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Are you prepared for a summer season journey exploring a lesser-known area of Wyoming?
One which satisfies curious spirits with adventures that embrace kayaking on tranquil lakes, ATV driving by means of rugged mountain landscapes, mountaineering to beautiful waterfalls, and browsing down sand dunes?
We’ve simply returned from a enjoyable 5-day household street journey by means of the Salt to Stone area in southwest Wyoming. It was an effective way to kick begin our 2024 summer season away from the hustle and bustle of regular life and east coast dwelling.
We traveled in partnership with Journey Wyoming utilizing their maps, itinerary guides, and regional sections, the Journey Wyoming web site makes it straightforward to analysis the completely different sorts of journeys out there in Wyoming to cater to all pursuits.
On this put up under, we’re sharing our highlights and ideas that will help you effortlessly plan your individual Wyoming street journey, or to easily observe in our footsteps.
Be ready for beautiful vistas and household recollections that final a lifetime.
The place is the Salt to Stone Area of Wyoming?
Because the title suggests, this area of mountain and desert landscapes in Wyoming stretches between Salt Lake Metropolis and Yellowstone Nationwide Park.
On this journey, we visited the small cities and surrounding areas of Pinedale, Lander, and Rock Springs on a loop drive from Salt Lake Metropolis, essentially the most accessible main airport to southwest Wyoming.
We did a fly-drive journey from our dwelling in Raleigh, North Carolina, and rented a 4WD car from SLC airport which is beneficial if you wish to discover a number of the backroads within the area, together with the Killpecker Sand Dunes!
You should use the map above that will help you together with your street journey planning. Click on on the body icon within the high proper nook to open the map to full measurement. Then click on on the three dot menu and choose Make a replica. Now you may adapt it to fit your journey or simply use it as is!
Day 1 & 2: Pinedale
Benefit from the scenic views of the Inexperienced River winding by means of the huge desert panorama in your approach to Pinedale, your base for the primary two nights.
Pinedale is a small city with a Western really feel nestled within the coronary heart of the Wind River Vary and surrounded by 1,300 alpine lakes, nationwide forests, and the Inexperienced River and New Fork River.
Listed below are a number of unmissable issues to do in Pinedale, Wyoming, throughout your keep.
ATV Journey: Skyline Drive & Half Moon Lake
Among the finest issues to do in Pinedale is discover the numerous ORV trails in an ATV. You’ll not overlook the youngsters squealing with pleasure as you traverse rugged trails winding by means of forests and open meadows, and previous the snow peaked mountains of the Wind River Vary.
As we’re relative newbies to this outside exercise, we selected to drive the Skyline Drive, which is usually paved, and nearer to Pinedale. However there are many off-road alternatives within the space as effectively should you’re searching for a better thrill and have extra time.
Skyline Drive gives a number of the most beautiful panoramic views of the Wind River Vary and the encircling valleys. The street ascends to greater elevations above Fremont Lake, providing a chicken’s-eye view from most of the pullovers alongside the street.
The drive culminates within the Bridger-Teton Nationwide Forest, the place you’ll discover mountaineering trails if you wish to stretch your legs.
One of many highlights alongside Skyline Drive is the pristine Half Moon Lake, surrounded by pine forests and mountain views. It’s a tranquil spot for lunch, so both pack a picnic or eat on the Half Moon Lodge. Costs are barely greater right here, and the service can take a bit longer, so it’s good to plan your time and price range accordingly.
We noticed loads of deer within the forests by the aspect of the street. You might be fortunate and see moose or bears. Keep in mind to at all times maintain your distance from wild animals. No photograph is price upsetting them or getting your self badly injured – listed here are ideas for touring responsibly in Wyoming.
An ATV journey in Pinedale is the form of exercise that may create recollections for a lifetime. Add this exercise to your Salt to Stone itinerary for no less than half a day.
Essential Notes:
- Hire your ATV from Rocky Mountain Powersports in Pinedale. Their buyer care from reserving to return was glorious. They even phoned to examine we had been okay once we didn’t return at our anticipated time. We had been simply distracted by one other stunning viewpoint!
- Hire bear spray from the Nice Out of doors Store in Downtown Pinedale. At $6 a can, it’s less expensive than buying a $60 can. You’ll solely want it for today on this Salt to Stone street journey. (And we didn’t have to make use of it!)
