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Old Mine

Lander / South Pass City

Where the Rails End and the Trails Begin

Mountain Range

Positioned around Wyoming’s beloved Wind River Mountain Range, you can find the dual CDT Gateway Community of Lander and South Pass City. The majestic Wind River Range is home to seven of the Rocky Mountain’s largest glaciers and is the headwaters for the Green River. The Wind River Range is also a prime outdoor recreation destination for activities including climbing, hiking, backpacking, and mountain biking.

Wyoming’s Wind River Country is home to the seventh largest Indian reservation in the country. Encompassing more than 2.2 million acres, the Wind River Indian Reservation is home to the Eastern Shoshone and the Northern Arapaho tribes. Visitors to the area can go to powwows and museums to learn more about the local culture, or can recreate on thousands of acres of reservation lands with a special permit.

Lander, which was incorporated in 1890, was named for Frederick W. Lander, the engineer responsible for a wagon road traveled by thousands who were traveling west called the Lander Trail. Lander was also the western terminus of the Cowboy Line Railway. Today, Lander is known for its recreational activities including hiking, biking, fishing, backpacking, and rock climbing.  South Pass City is a town chock-full of history. It was established in 1867 as a part of the gold mining boom happening across the western United States and is still a state historic site. Not only was South Pass City a prime mining town, it also played a critical role in the women’s suffrage movement and had the nation’s first female judge. Currently, South Pass City has several historic structures, room exhibits, natural trails, and more!

Bridge over creek
Mainstreet of town
Road in mountains
Mountain Range
Old town in mountains
Old Mine

Getting There

Central Wyoming Regional Airport (RIW) is located in the heart of Wind River Country and is 30 miles from Lander. RIW has daily jet service connecting to Denver International Airport through partnerships with United Express operated by SkyWest. Purchase your ticket on united.com.

Getting Around

Check back later for more information.

Eight Things to do in Lander–South Pass City

  1. Go on an adventure in Sinks Canyon State Park and at the Wild Iris Wall climbing area

  2. Experience history in South Pass City

  3. Check out the Lander Art District

  4. Gear up for your next adventure at Wild Iris Mountain Sports

  5. Grab a ride to the CDT with the Wind River Shuttle

  6. Fuel up for the day with a delicious beverage from Crux Coffee or a pastry from Lander Bake Shop

  7. Learn more about the expansive local history at the Museum of the American West and Fremont County Pioneer Museum

  8. Hop on one of the area’s numerous mountain biking trails for an exciting ride!

Cabins by trail
Featured Hike
view our hike suggestion database
South Pass City to Pine Creek Pass, Bridger-Teton and Shoshone National Forest
  • Difficulty: Difficult/Strenuous

  • Length: 10 miles, one-way.

  • Directions: South Pass City: From Lander, drive 9.0 miles to the junction of WY 28 and US 287. Follow WY 28 until 19.2 and turn left (south) onto a paved road. The road drop as way from WY 28 for 3.0 miles to Atlantic City. There are two developed BLM campgrounds along this road. Follow the signs and drive another 4.5 miles along the improved road to South Pass City.

  • Maps:

    USGS 7.5 Quadrangles: South Pass City, Anderson Ridge, USFS: Bridger Teton National Forest /Pinedale Ranger District, BLM 1: 100,000: South Pass, Lander

  • For More Information:

    Bridger-Teton National Forest – http://www.fs.fed.us/btnf/

People hiking

I'm a thru-hiker! What do I need to know about Lander / South Pass City?

    • wifi
    • camping/ lodging
    • showers
    • food
    • laundry
    • camp supplies
    • Safeway
    • 1165 W Main St, Lander
    • WY 82520
    • Mr D’s Food Center Inc
    • 725 Main St, Lander
    • WY 82520
    • Family Dollar
    • 225 Grandview Dr, Lander
    • WY 82520
    • Wind River Outdoor Company
    • 8114 WY-789, Lander
    • WY 82520
    • Wild Iris Outdoor Shop
    • 166 Main St, Lander
    • WY 82520
    • Post office
    • 230 Grandview Dr, Lander
    • WY 82520
    • (800) 275-8777
    • Wind River Shuttles
    • (307) 438-9740
    • Fremont County/Lander Library
    • 450 North 2nd Street, Lander
    • WY 82520
    • (307) 332-5194
    • Wind River Visitors Council
    • 100 N 1st Street, Lander
    • WY 82520
    • (307) 332-5546

Submit a place

Is the thru-hiker section above missing a business or an amenity? If so, please let us know below!

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Getting to the Continental Divide Trail

South Pass City

From Lander, WY, drive 8.8 miles to the junction of WY-28 and US-287. Follow WY-28 for 23 miles and turn left (south) onto S Pass City Rd. After 1.6 miles, turn right to stay on S Pass City Rd. (Note that there are two developed BLM campgrounds along this road). After another 0.6 miles, turn right onto S Pass Main St and continue for 150 feet before reaching the trailhead and parking lot at Willow Creek on the left.

 

Sweetwater Bridge

From Lander, head south on US 287 and US 28 W to reach Atlantic City, WY. Alternately, from South Pass City head west via South Pass Road until you’ve reached Atlantic City, WY. Once in Atlantic City, Take Riverview Cutoff south of town for 8.3 miles. Turn left and continue for 1.5 miles. Then take a slight right to continue for 0.2 miles until you reach a turn on the left for a track where the CDT heads to the east. This is where you can pick up the trail going north, however, if you want to pick up the trail after crossing Sweetwater Bridge, continue down the road 0.2 miles.

Ferns

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