The road flickers between pavement and dirt, curling through the Laramie Range like an old tune you only half remember. There are places in Wyoming where the world still belongs to the wind, where small towns scatter like lost beads along a valley, their histories slipping between railroad ties and timbered ridges. These are not tourist towns with fudge shops and antique emporiums. These are places where the general store is also the post office, where a name carries three generations of memory, and where solitude isn’t a choice—it’s the price of admission.
The Laramie Range is the Wyoming that doesn’t make postcards. Towns like Bosler, where abandoned buildings lean into the wind, or Centennial, where the mountains keep watch, have stories to tell—but only if you’re willing to listen. Here, time moves at a different speed, and the landscape keeps its own counsel. If you’ve ever wanted to know what the world felt like before it was paved over and parceled out, this is your chance.
Ten towns. Scattered, stubborn, and quiet as snowfall. Let’s go find them.
10. Esterbrook: A Mountain Sanctuary
Esterbrook is a tiny mountain community with an approximate population of just 52 residents, offering a peaceful escape amidst the towering pines of the Laramie Range. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the nearby Esterbrook Trailhead leading into the Medicine Bow National Forest, perfect for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The town doesn’t have major industries; instead, it thrives on ranching and serves as a haven for retirees and artists seeking inspiration from the serene landscape. What makes Esterbrook truly secluded is its remote location, surrounded by unspoiled wilderness and the absence of commercialization. This solitude allows visitors and locals alike to connect deeply with nature, away from the distractions of modern life. The Esterbrook Church, a quaint log structure from the 1940s, adds a historic touch and is a beloved spot for community gatherings.
Where is Esterbrook?
Located in Converse County, Wyoming, Esterbrook sits high in the Laramie Mountains, about 30 miles southwest of Douglas. Its seclusion is amplified by the winding mountain roads and limited accessibility during winter months due to snow. To get there, travelers take State Highway 94 from Douglas, then turn onto Esterbrook Road, which leads directly into the heart of this mountain sanctuary. The journey offers breathtaking vistas and a sense of leaving the ordinary world behind as you ascend into the tranquil heights of the Laramie Range.
9. Garrett: A Quiet Retreat Amidst Nature
Garrett is a scarcely populated hamlet, home to fewer than 50 residents, making it an ideal spot for those seeking quiet and solitude. The area is rich in natural beauty, with opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and enjoying open prairie landscapes that stretch to the horizon. Agriculture, particularly cattle ranching, is the primary industry, sustaining the small community through generations. Garrett’s seclusion comes from its location far off the main highways, nestled in the rolling foothills of the Laramie Range. The lack of commercial development and the vast surrounding ranch lands ensure a peaceful environment undisturbed by the noise and pace of city life. One of Garrett’s hidden gems is the nearby Sybille Canyon, offering scenic drives and glimpses of wildlife like bighorn sheep and elk.
Where is Garrett?
Situated in Albany County, Wyoming, Garrett lies northwest of Laramie, tucked away off State Highway 34. Its remote setting is enhanced by the sparse population density of the region and the sweeping expanses of prairie that separate it from larger towns. To reach Garrett, visitors can drive north from Laramie along U.S. Route 30 and then take county roads that weave through the countryside. The journey underscores the town’s isolation, as paved roads give way to gravel and the vast Wyoming sky opens up overhead, signaling a departure from the frenetic modern world into a place where time seems to stand still.
8. Tie Siding: A Tiny Hamlet with Railroad Roots
Tie Siding is a minuscule community with an estimated population of around 20, making it one of the smallest inhabited places in Wyoming. Originally established as a railroad camp in the 1860s, it served as a hub for workers who cut and shaped railroad ties from the surrounding forests. Today, visitors can delve into its rich history while enjoying the serene surroundings perfect for hiking and exploring. There are no major industries remaining, but the town’s general store and post office serve as nostalgic windows into the past. Tie Siding’s seclusion is evident in its sparse population and the quiet that envelops the town, interrupted only by passing trains that nod to its historical roots. A hidden gem in the area is the Ames Monument, an impressive pyramid-like structure built to honor Union Pacific Railroad financiers.
Where is Tie Siding?
