While western Wyoming and the Tetons seem to get all of the credit for stunning natural beauty here in Wyoming, one of the true natural gems in the state, Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, is tucked away on the Colorado-Wyoming border and is home to wonders you've got to see to believe. For a great introduction to this beautiful landscape, plan a day hike down to Crater Lake for a picnic lunch.
Unlike many hikes in Wyoming, this trek to an alpine lake starts off with downhill travel. You'll hike 3.5 miles out and back, and it's a mild hike for anyone who spends time outdoors.
Most of the hike is shaded by enormous trees, which makes it great on a hot sunny day. There's minimal exposure to the elements until you get down to the beautiful emerald lake!
Many people hike down to Crater Lake in the afternoon and pitch a tent to spend the night. The short distance means it's easy to carry your camping gear, and the trail down won't take you much longer than an hour.
As always, when you head out into the backcountry, take several precautions so you can have a safe trip! Tell someone your plans and when to expect you back, carry bear spray and know how to hang your food if you're staying the night, and be sure to leave no trace of your visit so that our forests and lakes stay pristine for generations to come.
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The road to the trailhead is rough, and a high clearance vehicle is recommended. It is possible, though, to take just about any car back there when conditions are dry. You can find recent trip reports and a trail map on AllTrails, right here.
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.
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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!
As autumn settles over the Rockies, few places can match the breathtaking beauty of Wyoming's awe-inspiring western half. The Tetons put on a phenomenal show, majestically adorned with colorful foliage and bathed in spectacular sunsets day after day. Yellowstone’s vast expanses transform into a sea of gold and the crisp air comes alive with the resonant bugling of elk. In fall, the Absarokas take on an imposing, otherworldly beauty that is eerily and wonderfully shrouded in fog. Amidst all this and more, Cedar Creek Basin Trail is a fantastic fall hike near Afton that beckons nature enthusiasts to experience the vibrant colors of western Wyoming against some equally impressive (yet seriously underrated) scenery.
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Cedar Creek Trail (also called Cedar Basin Trail) spans over 7 miles, winding through a stunning mix of spruce groves and evergreen forests, with the gentle sounds of Cedar Creek bubbling nearby. The initial easy ascent offers a perfect opportunity to appreciate the spectacular foliage, and hikers will be treated to thousands of aspens glowing in brilliant yellows and oranges, especially in mid-October when the colors are at their peak. We love an easy hike that doesn't skimp on scenic rewards!
While this gorgeous fall hike may not offer direct views of the Tetons, it provides its own breathtaking vistas as it traverses the Salt River Range. One of the prettiest spots is the designated overlook that reveals expansive views of the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Here, valleys stretch below, framed by distant peaks that hint at winter's approach with their light dusting of snow. It’s the perfect spot to pause, take a deep breath, and soak in the seasonal beauty. After all, that's what you're here for!
However, the trail also runs parallel to Cedar Creek Canyon, which means the challenge ramps up as you continue the journey. But rest assured, those switchbacks will pale in comparison to the warm, technicolor hues that will engulf you on all sides. Leafy, deciduous tree tunnels bring to mind the show-stopping colors of the East Coast, but a million times better.
You'll also encounter a few water crossings along the way, but in fall, these should be relatively shallow. Nevertheless, it wouldn't hurt to come prepared with waterproof shoes.
The beauty is truly everywhere you turn, but as we all know, fall is more than just ogling colors, and hiking the Cedar Creek Basin Trail in autumn isn’t just about the visuals — it’s an experience that engages ALL the senses. It's a postcard scene if there ever was one, but take some time to enjoy everything else that this slice of Wyoming has to offer. The crisp air filled with the earthy scent of pine and damp leaves, the sound of rustling foliage accompanies each step ... and, if you're lucky, you might even spot some wildlife along the way.
Officially, the full trail is rated as difficult, clocking somewhere between 7 to 9 miles. However, the pretty overlook mentioned above is only a mile or so in and is the perfect turnaround point if you're not in the market for an all-day hike. However, if you keep going, you'll have the opportunity to bask in the secluded beauty of an alpine lake, traverse some picturesque open marshes dotted with late-season wildflowers, and take on a little bit of scrambling to go with your water crossings. The challenges are oh-so worth it!
Some things to note before you head out: there is a decent amount of parking at the trailhead, but peak times can be crowded. Mountain bikes and horses share this trail but you'll be blissfully free of motorized traffic! Trekking poles can definitely come in handy, especially after rainfall, as the rocks can be slick. Take care to avoid excessively muddy portions to preserve the trail and pay close attention to the weather on hiking day — early snowfall has a way of showing up when you least expect it! And did we mention the bears and mountain lions? Seriously, stay alert, even as you snap endless photos.
With its colorful foliage, tranquil atmosphere, and expansive views, Cedar Creek Basin promises an unforgettable adventure without the high mileage. But don't worry if you can't make it over this way; Wyoming's fall season is a relatively lengthy one thanks to our state's varying terrain. You can chase the colors east and soak up every minute of autumn, just the way nature intended!
