- Pinedale is an unassuming Wyoming town that’s known for having access to more than 1,300 glacial lakes. It also has a number of biking trails as well as mountain ranges in the surrounding area.
- Winter Carnival, swimming, skiing, and fishing are all popular outdoor activities.
- Pinedale is a charming alternative for Jackson Hole. It offers affordable lodging, local eating spots, and quaint small-town vibes.
Wyoming is more than what you see on Instagram or TikTok For You. Jackson Hole. Jenny Lake, or the Tetons, are not the sole glacial bodies of water that you can jump into after a hike or a wildlife-viewing day. Pinedale, Wyoming is a perfect example.
Just over an hour away from Jackson, Wyoming (and the recently opened Sylvan Lodge Snake River Sporting Club (this is the club) 2,022-person town is located at the base of the Wind River Range, the Wyoming Mountain Range, and the Gros Ventre Mountains, making it a hub for outdoor adventure.
“Pinedale has retained its small-town charm. [It’s] The area is surrounded by 3 mountain ranges, and offers something for everyone. trails to hike Kaddy Fyfe Shivers, the Director of Main Street PinedaleTells Travel + Leisure. “In Pinedale, we can enjoy the four seasons at their best and there are activities for each of them.”
What you should know about Pinedale, Wyoming before planning your trip.
What to Do in Best Things to See
Visit Wyoming
Pinedale is known for its biking (mountain biking, road biking, gravel biking, and fat-biking are all options) and water-based activities. If you are interested in the latter, begin your journey by visiting Geared Up The team provides rentals, repair services, and gear to purchase in downtown Pinedale. You’ll then have all sorts of options that you can take your two wheels for a spin—from the paved pathways around town to the 14-mile-long Fremont Lake Road.
If you’re more interested in swimming, fishing, or boating, then plan your trip for mid-May through early October. Visitors can explore 1,300 lakes in a 30 mile radius of Pinedale during this time of year. One of the most-visited bodies of water is Fremont Lake, the second-largest natural lake in the Cowboy State. The glacial lake, which is less than four miles away from Pinedale and measures 12 miles in length and a little over a mile wide, hosts many recreational activities including swimming, sailing, water skiing and fishing. You may have time to explore two more lakes. Add Half Moon Lake You can also read about the Green River Lakes Plan your trip.
Fyfe Shivers recommends you to plan your trip as well around the Winter Carnival—where you’ll get to see skijoring (a famous Western sport that involves a person on skis being pulled by a horse, dog, or vehicle)—and the Green River Rendezvous In July. The second honors the pioneers of the 1800s who explored the West. Stop by the Pinedale History Museum for more information. Museum of the Mountain ManOpen every day between May and October. By appointment only in the off season.
Keep in mind that no matter how long you plan to stay or what your Pinedale itinerary is, it’s important to practice respectful, sustainable travel. Tourists should remember to pick up after themselves, and not to feed animals. Fyfe Shivers explains that tourists may visit, but the area is their home.
Where to Eat and drink
Cody Hamilton
Fyfe Shivers recommends two places where she likes to fuel up for a busy day. She recommends The Grazing Goat For the “best pizza Sublette County,” Los Cabos For its “nice selection and portion size of Mexican food.” If you want a more Western feel, try the Wrangler Cafe, Stockman’s Saloon & SteakhouseOr the Corral Bar & Grill. Drinks are a big part of the party. Pine Coffee Supply It is a great way to get a caffeine fix. Wind River Brewing Company Enjoy a delicious snack after a bike ride or paddle.
Where to Stay
Cozy Cabins
Pinedale isn’t as good as it used to be luxury hotels you’d find in Jackson Hole, but that’s part of its charm—and its affordability. Fyfe recommends the Pinedale Hotel Rates start at $94 per day. Check out if you want to enjoy lakefront views with easy access to the water. Lakeside LodgeNightly rates start at about $85. In the town Pinedale Cozy Cabins—with its two-bedroom cabins that come with living rooms and kitchens—or The Log Cabin Motel Prices start at $358 for the first night and $65, respectively.
