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
Dunoir Fishing Adventures
Lander, WY 82520
Lazy L&B Ranch
Dubois, WY 82513
Worthen Meadows Reservoir Campground
Lander, WY 82520
Outfitters of the Wyoming Wilderness
Dubois, WY 82513
Absaroka Ranch
Dubois, WY 82513
Dubois Wind River KOA
Dubois, WY 82513
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.
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
#WindRiverCountry #Wyoming #ThatsWY #CowboyState
Jul 15
The perfect Wyoming day: hiking and viewing petroglyphs.
Photo: Helen Wilson/Wind River Country
#WindRiverCountry #Wyoming #ThatsWY #CowboyState
Jul 14
Welcome to Wyoming, a place where badlands and mountains collide.
Photo: @nataliekovarik
#WindRiverCountry #Wyoming #ThatsWY #CowboyState
Jul 10
Road trips like these are worth every mile. ❤️
Footage: @bradytildeath
#windrivercountry #wyoming #thatswy #cowboystate #explorewyoming
Jul 8
Make plans to attend the Ethete Celebration Powwow, happening this week, July 9–12 at the Ethete Powwow Grounds. Experience the vibrant traditions, incredible dancing, drumming and welcoming community that make this annual celebration so special.
Schedule:
Thursday -7 p.m. warm up night, royalty contest and youth powwow
Friday -7 p.m. grand entry
Saturday – 1 p.m. grand entry
Saturday – 7 p.m. grand entry
Sunday – 10 a.m. parade
Sunday – 2 p.m. grand entry
#WindRiverCountry #EtheteCelebration #Powwow #ExploreWyoming
Jul 6
Happy Independence Day from Wind River Country!
Photo: Wind River Country/Brad Christensen
#Wyoming #WindRiverCountry
Jul 4
Soaking in the beauty of Jade Lake, one perfect view at a time.
📸: @jakeysforkphoto
#Wyoming #WindRiverCountry
Jul 3
Escape to Wyoming.
Photo: Haley Ford
#Wyoming #WindRiverCountry
Jul 2
📍South Pass City, Wyoming
While you can visit this historic gold mining town from the end of May – mid October, save the date for Gold Rush Days – July 11 & 12.
Photo: Wind River Country
#Wyoming #WindRiverCountry #ThatsWY
Jun 26
🏔️ Travel back to 1838 at the Mountain Man Rendezvous happening in Riverton, Wyoming.
Beginning tomorrow (6/26), immerse yourself in the traditions, skills and stories of the fur trade era.
📸 Photo: Wind River Country/Brad Christensen
#Wyoming #WindRiverCountry #CowboyState #ThatsWY
Jun 25
There`s no place quite like old Wyo`.
Photo: Journal of Lost Time
#WindRiverCountry #Wyoming #ThatsWY #CowboyState #Beautiful
Jun 23
When the mountains call, there’s only one thing to do. Go.
Photo: Journal of Lost Time
#Wyoming #WindRiverCountry
Jun 19