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Are you ready for a summer adventure exploring a lesser-known region of Wyoming?
One that satisfies curious spirits with adventures that include kayaking on tranquil lakes, ATV riding through rugged mountain landscapes, hiking to stunning waterfalls, and surfing down sand dunes?
We’ve just returned from a fun 5-day family road trip through the Salt to Stone region in southwest Wyoming. It was a great way to kick start our 2024 summer away from the hustle and bustle of normal life and east coast living.
We traveled in partnership with Travel Wyoming using their maps, itinerary guides, and regional sections, the Travel Wyoming website makes it easy to research the different kinds of trips available in Wyoming to cater to all interests.
In this post below, we’re sharing our highlights and tips to help you effortlessly plan your own Wyoming road trip, or to simply follow in our footsteps.
Be prepared for stunning vistas and family memories that last a lifetime.
Where is the Salt to Stone Region of Wyoming?
As the name suggests, this region of mountain and desert landscapes in Wyoming stretches between Salt Lake City and Yellowstone National Park.
On this trip, we visited the small towns and surrounding areas of Pinedale, Lander, and Rock Springs on a loop drive from Salt Lake City, the most accessible major airport to southwest Wyoming.
We did a fly-drive trip from our home in Raleigh, North Carolina, and rented a 4WD vehicle from SLC airport which is recommended if you want to explore some of the backroads in the region, including the Killpecker Sand Dunes!
You can use the map above to help you with your road trip planning. Click on the frame icon in the top right corner to open the map to full size. Then click on the three dot menu and select Make a copy. Now you can adapt it to suit your trip or just use it as is!
Day 1 & 2: Pinedale
Enjoy the scenic views of the Green River winding through the vast desert landscape on your way to Pinedale, your base for the first two nights.
Pinedale is a small town with a Western feel nestled in the heart of the Wind River Range and surrounded by 1,300 alpine lakes, national forests, and the Green River and New Fork River.
Here are a few unmissable things to do in Pinedale, Wyoming, during your stay.
ATV Adventure: Skyline Drive & Half Moon Lake
One of the best things to do in Pinedale is explore the many ORV trails in an ATV. You will not forget the kids squealing with joy as you traverse rugged trails winding through forests and open meadows, and past the snow peaked mountains of the Wind River Range.
As we’re relative newbies to this outdoor activity, we chose to drive the Skyline Drive, which is mostly paved, and closer to Pinedale. But there are plenty of off-road opportunities in the area as well if you’re looking for a greater thrill and have more time.
Skyline Drive provides some of the most stunning panoramic views of the Wind River Range and the surrounding valleys. The road ascends to higher elevations above Fremont Lake, offering a bird’s-eye view from many of the pullovers along the road.
The drive culminates in the Bridger-Teton National Forest, where you’ll find hiking trails if you want to stretch your legs.
One of the highlights along Skyline Drive is the pristine Half Moon Lake, surrounded by pine forests and mountain views. It’s a tranquil spot for lunch, so either pack a picnic or eat at the Half Moon Lodge. Prices are slightly higher here, and the service can take a little longer, so it’s good to plan your time and budget accordingly.
We saw plenty of deer in the forests by the side of the road. You may be lucky and see moose or bears. Remember to always keep your distance from wild animals. No photo is worth upsetting them or getting yourself badly injured – here are tips for traveling responsibly in Wyoming.
An ATV adventure in Pinedale is the kind of activity that will create memories for a lifetime. Add this activity to your Salt to Stone itinerary for at least half a day.
Important Notes:
- Rent your ATV from Rocky Mountain Powersports in Pinedale. Their customer care from booking to return was excellent. They even phoned to check we were okay when we did not return at our anticipated time. We were just distracted by another beautiful viewpoint!
- Rent bear spray from the Great Outdoor Shop in Downtown Pinedale. At $6 a can, it’s much cheaper than purchasing a $60 can. You’ll only need it for this day on this Salt to Stone road trip. (And we did not have to use it!)
