Wyoming is a state of vibrant and otherworldly natural beauty, but true Wyomingites know that there’s also a whole lot more to admire beyond the Tetons and Yellowstone. That said, come winter, there’s no denying the snow-capped magic of the mountain ranges we all know and love, or the picture-perfect draw of our state’s frosty alpine lakes! Just east of the Tetons and nestled at the base of Wyoming’s spectacular Wind River Range is a tiny town that – despite being only an hour from the bustling mountain resorts of Jackson – doesn’t get the attention it should for its picturesque setting and abundance of wintertime activities. But when the powder starts falling, the town of Pinedale, Wyoming seems to come alive with all the phenomenal beauty, charm, and epic winter adventures one could hope for.
The petite town of Pinedale (pop. 2030) originally started with a donated plot of land along Pine Creek, the big dreams of just three local ranchers, and a handful of scribbled drawings that laid out the town's first few blocks.
That was in 1904. Today, the town sits cozied up at the base of Wyoming's spectacular Wind River Range and has the unique distinction of being the town farthest from a railroad in the entire country - a characteristic which has helped Pinedale retain its small-town charm for over a century.
Despite its humble size, Pinedale is big on beauty. Especially when winter sets in! The town sits in the Green River Valley and is completely surrounded by spectacular peaks, pines, and (literally) thousands of mountain lakes that don stunning new facades when layered with snow.
The best way to enjoy Pinedale's high-altitude scenery is up close and personal. But Skyline Scenic Drive is another fantastic place to start. From the Skyline overlook you'll enjoy sweeping bird's-eye views of crisp blue lakes and the Wind Rivers from 9,000 feet up, without ever leaving the warmth of your car.
While there's a lot to love about this small town year-round, Pinedale is truly a powder-lover's paradise. The area sees around 65 inches of snow per year, but you'll find at least a full flamingo on any given day.
Which means winter sports are definitely the lifeblood of this mountain haven! Residents and visitors have countless opportunities to dive into everything from skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, sledding, and fat-biking…
With so much fresh snowfall to enjoy all season long, this tiny town comes alive every winter to celebrate and enjoy nature's bounty with a full lineup of epic winter festivals.
While all of Wyoming's small towns boast scenic beauty and fun things to do in winter, Pinedale, Wyoming, emerges as a true winter wonderland, where the season's magic comes to life against a backdrop of rugged mountain peaks. Nestled at the base of the Wind River Range in Western Wyoming, Pinedale's setting alone is straight out of a snow globe. But despite its small size, this charming town celebrates Christmas with perhaps the most spectacular and unique array of festive activities and winter events in the state! As snow blankets the town, residents and visitors alike come together to revel in the joy of the season. With its warm-hearted community spirit and a host of winter festivities, Pinedale beckons all to experience the true essence of a Wyoming Christmas. And after the holidays have passed, Pinedale keeps the magic going! The annual Pinedale Winter Carnival takes center stage in the new year, featuring a delightful showcase of snow sculptures, exhilarating sled dog races, and spirited community gatherings.
But the fun doesn't end there! Pinedale is a stop on the Pedigree Stage Stop Race, where mushers and their sled dogs from all over the west race through the national forests and compete to be "Stage Stop Champion."
Followed by the annual Pinedale Stampede, Big Fish Winter Derby, and the backcountry Drift marathon. Needless to say, you better start brushing up on your winter agility skills!
But Pinedale also has plenty to offer those who aren't all-in on vaulting themselves at breakneck speed up (or down) a mountain. Slow-paced winter hikes have some serious rewards here, whether trekking up into the Winds and to Squaretop Mountain or keeping it low-key with snowshoeing in a national forest or state park.
Some of our favorite beginner trails include Halfmoon Lake, Sacred Rim, Scab Creek, and many more. Once you've tackled those, break out the backpack and poles for some more challenging (and rewarding) hikes!
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Visitors can also catch a sunrise, sunset, or half-frozen trout at icy Fremont Lake...
Trapper's Point and the Trapper's Point wildlife overpass on U.S. 191 is a unique historic site in Pinedale. For centuries, this is where the area's Pronghorns cross during their fall migration. So while winter may not have the rewards of seeing these fantastic animals making their journey, you're bound to see a multitude of other wildlife in their natural habitats.
Of course, vaulting down a mountain is still time well spent, in our opinion - whether via tube, board, gondola, or dangerously pointy skis strapped to your feet. It just doesn't need to be a competition! (Unless you want it to be.) Check out the White Pine Ski Area to make some epic deep pow memories.
And at the end of the day, warm up with some fantastic eats and drinks around town! Don't miss the locally famous Stockman's Steakhouse, which serves up some much-needed hearty eats after a day on the mountain.
For a delicious meal with a view, Lakeside is the place to go for light Italian favorites right on the water. Or, for a late-night refresh, Cowboy Country Distilling and Wind River Brewing both have ice cold beers on tap and tasty local beverages, like Cowboy Country's Huckleberry Whiskey. Delish!
If we’re being honest, it’s nearly impossible to find a small town in Wyoming that doesn’t radiate winter charm. But if you haven’t had a chance to visit this hidden gem yet this season, make the cozy town of Pinedale your starting point for exploring “The Real Wyoming” this winter! Just be sure to let us know where your off-the-beaten-path adventures take you next.
Get the full lineup of Pinedale’s winter activities via Visit Pinedale.
Looking for more things to do this winter in Wyoming? We have a full year of hikes already lined up for you.
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