August Adventures in Sublette County: Outdoor Activities on Wyoming’s Public Lands

Sublette County, Wyoming, is one of the best-kept secrets in the American West—especially in August. With long daylight hours, warm days, cool nights, and easy access to millions of acres of public lands, it’s the perfect time to explore the outdoors. Whether you’re a local, a visitor, or someone dreaming of owning a home in this recreational paradise, here are the top outdoor activities to enjoy in Sublette County this August.

🥾 Hiking on Public Lands: Trails for All Levels

Sublette County is the gateway to the Wind River Range, including the famed Bridger-Teton National Forest and Bridger Wilderness. August is prime hiking season—snow is gone from the high country, wildflowers are in bloom, and the trails are calling.

Top August Hikes:

• Sacred Rim Trail (Easy to Moderate – 4.5 mi RT)
  A short hike with some of the most stunning views in the Winds.

• Photographer’s Point (Moderate – 9.6 mi RT)
  A perfect day hike with expansive vistas of the mountains.

• Green River Lakes Loop (Moderate to Strenuous – 7+ mi)
  Great for views of Squaretop Mountain and alpine lakes.

• New Fork Canyon Trail (Easy to Moderate – various distances)
  Quiet, scenic canyon trails great for families or fishing access.

All of these hikes are located on public lands with free access and no permits required for day hiking.

🎣 Fishing in Lakes & Streams

Whether you're casting flies in a stream or trolling from a boat, Sublette County is a fisherman’s dream in August. Cold, clear waters fed by snowmelt create ideal fishing conditions for trout and grayling.

Top Public Fishing Spots:

• Fremont Lake – Excellent for trolling, shore fishing, and fly fishing

• Green River – Great for fly fishing, especially near Daniel and Big Piney

• Willow Lake & Half Moon Lake – Easy-access alpine lake fishing

• New Fork River – Meandering and accessible, ideal for float fishing or wading

Many lakes and rivers offer public boat ramps, and the Wyoming Game & Fish Department manages stocked areas for catch-and-keep or catch-and-release fishing.

We have many local guides in the area who can ensure that you have a great day on the river. A few I would recommend are Two Rivers and Rendezvous Anglers. 

🚤 Boating & Paddle Adventures

Fremont Lake is the crown jewel for summer boating in Sublette County, and August is the best month to get out on the water.

• Bring your powerboat, sailboat, kayak, paddleboard, or canoe

• Launch from Fremont Lake Marina, Half Moon Lake Resort, or Willow Lake access areas

• Enjoy swimming coves, shoreline picnicking, and calm mornings on the lake

• No boating permit required (but registration for motorized boats is)

Don’t miss the glassy water mornings or golden hour paddles as the sun dips behind the peaks.

🚲 Mountain & Gravel Bike Trails

Looking for two-wheeled adventure? Sublette County has both mountain biking and gravel riding routes across BLM land, Forest Service roads, and backcountry trails.

Top Rides:

• Kelly Park Trails – Great for families and casual riders

• Elkhart Park Road – Forested gravel route with light traffic and elevation gain

• Pine Creek Canyon Forest Roads – Quiet, scenic dirt roads perfect for hybrid bikes

All of these are accessible on public lands, with no trail passes or fees required.

🛻 Side-by-Side & ATV Trail Rides

August is the perfect time to take a side-by-side or ATV into the mountains or sage flats. With an extensive network of public trails and forest roads, Sublette County is ideal for off-road exploration.

Popular Routes:

• Horse Creek to Red Cliff – Panoramic mountain views on an established ATV route

• Green River Lakes to Moose-Gypsum – Remote access with alpine scenery

• Skyline Drive – Scenic and popular with UTVs, especially in August when wildflowers are still blooming

Make sure your vehicle is registered for off-road use and follow Forest Service trail maps for legal access.

🏡 Falling in Love With the Area? Consider Living Here.

If the fresh air, vast views, and freedom of the outdoors have you thinking about staying longer, you’re not alone. Many visitors fall in love with Sublette County and decide to buy a second home, vacation retreat, or permanent residence here.

As a local real estate advisor with Engel & Völkers Sublette, I specialize in helping people find properties with direct access to public lands—whether it’s a home near Fremont Lake, a secluded retreat in Cora, or a recreational ranch with room to roam.

📞 Ready to Make Sublette County Your Home Base?

Contact me, Vanessa Cameron, for a private tour of available properties—including homes with:

• Wilderness access

• Acreage and views

• Year-round adventure right out the front door

📲 Call/Text: 307-231-6486
✉️ Email: vanessa.cameron@evrealestate.com
🌐 www.windrivermountainliving.com

August is for adventure—and there’s no better place to live it than Sublette County, Wyoming.