Sublette County, located in western Wyoming, is a region known for its rugged mountain terrain, wide open plains, and abundant natural resources. It was established in 1921, named after William Sublette, a fur trapper and mountain man who played a significant role in the early exploration of the Rocky Mountains. The county covers approximately 4,936 square miles, including parts of the Wind River Range, the Wyoming Range, and the Green River Basin. With a population of around 9,000 people, Sublette County is sparsely populated but rich in history, wildlife, and outdoor recreation.
The county’s economy has traditionally been driven by agriculture, specifically ranching, though natural gas extraction in the Green River Basin has also played a large role in the modern economy. The county is home to three incorporated towns: Pinedale, Big Piney, and Marbleton. These towns serve as hubs for local commerce, government, and tourism, while the surrounding area offers abundant outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and skiing.
Cities and Towns in Sublette County
Pinedale
Overview of Geography and History
Pinedale is the county seat and largest town in Sublette County, located in the heart of the Green River Valley. It sits at the foot of the Wind River Range, offering stunning views of mountains and pristine lakes, including Fremont Lake, one of the largest and deepest lakes in Wyoming. Pinedale was founded in the early 1900s as a ranching community, and its location made it a key stop for settlers and trappers exploring the West. Over the years, the town has grown into a center for outdoor recreation, with hiking, fishing, and hunting being key attractions.
Pinedale’s history is intertwined with the fur trade, and the town hosts the annual Green River Rendezvous, a celebration of the trappers and traders who once passed through the region. Today, Pinedale continues to thrive on tourism, particularly for its access to the Wind River Range, Bridger-Teton National Forest, and numerous nearby lakes and rivers.
City Facts
- Nickname: “Gateway to the Winds”
- Area: 2.12 square miles
- Population: Approximately 2,000
- Elevation: 7,175 feet
- Time zone: Mountain Time (MT)
- ZIP Codes: 82941
- Area code: 307
Transportation
Pinedale is accessible via U.S. Highway 191, which connects it to other towns in Sublette County and to Jackson, Wyoming, about 75 miles to the northwest. The highway also provides access to Interstate 80, the major east-west route through southern Wyoming. For air travel, the Pinedale Airport (Ralph Wenz Field) offers regional flights and private aviation services. The nearest major airport is Jackson Hole Airport, which is approximately 80 miles away. Public transportation is limited, though shuttle services are available for visitors heading into the nearby national parks and wilderness areas.
Famous People
- George R. Grinnell: Conservationist and writer who helped establish Glacier National Park, had close ties to the Pinedale area.
Big Piney
Overview of Geography and History
Big Piney, located in the southwestern part of Sublette County, is one of the oldest towns in the region, founded in the late 19th century as a ranching and cattle town. The town’s name comes from the large stands of pine trees that line the nearby rivers and creeks. Big Piney was established as a center for cattle ranchers, and it grew alongside the oil and gas industry, which became a major part of the local economy in the 20th century. Known for its cowboy culture and wide-open spaces, Big Piney retains much of its Old West charm.
Historically, Big Piney has been a small, tight-knit community with a strong agricultural base. In recent years, the town has become known for its proximity to outdoor activities in the Wyoming Range and the Green River. Despite its size, Big Piney plays an important role in Sublette County’s ranching and energy industries.
City Facts
- Nickname: “Icebox of the Nation” (due to its cold winters)
- Area: 0.47 square miles
- Population: Approximately 500
- Elevation: 6,818 feet
- Time zone: Mountain Time (MT)
- ZIP Codes: 83113
- Area code: 307
Transportation
Big Piney is situated along U.S. Highway 189, which connects the town to neighboring Marbleton and the rest of Sublette County. The highway runs north to U.S. 191, linking Big Piney to Pinedale and Jackson. The Big Piney-Marbleton Airport, located just outside town, offers general aviation services, and the closest commercial airport is Jackson Hole Airport. Although public transportation is limited, the town is well-connected by local highways, making it easy to access outdoor recreational areas and neighboring communities.
Famous People
- Chris LeDoux: Country music singer and rodeo champion, spent much of his childhood in Big Piney.
