Discover the Real Wyoming in Pinedale. Situated at the confluence of Jackson, Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, and the Wyoming Centennial Scenic Byway, Pinedale is the ultimate destination for outdoor enthusiasts and happy wanderers alike. As a destination rich in natural wonders, pioneer history, and cultural attractions, visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to exploring the region. Experience the very best of the west, without all the cost and crowds.
From mountain peaks to valley creeks, experience everything from the vast and stunning expanses of the Wind River Mountains to the pastoral serenity of surrounding lakes. Pinedale has it all. From hiking, biking, swimming, boating, or ATVing, there’s no limit to the wild, untouched natural areas visitors can explore.
As seasons change and winter turns to spring, the Wind River Range Lakes (Fremont, Half Moon, and New Forks Lake) come alive with activity. From jet skiing to water skiing, sailing, canoeing, paddleboarding, swimming, and motor boating, there’s no limit to play in the region. Head just a few miles northeast of Pinedale and explore Wyoming’s second-largest body of water, Fremont Lake. For families, it’s the perfect place to swim and picnic. For fishermen, it’s the ideal spot to cast a line and catch rainbow trout, brown trout, and kokanee salmon. Or, for a more private lakeside experience, head east and explore Half Moon Lake. This spot is a dream for all outdoor enthusiasts and boasts some of the best views in the area.
After a day of play in the refreshing waters of the Pinedale region, make your foray into the surrounding mountains. Choose from 10 easily accessible trailheads in the River Mountain Range. Wander through sagebrush valleys surrounded by towering granite cliffs and along babbling brooks. With multiple short, easy day hikes or out-and-back backpacking trails to choose from, there’s a trail fit for every experience level. Alternatively, the Titcomb Basin offers a different look at the region. Hike through a densely shrouded forest and emerge among meadows full of wildflowers and shimmering lakes — views that are bound to satisfy any hiker. Explore Titcomb Basin via the Elkhart Park Trailhead and discover a variety of trails to choose from.
Cycling in Pinedale is a year-round sport, and a must-try when visiting the region. With trails that range from daring to idyllic, there’s something here for everyone. For folks seeking an easy-going ride, try the Wyoming Mountain Range. Perfect for a scenic cruise through the stunning scenery of the area, the Wyoming Mountain Range offers numerous trails ideal for families and beginners alike. For a chance to spot some of Wyoming’s indigenous wildlife firsthand, head out to Green River in the Bridger-Teton National Forest (but beware of grizzlies). And for more experienced riders, check out the Surly Pika Adventure Race, which takes place annually each July. Choose from two dynamic adventure courses and shred the timed courses with other mountain bikers.
If you love cruising scenic backcountry, then Pinedale is the place for you. Hop aboard an off-road or all-terrain vehicle and explore hundreds of miles of magnificent mountainous, hidden lakes, shady forests, and serene streams. For jaw-dropping views, hit Upper Green/Union Pass. Pack a lunch and head out to Mosquito Lake via Union Pass, and drink in the idyllic Wyoming landscape. For the ultimate four-wheel jaunt, check out Southern Winds. Ride along rocky ridges through forests and along alpine creeks. Follow the trail long enough and you’ll catch views of the Canyon Creek waterfall. Before your trip, be sure to get outfitted with all the necessary equipment, permits, and maps at one of the many local Pinedale outfitters.
For all of the adrenaline-pumping, rural, and rugged adventures the Pinedale region offers, there are equally as many ways to unplug and relax. Take a stroll through downtown, dine at award-winning restaurants, or go stargazing and stand in awe of the blanket of stars that envelop the city.
Get a real lay of the land and explore Pinedale’s myriad of locally-owned and operated businesses. Looking for an outdoor outfitter to prepare you for your next backcountry adventure? Look no further than Great Outdoor Shop. Here, you can connect with knowledgeable locals and guides, as well as shop for apparel, accessories, and Pinedale souvenirs. For all things fishing, check out Two Rivers Emporium, where you can pick up all the necessary gear and permits for your next fishing foray. And if you’re in the market for unique western apparel, The Cowboy Shop is the place for you. Peruse dozens of other shops in Pinedale’s beautiful and walkable downtown.
