2023-10-24 00:14:40
Wyoming’s wide-open spaces are a playground for rough-and-tumble types. Gear up for the outdoor adventure of a lifetime at these Cowboy State treasures. MODERN EXPLORER “The Wind River Range is stunningly beautiful. A true wilderness. And I’ve spent a lot of time around Lander and Dubois. It still feels like the Wild West out there.” — JIMMY CHIN Climber & Filmmaker GO PADDLING FLAMING GORGE NATIONAL RECREATION AREA Panoramas of the gorge’s multihued red-rock canyons are even lovelier from a raft, boat, stand-up paddleboard or kayak. Spend an afternoon surveying Flaming Gorge Reservoir, accessed from Green River or Rock Springs, and be sure to catch the spectacular sunset. SNAKE RIVER Outfitters in Jackson host an assortment of rafting excursions along the Snake River, from white-knuckle expeditions to scenic family floats — all of which showcase the iconic natural grandeur of the Teton Mountains. Guided kayaking trips are also available. GO FISHING MIRACLE MILE This storied section of the North Platte River near Casper is the holy grail for serious anglers. Bring your nymph rigs and streamers to land behemoth rainbow and brown trout or enlist one of the many local outfitters to show you their secrets. GREEN RIVER Snowmelt from the Wind River Range feeds the Green River in southwest Wyoming, which becomes a hot spot for dry fly-fishing each summer. Get outfitted in Pinedale, then set out in search of trout. GO ROCK CLIMBING TEN SLEEP CANYON Most Common Route Type: Sport Neighboring the small town of Ten Sleep, this canyon is home to supremely short approaches, so you can get straight to sending miles of steep dolomite crags loaded with pockets, crimps and edges. Bolts are plentiful (but there’s a moratorium on setting your own route), and climb difficulties range from 5.6–5.14, with most falling between 5.10–5.12. SINKS CANYON Most Common Route Type: Sport Climbers will feel at home in the town of Lander, which hosts the International Climbers’ Festival each July. The big draw is nearby Sinks Canyon State Park, featuring more than 300 climbs on pocketed limestone, sandstone and granite. MODERN EXPLORER “Seeing these places in real life, traversing these landscapes, visiting the local and Indigenous communities, touching the earth, smelling the wildflowers, watching hummingbirds at camp, chatting to rangers and historians … Travel is how we invest in our sense of commitment to caring for the planet and each other.” — KATIE BOUÉ Author, On Digital Advocacy: Saving the Planet While Preserving Our Humanity FIND THE PERFECT OUTFITTER Check out listings organized by city starting on p. 102. GO HORSEBACK RIDING DAY RIDES Day rides are a good way to stretch your legs while road tripping through the state, and local outfitters supply a variety of options, from one-hour to full-day trips. Under the wing of a knowledgeable guide, trot the grounds of Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks or survey the Bighorn, Wind River or Absaroka mountains. SUMMER PACK TRIPS Many outfitters and dude ranches also offer multiday guided pack trips, which let riders delve deep into the Wyoming wilderness on horseback. Excursions include authentic chuckwagon meals and cowboy breakfasts to counter the massive amounts of calories you’ll burn in and out of the saddle on your journey. Learn more at TravelWY.com/horseback. HORSE CAMPING Wyoming’s more than 45,000 square miles of public lands are laden with wide-open spaces and stunning landscapes that are excellent for horseback riding. Those planning a trip with their equine companion will find a bounty of boarding options and horse-friendly campgrounds and trails. DUDE RANCHES Wyoming dude and guest ranches allow visitors to participate in incredible horseback-riding programs that include daily opportunities to partake in excursions of various lengths. A seasoned wrangler will pair you with a horse for the entirety of your stay (typically a week) who matches your riding abilities. Learn more on p. 76.
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