The Bird's Eye View From The Top Of Wyoming's Salt River Pass Is Hard To Beat
By Kim Magaraci|Published November 07, 2019
×
Kim Magaraci
Author
Kim Magaraci graduated Rutgers University with a degree in Geography and has spent the last seven years as a freelance travel writer. Contact: kmagaraci@onlyinyourstate.com
If you’ve ever traveled from Idaho into the Star Valley, chances are you have driven right over the impressive Salt River Pass. Many travelers don’t bother to stop at the turnout, as their mind is on their destination. What they don’t realize is that this mountain pass turnout and overlook is a beautiful destination in itself.
The stunning Salt River Pass is an overlooked destination in the Cowboy State, and many people don't realize the breathtaking, bird's eye view unless they pull over and take the time to really take in the sights.
This historic mountain pass in Bridger-Teton National Forest shows off one of the most sprawling views of the Salt River Range and valley. It also shows off a view of the historic Lander Cutoff.
The Lander Cutoff was established in 1857, as a safer route across the Green River Basin into Wyoming's mountains. It was the first federally funded road project west of the Mississippi, and continued to host wagon travelers as late as 1912.
From WY-89, you can look out across the valley and see for miles. In the distance, you'll be able to spot the Lander Cutoff and remnants of the Oregon Trail.
From 7,630 feet in the air, you'll be able to spot roadways, waterways, and wildlife. From this spot, water runs either into the Pacific via the Snake River or into the Great Salt Lake, via the Bear River.
If you have a high clearance vehicle and the weather is cooperative, you can still travel down from the Salt River Pass to arrive at the Lander Cutoff.