Wind River Canyon

Wind River Canyon is a significant geological formation located in Wyoming, carved by the Wind River. It serves as a popular scenic route and a vital stop for visitors traveling to Yellowstone National Park, situated between the towns of Shoshoni and Thermopolis. The canyon's accessibility is facilitated by U.S. Highway 20 and Wyoming Highway 789, which traverses its length and offers direct views of the canyon's dramatic landscape and natural features.

Geological Formation and Features

The formation of Wind River Canyon is a testament to the enduring power of rivers. The canyon was cut by the Wind River along its established course, which predates the uplift of the surrounding Owl Creek Mountains. As the topography of these mountains rose over the past two million years from what was once flat terrain, the river maintained its path, creating a dramatic water gap. The canyon exposes a comprehensive array of Wyoming rock strata, with geological information often presented on roadside signs. At its deepest points, the canyon reaches approximately 760 meters (2,500 feet). The route through the canyon navigates through areas of complex faulting and narrows as it descends into Precambrian rocks, visible at three road tunnels. Further along, high cliffs composed of sedimentary Madison Limestone, Bighorn Dolomite, and sandstone are prominent. The northern extent of the canyon features striking red sandstone from the Chugwater Formation.

Scenic Route and Accessibility

U.S. Highway 20 and Wyoming Highway 789 are integral to the experience of Wind River Canyon, with the road at times running level with the canyon floor. This scenic route provides visitors with panoramic views of the canyon's depths and notable natural structures, such as Chimney Rock. The change in elevation between the Bighorn Basin and the Wind River Basin is about 91 meters (300 feet). The southern entrance to the canyon is situated near the Boysen Dam in Boysen State Park, lying a few miles north of the state park's boundaries with the Wind River Indian Reservation. Within the canyon, the highway is lined with homes and a Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad line. The northern terminus of the canyon is marked by the "Wedding of the Waters," the point where the Wind River officially becomes the Bighorn River. The scenic byway continues through Thermopolis, concluding at T Hill in Hot Springs State Park.

Designation and Importance

In recognition of its scenic beauty and geological significance, Wind River Canyon was designated as a Wyoming Scenic Byway in 2005. The canyon's unique geological exposures and its role as a passage for the Wind and Bighorn rivers make it a noteworthy natural landmark in Wyoming.