10 Of Wyoming’s Most Secluded Towns

Wyoming is famous for wide-open spaces, towering mountains, and endless skies.

But tucked away in its remote corners are tiny towns where peace and quiet reign supreme.

If you’re craving an escape from crowded cities and noisy streets, these hidden gems offer the perfect retreat into nature’s embrace.

Atlantic City

Atlantic City
Image by the author: Anna-Katharina Stöcklin, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Once a booming gold mining hub in the 1860s, Atlantic City now sits quietly with fewer than 60 residents.

Old wooden structures whisper tales of fortune seekers and frontier life.

Mountains surround this tiny spot, creating a natural barrier from the modern world.

Visitors love exploring the historic buildings and soaking in the authentic Old West vibe that feels frozen in time.

To reach Atlantic City, travel about 30 miles southwest of Lander on Highway 28 and turn into the historic South Pass mining area; the town is nestled in a high mountain valley where the pavement ends and history begins.

Jeffrey City

Jeffrey City
Image by the author: Chevsapher, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Jeffrey City’s population exploded during the uranium boom but crashed when the mines closed in the 1980s.

Today, it’s practically a ghost town with around 40 brave souls calling it home.

Wind sweeps through empty streets lined with abandoned buildings.

However, the stark beauty and eerie silence attract adventurers and photographers seeking something truly off the beaten path.

Jeffrey City is located directly along U.S. Route 287 in the southeast corner of Fremont County; it sits in the vast Sweetwater River basin, roughly midway between the towns of Rawlins and Lander.

Meeteetse

Meeteetse
Image by the author: James St. John, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Nestled along the Greybull River, Meeteetse is where black-footed ferrets were rediscovered in 1981 after being thought extinct!

With just over 300 residents, this ranching community celebrates its cowboy heritage proudly.

Museums showcase local history while surrounding wilderness offers endless outdoor adventures.

Though remote, the town’s charm and friendly faces make isolation feel like a warm hug.

Meeteetse is situated 30 miles south of Cody on State Highway 120; the town is easy to spot along the Greybull River, characterized by its authentic wooden boardwalks and historic frontier architecture.

Dubois

Dubois
Image by the author: Micha de Vries from Middelburg, Nederland, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If superheroes needed a hideout, Dubois would be perfect with its dramatic Wind River Mountain backdrop and population hovering around 970.

Wildlife outnumbers people here, making every day feel like a nature documentary.

Bighorn sheep roam nearby hills while the town maintains its authentic western character.

Summer brings hikers and winter welcomes snowmobilers, but it never feels crowded or rushed.

Dubois sits along U.S. Route 26/287 in the upper Wind River Valley; it serves as a scenic gateway between the red rock badlands and the high peaks of the Absaroka Mountains.

Medicine Bow

Medicine Bow
Image by the author: Colby Thomas, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Medicine Bow gained fame from Owen Wister’s novel “The Virginian,” but don’t expect Hollywood crowds.

Fewer than 300 people live in this windswept prairie town where antelope are regular visitors.

The historic Virginian Hotel still stands as a reminder of bygone days.

Wide-open spaces stretch endlessly in every direction, offering solitude that city dwellers only dream about.

Medicine Bow is located at the junction of U.S. Route 30 and Highway 72 on the wide-open southern Wyoming prairie; the town is anchored by the landmark Virginian Hotel.

Elk Mountain

Elk Mountain
Image by the author: Doc Searls, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

With barely 190 residents, Elk Mountain sits at the base of its namesake peak like a tiny guardian.

Railroad tracks run through town, but trains rarely stop anymore, adding to the peaceful isolation.

Strong winds are legendary here, sometimes forcing highway closures during winter storms.

Though challenging, residents embrace the rugged lifestyle and spectacular views that come with extreme remoteness.

To find Elk Mountain, take Exit 255 off Interstate 80 and head south for a few miles on Highway 72; the town sits directly at the northern base of the massive mountain peak that shares its name.

Bondurant

Bondurant
Image by the author: Realwyo, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Bondurant is so remote that GPS sometimes gives up trying to find it! Tucked in the Hoback River valley with around 100 residents, this community knows everyone’s name and probably their favorite pie flavor.

St. Hubert the Hunter Church serves as a spiritual and social hub.

Surrounded by national forest, outdoor adventures are literally at your doorstep, from fishing to wildlife watching.

Bondurant is found in the Hoback River valley along U.S. Highway 191, tucked between Pinedale and Jackson; it is surrounded by the dense national forest and the dramatic peaks of the Gros Ventre Range.

Boulder

Boulder
Image by the author: David Broad, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Not to be confused with its famous Colorado cousin, Wyoming’s Boulder is tiny with fewer than 100 residents.

Located in a high mountain valley, it’s the kind of place where silence is the loudest sound.

Ranching and outdoor recreation define daily life here.

Though isolated, residents appreciate the tight-knit community and stunning natural beauty that makes every sunrise feel like a personal gift.

Boulder is located 12 miles south of Pinedale at the intersection of U.S. Highway 191 and State Highway 353, positioned in a high-altitude valley famous for its ranching heritage.

Ten Sleep

Ten Sleep
Image by the author: Samuel Sweet (BouncySpaceKanga), CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Ten Sleep got its quirky name from being ten sleeps (camping nights) between two Native American landmarks.

With around 260 residents, this town sits near spectacular Ten Sleep Canyon, a rock climber’s paradise.

Main Street feels like stepping into a vintage postcard with authentic western storefronts.

Despite being small, the community spirit is enormous, and neighbors genuinely look out for each other.

Ten Sleep is situated at the western foot of the Bighorn Mountains on U.S. Route 16; the town sits right at the mouth of the spectacular Ten Sleep Canyon, between the towns of Worland and Buffalo.

Story

Story
Image by the author: Always dreamin, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

The story might have the best name ever for a town with tales to tell! Nestled in the Bighorn Mountains with fewer than 900 residents, it’s where people come to write their own peaceful chapters.

Our Lady of the Pines Catholic Church stands as a charming landmark.

Surrounded by forest and mountain trails, this hideaway offers the perfect setting for anyone seeking genuine tranquility and connection with nature.

Story is tucked away in the foothills between Sheridan and Buffalo; it is accessed via Highway 193 (off Highway 87) and is uniquely nestled within a thick pine forest at the edge of the Bighorn Mountains.

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