Ten Sleep Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more in Ten Sleep, Wyoming with this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Ten Sleep

Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Ten Sleep is a charming town in Wyoming that offers visitors an unforgettable experience. Here, visitors can explore stunning natural attractions and take part in a range of outdoor adventures, from hiking and biking to camping and fishing. Additionally, the town is home to several cultural attractions and a vibrant food and drink scene. In this comprehensive tour guide, we’ll cover all the best things to do, places to visit, and where to stay in Ten Sleep.

List of Places to Visit in Ten Sleep

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Ten Sleep Pioneer Museum: This museum showcases the history of the town, including its early settlers, mining, and ranching days.
  • Washakie Museum and Cultural Center: This museum features exhibits on regional Native American history, pioneer settlement, and paleontology.

Natural Attractions of Ten Sleep: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Ten Sleep Canyon: Explore the stunning canyon with its steep, rocky walls and beautiful, winding river.
  • Worland-Ten Sleep Irrigation Tunnel: Hike through the 5-mile irrigation tunnel with breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains.
  • West Tensleep Lake: Relax and take in the scenic beauty of the alpine lake, where visitors can fish, swim, and boat.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Ten Sleep

  • East Fork Trail: A 6-mile scenic trail that winds through the beautiful Ten Sleep Canyon, offering stunning views of high cliffs and a crystal-clear river.
  • Pinkerton Trail: This 3-mile trail features a beautiful waterfall and views of the Shoshone National Forest.
  • Medicine Lodge Archaeological Site: Explore this area while hiking on the 1-mile trail, which features Native American pictographs and beautiful views of red cliffs.

Best Things to Do in Ten Sleep: Activities and Tours

  • Fly Fishing: With Ten Sleep’s clear streams and rivers stocked with trout, visitors can enjoy fly fishing with a guide.
  • Horseback Riding: Visitors can explore the beauty of Ten Sleep on horseback, which is an unforgettable experience.
  • ATV Tours: Take an all-terrain vehicle tour around the stunning mountains of Ten Sleep and take in the beautiful scenery.

Week-Long Itinerary for Ten Sleep

Day Activity
Day 1 Hiking along the Pinkerton Trail, followed by lunch at the Log Cabin Cafe.
Day 2 Fly-fishing at Meadowlark Lake in Bighorn Mountains, followed by dinner at the Ten Sleep Saloon.
Day 3 Explore the Washakie Musuem and Cultural Center in Worland, followed by lunch at the Wynona’s Cafe.
Day 4 Visit the Ten Sleep Pioneer Museum, followed by a hike along the East Fork Trail and picnic lunch.
Day 5 Take a horseback ride through Ten Sleep Canyon in the morning, followed by a scenic drive to Yellowstone National Park for a day of exploring.
Day 6 Explore the Worland Dinosaur Museum and Moss Agate Hunting, followed by dinner at the Crazy Woman Cafe.
Day 7 Relax on West Tensleep Lake with a day of fishing, swimming, and boating, followed by dinner at Hunter’s Cafe.

Food and Drink Scene of Ten Sleep

Must-Try Dishes

  • Elk Burger: A local favorite, this juicy burger is made with 100% Wyoming elk meat.
  • Cowboy Steak: This delicious steak is cooked over an open flame and seasoned with Wyoming herbs and spices.
  • Ten Sleep Trout: A local specialty, this dish features fresh trout caught in the local streams cooked with a variety of seasonings.

Local Beverages

  • Ten Sleep Brews: Sample locally crafted beer, made with fresh ingredients and brewed without preservatives.
  • Sweetwater Cocktails: Enjoy handcrafted cocktails made with locally sourced fruits and herbs.

Where to Stay in Ten Sleep: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Historic Hotel: This historic hotel is located in downtown Ten Sleep and offers charming accommodations with easy access to local attractions and activities.
  • Campgrounds: Visitors can enjoy camping at one of the many beautiful campgrounds in the area, such as the Pine Island Campground or the West Ten Sleep Lake Campground.
  • Vacation Rentals: For visitors who prefer the comforts of home, vacation rentals are available in Ten Sleep and offer a variety of amenities, from fireplaces to private hot tubs.

What to Buy in Ten Sleep: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Agate: Ten Sleep is home to some of the world’s most beautiful agate, which can be purchased at local gift shops.
  • Elk Jerky: Visitors can purchase tasty elk jerky made with locally sourced meat.
  • Cowboy Hats: Visitors can take home an authentic cowboy hat to remember their trip to Ten Sleep.

Local Culture and Customs of Ten Sleep

Ten Sleep is a small town with a friendly community, where visitors can experience authentic Wyoming hospitality. Visitors should be respectful of local customs, such as tipping generously at restaurants and bars and wearing appropriate attire for outdoor activities.

Best Time to Visit Ten Sleep

The best time to visit Ten Sleep is from June to September, when the weather is mild and the outdoor activities and attractions are at their peak. Visitors should note that winters in Ten Sleep can be harsh and should be prepared accordingly.

Do’s and Don’ts of Ten Sleep

Do:

  • Do take part in outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, and camping, which are the main attractions of Ten Sleep.
  • Do interact with locals and learn more about their way of life and customs.
  • Do visit the cultural attractions and try the local cuisine.

Don’t:

  • Don’t engage in any illegal activities, such as hunting without a license.
  • Don’t disrespect local customs and beliefs, such as not removing hats in places of worship.

Safety and Health

Safety in Ten Sleep

Ten Sleep is a relatively safe town, but visitors should take standard precautions, such as securing their valuables and being aware of their surroundings while hiking or engaging in outdoor activities.

Health in Ten Sleep

Visitors should be prepared for the high altitude and should drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration while engaging in outdoor activities. Additionally, visitors should be aware of the risk of tick-borne illnesses and wear appropriate clothing and use bug spray.

Getting to Ten Sleep: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Ten Sleep

  • Billings Logan International Airport, located in Montana, is the closest major airport to Ten Sleep, approximately 95 miles to the north.

Bus Stations Near Ten Sleep

  • Greyhound Bus Lines: The nearest Greyhound station is located in Worland, approximately 26 miles northeast of Ten Sleep.

Other Options

Visitors can also rent a car or hire a private shuttle service from Billings, Montana, or other nearby cities, such as Cody or Casper.

How to Get Around in Ten Sleep

Visitors can explore Ten Sleep on foot, but for those who prefer transportation, there are car rental options available and guided tours are offered.

Where to Go Next from Ten Sleep: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Yellowstone National Park: Located roughly 170 miles from Ten Sleep, this national park is a must-visit destination for any traveler to the area, with its geysers, hot springs, and wildlife.
  • Cody, Wyoming: This vibrant city is known for its cowboy and Western heritage and is located roughly 100 miles east of Ten Sleep.
  • Bighorn National Forest: Located only 30 miles south of Ten Sleep, Bighorn National Forest offers visitors a variety of outdoor activities and scenic views.

Conclusion

Ten Sleep, Wyoming, is a unique and beautiful destination that offers a range of outdoor activities, stunning natural attractions, and cultural experiences. From hiking and biking to exploring museums and trying local cuisine, visitors can create unforgettable memories in this charming town.