Wind River Canyon
US-20/WY-789 threads the Wind River, railroad, and highway through an Owl Creek Mountain gorge where the exposed rock record runs back about 2.9 billion years.
Artwork inspired by Conrad Schwiering
Wind River Canyon Scenic Byway runs 34 miles between Shoshoni and Thermopolis, with the most dramatic gorge compressed into the middle of US-20/WY-789. The river cuts directly across the Owl Creek Mountains while highway tunnels and a rail line compete for the same narrow floor. Walls rise as much as 2,500 feet, and dark Precambrian rock near the south end is about 2.9 billion years old.
Drive north and the road descends in elevation while climbing forward through geological time. Roadside formation signs turn the sequence into an outdoor stratigraphic section: Ancient crystalline basement gives way to progressively younger sedimentary layers. A passenger should follow the signs and note changes in color, bedding, folding, and wall angle; the driver needs full attention for tunnels, curves, wildlife, and variable traffic.
- River
- Wind River becomes Bighorn River
- Route
- U.S. Highway 20/Wyoming 789
- Allow
- 45–90 minutes with stops
Quick guide
- Begin
- Use signed pullouts, never the travel lane.
- Do not miss
- Compare river, railroad, highway, and tunnels.
Explain the form of Wind River Canyon
- Choose the revealing viewpoint
- Begin the Wind River Canyon visit with one deliberate choice.
- Trace the shaping process
- Trace the next connection instead of collecting isolated facts.
- Compare scale and setting
- Watch for the relationship between place, object, and interpretation.
- Keep a safety margin
- Before visiting Wind River Canyon, check the condition that controls this part of the route.
Good to know
There is no single verified Google place entity for the entire canyon, so this card intentionally omits Maps and Reviews rather than sending visitors to a private rafting office. Download the Wyoming byway guide and WYDOT 511 conditions before departure; cellular service and safe stopping opportunities are limited.
Notice these
- Wind River becomes Bighorn River
- U.S. Highway 20/Wyoming 789
- Follow age labels and structural changes.