Wyoming’s Salt River Range is a treasure trove of secluded towns nestled amidst stunning mountain landscapes and serene valleys. For those seeking a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life, these hidden gems offer tranquility, natural beauty, and a close-knit community feel. From alpine meadows to winding rivers, the area is rich with opportunities for outdoor adventures and quiet contemplation.
Join us as we count down ten of the most secluded towns in this picturesque region, each offering its unique charm and a chance to experience the slower pace of mountain living. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or simply in search of solitude, these towns are sure to captivate your heart. Let’s embark on a journey through Wyoming’s best-kept secrets in the Salt River Range.
10. Osmond: Quiet Corner of the Valley
Osmond is a small, peaceful community with an approximate population of just a few hundred residents. This quaint locale offers expansive acreages, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a slow-paced lifestyle amidst nature. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities like hiking, fishing, and horseback riding in the surrounding landscapes.
The main industries in Osmond revolve around agriculture and ranching, reflecting the town’s rural heritage. What makes Osmond truly secluded is its vast open spaces and the shadow of the majestic Salt River Range that provides a serene backdrop. With minimal commercial development, Osmond offers a tranquil environment where one can truly disconnect from the hustle of modern life.
Where is Osmond?
Osmond is located in the western part of Wyoming, nestled in Star Valley, just east of the Idaho border. Its seclusion is enhanced by its position away from major highways and urban centers, surrounded by rolling hills and mountain views. The town is accessed primarily via smaller county roads, which adds to its off-the-beaten-path charm. To reach Osmond, travelers can take U.S. Highway 89 to Afton and then navigate local roads that meander through the picturesque countryside, leading to this quiet corner of the valley.
9. Fairview: Seclusion with Scenic Backdrops
Fairview is a charming small community with a population hovering around 300 residents. The town offers spacious living amidst rolling hills and stunning mountain vistas, ideal for those who appreciate nature’s serenity. Residents and visitors can engage in outdoor activities such as hiking, snowmobiling, and wildlife viewing in the nearby forests and trails.
Agriculture remains a staple industry, with many locals involved in farming and ranching. Fairview’s seclusion comes from its expansive properties and limited commercial presence, allowing for a peaceful atmosphere away from the crowds. The scenic backdrops of the Salt River Range only enhance the town’s tranquil allure.
Where is Fairview?
Fairview is situated in Star Valley, in Lincoln County, Wyoming, close to the Idaho border. Its location off the main highways contributes to its secluded feel, surrounded by the natural beauty of the valley and mountains. The town is accessed via U.S. Highway 89, followed by county roads that lead into the heart of Fairview. The relative remoteness and the unspoiled landscapes make it a hidden gem for those seeking a quiet retreat amid nature’s splendor.
8. Turnerville: Escape to Unspoiled Landscapes
Turnerville is an unincorporated area known for its vast open spaces and serene environment, making it a perfect escape for those seeking solitude. With a sparse population, the community is characterized by large ranches and undeveloped land. Outdoor activities abound, including fishing in nearby streams, hiking in the mountains, and exploring the unspoiled wilderness.
The primary industries are agriculture and ranching, reflecting the town’s connection to the land. Turnerville’s seclusion stems from its remote setting far from crowded towns and its expansive natural surroundings that offer a peaceful retreat.
Where is Turnerville?
Located in Lincoln County, Wyoming, Turnerville lies within Star Valley, nestled between the Salt River and the towering peaks of the Salt River Range. The area is accessed via U.S. Highway 89 and then onto local roads that wind through the scenic countryside. Its remote location and limited infrastructure contribute to its secluded nature. Turnerville’s unspoiled landscapes and distance from urban centers make it an ideal spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature’s tranquility.
7. Smoot: Peaceful Plains Near the Mountains
Smoot is a quiet enclave with a close-knit community of around 200 residents. The town boasts large properties and ranches, providing ample privacy for those living here. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities like horseback riding, fishing, and exploring nearby national forests.
Agriculture and ranching are the mainstays of Smoot’s economy, reflecting its rural character. The seclusion of Smoot is accentuated by its vast open plains set against the backdrop of the Salt River Range, offering residents a peaceful lifestyle close to pristine wilderness.
Where is Smoot?
Smoot is situated in the southern part of Star Valley, Lincoln County, Wyoming, near the border with Idaho. Its location along U.S. Highway 89 provides access while still maintaining a sense of remoteness. Smoot is surrounded by natural beauty, with the Salt River Range to the east and expansive plains all around. The town’s distance from larger urban areas and its rural setting contribute to its secluded ambiance. Visitors can reach Smoot by taking U.S. Highway 89 south from Afton, experiencing the serene landscapes along the way.
6. Auburn: Rural Retreat Surrounded by Nature
Auburn is a small, rural community with a population of approximately 300 people. The town is known for its expansive ranches and undeveloped land, offering residents and visitors a secluded retreat amidst Wyoming’s natural beauty. Outdoor activities include hiking, hunting, and exploring the nearby forests and valleys. The main industries are agriculture and livestock, with many residents engaged in farming and ranching. Auburn’s seclusion is characterized by its open spaces and the tranquility that comes with being surrounded by nature, away from the hustle of city life.
Where is Auburn?
