cross this region, including segments of the Oregon Trail, Pony Express and Continental Divide Trail. These paths reflect travel routes used for generations.
Today, they also provide access to open landscapes, quiet conditions and dark night skies. Many areas offer space to walk, observe and spend time without heavy traffic or development.
The Parks & Marvels You Can’t Wait to Discover
State parks, canyons and mountain areas offer accessible ways to explore the landscape. Places like Sinks Canyon State Park and Boysen State Park provide trails, water access and opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.
Winter in Wind River Country — Powder Days Done Right
Winter conditions open up different routes across public lands. Snow supports backcountry and Nordic skiing, snowmobiling, fat biking and snowshoeing. Higher elevations and forested areas offer deeper snow, while open terrain provides accessible routes. Travel conditions vary, so checking weather and access points is important.
Quick Tips
Public land in Wind River Country includes areas managed by the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, State of Wyoming and the Wind River Indian Reservation.
Some areas require permits, including recreation on the Wind River Indian Reservation and certain group or livestock trips. Check with the appropriate agency before your visit.
Did You Know?
Shoshone National Forest is the nation’s first national forest and supports a wide range of recreation, including climbing, backpacking and horse packing.
Parts of Bridger-Teton National Forest are also accessible near Dubois via Union Pass.
Designated Wilderness areas are limited to travel by foot or horse. Motorized use and bikes are not permitted.
Regional Offices
U.S. Forest Service – Shoshone National Forest
- Washakie District Ranger’s Office, Lander: (307) 332‑5460
- Wind River District Ranger’s Office, Dubois: (307) 455‑2466
Bureau of Land Management
- Lander Resource Area: (307) 332‑8400
Wyoming Game & Fish Department
- (307) 332‑2688
Shoshone & Arapaho Fish & Game Department
- (307) 332‑7207
Explore More in Wind River Country
Honey Fly
Riverton, WY 82501
Martin Outfitters
Dubois, WY 82513
3 Spear Guest Ranch & Western Resort
Dubois, WY 82513
Pine Marten Outdoors
Fort Washakie, WY
WYLD Outdoors
Riverton, WY 82501
The Rise at Sinks Canyon State Park
Lander, WY 82520
Wind River Country:
Yellowstone’s Unique Neighbor
Listen in for stories and perspectives on outdoor recreation, public lands and the people who know this region best.
Follow the Moments That Make Wind River Country
See Wind River Country as it happens, on the trail, in town and out on the land. Follow along for real moments from real people, and share your own journey by tagging @windrivercountry.
For the inside scoop on all things Wind River Country, be sure to sign up for our newsletter. Link in the bio.
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Aug 5
Need a great place to grab a coffee or treat? Check out Lander Bake Shop! ❤
Photo: Wyoming Office of Tourism
@landerbakeshop
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Aug 4
Saturday nights. ❤
Photo: Bethany Baldes
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Aug 2
☀️ Happy August!
Take a peek at what`s happening around Wind River Country this month.
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Jul 31
Ready to venture to Wind River Country this fall?
Check out our ranches, cabins, lodges and more at the link in our bio.
Photo: Natalie Kovarik
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Jul 29
Consider this a postcard from our backyard. ❤️
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Wyoming Dubois
Jul 28
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
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Jul 27
Sunny summer days are the best days.
Photo: Natalie Kovarik
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Jul 24
Have you seen a jackalope?
Photo: Natalie Kovarik
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Jul 22
We love to chase waterfalls around Wyoming.
Photo: Scott Copeland
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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
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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
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Jul 15