Travel News and Resources

September 11, 2024

Fish Creek Fire Update

Fire Overview: The Fish Creek Fire’s current size is 24,904 acres. Togwotee Pass is open for travel. For the latest information, visit InciWeb.

September 6, 2024

U.S. Hwy. 26/287 to Reopen Friday, Sept. 6 between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. Over Togwotee Pass

Wyoming Department of Transportation maintenance crew workers will reopen U.S. Highway 26/287 on Friday, Sept. 6 at 7 a.m.

Motorists will be led through the area where the Fish Creek Fire has been most active near the highway (between milepost 26 and milepost 29.8). If it’s clear Friday evening and Saturday evening, the road will stay open for the weekend.

The lightning-caused Fish Creek Fire is located southwest of Togwotee Pass. It has grown to nearly 19,000 acres. On Friday, the fire was 59 percent contained. Currently, 449 personnel are working on the fire, including eight hand crews, 14 engines, one dozer, 18 pieces of heavy equipment and five helicopters. For the latest road conditions, please visit www.wyoroad.info.

September 2, 2024

Togwotee Pass is Closed Due to Excessive Smoke and Limited Visibility

The Wyoming Department of Transportation closed US Hwy. 26/287 west of Dubois at 4 p.m. today due to excessive smoke and limited visibility near the Fish Creek Fire on Togwotee Pass.

The fire continues to burn in a northeast direction.

The duration of the highway closure is not known at this time. For the latest road conditions, please visit www.wyoroad.info.

August 27, 2024

Fish Creek Fire Update

Fire Overview: The Fish Creek Fire is currently at 11,397 acres, and there are 364 personnel stationed on the fire. Approximately 26% of the fire perimeter has been contained. For the latest information, visit InciWeb.

Forest Closures: There are closures in the Bridger-Teton and Shoshone National forests. If a road or area is closed, please do not enter those areas.

Road Information: US Highway 26/287 remains open, but continues to have intermittent smoke and limited visibility. When traveling this route, motorists are encouraged to drive with caution. WYDOT District 5 is posting regular updates; for the latest information, be sure to follow their Facebook page.

August 24, 2024

Togwotee Pass is Currently Open

US Hwy. 26/287 is open over Togwotee Pass. Please don’t stop on the road. Firefighting efforts are ongoing. For the latest road conditions, please visit www.wyoroad.info.

August 23, 2024

Togwotee Pass Update

US Hwy. 26/287 remains closed to allow firefighting efforts to take place from the highway. It is expected to reopen at about 7 a.m. on Saturday, August 24.

Togwotee Pass is Scheduled to Close at 1 p.m. on Friday, August 23

US Hwy. 26/287 is scheduled to close at 1 p.m. to allow for firefighting from the highway. Please check road conditions at www.wyoroad.info for details.

Togwotee Pass Has Opened to Motorists

As of 6:45 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 23, Togwotee Pass is open. The Fish Creek fire, which was caused by lightning, continues to burn. Fire management is working closely with the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) and Fremont County Emergency Management to provide safe transportation for motorists. For more information on the fire, visit inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-publication/wybtf-fish-creek-fire/fish-creek-fire-update-thursday-08-22-2024. For more information on road conditions on US Hwy. 26/287, visit www.wyoroad.info.

August 22, 2024

Togwotee Pass road closure due to Fish Creek fire. Alternate routes are available.

As of the evening of Thursday, Aug. 22, there is a road closure on Togwotee Pass between the East Boundary of Grand Teton National Park and Lava Mountain Lodge due to the Fish Creek fire. The Wind River Visitors Council will keep this page updated as additional information is received. An alternate route to Wind River Country is available via US Hwy. 191 South to Farson onto Wyoming Hwy. 28, which changes to US Hwy. 287 after the Rawlins junction, eight miles south of Lander. If coming from Yellowstone, exit through Yellowstone’s East exit. Take US Hwy. 20/14/16 to Cody, then Wyoming Hwy. 120 to Thermopolis, then travel South on US Hwy. 20 to Wind River Country. 

