Pinedale | USA Wyoming

Pinedale is an incorporated town and the seat of Sublette County, located on the high plains at the western foot of the Wind River Range. Defined by its status as a premier gateway to the Bridger Wilderness and its reliance on the Pinedale Anticline gas field, it serves as a critical junction for high-alpine recreation and energy production.

Historical Timeline

Inhabited by the Shoshone people. A critical historical event occurred in the 1830s when the Upper Green River Valley served as the site for six of the fifteen original Mountain Man Rendezvous, the primary economic and social gatherings of the fur trade era. Founded in 1904, Pinedale remained one of the most remote towns in the lower 48 states for decades. The discovery and development of massive natural gas reserves in the late 1990s transformed the local economy. In 2026, the town is a leader in managing the "boom-town" cycle through significant investment in community infrastructure and conservation.

Demographics & Population

The 2026 population is approximately 2,100. The demographics are White (89%), Hispanic or Latino (7%), and Two or more races (3%). The economy is driven by Natural Gas Extraction, Tourism, Ranching, and Government Services (Forest Service and BLM). Sublette County consistently maintains one of the highest per-capita property tax bases in Wyoming due to energy assets.

Urban Layout & Key Districts

Pinedale is a compact, linear town situated at 2,187 meters.

Pine Street (Main Street): The central corridor (US-191); features outdoor gear shops, the historic Cowboy Shop, and the Sublette County Courthouse.

The Pinedale Aquatic Center Area: A district on the western edge housing world-class municipal recreation facilities.

Fremont Lake Road: The primary access route extending north from town toward the glacial lakes and the Wind River Range.

Top City Landmarks

Museum of the Mountain Man: A premier historical institution detailing the Rocky Mountain fur trade and the lives of early trappers.

Fremont Lake: The second-largest natural lake in Wyoming, reaching depths of 185 meters; serves as a hub for sailing, fishing, and ice fishing.

Pinedale Aquatic Center: A massive, energy-revenue-funded facility featuring Olympic-sized pools and climbing walls.

White Pine Ski Area: A local alpine resort providing skiing and mountain biking access.

Green River Lakes: (Located 80 km north); featuring the iconic Squaretop Mountain and the headwaters of the Green River.

Somers Game Preserve: A critical habitat area for the region’s massive mule deer and pronghorn migrations.

Transportation Network

Movement is automotive-centric. Pinedale is located on US-191, a major North-South artery connecting I-80 to Jackson Hole. Public transit is non-existent. Ralph Wenz Field (PNA) serves general aviation. There is no rail service in the county. Teton Pass and the Rim (US-191) are subject to severe winter closures.

Safety & "Red Zones"

The general safety level is very high. Crime is negligible. Environmental hazards are the primary concern: Extreme cold (temperatures frequently drop below -40°C), grizzly bear and moose encounters, and high-altitude sickness. The "Red Zone" for travel is the Pinedale Anticline during active drilling periods due to heavy industrial truck traffic.

Digital & Financial Infrastructure

Internet speeds are high, with fiber-optic availability via LR Communications and Silver Star. Mobile service is robust in town but fails immediately in the mountain canyons. Card acceptance is universal. Wyoming has no state income tax. Sublette County/Pinedale levies a 4% total sales tax (one of the lowest in the state).

Climate & Air Quality

Temperatures range from -20°C to -2°C in winter and 4°C to 25°C in summer. Pinedale has one of the shortest growing seasons in the contiguous U.S. (approx. 60 days). Air quality is generally high, though winter ozone inversions can occur in the basin due to industrial activity and unique topography.

Culture & Social Norms

The standard tipping percentage is 20%. A "Sincere-Rugged" greeting is standard. Dress codes are "Functional-Workwear" (technical outdoor gear and ranch wear are indistinguishable). The city is culturally defined by Mountain Man Legacy, Energy Industrialism, and Backcountry Access.

Local Cost Index

1 Espresso: $5.00 (USD)

1 Standard Lunch: $17.00 (USD)

1 Museum Admission: $12.00.

Nearby Day Trips

Jackson Hole, WY: (125 km northwest; a global luxury resort destination).

Big Sandy Opening: (85 km southeast; the primary trailhead for the southern Wind River Range).

Bondurant, WY: (70 km northwest; a remote ranching settlement and site of the historic Hoback Shield).

Facts & Legends

Pinedale is the starting point for the longest recorded mule deer migration in the lower 48 states (320 km). Historically, it was the site of the first "Mountain Man" monument in the U.S. A local legend involves the "Ghost of the Sublette County Courthouse," a former sheriff rumored to be seen in the basement archives. Another legend concerns "The Monster of Fremont Lake," a sturgeon-like creature reported by divers in the deep, cold glacial waters since the early 1900s.