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
The Lodge at HCR
Dubois, WY 82513
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
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.
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
Life gets busy. We believe in slowing down, soaking it in and enjoying life at the Wyoming pace.
Photo: Gary Kunis
#WindRiverCountry #Wyoming #ThatsWY
Oct 9
Some places are loud and practically beg you to visit. Here in Wyoming`s Wind River Country, we let our landscapes do the talking. If you listen close, they have a lot to say. Plan your trip at the link in our bio.
Photos: @montanatia
#Wyoming #WindRiverCountry #ThatsWY
Oct 6
Fall in Wyoming. You’ve got to see it for yourself. 🍂
#windrivercountry #wyoming #thatswy #cowboystate
Oct 4
Wyoming`s best fishing days happen in the fall!
📸 @jakeysforkphoto
#WindRiverCountry #Wyoming #ThatsWY
Oct 2