JUNE 22, 2022

Yellowstone National Park’s South Loop and Three Entrances Reopened June 22.

Yellowstone National Park reopened the south loop on Wednesday, June 22. The south loop includes the East (Cody), South (Grand Teton/Jackson) and West (West Yellowstone, MT) entrances, while the north loop will remain closed for the season.

Historic flooding in mid-June caused major damage to roads, bridges and infrastructure in northern Yellowstone. Facilities and services are limited. Hours and availability could change at any time.

Visitors planning on coming to Yellowstone in the upcoming weeks should pay close attention to the status of road conditions, as many roads around and within the park may remain closed for an extended period of time. Stay informed about road status and weather conditions here.

If your travel plans have been cancelled or interrupted, there’s plenty of room for you in Wind River Country, just 26 scenic miles from the southern entrance to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National parks. From historical sites and museums to outdoor recreational opportunities to local shops and cuisine, there’s something for everyone in Wind River Country. Keep reading to find out what’s waiting for you.

Can’t make it to YNP? Come explore Wind River Country.

Wyoming’s Wind River Country is just a few miles from the southern entrance to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National parks. Take a few days on the Old Yellowstone Highway and discover Wind River Country. Or extend your travels to Circle the Continental Divide.

The Old Yellowstone Highway remains the most scenic route to the south gate of Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks, so set a classic road-trip pace across Wyoming’s Wind River Country to get to know the characters of welcoming frontier towns, explore the culture of the authentic West and the Wind River Indian Reservation, and expect the unexpected—exactly what road trips should be about.

The “Circle the Continental Divide” Driving Loop encompasses the striking bighorn sheep and cowboys of Dubois, the breathtaking views of the scenic byways through Wind River Canyon and Togwotee Pass, the culture and history of the Wind River Indian Reservation, the unrivaled access to wild backcountry of the Wind River Range, the history of the Oregon Trail and the Continental Divide, the gold rush tales of South Pass City and Atlantic City, and, of course, Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks.

Check out this blog featuring all of the wonderful things that you can do in both Yellowstone and Wind River Country:

Dubois is just a quick 82 miles from the southern entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Dubois is home to the National Bighorn Sheep Center and the National Museum of Military Vehicles, as well as recreational opportunities including many scenic areas, camping, fishing, hunting, horsepacking, hiking, photography and a large array of remarkable views for the artist.

Lander is ranked as one of the best outdoor towns in America and is 157 miles from the southern entrance and 215 miles from the eastern entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Just outside of Lander lies Sinks Canyon State Park, one of the best state parks in the country. The Popo Agie River disappears underground into a cavern and rises a quarter-mile downstream. You’ll find hiking trails, camping, mountain biking and skiing trails.

Riverton is 160 miles from the southern entrance and 190 miles from the eastern entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Riverton boasts major annual events every year, including the 1838 Mountain Man Rendezvous, the Riverton Balloon Rally and the Fremont County Fair and Rodeo. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along Main Street and enjoy the local shops and cuisine.

Wind River Country is also home to Atlantic City and South Pass City, a Wyoming State Historic Site and is home of the Carissa Mine. You can tour the recently restored mine during the summer months and even pan for gold. South Pass is best known for its annual Gold Rush Days (July) when you can enjoy a vintage baseball tournament, food, games, music and interpretive programs. Hudson and Shoshoni are two of the quaintest towns in Wind River Country. Hudson is the home of one of the most famous steakhouses in the state, Svilar’s Bar & Steakhouse, as well as the Union Bar and Kai Espresso. Shoshoni is the gateway to Boysen Reservoir and the Wind River Canyon.

Visitors are welcome in all of the communities, each of which offers a wide variety of amenities and places to stay. From cabins to hotels to campgrounds, find the perfect getaway here: https://windriver.org/where-to-stay.

