Mountain Man Country

Dubois, Wyoming

Tucked in the Upper Wind River Valley across the Continental Divide to the north of Pinedale is the western town of Dubois.  The most direct and arguably best way to get there is via the Union Pass Road, a gravel summer-only route accessible for most passenger vehicles.  Once the snow melts and the road in early July, the trip up the Green River and through wildflower meadows is a local favorite.  Take County Road #352 (the Cora Road) north from Hwy 191.  The first 25 miles is paved.  Once you reach the parking lot at the Bridger-Teton National Forest boundary the road becomes FR #10091.  You’ll travel approximately 2 miles and then take the left fork (FR #600) across the Green River and parallel it for several more miles before climbing up through aspen groves and then reaching the highmeadows that lead you to Lake of the Woods and Union Pass.  This is actually a rather mild route, with no heart-stopping drops or huge mountain views, but pretty and very explorable.  You’ll find several lodges on the north side of the pass, and then drop down through the trees to WY #26/287 where you’ll turn right (east) to Dubois. 

Once you reach town, you’ll want to visit the National Bighorn Sheep Interpretive Center and adjacent Wind River Historical Center.  Dubois is a cute town of about 1,000 people with lots of character.  Visit their Chamber website at http://www.duboiswyoming.org/. 

A great way to make a loop out of this trip would be to return to Pinedale via Togwotee Pass and Jackson.  As you head back west on WY #26/287, be sure to take a side trip to Brooks Lake, a right hand turn onto Brooks Lake Road.  This jewel of a lake is surrounded by mountain ramparts, creating a gorgeous setting.