This Remote Wyoming Canyon Town Is So Underrated, Even Most Locals Haven’t Found It
I stumbled upon Shell, Wyoming, purely by accident during a wrong turn last summer. Population 83, this speck of a town sits tucked between towering canyon walls like nature’s best-kept secret.
Most people zoom past on their way to Yellowstone, completely missing this mountain hideaway that even many locals in Cheyenne have never heard of.
However, after reading about it, you will understand that it is such a shame.
Where It Is (and Why It’s Still Under-the-Radar)
Picture this: a town so small it makes a postage stamp look spacious. Shell sits at the mouth of Shell Canyon in the Bighorn Mountains, just 15 miles east of Greybull and about 70 miles from Cody.
With fewer than 100 residents calling it home, this hamlet remains Wyoming’s best-kept secret. Limited services and its perch on a mountain byway ensure crowds stay away.
The town’s tiny size works in its favor, keeping the tourist buses rolling right past toward bigger destinations. Sometimes being overlooked is exactly what makes a place special.
The Canyon Drive: US-14’s Bighorn Scenic Byway
US-14 transforms from ordinary highway to white-knuckle adventure as it climbs through Shell Canyon. Billion-year-old rock walls tower overhead while hairpin turns test your driving skills and your passenger’s nerves.
The route to Burgess Junction ranks among Wyoming’s most spectacular drives, complete with pullouts for photo stops. Fair warning though: this isn’t your typical Sunday cruise.
Steep grades and mountain conditions demand respect, so take it slow and check weather reports. Your brakes will thank you, and so will anyone riding shotgun.
Shell Falls: A 120-Foot Thundering Surprise
Halfway up the canyon, Shell Creek takes a dramatic 120-foot plunge that’ll make your jaw drop. The Shell Falls Interpretive Site offers paved walkways leading to multiple viewpoints over the granite chasm below.
I watched the thundering cascade for an hour, mesmerized by the power of water carving through ancient rock. Multiple vantage points let you capture that perfect Instagram shot.
Pack your own water and snacks since facilities are limited this season. The falls provide the soundtrack, but you’ll need to bring your own refreshments for the show.
Fossils Underfoot: Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite
Just west of Shell lies one of Wyoming’s largest dinosaur tracksites, where hundreds of Middle Jurassic footprints tell stories from 165 million years ago. Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite preserves these ancient pathways under BLM protection.
Boardwalks and wayfinding signs make fossil hunting accessible for families with kids. The graded back-country byway adds adventure to your paleontology lesson.
Standing where dinosaurs once walked gives you chills in the best possible way. It’s like having a time machine right at your feet, no DeLorean required.
Cowboy-Country Basecamps (From Rustic to Luxe)
Shell Campground offers everything from basic RV hookups to glamping tents for the camping-curious. Right in town, it’s perfect for budget-conscious travelers who still want creature comforts.
For those seeking luxury, The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch delivers all-inclusive riding experiences from April through early November. Think dude ranch meets five-star resort.
Whether you prefer sleeping under canvas or Egyptian cotton sheets, Shell accommodates both camping enthusiasts and luxury seekers. Your wallet and comfort level determine which adventure you choose.
Tiny-Town Eats With Character
The Old Shell Store dates back to the 1890s but now serves up modern comfort food with historic charm. This former mercantile turned cafe doubles as the town’s social headquarters.
House-baked sweets and hefty burgers fuel hungry travelers along US-14. The friendly lawn out back provides perfect picnic spots for families.
Expect small-town hours and big-town flavor from folks who treat every customer like family. Sometimes the best meals come from the most unexpected places.
Best Times to Visit (and What to Pack)
Late spring through fall offers the sweet spot for Shell adventures, with flowing waterfalls and open hiking trails. Autumn transforms the canyon into a golden wonderland as cottonwoods show off.
Mountain weather changes faster than a teenager’s mood, so layer up and pack extra water. Services remain sparse throughout the area.
Top off your gas tank in Greybull before heading up US-14, because running out of fuel here means a very long walk. Smart preparation turns potential problems into minor inconveniences.
Getting There
Cody’s Yellowstone Regional Airport puts you about an hour’s drive from Shell via US-14 through Greybull. For private pilots, Greybull’s small airport sits just 18 miles away.
The drive from Cody takes you through classic Wyoming ranch country before the mountains appear. From Shell, it’s another 11 miles up-canyon to reach Shell Falls.
Plan your route carefully since cell service gets spotty in the mountains. Old-fashioned paper maps still work when GPS signals don’t, making them worth packing for backup navigation.