Fremont Lake Overlook
Benefit from the breathtaking vistas of Fremont Lake, Wyoming’s second-largest pure lake, nestled among the many jagged peaks of the Wind River Vary, which can nonetheless be dusted with snow.
Right here is the primary of many good photograph alternatives and a second to understand the serenity and grandeur of the Pinedale wilderness.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding on Fremont Lake
The crystal-clear, calm waters of Fremont Lake are good for kayaking or get up paddle boarding. From the lake, you may take pleasure in a singular perspective of the beautiful mountain surroundings and the charming Lakeside Lodge Resort.
At 9 miles lengthy and one mile vast, Fremont Lake presents loads of area to discover its hidden coves and seashores. There’s additionally a sandy seaside space good for enjoyable or swimming.
Kayaks, paddle boards, and hybrids are complimentary for all visitors staying on the resort. As this can be a beloved household exercise of ours, it was another excuse why we selected to remain right here!
The place to Keep in Pinedale: Lakeside Lodge Resort
How does a cabin nestled on the shores of Fremont Lake sound? The Lakeside Lodge is the form of lodging that transforms your journey into an unforgettable expertise.
You may sit in your decks rocking chairs within the morning and watch the solar rise, or within the night and benefit from the tranquility of the view. You even have the choice to loosen up beside the comfy firepit in entrance of your cabin.
Cabins had been comfy and spacious with a full-kitchen do you have to need to be self-contained and put together your individual meals (seize provides from the grocery retailer in Pinedale).
We stayed within the Cabin Suite which had a separate bed room and couch – good for our household of 4.
The lodge additionally has video games you may borrow. Savannah and I had a enjoyable time enjoying Yahtzee on our picnic desk earlier than dinner.
Fremont Lake is barely a brief ten-minute drive from downtown Pinedale, so we loved the serenity of the lake location, however having quick access to city!
The place to Eat and Drink in Pinedale
Pine Espresso Provide
Any espresso snob will acknowledge an artisan barista the second the latte is about down on the counter at Pine Espresso Provide in downtown.
I had no concept Wyoming was going to serve me a 3rd wave espresso spirit that had me praising the Espresso Gods.
You may decide up a light-weight breakfast right here as effectively – breakfast burritos or waffles coated in your favourite icing – chocolate, strawberry coconut, or vanilla. My youngsters weren’t complaining!
Breakfast: Coronary heart & Soul Café
Coronary heart & Soul Cafe in downtown Pinedale is price a breakfast cease only for a glimpse into its funky design with rainbow-colored cubicles, cowboy themed décor, and a cute kaleidoscope patio.
They serve hearty breakfast favorites like skillets, omelets, and cinnamon roll French toast. Our daughters devoured the French toast regardless of the parts being so beneficiant that I assumed they may have simply shared!
Wind River Brewing
The energetic ambiance of Wind River Brewing in downtown is ideal for enjoyable and sharing tales of the day’s adventures. Workers had been pleasant, with basic supervisor Austin taking us for a tour of the brewery, and proprietor Dan sharing tales of his time dwelling in Australia.
They’ve a giant number of craft beers starting from pilsner to stout made with purest mountain spring water from Fremont Lake. Should you can’t resolve, seize a tasting flight like Craig did.
Wind River Brewing has a various chef-inspired menu that includes every part from basic burgers to salads and avenue tacos. I urge you to order the scrumptious brisket nachos – sufficiently big to share.
One other factor to have fun about Wind River Brewing, they donate a proportion of earnings to the Wyoming Wildlife Fund whose works embrace the constructing of wildlife bridges (you’ll drive beneath one in your manner into Pinedale). Test their schedule for nightly reside music!
Lakeside Lodge Restaurant
It’s not simply your cabin that boasts lakeside views – dinner on the Lakeside Lodge’s restaurant presents them too. This two-level restaurant options floor-to-ceiling home windows, offering panoramic views of the lake and mountains.
Our ladies had been very proud of the scrumptious made-from-scratch pizzas. Don’t miss the creamy Spin Dip for appetizers and the Stuffed Rooster for foremost.
