The Small Wyoming Town Locals Hope Stays Off Tourists’ Radar

As a young girl, I lived in one of Wyoming’s larger towns. I remember road trips across the state, stopping only in the bigger cities, never taking the time to explore some of the state’s smaller towns. Since then, I have discovered what I have been missing, including one of the best hidden small towns in Wyoming—Wamsutter. Located along Interstate 80, this town is extremely small, and it’s the type of place where you blink, and you miss it. But it’s a town full of desert scenery and a place of adventure. Just don’t tell the locals I let you in on their secret. Wamsutter is a Wyoming town locals hope stays off tourists’ radars.

What Makes This Small Town in Wyoming So Special?

Wamsutter is known as the “Gateway to the Red Desert.” Located along Interstate 80 in south-central Wyoming, about 70 miles east of Rock Springs, it’s the only incorporated town in Wyoming’s Great Basin. And with a population of approximately 200 people, it may not look like much when you first arrive. But there’s far more here than meets the eye.

Wamsutter has a rich history. The Shoshone and Ute tribes first called this area home centuries ago, and in the 1860s, settlers began moving in for the railroad. In fact, Wamsutter was first created as a place to service the Transcontinental Railroad, and was even named after a Union Pacific bridge engineer.

While many people moved into the town for the railroad, not everyone considered Wamsutter their long-term home. Many residents stayed only a short while before leaving to create a new life elsewhere. However, a few stayed and kept the small town alive. In 1914, Wamsutter was officially incorporated, and it grew due to a boom in oil and natural gas. Today, energy services are the prime industry in this quiet Wyoming town.

Best Things to Do in This Quiet Remote Town

Wamsutter is located right off the interstate, and you won’t find any major stores, restaurants, or hotels here. There is a truck stop, inn, and the Desert Bar, which certainly doesn’t seem like much on the outside. However, step inside and you’ll find good drinks, yummy food, and friendly faces.

And it’s not just the humans you may meet during your visit to Wamsutter, but also the wildlife. Due to the town's remote desert location, Wamsutter offers prime wildlife viewing and photography, especially if searching for desert animals. In fact, Wyoming's Red Desert is home to the only desert elk herd in the world. Here, you’ll also see massive pronghorn populations.

If you want to explore the desert area and search for even more wildlife, there’s nothing like lacing up your hiking boots and hitting the trails. Closer to Rock Springs is the White Mountain Petroglyphs Trail. This easy, family-friendly, out-and-back trail is approximately 0.7 miles and takes you along a sandstone cliff where you can search for petroglyphs in the rock's face. Keep in mind, however, that to reach this area, the road can be rough, so I recommend a high-clearance vehicle.

If you are up for an even longer, more difficult adventure, the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail is nearby, and you can tackle small portions for an adventure-filled day trip. For example, a challenging section of this trail is just a short drive away and takes you from Country Road 63 to Country Road 22. This stretch of the trail is approximately 22 miles, and you’ll climb more than 1,800 feet in elevation. As you hike, you’ll encounter vast skies, open plains, and pure adventure.

Of course, there are also a few options if you wish to spend a day near a river or a small reservoir, including Flaming Gorge Reservoir. This bucket-list-worthy spot is just a short drive away, allowing you to easily explore for a day or even camp for the weekend. During your visit, spend your time boating, paddling, fishing, swimming, hiking, or taking a scenic drive (the scenery here is unmatched!).

Why This Wyoming Small Town Flies Under the Radar

It may seem like the desert landscape goes on forever when you visit Wamsutter, but this hidden small town in Wyoming is a place with history, fascinating four-legged residents, and outdoor adventures. It may not be a place that is at the top of your bucket list, but stop by as you drive on Interstate 80. You may just fall in love with the "Gateway to the Red Desert."

What are some of your favorite small, quiet towns in Wyoming? I’d love to hear your recommendations. Let me know by filling out this nomination form. And, if you are feeling inspired, make sure to use Only In Your State’s itinerary planner for your upcoming Wyoming adventures.