When you think of the Continental Divide in WY, you probably picture majestic mountains, massive and solid, mightily drawing a dividing line through North America. That’s why it may be surprising to learn that there’s a hole in that colossal mountain range, and that it’s right here in Wyoming. The hole is known as the Great Divide Basin, and it’s located in a high desert region of the mountains which, it turns out, is the perfect place for such an anomaly.

The Great Divide Basin is an intriguing bowl sitting in the Wyoming part of the mountain range that forms the Continental Divide.

John Zahorian/YouTube

Google Maps

The basin is located in the southcentral-ish part of the Cowboy State. About 20 miles southwest of Rawlins, Wyoming, the mountain range opens up, splitting off in two directions before coming together again near South Pass, forming the basin.

Wyoming Geological Survey/YouTube

Between 34 and 56 million years ago, a lake filled the Great Divide Basin as well as the Green River Basin.

Wyoming Geological Survey/YouTube Lake Gosiute dried up millions of years ago, but left behind silica and layers of rock that created the floors of both basins.

Asking yourself “what is the Continental Divide?” Well, the Continental Divide serves as a separating line for the water flow in the United States. Water from rain and snow falling on the west side of the mountain range flows into the Pacific Ocean while water on the east side flows into the Atlantic. However, precipitation falling into the Great Divide Basin doesn’t drain directly or indirectly into either ocean.

Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr

Instead, the basin retains water in seasonal and permanent swamps and lakes that dry out and replenish through evaporation cycles.

Exploring the Nature of Wyoming | UWyo Extension /YouTube

The way the basin retains water allows it to support a variety of wildlife in the arid desert region. In addition to rabbits and smaller rodents here at the WY Continental Divide, there are mule deer, elk, antelope…

USFWS Mountain-Prairie/Flickr

sage grouse, eagles, and hawks…

Alan Krakauer/Flickr

and cougars, bobcats, and coyotes also call the Great Divide Basin home.

USFWS Mountain-Prairie/Flickr The last known wild bison herd in Wyoming made the basin their home at the Continental Divide in WY, too.

Although there are no campgrounds in the Great Divide Basin, rock climbers, hikers, and other adventure-seekers enjoy setting up camp practically everywhere to spend a few nights in the stunning Wyoming wilderness.

Bureau of Land Management/Flickr

Learn more about the Great Divide Basin and the Red Desert to help plan out your visit.

John Zahorian/YouTube

Google Maps

Wyoming Geological Survey/YouTube

Lake Gosiute dried up millions of years ago, but left behind silica and layers of rock that created the floors of both basins.

Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr

Exploring the Nature of Wyoming | UWyo Extension /YouTube

USFWS Mountain-Prairie/Flickr

Alan Krakauer/Flickr

The last known wild bison herd in Wyoming made the basin their home at the Continental Divide in WY, too.

Bureau of Land Management/Flickr

What other fascinating natural features have you found in Wyoming? Tell us about them in the comments.

If you don’t know of any other awesome Wyoming features, check out these 11 Wyoming treasures!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: Great Divide Basin, Wyoming, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

continental divide in WY July 29, 2022 Rachel Raimondi  How many state parks are in Wyoming? There are 12 state parks in Wyoming, all great for exploring. Buffalo Bill State Park is located in Cody. At this 11,000-acre park, you can explore the reservoir and dam, both named after William “Buffalo Bill” Frederick Cody, who is known for many things, but most especially for his expertise in killing buffalo in the 1860s. There’s hiking, biking, swimming, boating and even camping available here. And the visitor’s center is also a must-stop for history buffs. What are the best waterparks in Wyoming? There aren’t many waterparks in Wyoming. Among them, Star Plunge is a must-visit. Located in Thermopolis in Hot Springs State Park, you’ll find water slides, both an indoor and outdoor pool, a waterfall, hot tubs, and lots more. Although there are only three water slides here, Super Star 500 is actually one of the largest water slides on the planet. And while there are only two pools here, both are hot mineral pools. And make sure you check out Vapor Cave. What is the weather like in Wyoming in the summer? While Wyoming experiences temperatures in the 80s and 90s in the summer, they don’t experience humidity, with the average in the summer staying in the 25–30 percent range. And the higher you go, the more the temperatures drop. Some mountainous areas only see a high of about 70 in July, the state’s hottest month. But no matter where you are, there are plenty of places to swim in Wyoming when it gets too hot.

The OIYS Visitor Center

continental divide in WY

July 29, 2022

Rachel Raimondi

 How many state parks are in Wyoming? There are 12 state parks in Wyoming, all great for exploring. Buffalo Bill State Park is located in Cody. At this 11,000-acre park, you can explore the reservoir and dam, both named after William “Buffalo Bill” Frederick Cody, who is known for many things, but most especially for his expertise in killing buffalo in the 1860s. There’s hiking, biking, swimming, boating and even camping available here. And the visitor’s center is also a must-stop for history buffs. What are the best waterparks in Wyoming? There aren’t many waterparks in Wyoming. Among them, Star Plunge is a must-visit. Located in Thermopolis in Hot Springs State Park, you’ll find water slides, both an indoor and outdoor pool, a waterfall, hot tubs, and lots more. Although there are only three water slides here, Super Star 500 is actually one of the largest water slides on the planet. And while there are only two pools here, both are hot mineral pools. And make sure you check out Vapor Cave. What is the weather like in Wyoming in the summer? While Wyoming experiences temperatures in the 80s and 90s in the summer, they don’t experience humidity, with the average in the summer staying in the 25–30 percent range. And the higher you go, the more the temperatures drop. Some mountainous areas only see a high of about 70 in July, the state’s hottest month. But no matter where you are, there are plenty of places to swim in Wyoming when it gets too hot.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

There are 12 state parks in Wyoming, all great for exploring. Buffalo Bill State Park is located in Cody. At this 11,000-acre park, you can explore the reservoir and dam, both named after William “Buffalo Bill” Frederick Cody, who is known for many things, but most especially for his expertise in killing buffalo in the 1860s. There’s hiking, biking, swimming, boating and even camping available here. And the visitor’s center is also a must-stop for history buffs.

What are the best waterparks in Wyoming?

There aren’t many waterparks in Wyoming. Among them, Star Plunge is a must-visit. Located in Thermopolis in Hot Springs State Park, you’ll find water slides, both an indoor and outdoor pool, a waterfall, hot tubs, and lots more. Although there are only three water slides here, Super Star 500 is actually one of the largest water slides on the planet. And while there are only two pools here, both are hot mineral pools. And make sure you check out Vapor Cave.

What is the weather like in Wyoming in the summer?

While Wyoming experiences temperatures in the 80s and 90s in the summer, they don’t experience humidity, with the average in the summer staying in the 25–30 percent range. And the higher you go, the more the temperatures drop. Some mountainous areas only see a high of about 70 in July, the state’s hottest month. But no matter where you are, there are plenty of places to swim in Wyoming when it gets too hot.