I beloved how on each evenings we dined right here that they had specials, like 25% off appetizers and $3 limoncello aperol spritz! Hopefully, chances are you’ll get a vibrant sundown to finish the day.
Various Pinedale Choices:
- If in case you have extra time in Pinedale go to the Museum of the Mountain Man to be taught in regards to the space’s wealthy historical past and the fur trappers who as soon as roamed these lands.
- The Pitchfork Fondue Western Out of doors Cookout in Pinedale occurs Thursday to Saturday. Feast on woodfired meat and veggies paired with do-it-yourself fondue sauces with views of the Wind River Vary.
- We had deliberate for fossil digging in Kemmerer about midway between Salt Lake Metropolis and Pinedale, however wet climate pressured a cancellation. Add this to your itinerary as I do know the youngsters will love this exercise (plus the academic worth is excessive)
Day 3: South Go Historic Web site
Time to depart stunning Fremont Lake to Lander, on the opposite aspect of the Wind River Vary.
Journey again in time by means of historic South Go, the place a 20-mile vast, gently sloping hole within the Rocky Mountains supplied an important route over the Continental Divide for wagons on the Oregon Path, in the end opening the West to settlement.
Stopping on the historic markers alongside your drive will present perception into this pivotal period of American enlargement. This invaluable hands-on expertise will higher assist youngsters perceive what they be taught in class.
Parting of the Methods Emigrant Reduce-Off Historic Web site
The Parting of the Methods marked the poignant second when many settlers bid farewell, unsure if they might ever reunite.
Their alternative of route – left or proper – typically hinged on whether or not their vacation spot lay in Oregon, California, or Salt Lake Metropolis. For some, this meant braving the 46-mile shortcut throughout a harsh, waterless desert.
South Go Historic Marker
Each emigrant wagon prepare and handcart firm that went westward rolled by means of this Go.
You may see the wagon ruts beside the historic marker and there are many informational boards that inform the story. Benefit from the views of the Oregon Buttes in entrance of you.
Summit of the Unique South Go
If in case you have a 4WD, take the backroad inland for 15-minutes to drive to the unique summit of the Oregon Path.
I felt it was a worthy (brief) detour because it gave a deeper sense of what that journey should have been like because the pioneers traversed the sage-brush and grass coated saddle in between the Wind River Vary to the North and Oregon Buttes to the south. Plus, the views had been spectacular.
Along with being the important thing location alongside foremost routes of the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails, the move was utilized by Pony Categorical riders.
South Go Metropolis
Welcome to South Go Metropolis, a booming gold mining city in 1867 that busted right into a ghost city by 1872.
It’s now one in every of Wyoming’s largest historic websites with 23 of the unique buildings and artifacts restored.
Wandering by means of this small one-street city presents a captivating glimpse into the American enlargement and what life was like for the settlers arriving right here looking for a extra affluent life.
Don’t miss the South Go Resort and Restaurant, the cave the place the whiskey was stored, and the E.A Slack Cabin which honors Esther Morris, the primary feminine magistrate within the USA. She was instrumental in making Wyoming the primary state to provide girls the appropriate to vote. The ladies and I had been glad to have our photograph taken right here!
In the course of the summer season, take one of many standard excursions of the Carissa Mine and Mill. We missed it by two days!
Moreover, there are over 4-miles of interpretive trails, starting from straightforward to strenuous, that improve your understanding of the lives and work of those that as soon as inhabited this space.
To increase your exploration of this space, chances are you’ll need to go to close by Atlantic Metropolis, one other gold mining city. Atlantic Metropolis Mercantile is a favourite lunch spot for these touring by means of right here.
Purple Canyon Overlook
Be ready to be dazzled by the sweeping views of Purple Canyon as you drive into Lander. The colourful crimson rock formations present a putting distinction to the encircling greenery, providing an ideal photograph alternative.
Often within the first two weeks of June, it will likely be coated in colourful wildflowers resembling balsamroot, phlox, silvery lupine, and sticky geranium.
Day 3 & 4: Lander
With its location on the base of the Wind River Vary, the city of Lander presents unparalleled entry to outside adventures.
The drive into Lander from Purple Canyon is gorgeous with rolling inexperienced hills and putting crimson cliffs. It’s a singular distinction to the opposite landscapes you’ll encounter on this journey.
