When early explorers went through the Big Horn Basin they saw
that all the water drained into what they would call the Big Horn
River.
Explorers from the South came through the Wind River Mountains
and named the river found there the Wind River. One did not know
the other had named the same river. The river changes names at
the Wedding of the Waters just a few miles south of Thermopolis.
Here the river leaves the Wind River behind and becomes the Big
Horn River. The river flows lazily through Thermopolis with many
public floating, fishing and bird hunting accesses.
The Wind River flows through the beautiful Wind
River Canyon on U.S. Highway 20 just south of Thermopolis. The
canyon walls reach
2500 feet into the sky at many points throughout this beautiful
drive. As you travel you will see sphinx-like shapes of rocks
a thousand feet above the bed of the river. There are castle
formations
and waterfalls that tumble out of the rock formed canyon sides.
Look in the crevices for formations of perpetual ice and snow,
which endure the summers heat.
The Wind River Canyon is a showcase
for the geologist. Its towering walls reveal formation for
each major era of the earth’s formational development.
Interpretive signs will be seen throughout the canyon. In addition
to being
a connecting link between the Northern and Southern parts of
Wyoming, the Wind River Canyon highway furnishes the traveler
with one of
the most beautiful and thrilling scenes of the Rocky Mountains.
Enjoy the splendor of the Wind River
Canyon on a white water rafting trip. The river makes a fall
of 200 feet
in 11 miles
creating Class
III and Class IV rapids. The names of the rapids tells the
humor and history of the canyon; 1st Dam Rapids, Sharpnose Chute,
Screamin’ Lizard,
Sacajawea Straits, Black Coal, Sphincter, Pin Canyon Falls
and Washakie Falls. As you raft through the canyon look for bighorn
sheep, deer, elk and an occasional bald eagle.
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 © Richard
Coffinberry • RAC Digital Photography
Thermopolis Wy
(Top) Wind
River Canyon’s impressive rock walls and blue skies show
off the beauty of Wyoming. (Below) Locals and visitors alike
enjoy the relaxing float down the Big Horn River.
Hot Springs State Park
The
Wind & Bighorn Rivers
Dinosaur
Center & Local Museums
History, Legend
Rock & Trail Rides
Outdoors & Golf
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