Backroads to Evanston, Wyoming

Sometimes the best adventures aren’t planned—they just happen when you decide to take the backroads and see where they lead. That’s exactly what we did on our way to Evanston, Wyoming. We had no timeline, no expectations, and honestly no idea how long it would take. What we did know was that we were open to whatever we found along the way… and wow, did this route deliver.

The drive itself turned into an experience. We moved slower than expected, not because the road was difficult, but because there was so much worth stopping for. Quiet stretches of land, wide-open skies, and reminders that some of the best stories live far from highways.

One of our first memorable stops was Bear River City. With a population under 1,000 people, it feels like a place where time politely slows down. We joked that the cattle probably outnumber the humans by the thousands—and honestly, that might not be far off. It’s peaceful, humble, and exactly the kind of small-town America that makes you appreciate simplicity.

Further along the route, we reached the Aspen Tunnel, a hidden gem tucked into the Wyoming landscape. Sitting at an elevation of 7,575 feet, the tunnel feels both historic and dramatic. Surrounded by mountain terrain near Aspen Mountain and close to the Altamont Tunnel, this spot feels like something you stumble upon rather than seek out—and that makes it even better.

Then came Piedmont Ghost Town, one of those places that instantly pulls you into another era. Once a thriving railroad and timber town, Piedmont slowly faded when the Union Pacific Railroad built a new line that bypassed it. Walking through what remains, you can almost hear echoes of the past—hard work, ambition, and the inevitable changes that reshaped the West. It’s quiet, haunting, and fascinating all at once.

This backroad journey reminded us why we love traveling the way we do. No rush. No pressure. Just curiosity and a willingness to explore. Evanston was the destination, but the road there was the real reward. If you ever have the chance to take the long way—do it. The backroads still have plenty of stories to tell.

Piedmont Charcoal Kilns State Historic Site is home to the historic charcoal kilns in Piedmont, Wyoming—lasting remnants of a once-thriving charcoal-making industry in southwestern Wyoming. Built around 1869 by Moses Byrne, these massive stone kilns were constructed near the Piedmont Station along the Union Pacific Railroad. They played a vital role in producing charcoal used to fuel railroad operations and nearby industries, making Piedmont an important stop during the region’s industrial growth.

The Southwest Wyoming wind energy facility - is on ranch land currently used for cattle grazing. Agricultural activities take place directly adjacent to the wind turbine foundation pads. The site, located in Uinta County, approximately 10 miles northeast of Evanston, has 80 Vestas V80, 1.8 MW wind turbines Add in Butch Cassidy bank robbery history and you have yourself a full day on a simple but not so simple back road to Evanston, Wyoming. Thank you for reading and watching and supporting our adventures. To find out more about us. Visit https://linktr.ee/megonervingadventures