I’d price Lander excessive on the record of finest outside cities within the USA, making it a implausible base for no less than two nights in your Wyoming street journey. Listed below are a number of the high issues to do in Lander.
Sinks Canyon State Park
Solely a 10-minute drive from downtown Lander is Sinks Canyon State Park, a fascinating pure surprise with its distinctive geological options and breathtaking surroundings.
Choose up a Junior Ranger booklet from the Guests Heart. Finishing age-appropriate actions to earn a badge is one in every of our favourite methods for our ladies to be taught extra in regards to the flora, fauna, and distinctive options of state and nationwide parks.
Hike the Trails of the Falls
Sinks Canyon State Park has a number of mountaineering trails from straightforward to difficult climbs.
We advocate the 3-mile return Path of the Falls, which takes you alongside the sting of the canyon partitions in addition to the Popo Agie River. You’ll quickly see how its title comes from the Crow time period for ‘gurgling river.’
On the finish of the path, there are a sequence of waterfalls because the river cascades down from the highest of the canyon. This can be a good spot for pictures, or to loosen up for some time, and benefit from the views.
Moose are typically noticed alongside this path. Keep in mind to maintain your distance!
Sinks Canyon can be a preferred place for mountaineering, and when the river is low from Oct to April you may go underground on some cave excursions.
The Sinks and the Rise Path
The park is called for the “Sink,” the place the Popo Agie River mysteriously vanishes underground, solely to reappear a quarter-mile downstream on the spring-like “Rise.” earlier than regathering right into a river to proceed its journey.
Take a leisurely stroll alongside the brief ¼ mile path between the 2 factors from the customer’s middle. As you stroll, ponder the truth that it takes the river as much as eight hours to cowl the identical distance – a transparent indication of the presence of an unlimited underground reservoir it should traverse.
Wind River Wild Horse Sanctuary Tour
One in every of our favourite issues to do in Lander was a guided tour of the Wind River Wild Horse Sanctuary, ten minutes exterior of Lander.
We began on the customer middle, the place we realized about Native American horse tradition and the numerous function these horses have performed of their lives. Then, we hopped on an ATV to see scores of untamed mustangs up shut of their free-roaming surroundings.
These wild mustangs reside on the Oldham Household’s working cattle ranch, one in every of three sanctuaries accredited by the BLM to handle and take care of wild horses. With over 700 acres to roam, the horses reside fortunately with their herds.
This system addresses the difficulty of overpopulation, because the mustangs don’t have any pure predators and breed quickly, which threatens different native species.
Our tour information, Holly, was educated and passionate, guaranteeing the horses had been handled with love and respect. The horses’ curiosity typically introduced them near our ATV, offering nice photograph alternatives that delighted our teenagers.
It was a singular expertise to find out about and observe these magnificent creatures of their pure habitat.
Discover Downtown Lander
Alongside Lander’s historic foremost avenue are quite a few sights together with a wide range of eating places providing native culinary delights, baked items, ice cream, microbrews and extra.
Lots of the historic buildings have informational indicators within the home windows or exterior partitions sharing their historical past. You’ll discover murals as you stroll alongside, that are good for household pictures.
The place to Eat and Drink in Lander
You will be proud of the eating experiences in Lander as they provide many delicacies choices for the entire household, from implausible bakeries to glorious espresso, native ice cream, hand-cut steaks, native grass-fed burgers, inventive pizzas, and a number of pleasant pasta and salads.
The Coalter Block
No one involves Lander and leaves with out spending time on the legendary Coalter Block. It’s a group of various eateries grouped collectively round a central beer backyard.
I beloved seeing the eclectic mixture of cowboys, rock climbers, vacationers, and small-town hipsters unwinding after an adventurous day. Plus, right here you’ll discover nice meals and beer!
The Lander Bar & Gannett Grill
The Lander Bar is understood for its Wild West spirit. It was in-built 1907 as a saloon and, by means of the years, has been a resort, brothel, and boarding home. You may take in that wealthy historical past and western spirit on the bar, or the informal Gannett Grill restaurant.
The Gannett Grill has a big number of burgers, salads, and pizzas. As they’re busy, and meals constructed from scratch, anticipate a well-worth-it wait.