Auburn is located in Lincoln County, within Star Valley, Wyoming, just a few miles east of the Idaho border. Its remote setting is enhanced by its distance from major highways and urban centers. Access to Auburn is typically via local county roads branching off U.S. Highway 89, adding to its off-the-beaten-path appeal. The town’s location amidst rolling hills and close to the Salt River Range provides a sense of isolation that is both peaceful and inviting for those seeking a rural lifestyle.
5. Grover: Tranquility Under the Peaks
Grover is a quaint community nestled beneath the towering peaks of the Salt River Range, with a population of around 150 residents. This peaceful town offers a perfect setting for those seeking solitude and a close connection with nature. Activities in the area include hiking, wildlife watching, and enjoying the scenic beauty of the mountains. Agriculture is a significant industry, with local farms and ranches dotting the landscape. Grover’s seclusion is due to its remote location and minimal development, allowing residents to enjoy tranquility under the majestic mountain peaks.
Where is Grover?
Situated in Star Valley, Lincoln County, Wyoming, Grover lies east of U.S. Highway 89, closer to the Salt River Range. Its secluded nature is enhanced by its location away from main thoroughfares and surrounded by natural landscapes. Access to Grover is via local roads that lead into the valley, providing a scenic route through picturesque surroundings. The town’s proximity to the mountains and its distance from urban centers make it a hidden gem for those looking to escape into nature.
4. Bedford: Hidden Gem of Quiet Living
Bedford is a secluded area offering expansive acreage and a peaceful lifestyle away from urban bustle, with a population of around 200 people. The town’s residents enjoy a rural setting with opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and snowmobiling in the nearby mountains and forests. Agriculture and ranching are the primary industries, reflecting the community’s connection to the land. Bedford’s seclusion comes from its large properties spread out over rolling hills and its minimal commercial development, providing a quiet haven for those seeking a slower pace of life.
Where is Bedford?
Located in Lincoln County, Wyoming, Bedford is nestled in Star Valley, east of U.S. Highway 89. Its seclusion is due in part to its position near the base of the Salt River Range and its distance from larger towns. Access to Bedford is via Bedford Canyon Road, which offers stunning views as it winds through the countryside. The town’s remote location and the natural barrier of the mountains contribute to its peaceful and hidden nature, making it an ideal spot for those wanting to disconnect.
3. Freedom: Living Off the Beaten Path
Freedom is a small rural community straddling the Wyoming-Idaho border, with an approximate population of 200 residents. Known for its spacious lots and tranquil environment, Freedom offers a serene lifestyle amidst vast open spaces. Outdoor activities include hunting, fishing, and exploring the nearby Caribou-Targhee National Forest. The main industries are agriculture, ranching, and a few local businesses that serve the community. What makes Freedom secluded is its remote location and the wide-open landscapes that surround it, providing residents with ample privacy and a close connection to nature.
Where is Freedom?
Freedom is located in both Lincoln County, Wyoming, and Caribou County, Idaho, positioned right on the state line. Its unique location adds to its secluded charm, nestled between mountains and valleys. The town is accessible via State Highway 34 from Idaho or U.S. Highway 89 from Wyoming, leading to country roads that wind into Freedom. The area’s minimal traffic and distance from major urban centers enhance its off-the-beaten-path feel, making it a perfect getaway for those seeking solitude.
2. Etna: Serenity in the Heart of Star Valley
Etna is a peaceful community with a population of around 200 residents, offering serenity in the heart of Star Valley. Surrounded by open land and the rugged beauty of the Salt River Range, Etna is ideal for those who appreciate nature and a quiet lifestyle. Activities include fishing in the Salt River, hiking the nearby trails, and enjoying panoramic views of the mountains.
The main industries are agriculture and small local businesses that cater to residents and visitors alike. Etna’s seclusion is due to its expansive rural areas and limited development, fostering a close-knit community atmosphere.
Where is Etna?
Etna is located in Lincoln County, Wyoming, along U.S. Highway 89, approximately 60 miles south of Jackson Hole. Despite its proximity to the highway, Etna maintains a secluded feel due to its vast open spaces and low population density. The town is surrounded by the natural beauty of Star Valley, with easy access to both the Salt River Range and the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Travelers can reach Etna by following U.S. Highway 89, enjoying scenic views of the valley and mountains along the way.
1. Alpine Junction: Gateway to Seclusion
Alpine Junction is an unincorporated community nestled where the Salt River meets the Palisades Reservoir, with a population of approximately 800 people. Known as the gateway to seclusion, it offers privacy amidst stunning mountain vistas and waterways. Outdoor activities are abundant, including boating, fishing, hiking, and snowmobiling, making it a haven for adventure enthusiasts.
While tourism and outdoor recreation are significant industries, Alpine Junction retains a tranquil atmosphere due to its natural surroundings. Its seclusion is defined by the convergence of rivers, mountains, and the reservoir, creating a unique landscape that feels both remote and inviting.
Where is Alpine Junction?
Alpine Junction is located in Lincoln County, Wyoming, at the junction of U.S. Highways 26 and 89, near the Idaho border. Its position at the edge of the Palisades Reservoir and the mouth of the Snake River Canyon enhances its secluded feel. The town is accessible via U.S. Highway 89 from the south and U.S. Highway 26 from the north, leading through scenic routes surrounded by mountains and water. The combination of its geographic location and natural barriers contributes to Alpine Junction’s sense of seclusion, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful mountain retreat.
