Pinedale

Pinedale is a town in Sublette County, Wyoming, United States, located in the western part of the state along the New Fork River at the base of the Wind River Range. It serves as a regional hub for ranching, outdoor recreation, and energy development in the Green River Basin.

The area around Pinedale was traditionally inhabited by Indigenous peoples, including the Shoshone. European-American settlement began in the late 19th century, with growth driven by cattle ranching and trade routes. The community expanded in the early 20th century and developed a focal role in Sublette County’s economy. The discovery and development of nearby natural gas fields, including the Pinedale Anticline, contributed to economic fluctuations and population changes in recent decades.

Economy and culture: Today, Pinedale’s economy combines energy extraction, tourism, and local services. The energy sector—gas and oil extraction and associated industries—provides employment, while tourism supports hospitality, outfitting, and outdoor recreation activities such as hiking, fishing, hunting, and winter sports in the surrounding mountains. The town serves as a gateway to wilderness areas and nearby national forests.

Education and infrastructure: The town hosts Sublette County School District No. 1, with Pinedale High School and elementary schools, and a campus of Central Wyoming College offering two-year degrees and vocational programs. Local libraries and healthcare facilities support residents and visitors.

Climate and geography: Pinedale experiences a high-desert climate with cold winters and warm summers, and mountain environments that produce wide seasonal weather variation.