Fremont Lake Overlook
Enjoy the breathtaking vistas of Fremont Lake, Wyoming’s second-largest natural lake, nestled among the jagged peaks of the Wind River Range, which may still be dusted with snow.
Here is the first of many perfect photo opportunities and a moment to appreciate the serenity and grandeur of the Pinedale wilderness.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding on Fremont Lake
The crystal-clear, calm waters of Fremont Lake are perfect for kayaking or stand up paddle boarding. From the lake, you can enjoy a unique perspective of the stunning mountain scenery and the charming Lakeside Lodge Resort.
At nine miles long and one mile wide, Fremont Lake offers plenty of space to explore its hidden coves and beaches. There’s also a sandy beach area perfect for relaxing or swimming.
Kayaks, paddle boards, and hybrids are complimentary for all guests staying at the resort. As this is a beloved family activity of ours, it was another reason why we chose to stay here!
Where to Stay in Pinedale: Lakeside Lodge Resort
How does a cabin nestled on the shores of Fremont Lake sound? The Lakeside Lodge is the kind of accommodation that transforms your trip into an unforgettable experience.
You can sit on your decks rocking chairs in the morning and watch the sun rise, or in the evening and enjoy the tranquility of the view. You also have the option to relax beside the cozy firepit in front of your cabin.
Cabins were comfortable and spacious with a full-kitchen should you want to be self-contained and prepare your own food (grab supplies from the grocery store in Pinedale).
We stayed in the Cabin Suite which had a separate bedroom and sofa – perfect for our family of four.
The lodge also has games you can borrow. Savannah and I had a fun time playing Yahtzee on our picnic table before dinner.
Fremont Lake is only a short ten-minute drive from downtown Pinedale, so we enjoyed the serenity of the lake location, but having easy access to town!
Where to Eat and Drink in Pinedale
Pine Coffee Supply
Any coffee snob will recognize an artisan barista the second the latte is set down on the counter at Pine Coffee Supply in downtown.
I had no idea Wyoming was going to serve me a third wave coffee spirit that had me praising the Coffee Gods.
You can pick up a light breakfast here as well – breakfast burritos or waffles covered in your favorite icing – chocolate, strawberry coconut, or vanilla. My kids were not complaining!
Breakfast: Heart & Soul Café
Heart & Soul Cafe in downtown Pinedale is worth a breakfast stop just for a glimpse into its funky design with rainbow-colored booths, cowboy themed décor, and a cute kaleidoscope patio.
They serve hearty breakfast favorites like skillets, omelets, and cinnamon roll French toast. Our daughters devoured the French toast despite the portions being so generous that I thought they could have easily shared!
Wind River Brewing
The lively atmosphere of Wind River Brewing in downtown is perfect for relaxing and sharing stories of the day’s adventures. Staff were friendly, with general manager Austin taking us for a tour of the brewery, and owner Dan sharing stories of his time living in Australia.
They have a large selection of craft beers ranging from pilsner to stout made with purest mountain spring water from Fremont Lake. If you can’t decide, grab a tasting flight like Craig did.
Wind River Brewing has a diverse chef-inspired menu featuring everything from classic burgers to salads and street tacos. I urge you to order the delicious brisket nachos – big enough to share.
Another thing to celebrate about Wind River Brewing, they donate a percentage of profits to the Wyoming Wildlife Fund whose works include the building of wildlife bridges (you will drive under one on your way into Pinedale). Check their schedule for nightly live music!
Lakeside Lodge Restaurant
It’s not just your cabin that boasts lakeside views – dinner at the Lakeside Lodge’s restaurant offers them too. This two-level restaurant features floor-to-ceiling windows, providing panoramic views of the lake and mountains.
Our girls were very happy with the delicious made-from-scratch pizzas. Don’t miss the creamy Spin Dip for appetizers and the Stuffed Chicken for main.
