Orchard Ranch Airport

Tiny Wyoming town nestled in a stunning sandstone canyon.

Ten Sleep is a small ranching community of roughly 300 people tucked into the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains in Washakie County, Wyoming. Sitting at the junction of U.S. Route 16 and the Ten Sleep Canyon, the town serves as a gateway to dramatic landscapes, world-class rock climbing, and wide-open Western scenery.

The town takes its unusual name from a Native American measurement of distance — it was 'ten sleeps' from both Fort Laramie and Yellowstone. Today it attracts climbers, fly fishermen, motorcyclists riding the scenic Bighorn Scenic Byway, and travelers seeking an authentic, unhurried slice of the American West.

• •Ten Sleep Canyon — spectacular limestone canyon walls popular with world-class sport climbers.
• •Tensleep Creek — a peaceful trout-filled stream ideal for fly fishing and wading.
• •Bighorn Scenic Byway (US-16) — a breathtaking mountain drive through forests and alpine meadows.
• •Tensleep Preserve — a Nature Conservancy property protecting rare foothills habitat and wildlife.
• •Ten Sleep Rodeo — a beloved local rodeo celebrating authentic Wyoming cowboy culture.
• •Legend Rock Petroglyph Site — a nearby state archaeological site with ancient Native American rock art.

Getting around: Ten Sleep has no public transit, rail service, or rideshare options; a personal vehicle or motorcycle is essentially required to visit and explore the area. Rental cars are available in larger nearby cities like Worland or Thermopolis, roughly 30 to 50 miles away.

Best time: Late spring through early fall (May–September) offers the best weather for climbing, fishing, and scenic drives before mountain snow closes higher passes.

Local food: Dig into hearty ranch-style cooking at local diners, and look for locally raised beef burgers and steaks that reflect the area's deep ranching heritage.

This guide is provided for general information only. Verify details locally before making travel decisions.