Welcome to Pinedale!
Home on the Range for over 100 years.
History
Pinedale, Wyoming is the county seat of Sublette County. Historically, this area was a major participant in the fur trade and still celebrates its unique past with the Green River Rendezvous, which takes place annually the 2nd weekend in July. Our history is a chronicle rich with tales of the west; authentic mountain man escapades in discovering both the beauty and unique qualities of the mountains here. Much of the area was explored in the early 19th century, and Pinedale was established as a town in September of 1904. Early residents ranched the land, and generations of families have upheld this tradition for over a hundred years. The vast Pinedale area was, and still is, renowned among true-blood explorers as a destination for adventure.
Pinedale Today
Pinedale is home to around 2,000 incredible residents. The people here are what distinguish Pinedale from just a town to a community. There is a strong sense of family here, and a belief in good things and even better people. Hard-working individuals and families striving for excellence have made this town what it is today, and that strength of character can still be found in any person you meet on the street. Pinedale possesses an incredibly welcoming sense of belonging, whether you have a summer home here or if you are a new resident to its incredible landscape. You can walk down the street to our local Farmer’s Market and pick up fresh goodies for dinner and you can have a family day at our unbelievable new recreational facility, the Pinedale Aquatic Center. You can layer your clothes and hit the ice during rec skate at our impressive indoor ice arena and you can just gear up for the day and hit one of the many trails or lakes in the nearby Wind River mountains. In 2012, the American Promise Alliance named Pinedale one the United States’ top 100 communities for young people for having excelled in creating an atmosphere full of caring adults, safe places, a healthy start, effective education, and opportunities to help others. It is easy to fill your days with family adventures.
Schools
As any driven family will undoubtedly realize, recreation is all well and good, but what about the schools? Pinedale is proud to provide a terrific education for all who attend the district here. This community houses an elementary, middle, and high school. As one of the best funded public schools in the country, students can excel with access to large libraries, state-of-the art computer labs, and in-class technology. Small class sizes provide an unbeatable student to teacher ratio of 13 to 1. Our administrative staff is motivated toward excellence in education, and promote parental participation in all areas, as well as always having an open door and free time to discuss any aspect of your child’s life. The approachable teachers are willing to go the extra mile for their students, and small class sizes make it easy for the ever-crucial one-on-one attention given to each child. Students are offered a wide range of academic and athletic opportunities, from school-provided laptops for each student and after-school educational programs to cross-country skiing and school-sponsored swimming lessons at the aquatic center. Through such programs and accessibility for recreation, each student is essentially given a top-notch custom education and can play to their strengths and pursue their interests in a safe, caring, and enthusiastically supportive environment.
Our community believes in strong academic and family backgrounds. But words aren’t needed when actions can speak for themselves. In our 2,000 residents, over 400 people act as parent volunteers in classrooms both in and out of the regular school year. Our local businesses contribute over $200,000 a year in scholarships for graduating seniors alone. Volunteering is strong in this community; parents and kids alike donate valuable time in such programs as the local Big Brothers, Big Sisters chapter, BOCES, and athletic events.
Culture & Recreation
The Pinedale Fine Arts Council always has an incredible variety of art, music, and cultural events sponsored all year long, there are several benefits that take place annually such as Kickin’ Cancer, and Black Tie and Blues, and always, people willing to support and help with any needs.
Public Library
For armchair enthusiasts, the immense Sublette County Library, located centrally on South Tyler Street is everything you could ask for in a public facility, if not more. When compared to other libraries in Wyoming servicing populations of similar size, the Sublette County Library outshines them all. With over 85,000 items in print or audio to peruse, more public use computers available than any others, and more items in circulation than other libraries in the state, its not surprising that the Sublette County Library is actively used by the community, with a higher use average than the statewide average. The beautiful building received the Distinguished Building Award for design from the American Institute of Architects in 1998 and boasts a special wing dedicated to Wyoming’s rich history. Whether you are using the internet, ordering the newest novel from your favorite author, sitting in for story time in the children’s section, or catching up on your newspapers in the squashy, spacious armchairs, the friendly, knowledgeable staff is eager to point you in the right direction amongst their numerous shelves of information.
Night Life
If you’re ready for a night off from kitchen duty, you can enjoy our variety of locally-owned eateries in town. From the infamous Fiesta Platter at Los Cabos Family Mexican Restaurant, to award-winning locally-crafted micro-brews from the Wind River Brewing Company, you can dine and converse with the friendly faces you will undoubtedly recognize, even after just a short time. Rock Rabbit, the local coffee shop/gathering place can appease your caffeine addiction, as well as calm your senses with its eclectic offering of live music from both locals and out-of-towners a few nights a week in a family-friendly and upbeat atmosphere.
Get Out!
After work and school, many families hit the trails! Pinedale is nestled at the base of the Wind River mountain range, and accessibility for this special part of the Rockies is unmatched anywhere else. The Wind River Mountains cover roughly 100 miles, with the Continental Divide running straight through it from end to end, and Pinedale is located smack dab in the middle. The Winds claim Gannett Peak, Wyoming’s highest point at 13, 804 feet above sea level, as well as some of the largest glaciers in the Rockies, and indeed, the United States. There are approximately 1,300 named lakes in the Wind River Range, and the headwaters of the Green River start here, giving Pinedale the claim to some of the best backcountry fishing in the contingent United States. Backpackers, fishermen, climbers, and hunters alike can grasp the unique qualities of the Wind River Range, and all outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the spectacular wilderness located at our very fingertips.
Recreation opportunities abound in a natural playground such as the Winds in the summertime, but the winter seasons offer even more special options for play. Pinedale has a locally-owned and operated ski area called White Pine Ski Area and Resort, and its close proximity to town allows for lunch runs on a powder day, or an easy day out for the family. The hill size is perfect for families looking to enjoy the snow without breaking the bank, and with provided lessons for beginners, clubs for kids and adults alike, groomed cross-country ski terrain, and the family-friendly atmosphere, White Pine Ski Area is a home-base for community recreating in the wintertime. White Pine offers special events, such as local races, Special Olympics and the Senior Olympics each year, and volunteering options are available for members of this community.
There is also a yearly sled dog race called the International Pedigree Stage Stop Race, which runs through Pinedale every January, and an Ice Fishing Derby that takes place annually in February. No matter your passion, Pinedale has something to offer everyone. Pinedale truly lives up to its motto: All the Civilization You Need.