I loved how on both evenings we dined here they had specials, like 25% off appetizers and $3 limoncello aperol spritz! Hopefully, you may get a vibrant sunset to end the day.
Alternative Pinedale Options:
- If you have more time in Pinedale visit the Museum of the Mountain Man to learn about the area’s rich history and the fur trappers who once roamed these lands.
- The Pitchfork Fondue Western Outdoor Cookout in Pinedale happens Thursday to Saturday. Feast on woodfired meat and veggies paired with homemade fondue sauces with views of the Wind River Range.
- We had planned for fossil digging in Kemmerer about halfway between Salt Lake City and Pinedale, but rainy weather forced a cancellation. Add this to your itinerary as I know the kids will love this activity (plus the educational value is high)
Day 3: South Pass Historic Site
Time to depart beautiful Fremont Lake to Lander, on the other side of the Wind River Range.
Journey back in time through historic South Pass, where a 20-mile wide, gently sloping gap in the Rocky Mountains provided a crucial route over the Continental Divide for wagons on the Oregon Trail, ultimately opening the West to settlement.
Stopping at the historical markers along your drive will provide insight into this pivotal era of American expansion. This invaluable hands-on experience will better help children understand what they learn in school.
Parting of the Ways Emigrant Cut-Off Historical Site
The Parting of the Ways marked the poignant moment when many settlers bid farewell, uncertain if they would ever reunite.
Their choice of direction – left or right – often hinged on whether their destination lay in Oregon, California, or Salt Lake City. For some, this meant braving the 46-mile shortcut across a harsh, waterless desert.
South Pass Historical Marker
Every emigrant wagon train and handcart company that went westward rolled through this Pass.
You can see the wagon ruts beside the historical marker and there are plenty of informational boards that tell the story. Enjoy the views of the Oregon Buttes in front of you.
Summit of the Original South Pass
If you have a 4WD, take the backroad inland for 15-minutes to drive to the original summit of the Oregon Trail.
I felt it was a worthy (short) detour as it gave a deeper sense of what that journey must have been like as the pioneers traversed the sage-brush and grass covered saddle in between the Wind River Range to the North and Oregon Buttes to the south. Plus, the views were spectacular.
In addition to being the key location along main routes of the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails, the pass was utilized by Pony Express riders.
South Pass City
Welcome to South Pass City, a booming gold mining town in 1867 that busted into a ghost town by 1872.
It’s now one of Wyoming’s largest historical sites with 23 of the original structures and artifacts restored.
Wandering through this small one-street town offers a fascinating glimpse into the American expansion and what life was like for the settlers arriving here seeking a more prosperous life.
Don’t miss the South Pass Hotel and Restaurant, the cave where the whiskey was kept, and the E.A Slack Cabin which honors Esther Morris, the first female Justice of the Peace in the USA. She was instrumental in making Wyoming the first state to give women the right to vote. The girls and I were happy to have our photo taken here!
During the summer, take one of the popular tours of the Carissa Mine and Mill. We missed it by two days!
Additionally, there are over 4-miles of interpretive trails, ranging from easy to strenuous, that enhance your understanding of the lives and work of those who once inhabited this area.
To extend your exploration of this area, you may want to visit nearby Atlantic City, another gold mining town. Atlantic City Mercantile is a favorite lunch spot for those traveling through here.
Red Canyon Overlook
Be prepared to be dazzled by the sweeping views of Red Canyon as you drive into Lander. The vibrant red rock formations provide a striking contrast to the surrounding greenery, offering a perfect photo opportunity.
Usually in the first two weeks of June, it will be covered in colorful wildflowers such as balsamroot, phlox, silvery lupine, and sticky geranium.
Day 3 & 4: Lander
With its location at the base of the Wind River Range, the town of Lander offers unparalleled access to outdoor adventures.
The drive into Lander from Red Canyon is beautiful with rolling green hills and striking red cliffs. It’s a unique contrast to the other landscapes you’ll encounter on this trip.
I’d rate Lander high on the list of best outdoor towns in the USA, making it a fantastic base for at least two nights on your Wyoming road trip. Here are some of the top things to do in Lander.
Sinks Canyon State Park
Only a 10-minute drive from downtown Lander is Sinks Canyon State Park, a captivating natural wonder with its unique geological features and breathtaking scenery.
Pick up a Junior Ranger booklet from the Visitors Center. Completing age-appropriate activities to earn a badge is one of our favorite ways for our girls to learn more about the flora, fauna, and unique features of state and national parks.
Hike the Trails of the Falls
Sinks Canyon State Park has several hiking trails from easy to challenging climbs.
We recommend the 3-mile return Trail of the Falls, which takes you along the edge of the canyon walls besides the Popo Agie River. You’ll soon see how its name comes from the Crow term for ‘gurgling river.’
At the end of the trail, there are a series of waterfalls as the river cascades down from the top of the canyon. This is a great spot for photos, or to relax for a while, and enjoy the views.
Moose are sometimes spotted along this trail. Remember to keep your distance!
Sinks Canyon is also a popular place for rock climbing, and when the river is low from Oct to April you can go underground on some cave tours.
The Sinks and the Rise Trail
The park is named for the “Sink,” where the Popo Agie River mysteriously vanishes underground, only to reappear a quarter-mile downstream at the spring-like “Rise.” before regathering into a river to continue its journey.
Take a leisurely stroll along the short ¼ mile trail between the two points from the visitor’s center. As you walk, ponder the fact that it takes the river up to eight hours to cover the same distance – a clear indication of the presence of a vast underground reservoir it must traverse.
Wind River Wild Horse Sanctuary Tour
One of our favorite things to do in Lander was a guided tour of the Wind River Wild Horse Sanctuary, ten minutes outside of Lander.
We started at the visitor center, where we learned about Native American horse culture and the significant role these horses have played in their lives. Then, we hopped on an ATV to see scores of wild mustangs up close in their free-roaming environment.
These wild mustangs live on the Oldham Family’s working cattle ranch, one of three sanctuaries approved by the BLM to manage and care for wild horses. With over 700 acres to roam, the horses live happily with their herds.
The program addresses the issue of overpopulation, as the mustangs have no natural predators and breed rapidly, which threatens other native species.
Our tour guide, Holly, was knowledgeable and passionate, ensuring the horses were treated with love and respect. The horses’ curiosity often brought them close to our ATV, providing great photo opportunities that delighted our teens.
It was a unique experience to learn about and observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Explore Downtown Lander
Along Lander’s historic main street are numerous attractions including a variety of restaurants offering local culinary delights, baked goods, ice cream, microbrews and more.
Many of the historical buildings have informational signs in the windows or exterior walls sharing their history. You’ll find murals as you stroll along, which are perfect for family photos.
Where to Eat and Drink in Lander
You are going to be happy with the dining experiences in Lander as they offer many cuisine options for the whole family, from fantastic bakeries to excellent coffee, local ice cream, hand-cut steaks, local grass-fed burgers, creative pizzas, and a selection of delightful pasta and salads.
The Coalter Block
Nobody comes to Lander and leaves without spending time at the legendary Coalter Block. It’s a collection of different eateries grouped together around a central beer garden.
I loved seeing the eclectic mix of cowboys, rock climbers, travelers, and small-town hipsters unwinding after an adventurous day. Plus, here you’ll find great food and beer!
The Lander Bar & Gannett Grill
The Lander Bar is known for its Wild West spirit. It was built in 1907 as a saloon and, through the years, has been a hotel, brothel, and boarding house. You can soak up that rich history and western spirit at the bar, or the casual Gannett Grill restaurant.
The Gannett Grill has a large selection of burgers, salads, and pizzas. As they are busy, and food made from scratch, expect a well-worth-it wait.
