Go Beyond Yellowstone to Wyoming's Wind River Country

Visitors can opt to arrive via a connecting flight at the local Central Wyoming Regional Airport, but driving from the big cities of Denver, Colorado, or Salt Lake City, Utah, rewards the effort with incredible views along the way. Take U.S. Highways 287, 26 and 28 for the most beautiful routes to Yellowstone from either city. Travel two Scenic Byways through Wind River Canyon and over Togwotee Pass by following the Circle the Continental Divide loop driving tour. Make time to enjoy adventures big and small during stops in Dubois, Hudson, Lander, Riverton, Shoshoni and on the Wind River Indian Reservation.

One of the last real Old West towns, Dubois is a hidden gem tucked away in the wilderness. Enjoy a genuine western vacation at dude ranches or on excursions offered by backcountry outfitters. Stay in a rustic cabin, go fly-fishing in pristine waters, watch bighorn sheep in the wild or admire the collections at the National Museum of Military Vehicles. Stroll the wooden boardwalk, watch bronc riders at the Friday Night Rodeo, or square dance the night away at the Rustic Pine Tavern.

Retrace where settlers passed through on the great migration of people heading west. Incorporated in 1890, the town’s namesake was Frederick W. Lander, the engineer responsible for the Lander Trail, a wagon road traveled by thousands. Today, you can pedal rugged mountain bike trails, climb famous rockfaces and hike the Popo Agie Falls Trail. Ponder the mysterious disappearing river in Sinks Canyon State Park. Pan for gold, then wander through the authentic ghost town in South Pass City.

Where the Big and Little Wind Rivers meet, discover Riverton, established in 1906 and known as The Rendezvous City. 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. Dance at the Northern Arapaho Song and Dance Experience. Explore nearby Boysen State Park and Reservoir; see the historic dam. Check your compass here: The Wind River flows north.

The Wind River Indian Reservation, which is in the Valley of Warm Winds, is home to two Native American tribes – the Eastern Shoshone and the Northern Arapaho. Experience the stories and traditions through powwows, music, museums, cultural centers, historic sites, ancient petroglyphs and tours. Powwows and weekly dance performances take place in Lander and Riverton during the summer. Learn about the Wind River Indian Reservation through the TravelStorys Wind River Indian Reservation Audio Tour, which includes visiting the gravesite of Sacagawea (spelled locally as Sacajawea), a Shoshone woman who helped explorers Lewis and Clark on their early 1800s expedition. See gorgeous, free-roaming Mustangs while discovering more about Native American culture at the Wind River Wild Horse Sanctuary.

After arriving at Denver International Airport (DEN), catch your connecting flight to the Central Wyoming Regional Airport (RIW), where you can rent a car and start exploring. The airport is about 56 kilometers from Lander and 120 kilometers from Dubois.