One of the favorite (and loudest) events at Gold Rush Days (every second weekend in July) is the anvil blasting or anvil shooting. It was a way miners celebrated big events. Two anvils are set one on top of the other and the cavity in the bottom anvil is filled with blasting powder and detonated. Historically they would have had competitions between miners to see who could get the most height and boom as well.

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
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
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
Life gets busy. We believe in slowing down, soaking it in and enjoying life at the Wyoming pace. Photo: Gary Kunis #WindRiverCountry #Wyoming #ThatsWY
Fall in Wyoming. You’ve got to see it for yourself. 🍂 #windrivercountry #wyoming #thatswy #cowboystate
Wyoming's best fishing days happen in the fall! 📸 @jakeysforkphoto #WindRiverCountry #Wyoming #ThatsWY