The Figgin’ Find it irresistible Pizza (Fig mostarda, goat cheese, prosciutto, arugula, parmesan) was top-of-the-line I’ve had (with gluten free crust). One other should is their distinctive recent and attractive Greek Salad. Kalyra needs you to know the burgers are juicy and memorable.
Lander Brewing Firm
Adjoining to the beer backyard lies the Lander Brewing Firm, the city’s sole native brewery, acclaimed for its craft beers which have earned quite a few awards.
Their signature and seasonal ales are finest loved from the beer backyard with the reside music and enjoyable group ambiance. You can too order their brews from the Coater Block eating places.
Cowfish Pub
The Coalter Block even has an off-the-cuff but elevated eating expertise on the James Beard award successful Cowfish.
Our meal right here was the very best of our Wyoming street journey. We loved the Child again ribs coated in Cowfish BBQ sauce and the almond and basil pesto crusted Skuna Bay Salmon with a scrumptious creamy parmesan polenta.
What’s nice about Cowfish is that in addition they have a smaller pub menu out there, which is extra appropriate for teenagers. (Savannah loved the fish tacos).
You might also like eating on the outside patio beneath a trellis of untamed Cascade hops on the sting of the Coalter Block beer backyard (good place to dine on reside music evenings.)
Scream Shack
Children will love the lovable ice cream shack on the nook providing scrumptious ice cream and milkshake treats. Excellent for dessert or an after-the-adventure deal with.
Center Fork
Excellent for breakfast or brunch, The Center Fork is an area favourite for his or her dedication to making a culinary expertise. Every part is constructed from scratch utilizing native elements the place potential.
Dishes vary from hearty cowboy breakfasts to more healthy alternate options like Craig’s crab omelet and my chorizo-sweet potato hash with eggs and avocado crema.
Should you favor candy for breakfast you gained’t go improper with a cream cheese strawberry cinnamon roll, beignets, or banana bread French toast
I used to be very happy to see an intensive vary of gluten free choices. And Center Fork additionally has a good looking patio seating space with shady timber and flowering vegetation.
Lincoln Road Bakery
Sandwiches and low an Australian would fall over their ft to order, the Lincoln Road Bakery is a should for lunch or breakfast in Lander.
It’s going to even be endlessly generally known as the place with the very best chili I’ve ever eaten. You might need to take into account a cup over a bowl because the serving is gigantic.
Right here they make conventional breads and pastries by hand every day utilizing regionally sourced grains and sluggish fermentation strategies. In addition they have a small bar right here for the night hours.
Whitebark Cafe
Catapulting the Salt to Stone area even greater up the record of nice espresso areas within the USA is the Whitebark Cafe. Thanks for beginning my day with perfection.
In addition to artisan espresso crafted with care they’ve scrumptious croissant primarily based pastries stuffed with delights resembling chocolate, raspberries, peaches and cream cheese. Pastries are made in partnership with Lander Bread Share.
Lander Bake Home
One other native’s favourite, and good for a light-weight meal or tasty deal with is the Lander Bake Home.
Right here you’ll discover baked items resembling bagels, breads, sandwiches and cookies constructed from conventional scratch strategies. In addition they have soups, salads and low. I did favor the espresso at Whitebark and Lincoln Road Bakery.
However I actually favored their scrumptious gluten-free muffins and scones. Don’t miss getting your photograph in entrance of the big mural on the aspect of their historic constructing.
The place to Keep in Lander: Mill Home Lander
What higher place to remain in downtown Lander than the boutique nineteenth Century Mill Home Resort, positioned in what was the city’s first flour mill.
The three-story resort has been renovated into varied rental flats.
We stayed within the Loft, which was spacious with two-bedrooms (very comfy beds), and an enormous, full-serviced kitchen and dwelling space (wth your favourite streaming channels.)
The two-bedroom residence was superbly embellished with fashionable touches that permit the outdated options of the constructing just like the hardwood flooring, uncovered wood beams, brickwork, and excessive ceilings actually shine.
Its location throughout the street from Coalter Block in downtown was additionally supreme. I actually loved wanting over it at evening and listening to the music.