The Figgin’ Love it Pizza (Fig mostarda, goat cheese, prosciutto, arugula, parmesan) was one of the best I’ve had (with gluten free crust). Another must is their exceptional fresh and tasty Greek Salad. Kalyra wants you to know the burgers are juicy and memorable.
Lander Brewing Company
Adjacent to the beer garden lies the Lander Brewing Company, the town’s sole local brewery, acclaimed for its craft beers that have earned numerous awards.
Their signature and seasonal ales are best enjoyed from the beer garden with the live music and fun community atmosphere. You can also order their brews from the Coater Block restaurants.
Cowfish Pub
The Coalter Block even has a casual yet elevated dining experience at the James Beard award winning Cowfish.
Our meal here was the best of our Wyoming road trip. We enjoyed the Baby back ribs covered in Cowfish BBQ sauce and the almond and basil pesto crusted Skuna Bay Salmon with a delicious creamy parmesan polenta.
What’s great about Cowfish is that they also have a smaller pub menu available, which is more suitable for kids. (Savannah enjoyed the fish tacos).
You may also like dining on the outdoor patio under a trellis of wild Cascade hops on the edge of the Coalter Block beer garden (perfect place to dine on live music evenings.)
Scream Shack
Kids will love the cute ice cream shack on the corner offering delicious ice cream and milkshake treats. Perfect for dessert or an after-the-adventure treat.
Middle Fork
Perfect for breakfast or brunch, The Middle Fork is a local favorite for their commitment to creating a culinary experience. Everything is made from scratch using local ingredients where possible.
Dishes range from hearty cowboy breakfasts to healthier alternatives like Craig’s crab omelet and my chorizo-sweet potato hash with eggs and avocado crema.
If you prefer sweet for breakfast you won’t go wrong with a cream cheese strawberry cinnamon roll, beignets, or banana bread French toast
I was very pleased to see an extensive range of gluten free options. And Middle Fork also has a beautiful patio seating area with shady trees and flowering plants.
Lincoln Street Bakery
Sandwiches and coffee an Australian would fall over their feet to order, the Lincoln Street Bakery is a must for lunch or breakfast in Lander.
It will also be forever known as the place with the best chili I have ever eaten. You may want to consider a cup over a bowl as the serving is gigantic.
Here they make traditional breads and pastries by hand daily using locally sourced grains and slow fermentation methods. They also have a small bar here for the evening hours.
Whitebark Cafe
Catapulting the Salt to Stone region even higher up the list of great coffee regions in the USA is the Whitebark Cafe. Thank you for starting my day with perfection.
Besides artisan coffee crafted with care they have delicious croissant based pastries filled with delights such as chocolate, raspberries, peaches and cream cheese. Pastries are made in partnership with Lander Bread Share.
Lander Bake House
Another local’s favorite, and good for a light meal or tasty treat is the Lander Bake House.
Here you’ll find baked goods such as bagels, breads, sandwiches and cookies made from traditional scratch methods. They also have soups, salads and coffee. I did prefer the coffee at Whitebark and Lincoln Street Bakery.
But I really liked their delicious gluten-free muffins and scones. Don’t miss getting your photo in front of the gigantic mural on the side of their historic building.
Where to Stay in Lander: Mill House Lander
What better place to stay in downtown Lander than the boutique 19th Century Mill House Hotel, located in what was the town’s first flour mill.
The three-story hotel has been renovated into various rental apartments.
We stayed in the Loft, which was spacious with two-bedrooms (very comfortable beds), and a huge, full-serviced kitchen and living area (wth your favorite streaming channels.)
The 2-bedroom apartment was beautifully decorated with modern touches that let the old features of the building like the hardwood floors, exposed wooden beams, brickwork, and high ceilings really shine.
Its location across the road from Coalter Block in downtown was also ideal. I really enjoyed looking over it at night and listening to the music.
Day 5: Killpecker Sand Dunes and Petroglyphs, Rock Springs
Rock Springs, the last stop on our southwest Wyoming road trip boasts a heritage rooted in coal mining and the Union Pacific Railroad.
