The Ultimate Guide: Best Things to Do in Ten Sleep, Wyoming

Nestled in the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains, Ten Sleep, Wyoming is a “blink and you’ll miss it” kind of town. But what it lacks in population (251 people according to the 2021 census) it makes up for in Western charm and authentic cowboy hospitality.

Whether you’re looking to experience small-town America, taking a road trip down the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway (Highway 16), or simply need to grab a bite to eat after an epic day of rock climbing, Ten Sleep, Wyoming offers a break from the noise. And there’s a lot more to this little town than you might think…

Table of Contents:

• Best Things to Do in Ten Sleep, Wyoming
• Rock Climbing in Ten Sleep, Wyoming
• Places to Stay in Ten Sleep, Wyoming
• The Best Time of Year to Visit Ten Sleep, Wyoming
• The Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway

7 Things to Do in Ten Sleep, Wyoming

From wide open plains dotted with sagebrush to high-elevation wildlife sightings, Ten Sleep, Wyoming is an exciting destination for everyone to enjoy. If you’re a fan of Yellowstone or a lover of classic Western movies, you’ll feel right at home among the local cowboys, tumbleweeds, and stunning desert canyons.

I visited Ten Sleep in May, and I fell in love with the charming town and its wild desert backdrop. Here are some of the best things to do in Ten Sleep, Wyoming.

1. Visit an Authentic Western Rodeo

If Ten Sleep, Wyoming is known for anything, it’s cow wrangling. Drive into town on a sleepy summer afternoon, and you might just experience a “traffic jam” caused by none other than a herd of cattle. But if you’re looking for a more action-packed Western experience, you should attend a Ten Sleep Rodeo event.

A rodeo in Ten Sleep, Wyoming typically consists of barrel racing, sheep riding, roping, bull riding, and wild horse races. If you’re lucky enough to catch one of these holiday shows (usually occurring on July Fourth or Memorial Day), stay for the afterparty of street dancing and drinks at the local saloon.

Ten Sleep isn’t the only local town with a buzzing rodeo scene. You can visit nearby cowboy towns like Cody, Sheridan, and Thermopolis.

2. Hike in the Cloud Peak Wilderness and Bighorn National Forest

Rural Wyoming may be one of the best places to experience the outdoors in all of America. With the Cloud Peak Wilderness and Bighorn National Forest at your doorstep, you’ll enjoy unforgettable mountain views and abundant wildlife—without heavy tourism.

If you’re making a pit stop in Ten Sleep on your way to Yellowstone National Park, take advantage of the Bighorns before you roll into bumper-to-bumper traffic at one of America’s biggest destinations.

Local hikes range from beginner level to multi-day backpacking adventures. My personal favorite hike is Porcupine Falls, which includes a double waterfall and swimming hole.

3. Go Gift Shopping on Main Street

In the summer months, Main Street in Ten Sleep, Wyoming transforms from a near ghost town to the bustling Wild West—straight from a movie set. Good news for people who struggle with decision fatigue, there are only three gift shops in the whole town—all within walking distance of each other. 

Stop by Dirty Sally’s General Store for every manner of supplies and gifts (ranging from canned food and coffee to ice cream and candles). The Sleepy Coyote, one of Ten Sleep’s only restaurants, has its own mini gift shop with locally made goods and crafts. Finally, the Big Horn Mountain Stage Co. is the perfect place for homemade hipster gifts (perfect for rock climbers).

4. Enjoy a Concert and a Local Beer — Western Style

You may not catch a lot of A-list music artists touring Ten Sleep, Wyoming—but what better place to discover new music than beneath the stars on the Western prairie? Visit the Ten Sleep Brewing Company for local beer, local music, and local hospitality.

The Ten Sleep Brewing Company’s jaw-dropping background is enough to draw in tourists from across the nation. Many of them stay at camping spots available on the property, so they can soak in a few days of indie music and van-life neighbors. During the busiest times of the year, the Ten Sleep Brewing Company provides a food truck serving Indian tacos, Western style.

5. Cool Off at the Ten Sleep Splash Pad

Summer is short in Ten Sleep, so local families make the most of it with unique outdoor activities. One of the most popular is the local splash pad. Right off Main Street, the splash pad opens in May, and it’s a great destination for families with young children.

Spend the day enjoying the splash pad and dry off at the local park next door. You can stay cool with homemade ice cream at Dirty Sally’s before enjoying dinner downtown.

6. Enjoy Local Fishing at the Ten Sleep Hatchery

Kick back, relax, and enjoy a day exploring the local fish hatchery. Located in Ten Sleep Canyon, the fish hatchery supplies Ten Sleep fishers with various breeds of local trout. After touring the hatchery, you can go fishing for yourself in Ten Sleep Creek. You can purchase a Wyoming fishing license online or at the Pony Express shop downtown.

7. Check Out the Local Historical Markers

You might assume a small town like Ten Sleep doesn’t have a lot of history to its name, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Various historical markers throughout the town and nearby national forest mark significant moments in Ten Sleep history—and in the history of the West.

Want to see the real-life location of the historic Spring Creek Raid? Or check out the site of South Wagon? While touring local historical markers, you’ll enjoy beautiful sagebrush-dotted scenery and high-altitude vistas—and imagine what it would have been like to be a pioneer on the Western prairie.

Rock Climbing in Ten Sleep Canyon

Ten Sleep, Wyoming is a legendary rock climbing spot. The stunning limestone cliffs of Ten Sleep Canyon are known for some of the best rock climbing routes in Wyoming—and in the country. There are over 800 climbing routes available and tons of friendly climbers around to show you the best routes.

The Best Time of Year to Visit Ten Sleep, Wyoming

For most tourists, the best time of year to visit Ten Sleep, Wyoming is summertime. Summer is when Ten Sleep comes to life with local events, rodeos, and summer celebrations.

Plus, the weather is mild (especially in the late spring and early fall).

In the winter, Ten Sleep is much quieter—with some restaurants and tourist destinations closing early during the colder months. Most locals hibernate in their homes. If you want to visit Ten Sleep at its quietest, there’s a local ski lodge. It’s the ideal powder day destination for skiers who want to avoid the crowds—and enjoy the beauty of a quiet and snowy Western prairie.

The Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway

Most visitors to Ten Sleep, Wyoming come through the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway (the Highway 16 portion) on their way to Yellowstone National Park. When driving through the Wyoming desert, you can go hundreds of miles without reaching a town. Ten Sleep offers an exciting pit-stop and plenty of adventures—without the heavy tourism and traffic you’ll find in Yellowstone.

On your way to Ten Sleep, you’ll pass through the Big Horn Mountain Foothills, explore stunning views, and most likely see a lot of wildlife. The Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway is recommended for travelers who prefer a more picturesque route. It offers exciting stops along the way, including the Rodeo Capital of the World, the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, Irma Hotel, and the United States’ first national forest.

The Western Frontier Still Has So Much to Explore

The nostalgic charm of rugged Western towns and the outlaws who inhabited them have long captivated the American public. But gone are the days of gunslingers, train robbers, and gold rushes on the wild Western plains.

What’s left behind?

In places like Ten Sleep, you’ll find a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of typical American life. So much of Wyoming is extremely rural—and although you shouldn’t expect to find shopping centers and other typical American luxuries, you may just find yourself.

The outlaws are gone, but what remains may be even more audacious.

A wide open prairie for you to explore.