If you’ve ever dreamed of escaping to a place where the mountains touch the sky and the hustle of city life fades into the whisper of pine trees, then the Absaroka Mountains in Wyoming might just be your paradise.
I’ve always been captivated by the rugged beauty of this region, where secluded towns offer a retreat into nature’s embrace. From hidden gateways to untouched serenity, these ten towns are gems nestled amidst majestic peaks and vast wilderness.
Join me as we embark on a journey through Wyoming’s most secluded mountain towns, each offering a unique blend of tranquility, adventure, and breathtaking landscapes.
10. Upper Greybull River: Untouched Serenity
The Upper Greybull River area is a haven for those seeking pure, untouched wilderness. With virtually no permanent population, it’s a place where the natural world reigns supreme. I love how the vast expanses of undeveloped land offer endless opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife observation.
There are no bustling industries here—just the gentle flow of the river and the rustling of leaves in the wind. What makes it truly secluded is its remoteness and lack of commercial development, allowing visitors to immerse themselves completely in nature.
Where is Upper Greybull River?
Located deep within the Absaroka Mountains, the Upper Greybull River area lies northeast of Yellowstone National Park. Its seclusion is enhanced by the rugged terrain and limited access roads.
To get there, you’ll need to navigate remote gravel roads, often requiring a high-clearance vehicle. The journey is part of the adventure, leading you through some of Wyoming’s most pristine and untouched landscapes.
9. Painter: Tiny Hamlet Amidst the Wilderness
Painter is a tiny hamlet that barely shows up on maps, with a population hovering around a dozen residents. It’s one of those places where everyone knows each other, and the sense of community is strong. The surrounding wilderness is perfect for hunting, hiking, and simply enjoying the peace and quiet.
There are no major industries—just a few ranches and small businesses that cater to locals. Painter’s isolation stems from its distance from major highways and urban centers, making it an ideal spot for solitude.
Where is Painter?
Nestled in the heart of the Absaroka Range, Painter is located southeast of Grand Teton National Park. Its seclusion is due to the winding mountain roads that lead to it, often impassable during winter months.
Reaching Painter involves a scenic drive through mountainous terrain, providing stunning vistas but requiring careful navigation. The remoteness ensures that life in Painter remains quiet and undisturbed.
8. South Fork: The Remote Valley Escape
With a population of around 500 people spread across vast land parcels, South Fork is a community where privacy is paramount. I appreciate how each property here seems like its own piece of paradise, surrounded by the wild beauty of the mountains.
Outdoor activities abound, from horseback riding to exploring hidden trails. The main industry is ranching, reflecting a lifestyle deeply connected to the land. South Fork’s secluded nature comes from its expansive properties and distance from urban areas.
Where is South Fork?
Situated southwest of Cody, Wyoming, South Fork lies along the South Fork of the Shoshone River. The area is flanked by the Absaroka Mountains, enhancing its feeling of seclusion.
Access is via a single main road that winds through the valley, ending in the wilderness. This limited accessibility ensures that South Fork remains a remote escape, with the grandeur of the mountains at every turn.
7. Elk Fork: Riverside Solitude
Elk Fork is a sparsely populated area along the North Fork of the Shoshone River, with perhaps a few dozen residents. I find the riverside setting incredibly peaceful, offering excellent fishing spots and serene views.
The community is scattered, with homes set on large lots that provide ample privacy. There are no significant industries here apart from small-scale tourism and outdoor recreation services. Its seclusion is due to the minimal development and the enveloping forested mountains.
Where is Elk Fork?
Elk Fork is located west of Cody on the way to Yellowstone National Park. It’s nestled within the Shoshone National Forest, adding to its remote charm.
The area is accessible via U.S. Highway 14/16/20, but the lack of nearby towns keeps it quiet. Traveling here means entering a world where cell service fades, and nature becomes your constant companion.
6. Kirwin: Abandoned Beauty in the Mountains
Kirwin is an abandoned mining town with no permanent residents, frozen in time amidst the Absaroka Mountains. Exploring Kirwin feels like stepping back into history, with remnants of old cabins and mine shafts.
While there are no industries today, it once bustled with mining activity in the early 1900s. Its seclusion is amplified by its status as a ghost town, accessible only by rugged trails that deter most visitors.
