Boulder lies in the New Fork River Valley, 12 miles south of Pinedale. The river and its riparian corridor, the historic Boulder School House, and nearby natural attractions each offer a different focus. The Boulder Lake Recreation Area is nearby; the Boulder Bridge Public Access Area and the Boulder Rearing Station add a boat ramp and a place to visit. When planning your trip, it’s worth distinguishing between river nature, the lake area, the boat ramp, and local history. That way, you can choose the focus that best suits your trip.
The New Fork River
The New Fork River near Boulder is home to rainbow trout, brown trout, mountain whitefish, and occasional Snake River cutthroat trout. The riparian corridor provides habitat for elk, deer, various small game species, and waterfowl. The river and its banks draw attention to different groups of wildlife: fish in the water, as well as wildlife and waterfowl along the shore. Those looking to explore Boulder’s natural side can take in both the river and its riparian corridor.
Boat Ramp and Boulder Lake
The Boulder Bridge Public Access Area has parking, a restroom facility, and a boat ramp. In winter, the access road and parking lot at this access point are not plowed. Seasonal access information may change; check conditions before your visit.
The Boulder Lake Recreation Area is near Boulder at an elevation of 7,300 feet and includes approximately 3 miles of shoreline along Boulder Lake and in the surrounding area. To reach the south Boulder Lake Boat Ramp, take WY 353 from US 191, then follow a gravel road to Boulder Lake. This boat ramp has a vault toilet, a pull-through parking area, and a concrete boat ramp with a dock. When considering amenities, it’s worth distinguishing between the two named access points: the Boulder Bridge Public Access Area has parking and a restroom facility; the south Boulder Lake Boat Ramp has pull-through parking, a vault toilet, a concrete ramp, and a dock. The approximate shoreline and elevation describe the lake area, while the route and amenities help visitors find their way to the south ramp. The river is known for the fish and wildlife species mentioned above; for the lake area, the shoreline, access route, and ramp amenities are all relevant to planning a visit.
History and Visiting
The Boulder School House is one of Sublette County’s historic community buildings. Local history thus complements the nature experiences at the river and lake with a specific connection to the county’s community history. Visitors can also tour the Boulder Rearing Station. The School House and the station offer different points of interest: the School House focuses on historical context, while the station offers a tour. Those who want to include both history and a visit to the station in their trip can consider them as separate interests.
When looking for a vacation rental in Boulder, you can sort out your priorities in advance: river nature and wildlife, the lake area and its boat ramp, or local history and a visit to the station.
Discover more destinations: Pinedale.
For the main travel overview: Sublette.
