From their lofty perches, bighorn sheep warily eye the hikers on the Encampment River Trail below. The trail, which traverses the WSA and enters Colorado to the south, follows the scenic Encampment River. Located two miles south of Encampment and easily accessible from BLM's Encampment River Campground, this 4,547-acre WSA contains grasslands, riparian areas and forested slopes. All 4,547 acres of this WSA were recommended for wilderness status in the 1992 report to Congress. The Encampment River Canyon WSA offers opportunities for a great variety of recreational activities, including fishing, hunting, backpacking, hiking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing photography, camping, rock hounding and sightseeing. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department classified the Encampment River as very good trout waters with statewide importance. The Encampment River Trail parallels the river and provides access to the entire length of the river. Mule deer hunting is very popular within the WSA as it is locally considered a potential trophy area. There are no hunting seasons on bighorn sheep in the area because of low sheep numbers.

From I-80, take Wyo 130 and Wyo 230 south approximately 38 miles to Encampment. Follow highway through town to Wyo 70. County Road 353 is left approximately 1/4 mile west of town. Follow it one mile south to BLM Road 3407. Encampment River Campground is about 3/4 mile. Drive through the campground to the back where a kiosk and parking area are located.