There is so much happening in Wind River Country this year. From rodeos, to powwows, to museum treks and live music, there’s something for everyone. Click the link below to see Wind River Country’s 2022 Events:

It takes all of us to WY RESPONSIBLY

Now more than ever, we ask that you take necessary precautions when visiting your favorite campsites, fishing holes and hiking trails in Wyoming. Be courteous of others around you and co-exist responsibly.

It takes all of us to WY responsibly! Help keep Wyoming wild and free. We encourage mindful travel that supports our land, wildlife, businesses and residents. Let’s all do our part to experience Wyoming’s majesty responsibly.

Here’s how:

Adventure & Camping

Plan ahead.

Outdoor recreation is more popular than ever, causing overcrowding in some of the most beautiful areas. Make camping reservations early for reservable sites. If a parking lot is full, be ready to seek different trails and lesser-known experiences.

Keep it clean.

Be prepared to not have access to trash cans or restrooms, especially in national forests. Bring garbage bags, and take all trash with you when you leave, including pet waste. If you need to poop in the woods, do so at least 100 feet from water sources, and dig a hole several inches deep.

Be fire aware.

Respect fire bans in place, choose a campsite with pre-existing fire rings if possible, and never leave your fire unattended. Make sure you have plenty of water available; you’ll need to completely extinguish your fire at night and before you leave camp.

Enjoy natural spaces responsibly.

Wildlife Safety

Keep your distance.

For the safety of wildlife and visitors, please keep your distance from all animals, not just those that seem scary to you. It’s recommended to stay at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves and at least 25 yards away from all other wildlife.

Respect their home.

Respect wildlife habitats by not altering campsites, trails or developed recreation sites. Follow leash regulations and pick up after your pets. If you plan to enjoy Wyoming’s beautiful water, get your boat inspected first to prevent the spread of invasive species.

Keep them wild.

Prevent animals from becoming reliant on humans by never feeding wildlife. Store food properly by keeping it in a locked vehicle with windows rolled up, a hard-sided camper, a bear canister or a bear box. Dispose of all food in a trash bag, and take your garbage with you when you leave.

Co-exist responsibly.

Community Responsibility

Be healthy.

Please respect posted signs and announcement for health and safety guidelines and requirements so we can continue to enjoy our community spaces. Masks are required on all federal lands.

Be flexible & informed.

Do your research and have a plan B. Be prepared for spotty cell service and Wi-Fi by having maps and backup plans ready. Understand what type of land you plan to recreate on. Amenities and regulations vary from national parks to national forests and other types of public lands.

Be an early bird.

Reserve camping and lodging well before you arrive. Spots can fill months, or up to a year, in advance for popular areas like national parks. Visit the parks during non-peak hours (before 9 a.m. & after 3 p.m.) and seasons (April to May and September to October) for a more intimate experience.

Be part of a responsible community.

Testing Locations

Vaccination Locations

As the least populated state with the most room for adventure, we recognize the responsibility to be mindful stewards for our lands, animals, culture and communities. We invite you to WY responsibly as you witness the majesty of Wyoming.

Interested in visiting Wind River Country? Plan your trip HERE!

Traveling Responsibly

Update March 16, 2021

Statewide mask order is eliminated. 
All restrictions on restaurants, bars, gyms, theatres and outdoor events have been lifted. 
Indoor events of more than 500 people must be held at no more than 50% capacity.

As you travel to Wyoming and Wind River Country it is important to travel and recreate responsibly.

We encourage you to check in with businesses and events before heading out to keep up to date with hours and guidelines. Some stores are requiring face masks to enter.

Places of public gathering, including restaurants, bars, coffeehouses, breweries, theaters are open. Many of these places offer delivery, takeout or curbside options.

All roads through the Wind River Indian Reservation are open. This includes gas stations and Hines General Store.

More COVID-19 Information

Fremont County
Travel Wyoming
Governor Gordon and the State of Wyoming
Wyoming Department of Health