After exploring downtown and Pinedale’s expansive backcountry, you’re sure to be famished. Grab a brew and some chews at the multi-award-winning Wind River Brewing Company. Or, feed your soul at Heart & Soul Cafe, where hearty portions meet artsy ambiance. If you’re looking to add a little spice to your trip, check out Los Cabos Mexican Restaurant. Order the steak fajitas or chile relleno, and this authentic Mexican restaurant is sure to be an instant hit. For a classic western-style steak dinner, indulge in the familial and familiar downhome cooking of the Wrangler Cafe. And refuel for your next adventure with the best coffee in the state (no, really, the best coffee in Wyoming) at Pine Coffee. Here, you can shop trendy gifts, apparel, and freshly roasted coffee.
At night, the Pinedale skies shine bright. With a population of fewer than 2,000 people, this rural mountain town is definitely the ultimate stargazing destination. With virtually no light pollution, visitors can bask in the glow of constellations, planets, and stars pass through the night sky above. Bid adieu to the sun and watch planets and stars glimmer throughout the sky at the Green River Rendezvous Historical Site. For a closer view, head up to the Skyline Scenic Drive Overlook. The overlook sits at about 9,000 feet in elevation and offers unobstructed, panoramic views of the skies and the surrounding mountains. For more information, download the Star Walk 2 mobile app so you can point out the stars and planets above with confidence.
Pinedale is as Wild West of a town as they come. Saddle up a horse, camp on the open range, and forage and fish for your own food. Here, visitors can experience the uncensored and untamed side of Wyoming.
See firsthand how cowboys (both past and present) live life on the range. Mount a steady steed and gallop through hundreds of miles of trails. With access to the Bridger Wilderness, Continental Divide Trail, and Cirque of the Towers, the Big Sandy Lodge is a local favorite starting point. For an easy day ride, Soda Lakes offers wide-open areas to explore and enjoy. The simple equestrian trails surrounding this region serve as an excellent destination for beginner riders. And for those seeking a more immersive experience, the Kendall Valley Lodge offers day-long rides and overnight camping trips through the rugged Wyoming backcountry.
The Pinedale region offers endless camping opportunities. With nearly 2.5 million acres of public land to explore, visitors are spoiled with ways to stay — from dispersed camping, campgrounds, and fully-equipped RV parks. Get away from it all at Soda Lake Wildlife Habitat Management Area. Just six miles north of Pinedale, Soda Lake offers water and mountain access in all directions. At Willow Lake, immerse yourself in stunning backcountry beauty on a budget. For more developed campgrounds, make a reservation for Boulder Lake. With 15 campsites, fire rings, and picnic tables, this site is the ideal place to set up before heading out on Boulder Creek and Boulder Lake. And for those in search of alternatives to camping, Pinedale offers accommodations ranging from quaint to luxurious. At the Rivera Lodge Bed & Breakfast in the heart of Pinedale, guests can enjoy a cozy and relaxing evening on the banks of Pine Creek. Or, keep with a comfortable and rustic western motif and spend the night at the historic boutique Log Cabin Motel.
Among the most popular activities in the region, fishing is a year-round sport in Pinedale. Rain or shine, winter or summer, Pinedale offers hundreds of miles of river and thousands of backcountry lakes to fish in. Head over to the New Fork River — a fisherman’s dream. Large stands of cottonwood and willow along the banks offer shade and act as a breeding ground for indigenous species. At Lower Green River Lake, anglers can enjoy stunning views of Squaretop and White Rock. And if you’re on the hunt for trout, look no further than Boulder Lake. Cast a line and pull up rainbow, brookies, brown, and cutthroat trout.
If it hasn’t already been established, it should be stated that there are few places as beautiful as Pinedale, Wyoming. Situated at the heart of the Wind River Range, the city is surrounded by the highest peaks in the states, the largest glacier in the Rockies, thousands of alpine lakes, and over half a million acres of wilderness.
Explore an area of Wyoming where wildlife outnumbers residents tenfold. In peak season, lucky visitors can experience firsthand the annual migration of pronghorn. Sitting in the heart of the Green River Basin, Pinedale plays witness to this 6,000-year-old migration annually. As the only home of pronghorn antelope in the entire world, visitors to the Pinedale region can behold one of the largest migratory events in North America in the spring months. Sage grouse are also an indigenous species to the Pinedale region. With robust bodies, large yellow breasts, small heads, and starburst tails, these birds inhabit the rolling grasslands and sagebrush flats surrounding Pinedale and are always a sight to behold. Take a sightseeing tour of the area and head over to Gros Ventre Mountain Range for world-class wildlife viewing. Alternatively, take Skyline Drive for a self-guided tour of the region and local wildlife.
Wander where the spirit of the west is strong, where visitors can explore the last frontier and discover a side of Wyoming often unseen.
