Wild Wyoming: Thrilling Outdoor Adventures in Evanston's Rugged Landscape

Evanston isn't your typical Wyoming tourist destination—and that's precisely its charm. While most travelers flock to Yellowstone or Jackson Hole, this historic Union Pacific Railroad town offers authentic Western experiences without the crowds.

The town itself merits exploration before heading into the wilderness. The beautifully preserved Roundhouse and Railyards complex tells the story of Evanston's railroad heritage, while the charming downtown district features red brick buildings housing local businesses rather than tourist traps.

During our stay, we chose the Alpen Glow Hideaway as our mobile base camp. This spacious, quick-setup tent became our sanctuary after long days of adventure, with enough room for three adults and our gear without feeling cramped. Its weather resistance was put to the test during an unexpected summer storm, and we stayed completely dry while listening to rain patter against the rainfly.

Before venturing into the backcountry, I recommend stopping by the local Bureau of Land Management office. The rangers provided invaluable insights about trail conditions and sensitive ecological areas to avoid—information you won't find on most apps.

Bear River State Park serves as the perfect introduction to Evanston's natural offerings. Just a few miles from downtown, this 300-acre park features paved and unpaved trails alongside the meandering Bear River. What makes this park special is the resident wildlife—we spotted a small herd of bison and elk in the park's enclosures, offering a preview of the wilderness encounters awaiting us.

The park's extensive trail system provides options for all fitness levels. We started with the 3-mile Bear River Greenway Trail to acclimate to the elevation (around 6,700 feet) before tackling more challenging terrain. The riverside picnic areas make perfect spots for a sustainable lunch break—we packed our food in reusable stainless steel containers to minimize waste.

For wildlife viewing and photography, I found the compact spotting scope invaluable. It's substantially lighter than traditional spotting scopes but provided crystal-clear views of distant wildlife without disturbing them—a perfect balance of functionality and portability for backcountry adventures.

During our visit, we participated in a volunteer trail maintenance morning organized by local conservation groups. This three-hour effort not only connected us with knowledgeable locals but gave us a deeper appreciation for the ecosystem we'd be exploring.

The real adventure begins in the nearby Uinta Mountains—the only major east-west running mountain range in the contiguous United States. Just a short drive from Evanston, these mountains offer world-class hiking, mountain biking, and fly fishing opportunities that rival more famous destinations without the crowds.

Our most memorable expedition was the challenging hike to Deadhorse Lake. The 12-mile round trip with significant elevation gain tested our endurance, but the pristine alpine lake surrounded by craggy peaks rewarded our efforts. We encountered only two other hiking groups the entire day—a stark contrast to the overcrowded trails I've experienced in Colorado and Utah.

For multi-day adventures, the water filtration system proved essential. Wyoming's backcountry streams may look pristine, but filtering is non-negotiable. This lightweight system allowed us to refill from mountain streams without carrying excessive water weight or risking waterborne illness.

Mountain weather changes rapidly, sometimes dramatically. During our Deadhorse Lake hike, we experienced sunshine, rain, and even brief hail—all within three hours. My packable insulated jacket became my most valued layer, providing warmth during chilly mornings and unexpected weather shifts without weighing down my pack.

I've always believed that responsible adventure means leaving no trace and supporting local conservation. Before hitting the trails, we participated in a trail maintenance volunteer day with the local chapter of the Mountain Trails Foundation—an experience that connected us with knowledgeable locals and deepened our appreciation for these wild spaces.

For those days when we needed a break from strenuous hiking, the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway provided the perfect alternative. This 42-mile route winds through the heart of the Uinta Mountains, offering spectacular views and numerous pullouts for short excursions.

One of our favorite stops was Provo River Falls, where a series of cascades tumble through a granite channel. The short paved path makes this natural wonder accessible to travelers of all abilities—a reminder that wilderness appreciation shouldn't be limited to those capable of strenuous activity.

For capturing the expansive landscapes along the byway, my lightweight travel tripod earned its place in my pack. At just over 3 pounds, it didn't weigh me down but provided the stability needed for those golden hour landscape shots and night sky photography.

Speaking of night skies, Evanston's remote location means minimal light pollution. We spent one unforgettable evening at a high-elevation pullout along the byway, where the Milky Way stretched horizon to horizon in a display that rivals any designated dark sky preserve I've visited.

While enjoying these accessible areas, we were careful to practice responsible tourism. We stayed on designated trails, packed out all trash (including food scraps), and kept our voices low to avoid disturbing wildlife. These small actions ensure these special places remain pristine for future generations of adventurers.

Throughout our week in Evanston, we strived to balance our adventure seeking with environmental responsibility. This meant carefully planning our activities to minimize impact while maximizing experiences.

For our backcountry excursions, the portable solar charger kept our essential devices powered without relying on disposable batteries. It easily attached to my backpack, charging my phone and headlamp batteries while we hiked—perfect for multi-day adventures where weight matters but power is essential.

We also committed to supporting local businesses rather than chains. The Lone Pine Café became our morning ritual, where locally roasted coffee and homemade breakfast burritos fueled our adventures. For dinner, Suds Brothers Brewery offered craft beers and locally sourced bison burgers that rivaled any I've had in more famous Western destinations.

One afternoon, we joined a local conservation group for a two-hour native plant restoration project along the Bear River. This hands-on activity connected us with knowledgeable locals who shared insights about the area's ecological challenges and successes—information that deepened our appreciation of the landscape.

For navigating Evanston's backcountry, I relied on the detailed topographic maps. While digital navigation has its place, these waterproof physical maps never run out of battery and provide a comprehensive view of the terrain that smartphone apps often lack.