Located in southern Albany County, Tie Siding sits along U.S. Route 287, just north of the Colorado border. Its remote position at an elevation of over 7,000 feet in the Laramie Range contributes to its secluded nature. To get there, travelers head south from Laramie along U.S. 287, enjoying scenic views of mountains and high plains. The town’s isolation is further accentuated by the vast stretches of open land and minimal signs of modern development, providing a sense of stepping back in time to Wyoming’s frontier days.
7. Bosler: Echoes of the Old West
Bosler is a near-deserted town with an estimated population of fewer than 10 people, offering a stark yet fascinating glimpse into Wyoming’s past. Once a bustling stop along the Union Pacific Railroad, Bosler now stands as a testament to the ebb and flow of frontier towns. Visitors can explore abandoned buildings and imagine stories of a bygone era. There are no active industries today, which adds to the town’s ghostly ambiance and secluded charm. Bosler’s seclusion arises from its remote location on the high plains, surrounded by open rangeland and away from major highways. The silence and space are palpable, making it a unique stop for those interested in history and solitude. A hidden gem is the old Bosler Mercantile, an eerie yet captivating relic of the town’s former life.
Where is Bosler?
Bosler is located in Albany County, about 20 miles north of Laramie along U.S. Route 30. Its seclusion is heightened by the vast emptiness of the surrounding prairie and minimal traffic that passes by. Getting to Bosler involves a drive through sweeping landscapes where horizons seem endless and other vehicles are few and far between. The town’s isolation becomes more apparent as the remnants of its buildings emerge on the horizon, standing alone against the backdrop of the wide Wyoming sky, inviting the curious traveler to step into a piece of the Old West.
6. Rock River: Peaceful Plains Living
Rock River is a small town with an approximate population of 245 residents, offering a quiet lifestyle amidst the expansive Wyoming plains. Visitors and residents enjoy activities like fishing in Rock Creek, exploring nearby historical sites, and engaging with the tight-knit community. The primary industries include ranching and agriculture, which have sustained the town since its establishment in the early 20th century. Rock River’s seclusion comes from its location far from urban centers and the surrounding open spaces that provide a buffer from the outside world. The town’s peaceful ambiance is perfect for those looking to escape into a simpler way of life. A local highlight is the annual Pioneer Days celebration, which brings together the community for a taste of traditional Wyoming culture.
Where is Rock River?
Situated in Albany County, Rock River lies along U.S. Highway 30, about 40 miles northwest of Laramie. The town’s remote setting in the high plains of the Laramie Range contributes to its secluded atmosphere. To reach Rock River, travelers drive northwest from Laramie, passing through vast stretches of rolling grasslands and open skies. The journey emphasizes the town’s isolation and the beauty of Wyoming’s natural landscapes, making the destination as rewarding as the road itself.
5. Centennial: Gateway to Mountain Adventure
Centennial boasts a small population of around 270 residents and is known for its rustic charm and proximity to the Snowy Range Mountains. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy skiing at the Snowy Range Ski Area, hiking, fishing in alpine lakes, and exploring the Medicine Bow National Forest. The town thrives on tourism, with local businesses like lodges, restaurants, and outfitters catering to visitors year-round. Centennial’s seclusion is attributed to its high-altitude location and the surrounding wilderness that envelops the town. The tranquil environment offers a retreat from city life, where one can immerse in nature’s splendor. A hidden gem is the Centennial Depot Museum, showcasing local history and artifacts that tell the story of this mountain community.
Where is Centennial?
Located in Albany County, Centennial sits at the base of the Snowy Range Mountains, about 30 miles west of Laramie via State Highway 130. The town’s seclusion is enhanced by the winding mountain roads and seasonal closure of the highway due to heavy snowfalls. To get there, travelers take Highway 130 from Laramie, enjoying scenic views as the landscape transitions from plains to alpine forests. The journey underscores Centennial’s status as a gateway to adventure and a peaceful mountain escape nestled in the heart of the Laramie Range.
4. Arlington: Serenity on the High Plains
Arlington is a tiny unincorporated community with a population of fewer than 25 people, offering a serene retreat amid the vast high plains of Wyoming. The area is ideal for those seeking solitude, with opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and simply enjoying expansive landscapes. There are no major industries in Arlington; the community revolves around ranching and a mutual appreciation for quiet life. Arlington’s seclusion is due to its remote location, high elevation, and sparse population, making it a perfect spot for stargazing under some of the darkest skies in the country. A unique feature is its proximity to the historic Virginian Hotel in the nearby town of Medicine Bow, offering a glimpse into early 20th-century Wyoming.
