Encampment River Wilderness, Protected wilderness area in southern Wyoming, United States
Encampment River Wilderness is a protected natural area in southern Wyoming that encompasses about 16 square miles of forests, canyons, and geological formations. The river carves through narrow passages bordered by dense trees, creating a varied landscape for visitors to explore.
Native American tribes hunted and traveled through this landscape for thousands of years before European settlement. The area was later designated as one of Wyoming's smallest officially protected wilderness regions to preserve its natural state.
Remnants of mining structures and old cabins scattered throughout the area tell the story of how people once extracted resources from this land. Walking past these structures helps visitors connect with the everyday lives of those who worked in the region.
A network of trails totaling about 15 miles winds through the river canyon with varying difficulty levels throughout. The terrain can change rapidly depending on weather and season, so visitors should wear proper footwear and be prepared for changing conditions.
The river transforms along its course, alternating between calm pools and churning rapids as it descends through the canyon. This variation in water conditions creates diverse habitats where brook, rainbow, and brown trout thrive in the cold mountain waters.
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