7 Of The Quietest Wyoming Towns
Life wasn't always quiet in Wyoming! During the day of the Wild West, many of these towns were no strangers to shootouts and saloon brawls. Thankfully, the days of cowboys and gunslighters are in the past, and what is left are tranquil retreats where you can enjoy the views unique to the great state of Wyoming. From the wide open prairies of the Great Plains in Buffalo to the beauty of Popo Agie Falls in Lander, each offers something different worth exploring. When the noise of the big city has you feeling overwhelmed, head to these quietest small villages and breathe in the fresh mountain air.
Thermopolis
The remote town of Thermopolis is known for one thing: its hot mineral springs! The mineral hot springs at Hot Springs State Park are the largest on the planet. The Wyoming State Bath House is free, and you may even catch a glimpse of wild buffalo during your peaceful soak. You can also hike the surrounding trails with stunning views of the Owl Creek Mountains. Hot Springs isn’t the only amazing attraction in Thermopolis because it’s also home to the Wyoming Dinosaur Center. It is home to rare specimens of dinosaurs not often seen in the United States and has a live dig site at Warm Springs Ranch a few miles down the road.
One of the most interesting attractions in Thermopolis is the Legend Rock State Petroglyph Site. The art on the stones dates back almost 10,000 years from prehistoric groups living in the area. You can walk a short trail that leads to the site of over 300 images of historic art.
Dubois
In the shadows of the Wind River Mountain Range and Absaroka Mountains is the quiet town of Dubois. It’s in the banana belt, where the temperatures stay nice and cool in the summer and warm in the winter, perfect for a retreat no matter what time of year. It’s a peaceful retreat surrounded by over 2 million acres of untouched national forests ripe with mountain views and wild elk herds. Whiskey Mountain, a favorite of the locals and considered a hidden gem of Wyoming, offers breathtaking views of the vast mountain ranges. If you hike this trail in the winter, you may even catch a glimpse of one of North America’s largest herds of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep!
At the base of Whiskey Mountain, you will find Lake Louise, a hidden lakeside paradise with views of the steep bluffs of Whiskey Mountain reflecting in its calm waters. But Dubois isn't just for summertime adventures; it’s also a great spot to spend the winter. The Continental Divide Snowmobile Trail is 360 miles of manicured trails that connect Lander to Yellowstone and run right through Dubois!
Buffalo
The heart of the Wild West is alive and well in Buffalo! Enjoy the wide open spaces of the Great Plains amid the snow-capped Bighorn Mountains. One of the popular spots for locals and tourists is the Clear Creek Trail System, which isn't too far from downtown. The paths are flat, stretching out for miles while offering sweeping views of the Bighorn Mountains to the west. Or, travel further west to the Circle Park Trailhead. You can fish at the beautiful Sherd Lake or hike the trails that lie in the shadows of Bighorn Peak.
Other trails to choose from include Circle Park, Elgin Park, and Hunter Corrals. These are great places to hike, bike, or horseback ride through the canyons of the Bighorn Mountains.
Lander
At the base of the Wind River Mountains is the quiet city of Lander, an area that blends old-west vibes with stunning scenery. While the Wind River Mountains have some of the highest peaks in the state, Lander has rolling hills with spectacular views of the mountains in the distance. Whether you want a nice and easy trail to hike or love a challenge, Lander has something for everyone. One of the more popular spots located just six miles from downtown is Sinks Canyon State Park.
While there are so many trails and scenic vistas in Lander, one stands out from the rest: Popo Agie Falls. It is a hidden gem of Wyoming and a must-see for visitors. While the view of the falls at the top is breathtaking, the journey to the top, with its carved limestone cliffs and lush greenery, is just as amazing. For a real treat, the Wind River Wild Horse Sanctuary lets you get up close to wild mustangs that roam the wide open spaces.
Pinedale
On a high alpine valley in the heart of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is Pinedale, a town known for its natural beauty. The area sits between the Wind River Range, Wyoming Range, and Gros Ventre Mountains, surrounded by numerous alpine lakes. Pinedale isn’t too far from Gannett Peak, the highest peak in Wyoming. Hiking to the top is reserved only for the most skilled climbers; you can still enjoy the views on smaller trails below, like Photographer's Point. It’s still a little challenging, but it's worth it for some of the most amazing views in the state.
While there are many places to explore during the day, the real beauty of Pinedale happens once the sun goes down. Its rural location between three massive mountain ranges makes it the ideal location to stargaze. The stars are so bright in Pinedale! For the best stargazing experience, there is no better spot than Half Moon Lake. The gently rolling hills and tranquil lake views make it the perfect location to cozy up under a blanket under the bright stars.
Sundance
Sundance may be a small, old west town on the edge of eastern Wyoming, but its quiet charm is mighty. A stroll through the city feels like stepping back in time with its quaint old west-era buildings, and the views surrounding Sundance are amazing. It’s considered the gateway to Devil's Tower National Monument in the Black Hills and offers plenty of opportunities to get out and take in some fresh mountain air. Stock up on supplies at Aladdin General Store, and get ready to explore Sundance!
The Devil's Tower National Monument is as iconic to Wyoming as Mount Rushmore to South Dakota. There are three trails that take visitors up to the tower, but the Joyner Ridge Trail is one of the lesser-traveled trails with views that are just as stunning. In the summer, Keyhole State Park is a great place to swim, kayak, or hike in this section of untouched wilderness on the edge of the Black Hills.
Meeteetse
With a population of just over 300, Meeteetse is a remote town nestled in the Absaroka Mountain Range. The downtown area of Meeteetse feels like stepping back in time to the old west days, with many of its original structures still standing. There are a few restaurants (like the Elkhorn Bar and Grill) and convenience stores, and then nothing but miles of pristine wilderness to explore. If you want peace and quiet, Meeteetse is the place to be!
The Meadow Creek Basin is a challenging hike but can be completed in a day. The trails wind through rocky terrain leading to Francs Peak, one of the easier peaks in the Absaroka Mountain Range. On a clear day, you may even catch a glimpse of Grand Teton! Another great trail in Meeteetse is the Bald Mountain Trail, which has wide open spaces, challenging rocky terrain, and amazing mountain views.
Unwind in the Quiet Corners of the Cowboy State
Just picture it: no crowds, no noise, and the only traffic jam you may encounter is a pack of wild elk crossing the street. Wyoming is a land of dramatic landscapes from the tip of Gannett Peak to the wide open plains where wild horses run free in Lander. Traveling to popular tourist destinations like Yellowstone National Park is great, but get ready to encounter eager tourists! To experience the serenity of the untapped wilderness of Wyoming, there is no better place than these quiet and secluded towns.
