If you’re craving a hidden gem hike that’s equal parts wild and scenic, with a dash of history and a whole lot of Wyoming wilderness, the Encampment River Trail might just be calling your name. Nestled in the state's southern reaches, this gem of a trail offers the kind of raw, unfiltered beauty that Wyoming does best: jagged mountains, rushing rivers, and more wildlife than you can shake a trekking pole at. Starting from the trailhead at Odd Fellows Campground, the Encampment River Trail is a beautiful, yet surprisingly overlooked trek that hugs the riverbanks and gives you front-row seats to some of Wyoming’s best natural wonders.

The Encampment River Trail is a roughly 15-mile out-and-back hike, tracing the path of the Encampment River through the Encampment River Wilderness. While it's the smallest wilderness area in Wyoming, it's definitely not short on beauty! The river winds through a lush canyon with towering cliffs, evergreen forests, and wide-open skies, which means this trail has a little bit of everything. You'll find thick stands of pine and spruce to sagebrush-strewn meadows, plus the occasional dramatic vista where the canyon walls open up to reveal the rugged landscape in all its glory.

From the get-go at Odd Fellows Campground, you’re greeted by the burbling sounds of the river, which you’ll be following for much of the hike. The river itself is crystal clear, and if you’re an angler (or just a fishing enthusiast), you might spot brown and rainbow trout darting beneath the surface. While the trail is generally flat, there are a few elevation gains here and there, but nothing too strenuous — just enough to keep things interesting and give you a better view of the scenery.

As you hike along the river, the canyon walls occasionally close in, creating narrow, intimate stretches where the river rushes by at your feet. Other times, the landscape opens up and you’ll find yourself in wide, sun-drenched meadows where wildflowers bloom in the warmer months. In the fall, the trail is transformed into a canvas of gold, with aspens lighting up the landscape in fiery hues. This is one hike you'll want to do in every season!

The wildlife along the trail doesn’t disappoint either. Mule deer, elk, and the occasional moose are known to frequent the area, and if you’re lucky (or unlucky, depending on how you feel about it), you might even spot a black bear ambling through the trees. The canyon is also home to plenty of smaller critters like chipmunks, marmots, and a variety of birds. Birdwatchers should keep their eyes peeled for golden eagles soaring overhead and osprey diving for fish in the river.

One of the coolest aspects of the Encampment River Trail is its connection to the region’s history. This whole region was once the site of a booming copper mining industry in the late 1800s and early 1900s. While the mines have long since closed, remnants of this era are still scattered throughout the area. Along the trail, you might even stumble across old cabin remnants or rusting mining equipment — ghosts of a bygone era when the canyon was bustling with prospectors and miners hoping to strike it rich.

For the most part, the Encampment River Trail is well-maintained and easy to follow, making it accessible for hikers of all skill levels. The path is relatively flat for the first few miles, though it does get a bit more rugged and rocky as you head deeper into the canyon. There are a few creek crossings to navigate, so be prepared to get your feet wet, especially in the spring when the snowmelt is at its peak. (Pro tip: waterproof boots are your friend here!)

If you’re planning to tackle the whole 15 miles in one go, it’s a good idea to pack for a full day of hiking. But don’t worry if you’re more of a casual hiker; the first few miles of the trail offer plenty of rewarding scenery, so you can turn around at any point and still feel like you’ve gotten your dose of nature. If you’re up for it, though, the trail also makes a great overnight backpacking trip, with several dispersed camping spots along the way where you can pitch a tent and enjoy the sounds of the river as you drift off to sleep. The trail also connects to a few others in the area, like Purgatory Gulch.

The Encampment River itself was an essential lifeline for these early settlers, providing water and a means of transportation for goods. As you walk the trail, it’s easy to imagine what life might have been like for those hardy souls who called this wild, remote corner of Wyoming home.

Ready to explore? The trailhead at Odd Fellows Campground is located just south of the small town of Encampment, which is about a 30-minute drive from Saratoga, Wyoming. From Encampment, you’ll head down Forest Service Road 550, which will lead you right to the campground and the start of the trail. The road is gravel but usually in decent condition, and doable for most vehicles. Once you arrive, you’ll find ample parking and basic facilities, including picnic tables and vault toilets. It’s a great spot to relax, eat a fuel-up meal, and maybe even chat with fellow hikers before hitting the trail. You can also stay the night if you'd rather get an early start!

The Encampment River Trail may not have the fame of some of Wyoming’s bigger-name hikes, but it’s exactly this off-the-beaten-path vibe that makes it so special. There’s something magical about a trail that feels like your own private slice of wilderness, and if you ask us, it’s the perfect excuse to grab your gear, lace up your boots, and hit the trail!