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
Crooked Creek Guest Ranch
Dubois, WY 82513
Sinks Canyon State Park Public Campground
Lander, WY 82520
Bitterroot Ranch
Dubois, WY 82513
Wind River Canyon Whitewater
Thermopolis, WY 82512
B & K Shoreline Stop
Shoshoni, WY 82649
Bugling Winds Outfitting
Crowheart, WY 82512
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.
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
Fall nights in Wyoming are made for stargazing!
📸 Photo by Bill Sincavage
#WindRiverCountry #Wyoming #ThatsWY #RoadTrip #StarGaze #StarGazing #Stars #DarkSky
Oct 1
Welcome to Wyoming, where the West is still wide open, boots are well-worn and cowboys reside.
Photo: @bradytildeath
#WindRiverCountry #Wyoming #ThatsWY
Sep 30
🍂 Crisp fall days are made for exploring Wind River Country!
Grab the family and hit the Popo Agie Nature Trail, a scenic one-mile loop that’s easy, beautiful and perfect for all ages.
📸 Wind River Country/ Helen Wilson
#WindRiverCountry #Wyoming #ThatsWY #RoadTrip #Hike #FamilyTravel
Sep 25
🍂 Fall is here, and Riverton is celebrating!
Make plans to join the Fall Harvest Festival THIS SATURDAY, September 26, from noon to 6 p.m. Enjoy live music, local vendors, delicious food, a cakewalk, games and plenty of fall fun!
Photo: Bethany Baldes
#WindRiverCountry #Wyoming #ThatsWY
Sep 23
Welcome to Lander, one of those Wyoming towns that makes you want to stay awhile. While you`re here, grab a coffee downtown, browse the local shops, hit the trails or head into the Wind River Mountains for a little adventure.
Small-town charm, big views and plenty to explore!
#WindRiverCountry #Wyoming #ThatsWY
Sep 22
Wondering what kind of personality Wyoming has? This sums it up. 🤠
Photo: David Rule #ThatsWY #WindRiverCountry #Wyoming
Sep 19
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
#WindRiverCountry #Wyoming #ThatsWY
Sep 16
“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” -Albert Camus
Photo: Scott Copeland
#WindRiverCountry #Wyoming #ThatsWY
Sep 15
Fall was made for fly-fishing in Wind River Country.
Photo: Davis Clem
#WindRiverCountry #Wyoming #ThatsWY
Sep 11