2021-10-22 21:00:16
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. GO PAddLING. Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area Found near Lovell, Bighorn Canyon country delivers a vast landscape best appreciated from the water. Launch your boat, kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard to examine the canyon’s colossal, red-rock walls formed over 5 million years of erosion. Head to a marina for tours and rentals. 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, situated between Green River and 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. Jackson Lake Deep, cold waters at the base of Grand Teton National Park harbor abundant trout, trophy-size pike and even salmon. June through September is high season, but the spring ice-out brings droves of hungry fish to the shallows. 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. Devils Tower National Monument Most Common Route Type: Trad This otherworldly, rocky cathedral near Hulett and Sundance is clad with sheer dihedrals on every side, luring crack-climbers from around the world with 5.6–5.13 difficulty. Note: Rock climbers honor the monument’s significance to local tribes by not ascending the tower during the month of June, when many Native American cultural activities take place. 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. 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 TravelWyoming. com/horseback-riding. Horse Camping Wyoming’s more than 45,000 square miles of public lands are laden with wide-open spaces and stunning landscapes perfect for discovering on horseback. 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 perfectly matches your riding abilities. Learn more on p. 74. Find the Perfect Outfitter. Check out listings organized by city starting on p. 100. WY AM I HERE? “Wyoming and the Wind River Indian Reservation offer fishing and solitude that you won’t find anywhere else — it’s that simple.” — Darren Calhoun Owner, Wind River Canyon Whitewater & Fly Fishing Keep It Clean. When recreating outdoors, you might not have access to trash cans or restrooms. Keep your public lands clean by bringing your own garbage bags and taking all trash with you when you leave, including pet waste. If you need to poop in the woods, dig a hole several inches deep and do so at least 200 feet from water sources. WY AM I HERE? “Wyoming presents a unique opportunity to experience life connected to place. You feel the effects of, and see your effects on, the environment right before your eyes. Recreation provides a way to share connection, and the opportunity to realize we are part of something. I feel that here in ways I haven’t felt elsewhere.” — Landon Blanchard Co-Founder, Wyoming Rivers Cooperative
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