Wind River Canyon Tunnels
by Susan Rissi Tregoning
Title
Wind River Canyon Tunnels
Artist
Susan Rissi Tregoning
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
Tunnels through a narrow section of the scenic Wind River Canyon.
Wind River Canyon's breathtaking beauty is nestled in the heart of central Wyoming. The mesmerizing 34-mile Scenic Byway traces the 2500-foot-deep gorge between Shoshoni and Thermopolis. Passing through Boysen State Park, the majestic Owl Creek Mountains, and the enchanting confluence known as the Wedding of the Waters, where the Wind River merges with the Bighorn River along the way.
January 2024 marked the 100th anniversary of a 20-mile segment of U.S. Highway 20, that is part of the Wind River Canyon Scenic Byway. Constructed in 1924 for $1 million, it was the priciest highway section ever built in the United States. Back then, it was called the Yellowstone Highway. This portion, which includes three consecutive short tunnels, nearly drove the construction company into bankruptcy, and the dynamiting of the tunnels caused many deaths from falling rock.
Copyright 2024 Susan Rissi Tregoning
Uploaded
February 23rd, 2024
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