Our full day in Rock Springs was spent enjoying the following highlights:
White Mountain Petroglyphs
I loved this short attraction on the way to the Killpecker Sand Dunes for its ancient insight into local indigenous culture.
The Plains and Great Basin Native Americans lived in this area anywhere from 2,000 to 1,000 years ago.
And at this site, you can see their history as told through hundreds of ancient etchings on the 300ft sandstone walls of White Mountain.
This site is on the way to the sand dunes and is accessed by a ¼ mile trail. We had a 4WD but saw several sedans, including a Tesla driving to this spot.
Sandboarding at Killpecker Sand Dunes
Killpecker Sand Dunes is a hidden gem, not just in Wyoming, but in the United States.
The dunes, shaped by millennia of wind erosion acting upon volcanic materials, span thousands of acres of soft sand, towering to heights exceeding 100 feet.
Killpecker is a hotspot for ATVs, dirt bikes, dune buggies, and for us on this trip, sandboards! We rented a sandboard and sled from Rockin Rollin Rental Sales in Rock Springs.
You couldn’t ask for a more beautiful setting than these snowy white dunes in the middle of the desert with distant views of the snow-capped Wind River Mountain ranges.
You couldn’t ask for a more beautiful setting than these snowy white dunes in the middle of the desert with distant views of the snow-capped Wind River Range.
Hopefully you can spot herds of rare desert elk, found nowhere else in North America, or even some of Wyoming’s wild horses.
Out here is also Boar’s Tusk, unmissable in the distance, and popular with rock climbers. This ancient volcanic core holds great religious significance to the Native Americans and stands as a guard to the Killpecker Sand Dunes.
If you have time, you can take a scenic drive closer to it. The dunes are about an hour’s drive from Rock Springs.
Important Notes:
- There are no amenities at Killpecker (except restrooms, picnic tables, and fire grills). We picked up food for a picnic from Walmart in Rock Springs. Be sure to take plenty of water.
- We had our morning coffees from Whitebark in Lander on the drive here, but if you’re looking for coffee, I had The Java Peddler marked down and Cowboy Donuts for yummy treats!
- Make sure you have enough fuel and a four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended. When we visited, a high-clearance was not necessary and some people were even driving AWD. You never know road conditions though so I’d stick to the recommended 4WD.
Scenic Wild Horse Drive
If time permits, you can take the 24-mile (about 90 minutes) Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop to see wild horses among some of southwest Wyoming’s most scenic landscapes. We sadly ran out of time.
Where to Eat in Rock Springs
As we only had one night in Rock Springs and left early in the morning to get back to SLC for our mid-morning flight, we only ate at one place.
We also stayed on a Monday night, which meant many restaurants were closed, including the Bitter Creek Brewery, which was where we had planned to eat.
We did find the Santa Fe Southwest Grill across the road from our hotel. It had a fun atmosphere, friendly staff, a wide variety of dishes including navajo tacos, burritos, and, to our happiness, delicious local ribeye and bison steak. And, as an extra treat, $2 margaritas!
Where to Stay in Rock Springs: Best Western Outlaw Inn
We chose the Best Western Outlaw Inn because it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has a unique Western theme, and central location.
It also comes with a full complimentary breakfast, and families will love that Kids 12 and under stay for free.
Final Thoughts on our Salt to Stone Road trip in Wyoming
Wyoming’s Salt to Stone region offers an unforgettable family road trip filled with natural beauty, historical landmarks, and thrilling outdoor activities.
This region appealed to the interests of every member of our family. The expansive landscapes and unhurried pace, in harmony with nature’s rhythms, provided ample opportunities for us to deepen our connections with each other and with ourselves.
This journey through the heart of the West is sure to leave you with lasting memories and a deep appreciation for the wild, untamed landscapes of Wyoming. It’s a state worth returning to again and again.
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