Wind River Canyon and Boysen State Park
WY-789, Thermopolis, WY
Thermopolis, WY
A highway threading a mile-deep canyon past two billion years of rock, above a river that changes its name at the canyon's mouth.
Wind River Canyon is one of the most dramatic drives in Wyoming, a deep gorge where the highway and a railroad thread along the Wind River past sheer walls that rise thousands of feet. Signs along the road name the rock formations and their staggering ages, so that driving through the canyon is like traveling back through more than two billion years of Earth history.
Above the canyon spreads Boysen Reservoir, held back by a dam at the canyon's head, a broad water for boating and fishing rimmed by open country. The whole area lies largely within the Wind River Reservation, home to the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho, and at the canyon's downstream mouth the Wind River curiously changes its name to the Bighorn.
What Guests Love
- Driving the deep canyon past sheer walls labeled with their ancient rock ages
- World-class trout fishing on the Wind River through the canyon
- Whitewater rafting the rapids in the heart of the gorge
- Boating and camping on Boysen Reservoir above the canyon
Worth Knowing
- Much of the canyon and reservoir lies within the Wind River Reservation; tribal fishing permits are required to fish there
- The canyon road is a working highway shared with a railroad, so drive it with care
- Rafting is best with a licensed local outfitter who knows the rapids
- The river changes its name to the Bighorn at the canyon's mouth, the Wedding of the Waters
Details
Thermopolis, WY
Learn about Wind River Canyon and Boysen State Park
Driving through deep time
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 river and its fish
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.
Boysen Reservoir above the canyon
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.
The Wind River Reservation and the seasons
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.
Closest Boutels
The closest Boutel™ stays, so you can turn this stop into an overnight. Each is an independently owned, editorially selected place to stay.
Things to Do Near Thermopolis
Thermopolis and Hot Springs State Park
About 5 miles north
Steaming mineral terraces, a bison herd, and a free public bathhouse at the canyon's mouth.
Wyoming Dinosaur Center
About 6 miles north
Mounted dinosaur skeletons beside active dig sites in the fossil-rich Bighorn Basin.
Boysen State Park marina
At the canyon's head
Boat ramps, camping, and beaches on the broad reservoir above the dam.