Where is Arlington?
Located in Carbon County, Arlington is situated along Interstate 80 yet remains secluded due to surrounding open rangelands and distance from urban centers. To reach Arlington, travelers take I-80 west from Laramie for about 50 miles, exiting onto Arlington Road. The town’s isolation is accentuated by the high elevation of over 7,000 feet and often challenging weather conditions that can make travel adventurous. This remoteness provides a sense of escape as visitors leave the familiar behind to embrace the tranquility of the Wyoming plains.
3. Jelm: Hidden in the Hills
Jelm is a small, unincorporated community with a scattered population, nestled quietly in the hills of the Laramie Range. It is best known for the Wyoming Infrared Observatory perched atop Jelm Mountain, attracting astronomers and stargazers alike. Outdoor activities include hiking, bird watching, and fishing in the nearby Laramie River. There are no significant industries, but the area supports ranching and scientific research due to the observatory. Jelm’s seclusion comes from its tucked-away location, accessed by winding roads that traverse hills and forests, far from the bustle of highways and towns. The peaceful environment and clear night skies make it a haven for those seeking a deeper connection with nature and the cosmos.
Where is Jelm?
Jelm is located in southeastern Wyoming’s Albany County, about 30 miles southwest of Laramie. To get there, travelers take Wyoming Highway 230 west from Laramie, then turn onto State Route 10 south towards Woods Landing before reaching Jelm. The route accentuates Jelm’s remoteness, passing through scenic valleys and over gentle mountain passes. The final stretch involves local roads winding through the countryside, reinforcing the sense of seclusion as vast landscapes and crisp mountain air welcome visitors to this hidden hillside community.
2. Albany: A Rustic Mountain Escape
Albany is a quaint village with a population of approximately 55 people, offering a rustic mountain getaway surrounded by the natural beauty of the Medicine Bow National Forest. Activities abound for outdoor enthusiasts, including snowmobiling, hiking, mountain biking, and fishing in pristine streams and lakes. The local economy revolves around tourism, with lodges, cabins, and a historic hotel catering to visitors seeking adventure or relaxation. Albany’s seclusion is derived from its deep placement within forested areas of the Laramie Range, accessible via scenic mountain roads that deter heavy traffic. This isolation allows for a peaceful atmosphere where wildlife sightings are common and sounds of nature prevail. A highlight is the Albany Lodge, a historic establishment providing a cozy retreat after a day of exploration.
Where is Albany?
Situated in Albany County, Albany lies about 32 miles southwest of Laramie, accessible via Wyoming Highway 11. The town’s location deep within the forest contributes to its secluded feel, with towering pines and rugged terrain enveloping the area. To reach Albany, travelers head south from Laramie on Highway 130, then west on Highway 11, winding through picturesque landscapes that underscore the remoteness of the destination. The journey is a prelude to the tranquility that awaits as the hustle of urban life fades against the backdrop of Wyoming’s untouched wilderness.
1. Foxpark: Abandoned Beauty
Foxpark is an abandoned logging town, now uninhabited, offering a haunting yet beautiful glimpse into Wyoming’s past. Once bustling with activity in the early 20th century due to the timber industry, the town was deserted after the decline of logging operations. Today, visitors can explore remnants of old buildings and machinery, surrounded by serene wilderness that has reclaimed the area. There are no industries or residents, but the solitude and historical intrigue draw those interested in ghost towns and the stories they tell. Foxpark’s seclusion is absolute, with nature slowly erasing footprints of human occupation, creating a peaceful environment where one can reflect amidst quiet ruins. A hidden aspect is the nearby hiking trails leading deeper into the Medicine Bow National Forest, offering further exploration for the adventurous.
Where is Foxpark?
Foxpark is located in Albany County within the Medicine Bow National Forest, approximately 45 miles southwest of Laramie. Accessing Foxpark requires a journey along Highway 230 from Laramie, then turning onto forest service roads that may be rough and are often inaccessible during winter months. The remoteness of Foxpark is amplified by the lack of maintained roads and encroaching forest, making it a true hidden gem for those willing to venture off the beaten path. The isolation provides an eerie yet peaceful atmosphere as visitors step back in time and witness the quiet perseverance of nature over human endeavors.
