Wyoming's Wind River Country: Rustic Towns and Wide Open Spaces

U.S. Highways 287, 26 and 28 are the most scenic routes to Yellowstone from Denver, Colorado and Salt Lake City, Utah. Or travel a big loop over two Scenic Byways through Wind River Canyon and over Togwotee Pass on the “Circle the Continental Divide” Loop Driving Tour. Stay in the real West that you’re searching for. Make time for unexpected adventures in Dubois, Hudson, Lander, Riverton, Shoshoni and the Wind River Indian Reservation. Choose your adventure – and discover what it means to have room to roam.

The Wind River Reservation, located in the “Valley of Warm Winds,” is home to two Native American tribes: the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho. Let the tribes share their stories and traditions through powwows, music, museums, cultural centers, historic sites, ancient petroglyphs and tours. Witness stunning Native American powwows and weekly dance performances in Lander and Riverton during the summer where you can join in the Circle and Friendship Dance. See the spectacular Wind River Canyon, Crowheart Butte and Owl Creek Mountains or try your hand at gambling at any of four casinos.

Bring home more than a postcard memory. Pedal over rugged mountain bike trails. Climb famous rock cliffs. Hike Sinks Canyon to the thundering Popo Agie Waterfalls. Ponder the mysterious disappearing river at Sinks Canyon State Park. Pan for gold and wander through ghost towns in South Pass City State Historic Site. Dine and browse at local restaurants and shops to finish your day.

Ever daydream of being a cowboy? Find the true western vacation among dude ranches and backcountry outfitters. Stay in a rustic cabin and take your pick of rides: overnight pack trips or an evening sunset ride. Fly-fish pristine waters, or watch iconic bighorn sheep in the wild. Come to town, stroll the wooden boardwalk and watch bronc riders at the Friday Night Rodeo. Get your cowboy boots on and turn a daydream into your next adventure.

Touch the past as mountain men teach you how to throw a tomahawk at the original 1838 Mountain Man Rendezvous site. Watch dozens of hot air balloons take to the sky at the Riverton Rendezvous Balloon Rally. Explore nearby Boysen State Park and Reservoir for water sports and lake fishing. Dance with Native Americans at the Northern Arapaho Song and Dance Experience. Spend the evening at a Vegas-style casino to gamble and win with “lady luck”!