Encampment River Wilderness

Here in the northernmost extension of the Southern Rocky Mountains, the Encampment River flows north out of Colorado, past the town of Encampment and into the North Platte River. Along part of the river's canyon lies Wyoming's smallest Wilderness, approximately 16 square miles: a strip less than one mile wide in the southern portion that widens to about five miles near the northern boundary. Throughout the canyon, the river runs from wild rapids to peacefully placid stretches and is home to brook, rainbow and brown trout; the fishing can be worth the hike. Sagebrush grows on the open slopes, and the canyon is full of riparian vegetation. The Encampment River Trail runs the length of this narrow, rugged river canyon and is one of the main attractions of the Wilderness. The lower five miles are relatively easy to hike, although the terrain becomes increasingly difficult in the remaining 10 upper miles. The trail receives moderate use by hikers. The river runs wildly over rocks, creating rapids that only expert kayakers dare to attempt. Along the way you'll pass ruins of old cabins and mining operations, and you may see members of a large wildlife population: mule deer, elk and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep.