Welcome To Southern Wyoming!

From the high Rocky Mountain peaks of the Snowy Range and Sierra Madre Mountain Range to the low valleys of the Upper North Platte and Encampment Rivers, discover an abundance of outdoor adventure amid scenic panoramas. This is a special place known for it’s natural, magnificent beauty, unlimited outdoor opportunities, mineral hot springs, uncrowded trails, abundant wildlife and a few of the most charming and hospitable towns in the West.

Southern Wyoming is the perfect place to reconnect with nature, indulge in the local lifestyle and get away from the crowds. With the information provided throughout this website, you’ll find just about everything you need to know to plan exciting adventures and explore the area with confidence. Take time to read the articles in the blog and be sure to order a copy of VIP's Guide to Southern Wyoming. Our print issues feature high-resolution recreation maps.

Get to know your way around

No matter what time of year you visit, southern Wyoming offers an impressive range of landscapes and activities. Most areas are lightly visited, making it possible to explore dense forest areas and fish for hours without seeing another soul.

Wyoming is mixture of private, state and public land. State and public lands are generally open to public recreational use, including hunting and fishing, and are subject to the regulations of the managing agency.

Directions

From Denver, Laramie is roughly a 2.5 hour drive. And from Salt Lake City, it takes a little more than 4 hours to drive to Rawlins. Much of southern Wyoming is accessible year round from federal and state highways. However, seasonal routes such as the Snowy Range Scenic Byway (Highway 130) and the Battle Highway Scenic Byway (Highway 70) are only open from Memorial Day through October 31st, weather permitting.

As weather conditions can change rapidly, depending on the season, it's a good idea to know the conditions before you travel. Contact the Wyoming Travel Information Service for current conditions.

Southern Wyoming Travel Map

Medicine Bow National Forest

The Medicine Bow National Forest is forged from three mountain ranges: the Laramie Range (east), the Snowy Range (center) and the Sierra Madre Mountain Range (west). Each is diverse in it's topography and climate, offering spectacular year round recreation.

A free motor vehicle use map (MVUM) is available from Forest Service District Ranger offices in Laramie and Saratoga and online. The MVUM displays roads and trails open to motorized travel.

For area regulations, travel information and maps, contact the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest.

Upper North Platte River Valley

The Upper North Platte River Valley is nestled in between the Snowy Range and Sierra Madre Mountain Range. It is comprised of the North Platte River, the Encampment River and the small towns of Saratoga, Encampment and Riverside.

Public lands in the Upper North Platte River Valley are managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.

For area regulations, restrictions, travel information and topographical maps, contact the Rawlins BLM Office.

For general wildlife information, area fishing and hunting regulations, applications and deadlines, contact the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.

Road Network, Cities and Towns

The main routes of travel for motorists include Interstate 80, state highways, county and forest roads. Seasonal routes include the Snowy Range Scenic Byway (Highway 130) and the Battle Pass Scenic Byway (Highway 70).

The small towns of Saratoga, Encampment, Riverside, Centennial and the cities of Rawlins and Laramie offer their own brand of hospitality, activities and entertainment. Each have a variety of attractions and services to help you enjoy the area. Book your stay!

For more area attractions, services and events, contact the Carbon County Visitors Council, and the Saratoga/Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce.

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