When I think of the vast, open spaces of southern Wyoming, I imagine tranquil towns tucked away amid rolling plains and towering mountains. If you’re yearning for a peaceful retreat far from bustling cities, these 10 secluded towns offer a blend of serenity, natural beauty, and timeless charm.
From the historic quietude of Medicine Bow to the riverside tranquility of Savery, each town provides a unique escape where you can truly disconnect and immerse yourself in the simplicity of rural life.
Join me as I count down the most secluded towns in southern Wyoming that are perfect for those seeking solitude and a slower pace.
10. Medicine Bow – Historic Quietude Under Open Skies
Medicine Bow, with a population of around 270, is known for its rich history and peaceful atmosphere. One of my favorite things to do here is visit the famous Virginian Hotel, built in 1911, which offers a glimpse into the Old West.
The town doesn’t have major industries, but it’s nestled in a region where ranching and railroads have long been integral to the local economy. What makes Medicine Bow secluded is its location amid vast, open landscapes under expansive skies, far from the hustle of larger towns.
The quiet streets and historic buildings give it a timeless feel, making it a perfect spot for those seeking a tranquil getaway.
Where is Medicine Bow?
Medicine Bow is situated in southeastern Wyoming, along Highway 30, approximately 60 miles northwest of Laramie. Its seclusion stems from the vast stretches of uninhabited land that surround it, offering unobstructed views of the plains and mountains in the distance.
To get there, you can drive along the scenic highways that wind through Wyoming’s rugged terrain, making the journey as peaceful as the destination itself. For me, the remoteness of Medicine Bow is part of its charm, providing an authentic escape into the quiet heart of the American West.
9. Albin – Serenity in the Southeastern Plains
Albin is a small town with a population of just over 100 residents, offering a serene and quiet environment. One hidden gem I’ve discovered here is the local community events at the town hall, where neighbors gather and share stories.
The town is primarily supported by agriculture, with vast fields of wheat and other crops defining the landscape. Albin’s low population density and the expansive, undeveloped land that surrounds it make it incredibly secluded.
It’s the kind of place where time seems to slow down, and you can truly appreciate the peacefulness of the plains.
Where is Albin?
Located in the southeastern corner of Wyoming, Albin is near the Nebraska border, about 40 miles northeast of Cheyenne. The town’s seclusion is due to its remote position in the plains, far from major highways and urban centers.
Getting there involves traveling through miles of open country roads, which I find both relaxing and scenic. The vastness of the surrounding landscape adds to Albin’s sense of tranquility, making it a perfect retreat for those looking to escape the noise of city life.
8. Rock River – A Hidden Haven Amid Rolling Hills
Rock River, home to around 250 people, is a hidden haven nestled amid Wyoming’s rolling hills. When I visit, I love exploring the nearby Medicine Bow National Forest and enjoying outdoor activities like hiking and wildlife watching.
The town itself is small, with local businesses catering to the tight-knit community, and agriculture plays a significant role in the local economy.
Its small population and the gentle hills that envelop the town contribute to a peaceful, hidden community. Rock River’s secluded charm lies in its simplicity and the unspoiled natural beauty that surrounds it.
Where is Rock River?
Rock River is located in southeastern Wyoming, about 40 miles northwest of Laramie along U.S. Route 30. The town’s seclusion is enhanced by its position amid expansive ranchlands and the absence of large urban areas nearby.
To reach Rock River, you can enjoy a leisurely drive through open countryside, which I find to be a calming experience in itself. The rolling hills and wide-open spaces make it feel like a world away from the hustle and bustle, offering visitors a chance to unwind in nature’s embrace.
7. Baggs – Tranquility on the Wyoming-Colorado Border
Baggs is a tranquil town with a population of about 440, sitting quietly near the Wyoming-Colorado border. One of the things I enjoy here is fishing in the Little Snake River, which offers ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.
The town is surrounded by natural gas fields, which play a role in the local industry, but its sparse development keeps it peaceful.
Baggs’ remote position and the sense of peace that comes from its quiet streets make it a secluded gem. It’s a place where you can relax and take in the serene landscapes that define the region.
Where is Baggs?
Situated in south-central Wyoming, Baggs is located along Highway 789, just north of the Colorado state line. Its seclusion is due to the surrounding vastness of undeveloped land and the minimal traffic that passes through.
Getting to Baggs involves traversing scenic byways that showcase Wyoming’s rugged beauty, which I find adds to the adventure. The town’s remote position provides a peaceful atmosphere, far removed from the noise and stress of larger cities.
6. Elk Mountain – Seclusion Under the Majestic Peak
Elk Mountain, with a population of around 190, is a remote town nestled near its namesake peak. I love visiting the historic Elk Mountain Hotel, which offers a charming stay with a touch of the old frontier.
The town’s economy revolves around ranching and some tourism, but it’s the isolation and natural surroundings that make it special.
Being near Elk Mountain provides breathtaking views and opportunities for hiking and exploring unspoiled wilderness. The town’s seclusion is perfect for those seeking solitude under Wyoming’s open skies.
Where is Elk Mountain?
Elk Mountain is located in south-central Wyoming, just off Interstate 80 between Rawlins and Laramie. Its proximity to the mountain and distance from major urban centers enhance its secluded feel.
Reaching Elk Mountain involves a drive through scenic expanses of prairie and high desert, which I find both peaceful and inspiring. The majestic peak towering over the town adds to its sense of isolation and provides a stunning backdrop to this quiet community.
5. Centennial – Gateway to the Snowy Range
Centennial is a tiny town with about 270 residents, serving as a gateway to the Snowy Range Mountains. My favorite activities here include hiking the mountain trails and visiting the local Centennial Depot Museum to learn about the area’s rich history.
There’s little in the way of major industry, but tourism related to outdoor recreation supports the community. Centennial’s minimal population and the vast natural barriers of the surrounding mountains make it feel wonderfully secluded. It’s an ideal spot for adventurers seeking a quiet base from which to explore the wilderness.
Where is Centennial?
Located approximately 30 miles west of Laramie, Centennial sits at the base of the Snowy Range in southeastern Wyoming. The town’s seclusion comes from its mountainous surroundings and the limited routes that lead there.
To get to Centennial, I take Highway 130, a scenic byway that winds through breathtaking landscapes. The isolation provided by the rugged terrain makes it a peaceful retreat away from busy city life.
4. Bosler – Where Time Stands Still on the Open Plains
Bosler is nearly a ghost town, with a population of fewer than 10 people. When passing through, I find a quiet stillness, with abandoned buildings hinting at a once-bustling community. There are no significant industries left here, which adds to its secluded and somewhat eerie charm.
Bosler’s isolation on the open plains and the expansive landscapes that define it make it a place where time seems to have paused. It’s a unique spot for those intrigued by the solitude of forgotten places.
Where is Bosler?
Bosler is situated in southeastern Wyoming, about 20 miles north of Laramie along U.S. Route 30. The town’s seclusion is accentuated by the vast, empty plains that surround it and the minimal traffic that passes through.
Reaching Bosler involves driving through wide-open spaces that underscore the remoteness of this nearly abandoned locale. For me, the journey to Bosler is a step back in time, offering a rare glimpse into the quietude of the open prairie.
3. Riverside – A Tiny Oasis Along the River Bend
Riverside is one of Wyoming’s smallest towns, with a population of about 50. Nestled along the Encampment River, I enjoy the peaceful riverside setting and the opportunities for fishing and relaxing by the water.
There’s a quaint local café that serves as a gathering spot for residents and visitors alike. The abundant natural beauty and the town’s tiny size contribute to its seclusion. Riverside feels like a hidden oasis where the pace of life is unhurried and nature is ever-present.
Where is Riverside?
Located in southern Wyoming, Riverside is near the border with Colorado, just off Highway 230. The town’s seclusion comes from its remote setting along the river and its distance from larger towns. Getting there involves a scenic drive through forested areas and open valleys, which I always find refreshing.
The tranquil surroundings and the sense of being tucked away along the river bend make Riverside a perfect spot for those seeking a quiet escape.
2. Encampment – Serenity by the Encampment River
Encampment is a peaceful town with approximately 450 residents, offering a serene atmosphere alongside the Encampment River. I love exploring the Grand Encampment Museum, which showcases the town’s copper mining history.
Outdoor recreation is abundant, with options for fishing, hiking, and camping in the nearby Sierra Madre Mountains. The sparse population and natural surroundings make Encampment a secluded haven. It’s a place where you can enjoy the quietness of nature and the friendliness of a small community.
Where is Encampment?
Encampment is situated in southern Wyoming, near the Colorado border, along Highway 70. The town’s seclusion is enhanced by the surrounding forests and mountains that create natural barriers to the outside world.
To get there, I take winding roads through stunning landscapes that heighten the sense of escape. Encampment’s remote location makes it a perfect destination for those looking to immerse themselves in nature’s tranquility.
1. Savery – A Quiet Retreat at the Edge of the Sierra Madre
Savery is a tiny community with around 25 residents, making it one of the most secluded towns in the state. One of the hidden gems here is the Little Snake River Museum, where I enjoy learning about local history and pioneering life.
The town is surrounded by ranches, and agriculture is the primary industry, contributing to its peaceful rural character. Savery’s remote location near the Sierra Madre Mountains offers tranquility away from urban life.
The combination of its small population and the vast natural landscapes makes it an ideal retreat for those seeking solitude.
Where is Savery?
Located in southern Wyoming, Savery is nestled near the Colorado border along Highway 70. The town’s seclusion is due to its positioning at the edge of the mountains and the sparse population of the surrounding area.
Getting to Savery involves a journey through scenic routes that pass by rolling hills and open ranges. For me, the remoteness of Savery is its greatest appeal, offering a quiet haven where one can disconnect and appreciate the simplicity of rural life.