Day 5: Killpecker Sand Dunes and Petroglyphs, Rock Springs
Rock Springs, the final cease on our southwest Wyoming street journey boasts a heritage rooted in coal mining and the Union Pacific Railroad.
Our full day in Rock Springs was spent having fun with the next highlights:
White Mountain Petroglyphs
I beloved this brief attraction on the way in which to the Killpecker Sand Dunes for its historical perception into native indigenous tradition.
The Plains and Nice Basin Native Individuals lived on this space wherever from 2,000 to 1,000 years in the past.
And at this website, you may see their historical past as advised by means of a whole lot of historical etchings on the 300ft sandstone partitions of White Mountain.
This website is on the way in which to the sand dunes and is accessed by a ¼ mile path. We had a 4WD however noticed a number of sedans, together with a Tesla driving to this spot.
Sandboarding at Killpecker Sand Dunes
Killpecker Sand Dunes is a hidden gem, not simply in Wyoming, however in the USA.
The dunes, formed by millennia of wind erosion appearing upon volcanic supplies, span 1000’s of acres of sentimental sand, towering to heights exceeding 100 ft.
Killpecker is a hotspot for ATVs, filth bikes, dune buggies, and for us on this journey, sandboards! We rented a sandboard and sled from Rockin Rollin Rental Gross sales in Rock Springs.
You couldn’t ask for a extra stunning setting than these snowy white dunes in the midst of the desert with distant views of the snow-capped Wind River Mountain ranges.
You couldn’t ask for a extra stunning setting than these snowy white dunes in the midst of the desert with distant views of the snow-capped Wind River Vary.
Hopefully you may spot herds of uncommon desert elk, discovered nowhere else in North America, and even a few of Wyoming’s wild horses.
Out right here can be Boar’s Tusk, unmissable within the distance, and standard with rock climbers. This historical volcanic core holds nice spiritual significance to the Native Individuals and stands as a guard to the Killpecker Sand Dunes.
If in case you have time, you may take a scenic drive nearer to it. The dunes are about an hour’s drive from Rock Springs.
Essential Notes:
- There aren’t any facilities at Killpecker (besides restrooms, picnic tables, and fireplace grills). We picked up meals for a picnic from Walmart in Rock Springs. Make sure you take loads of water.
- We had our morning coffees from Whitebark in Lander on the drive right here, however should you’re searching for espresso, I had The Java Peddler marked down and Cowboy Donuts for yummy treats!
- Ensure you have sufficient gasoline and a four-wheel-drive car is beneficial. Once we visited, a high-clearance was not essential and a few folks had been even driving AWD. You by no means know street situations although so I’d stick with the beneficial 4WD.
Scenic Wild Horse Drive
If time permits, you may take the 24-mile (about 90 minutes) Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop to see wild horses amongst a few of southwest Wyoming’s most scenic landscapes. We sadly ran out of time.
The place to Eat in Rock Springs
As we solely had one evening in Rock Springs and left early within the morning to get again to SLC for our mid-morning flight, we solely ate at one place.
We additionally stayed on a Monday evening, which meant many eating places had been closed, together with the Bitter Creek Brewery, which was the place we had deliberate to eat.
We did discover the Santa Fe Southwest Grill throughout the street from our resort. It had a enjoyable ambiance, pleasant workers, all kinds of dishes together with navajo tacos, burritos, and, to our happiness, scrumptious native ribeye and bison steak. And, as an additional deal with, $2 margaritas!
The place to Keep in Rock Springs: Greatest Western Outlaw Inn
We selected the Greatest Western Outlaw Inn as a result of it’s listed on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations, has a singular Western theme, and central location.
It additionally comes with a full complimentary breakfast, and households will love that Children 12 and beneath keep without spending a dime.
Closing Ideas on our Salt to Stone Street journey in Wyoming
Wyoming’s Salt to Stone area presents an unforgettable household street journey stuffed with pure magnificence, historic landmarks, and thrilling outside actions.
This area appealed to the pursuits of each member of our household. The expansive landscapes and unhurried tempo, in concord with nature’s rhythms, supplied ample alternatives for us to deepen our connections with one another and with ourselves.
This journey by means of the guts of the West is bound to go away you with lasting recollections and a deep appreciation for the wild, untamed landscapes of Wyoming. It’s a state price returning to many times.