Wind River Canyon and Boysen State Park

As the highway enters Wind River Canyon, the walls climb higher and the rock grows older with each mile, from relatively young layers down to ancient basement rock more than two billion years old. Roadside signs mark the formations by name and age, turning the drive into a geology lesson at highway speed.

The river has cut this gorge across the grain of the mountains over immense spans of time, exposing a cross-section of the Earth's crust. Few places let you read so much of the planet's history simply by looking up from the road as you pass through.

The Wind River through the canyon is a renowned trout stream, running cold and strong past the towering walls, and anglers prize it for its wild trout in a spectacular setting. Because much of it lies within the Wind River Reservation, fishing there requires a tribal permit.

The canyon's rapids also make it a favorite for whitewater rafting, best run with a licensed local outfitter. Floating between the great rock walls, with the railroad clinging to one side, is a thrilling way to experience the depth and power of the gorge.

At the head of the canyon, Boysen Dam holds back the Wind River to form Boysen Reservoir, the heart of Boysen State Park. The broad lake, set in open high-desert country, draws boaters, anglers, swimmers, and campers to its shores and marinas.

The reservoir is known for its walleye as well as trout and other fish, and its beaches and campgrounds make it a popular summer destination. From the calm water above, the river gathers itself before plunging into the dramatic canyon below the dam.

This country lies within the Wind River Reservation, shared by the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho, whose deep ties to the Wind River and its canyon endure. Visitors are guests on tribal land through much of the area and should respect its rules, including permits for fishing.

At the canyon's downstream mouth, near Thermopolis, the Wind River takes on a new name and becomes the Bighorn, a spot long marked as the Wedding of the Waters. Summer is warm and busy on the reservoir and river, fall is crisp and quiet, and winter brings cold and ice to the canyon, when the walls stand stark above the dark water.

The closest Boutel™ stays, so you can turn this stop into an overnight. Each is a place we chose through independent editorial review, never a paid placement.

Wind River Canyon and Boysen State Park, in central Wyoming near the town of Thermopolis, form a spectacular stretch where the Wind River carves a deep, dramatic canyon through towering rock walls that reveal hundreds of millions of years of geologic history, marked by signs naming the rock formations as the highway descends through time. Just above the canyon lies Boysen State Park, surrounding Boysen Reservoir, a large lake offering boating, fishing, swimming, and camping. Together they offer stunning canyon scenery, whitewater, and water recreation. With its dramatic canyon, ancient rock, and reservoir, Wind River Canyon and Boysen State Park offer a striking destination in central Wyoming.

You can drive the scenic highway through the dramatic canyon reading the geologic signs, raft or float the Wind River's whitewater with guides through the canyon, fish the river and Boysen Reservoir, boat, swim, and camp at Boysen State Park, and take in the towering rock walls and ancient formations. The canyon drive and the whitewater are highlights, while the reservoir offers relaxed water recreation. Note that river access through the canyon may involve tribal permits. With its canyon scenery, whitewater, fishing, and reservoir recreation, Wind River Canyon and Boysen State Park offer a rewarding outdoor experience in central Wyoming.

The Wind River's whitewater in the canyon is powerful and best experienced with a professional guide unless you are highly skilled, and everyone on the water should wear a life jacket, while the reservoir's winds can quickly create hazardous waves, so boaters and paddlers should stay alert to conditions. Drive carefully on the canyon highway, watching for rock and wildlife, and stay back from steep edges. Note the canyon runs through the Wind River Indian Reservation, where a tribal permit may be needed for river access and fishing. Being prepared for the water, the road, and permit rules ensures a safe visit.

Late spring through early fall is the prime time for rafting, fishing, boating, and enjoying the reservoir, when the weather is warm and the water recreation is at its best, with early summer bringing the strongest river flows for whitewater and summer ideal for the reservoir, while the canyon drive can be enjoyed year-round. Summer can be hot in the canyon, so bring water and sun protection. For whitewater aim for late spring and early summer, and for reservoir recreation, summer, at Wind River Canyon and Boysen State Park in central Wyoming.

Wind River Canyon and Boysen State Park are in central Wyoming near the town of Thermopolis, which lies just north with Hot Springs State Park and the Wyoming Dinosaur Center, and within reach of the Wind River Indian Reservation, Riverton, and the route toward the Wind River Range and Bighorn Basin. That makes Wind River Canyon and Boysen State Park a striking stop to combine with Thermopolis, Hot Springs State Park, and the other attractions of central Wyoming on a visit to the state.