Marbleton
Overview of Geography and History
Marbleton is located just one mile north of Big Piney, and the two towns are often considered twin communities due to their close proximity. Marbleton was founded in 1914 by a local rancher, A.V. Marble, who envisioned the town as a new center for trade and agriculture. Over the years, Marbleton has grown steadily, though it remains a small, rural town with a strong connection to the surrounding ranching community. Like Big Piney, Marbleton’s economy is based on agriculture, oil, and natural gas production.
The town has a rich history tied to the cattle industry and is known for its friendly, close-knit community. Marbleton shares many of the same amenities and attractions as Big Piney, including proximity to outdoor recreational areas in the Wyoming Range and Green River Basin. Its residents often work in the ranching or energy industries, contributing to Sublette County’s economic base.
City Facts
- Nickname: None
- Area: 0.39 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,100
- Elevation: 6,906 feet
- Time zone: Mountain Time (MT)
- ZIP Codes: 83113
- Area code: 307
Transportation
Marbleton is located along U.S. Highway 189, which connects it directly to Big Piney and serves as a primary route to Pinedale and Jackson. The Big Piney-Marbleton Airport is just a few miles away, providing regional flights and private aviation services. Marbleton is approximately 100 miles from Interstate 80, offering access to major transportation corridors. For those traveling to national parks or larger cities, Jackson Hole Airport is the nearest commercial airport, located about 100 miles north of Marbleton. Public transit options are minimal, with most residents relying on personal vehicles.
Famous People
- None notable at present
Bondurant (Unincorporated)
Overview of Geography and History
Bondurant is a small, unincorporated community located in the northern part of Sublette County, nestled in the Hoback Basin along the Hoback River. The town is situated between the Gros Ventre Range and the Wyoming Range, making it an incredibly scenic and remote area. Bondurant was originally a stop for trappers and hunters in the early 1900s, and it eventually grew into a small ranching community. It remains sparsely populated, with ranching continuing to be the primary economic activity.
Bondurant is best known for its stunning natural beauty and proximity to outdoor recreation areas, including the Bridger-Teton National Forest. The town hosts an annual Bondurant BBQ, which brings together locals and visitors to celebrate the community’s western heritage. With its remote location and small population, Bondurant provides a quiet and picturesque retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
City Facts
- Nickname: None
- Area: Not officially designated
- Population: Approximately 100
- Elevation: 6,611 feet
- Time zone: Mountain Time (MT)
- ZIP Codes: 82922
- Area code: 307
Transportation
Bondurant is located along U.S. Highway 191, which connects the town to Jackson, about 40 miles to the northwest, and Pinedale, about 30 miles to the southeast. Due to its remote location, residents and visitors typically rely on personal vehicles for transportation. The nearest airport is Jackson Hole Airport, located about 50 miles away, providing commercial flights. While there is no public transportation in Bondurant, the highway system provides access to nearby communities and outdoor recreation areas, making it a popular spot for travelers exploring the Wyoming wilderness.
Famous People
- None notable at present
Boulder (Unincorporated)
Overview of Geography and History
Boulder is a small, unincorporated community located southeast of Pinedale in Sublette County. It is situated on the edge of the Wyoming Range and is surrounded by the high desert plains of the Green River Basin. Boulder was originally established as a ranching and agricultural community, with irrigation from nearby rivers supporting farming in the otherwise arid region. Over the years, Boulder has maintained its agricultural roots, though it is also known for its access to hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
Boulder’s rural setting and proximity to the Wind River Range make it a popular destination for those looking to explore Wyoming’s natural beauty. The town remains small, with a tight-knit community that values its open spaces and traditional way of life.
City Facts
- Nickname: None
- Area: Not officially designated
- Population: Approximately 170
- Elevation: 7,211 feet
- Time zone: Mountain Time (MT)
- ZIP Codes: 82923
- Area code: 307
Transportation
Boulder is accessible via Wyoming Highway 353, which connects it to U.S. Highway 191 and Pinedale. The nearest airport is the Ralph Wenz Field in Pinedale, offering regional flights, while Jackson Hole Airport is located about 90 miles to the north. Boulder is somewhat isolated, with residents relying on personal vehicles for transportation. The community’s location near key highways makes it accessible to visitors exploring the nearby national forests and mountain ranges.