"Light a campfire and everyone becomes a storyteller."
(5 Minute Read)
The Idea
When most of us think of summer vacation we think of flip flops, margaritas, and uneven tan lines. While the latter might apply elsewhere, the first two particularly revolve around spending time with family and friends somewhere near the water and indulging in greasy foods and alcohol for a week straight. It is not to say the cookie cutter idea of a typical summer trip is bad, but sometimes you may find yourself wanting to escape the real world in a different fashion - A more physical, less glutenous one.
One alternative would be to head west and replace those flip flops for wading boots. Fly fishing has long been renowned for its ability to teach patience and rhythm, but what many don't understand is that it is also a great way to connect with those you care about other than taking shots and partaking in limbo contests. And there is no better place to do it than in the Wind River Indian Reservation - A piece of land shared by the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes in central Wyoming known globally for its sweeping landscape, silent beauty, and world-class fly fishing.
Before it becomes a topic of debate… Yes, a fly fishing trip can include both men and women. It is not all about the actual act of fishing. In fact, there is plenty more to admire about such an original summer vacation, including...
- Horseback Riding | There is only one way to get to a secluded, undisturbed place on the reservation, and it is not by Uber. Riding up the mountains on horseback is an epic adventure, allowing you to act as if you are in a Tarantino western embarking on a journey to find your long lost loved on. The views alone are worth the multi-hour ride, but who wouldn't want to strap on cowboy boots and a flat brimmed Stetson to explore the American West?
- Hikes | When you're up there, you have one of two options: Fish or Hike. While fishing is typically the foundational reason for the trip, there is no reason not to explore the land on foot as well. Just bring your bear spray.
- Campfires | Light a campfire and everyone becomes a storyteller. There is no greater feeling than returning to camp after a long day in the mountains and winding down with a hot meal, cold beer, and endless stories from your past.
The Setting
Unlike Yellowstone or Grand Teton, the Wind River Reservation ("The Winds"), is less of a tourist pull and more of desolate destination for those who can't stand the lines and crowds. It is the seventh largest Indian reservation in the United States, with a span of over 2.2 million acres reaching as south as Lander and as north as Thermopolis. Although owned and occupied by the two local tribes, you can access the land for fishing and/or hiking by obtaining a permit from the county at a nearby gas station. When you arrive in the heart of the reservation, you are surrounded by empowering rugged mountain peaks and crystal clear lakes and streams that are home to a multitude of cutthroat, brook, and rainbow trout. The sprawling scenes are endless and the blend of wildlife and stillness is what makes The Winds such an incredible backdrop for an unconventional experience.
The Execution
Like every trip, planning is key. Here are a few resources to help you organize your next adventure in the beautiful Wyoming mountain range.
- Sweetwater Fishing (Fly Fishing Focused)
- Wind River Fly Fishing (Fly Fishing Focused)
- Wildland Trekking (Hiking Focused)
- Territory Supply (Hiking Focused)