Wyoming Range facts for kids
The Wyoming Range is a cool mountain range in western Wyoming. It's part of the huge Rocky Mountains. This range runs from north to south near the western edge of the state. Its tallest point is Wyoming Peak. This peak stands at 11,383 feet (3,470 meters) high! Sometimes, people just call these mountains "The Wyomings."
Most of the Wyoming Range is public land. This means it belongs to everyone! The U.S. Forest Service manages it. It's part of the Bridger-Teton National Forest. This area is super popular for outdoor fun. You can go hiking, camping, fishing, or ride horses. In winter, snowmobiling is a big hit. Hunting is also allowed. The range has many lakes and places to camp. There are also wild, untouched areas. Nearby towns include Big Piney, Marbleton, La Barge, and Kemmerer.
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Discover the Wyoming Range
The Wyoming Range is a special place. It offers amazing views and lots of nature to explore.
Where is the Wyoming Range?
This mountain range is found in the western part of Wyoming. It's a key part of the larger Rocky Mountains. The range stretches north to south. Its highest point, Wyoming Peak, is a landmark. It's one of the tallest spots around.
Fun Things to Do in the Wyoming Range
There are so many adventures waiting in the Wyoming Range! Since most of it is public land, it's open for everyone to enjoy.
- Hiking: Explore many trails and see beautiful scenery.
- Camping: Spend a night under the stars at developed campgrounds. You can also find wilder spots.
- Fishing: Cast a line in the many lakes and streams.
- Horseback Riding: Ride through the mountains on horseback.
- Snowmobiling: Enjoy thrilling rides in the snow during winter.
- Hunting: This is a popular activity for many.
A Historic Journey: The Lander Road
A famous old trail crosses the Wyoming Range. It's a branch of the Oregon Trail called the Lander Road. This shortcut helped early travelers. It made their journey shorter. You can still find old grave sites and historical markers. They tell stories of those who traveled this path long ago.
Not to Be Confused With
It's easy to mix up the Wyoming Range with another nearby range. The Salt River Range runs right next to it. It's on the western side. The two ranges are separated by the Greys River. This river flows north through the Star Valley. It then joins the Snake River.
Protecting the Wyoming Range
In 2009, a big step was taken to protect this area. The United States House of Representatives voted on March 25, 2009. They wanted to make two million acres of public land into wilderness. This law was called the Omnibus Public Land Management Act. It had already passed in the Senate. President Barack Obama signed it into law on March 30.
This law included something special for the Wyoming Range. It was called the Wyoming Range Legacy Act. This part of the law protects 1.2 million acres (4,856 square kilometers) of the Wyoming Range. It stops new oil and gas drilling leases there. This means this huge area will be safe from future drilling. Some leases that were already in place before the law passed were not affected. But new ones are now stopped. This helps keep the Wyoming Range beautiful for years to come.
