Wind River Canyon

Wind River Canyon is a deep gorge carved by a river flowing between vertical rock walls that tower above the narrow valley floor. The layered rock faces display different colors and textures that tell the story of the area's geological formation.

A major highway was cut through the canyon in the early 1920s, replacing an older mountain pass route that travelers had used before. This new road made the area far more accessible and changed how people moved through the region.

The canyon runs through lands important to the Shoshone and Arapaho peoples, who have deep connections to this river valley. Visitors may notice areas that remain central to tribal life and spiritual practices.

Driving through the canyon on the main road is straightforward, with viewpoints marked along the way where you can stop safely. Pull off at these marked spots to take in the views and read information about the geology and landscape.

At one location where the canyon reaches its northern point, the river itself changes its name to a different one. Many travelers pass through without realizing this unusual geographical transition is marked on the landscape.