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
Union Pass Rentals
Dubois, WY 82513
Soda Peak Outfitters
Dubois, WY 82513
Wind River Basin Campground
Fort Washakie, WY 82514
Said Creek Outfitters
Dubois, WY 82513
Arcady Ridge Ranch
Dubois, WY 82513
Rockin’ K Riding Stable, LLC
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.
“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
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
#WindRiverCountry #Wyoming #ThatsWY #Dubois #DuboisWY
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
#WindRiverCountry #Wyoming #ThatsWY
Sep 7
We love fall colors…who else is ready?
Photo: Scott Copeland
#WindRiverCountry #Wyoming #ThatsWY
Sep 5
The best way to see Wyoming? From the back of a horse.
Photo: Davis Clem
#WindRiverCountry #Wyoming #ThatsWY
Sep 2
Sometimes all you need is a change of scenery. 🌄 Wind River Country is waiting.
Photo: Davis Clem
#WindRiverCountry #Wyoming #ThatsWY
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
#WindRiverCountry #Wyoming #ThatsWY
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.
#WindRiverCountry #Wyoming #ThatsWY
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.
#WindRiverCountry #Wyoming #ThatsWY
Photo: Bill Sincavage
Aug 26
As we`re approaching hunting season, there`s no better photo opp than this.
#WindRiverCountry #Wyoming #ThatsWY
Aug 22
While we`ve got lots of hidden gems in Wind River Country, Sinks Canyon is one of the coolest. It`s located at the base of the Wind River Mountains, with landscapes that include foothills, forests, waterways and more. Plus, it`s a short drive from Lander.
Photo: Wind River Country
#WindRiverCountry #Wyoming #ThatsWY
Aug 19