Where is Kirwin?
Kirwin is tucked away in the mountains west of Meeteetse. Reaching it requires navigating rough, unpaved roads that are often closed due to weather.
The town sits at an elevation of over 9,000 feet, surrounded by peaks and forests. Getting there is a challenge, involving a 30-mile drive from Meeteetse, but the reward is a glimpse into Wyoming’s mining past in a truly secluded setting.
5. Meeteetse: Historic Charm in Seclusion
Meeteetse has a population of about 300 people and exudes historic charm with its wooden boardwalks and preserved buildings. I enjoy visiting the local museums and tasting chocolate from the famous Meeteetse Chocolatier.
The town’s main industries include ranching and tourism focused on its rich history. Seclusion comes from its small size and the vast open spaces that surround it, offering a quiet lifestyle away from larger towns.
Where is Meeteetse?
Located in the southern part of the Absaroka region, Meeteetse lies along the Greybull River. It’s about 32 miles south of Cody, accessible via Wyoming Highway 120.
The drive offers scenic views of rolling hills and distant mountains. Meeteetse’s distance from major highways contributes to its peaceful atmosphere, making it a hidden gem in Wyoming’s landscape.
4. Sunlight Basin: Secluded Alpine Meadows
Sunlight Basin is a remote area with a small population scattered across alpine meadows and forested land. The outdoor opportunities are endless—think hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife photography.
There are no significant industries, just a few ranches and lodges catering to visitors seeking solitude. Its seclusion is due to its location deep within the mountains, far from any major towns or roads.
Where is Sunlight Basin?
Situated northwest of Cody, Sunlight Basin is accessed via the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway. The area is surrounded by the Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains, enhancing its remote feel.
Getting there involves a drive through mountainous terrain with breathtaking vistas. The winding roads and lack of nearby services ensure that Sunlight Basin remains a peaceful retreat.
3. Clark: Where Wilderness Meets Tranquility
Clark is an unincorporated community with around 300 residents spread over a vast area. I appreciate the blend of open space and mountain views that make it perfect for those seeking tranquility.
Outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and horseback riding are popular here. The main industries are ranching and small businesses that support the community. Clark’s seclusion comes from its expansive geography and low population density.
Where is Clark?
Located north of Cody near the Montana border, Clark sits at the base of the Beartooth Mountains. Access is primarily via Highway 120, but the community itself stretches into remote areas.
The vast distances between homes and the surrounding wilderness contribute to its sense of isolation. Traveling to Clark offers a peaceful journey through some of Wyoming’s most scenic landscapes.
2. Crandall: A Quiet Retreat Amidst Majestic Peaks
Crandall is a small community with fewer than 100 residents, offering a quiet retreat in the mountains. The area is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for fishing, hunting, and exploring backcountry trails.
There are no major industries, just a few lodges and ranches that cater to visitors. What makes Crandall secluded is its location far from urban centers and its enveloping natural surroundings.
Where is Crandall?
Crandall is nestled along the Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone River, northwest of Cody. Access is via the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway, which winds through dramatic mountain landscapes.
The remoteness of Crandall is accentuated by the limited infrastructure and minimal traffic. Getting there is a journey through some of the most stunning parts of the Absaroka Mountains.
1. Wapiti: Hidden Gateway to Yellowstone
Wapiti is a small community with a population of about 250 people, serving as a hidden gateway to Yellowstone National Park. I love the blend of seclusion and access to incredible natural attractions.
Activities include hiking, wildlife viewing, and visiting the historic Wapiti Valley. The main industries are tourism and ranching, supporting those who come to experience the majestic surroundings. Wapiti’s seclusion comes from its mountain setting and the vast stretches of wilderness that envelop it.
Where is Wapiti?
Located 20 miles west of Cody along U.S. Highway 14/16/20, Wapiti sits in the heart of the Wapiti Valley. The community is surrounded by the Absaroka Mountains and is the last stop before reaching the east entrance of Yellowstone.
Its seclusion is enhanced by the towering peaks and dense forests that isolate it from larger towns. Getting to Wapiti is a scenic drive that offers a preview of the natural wonders that await in Yellowstone.
