Take Exit 335 off I-80 between Laramie and Cheyenne to reach Buford, Wyoming’s haunting ghost town at 8,000 feet. You’ll find the shuttered Buford Trading Post, historical markers, and photo-worthy abandoned buildings against a backdrop of Precambrian granite peaks. Pack extra water and fuel—brutal winters and thin mountain air demand respect at this elevation. Nearby, explore the 60-foot Ames Monument pyramid and Old Sherman Cemetery, where rusting remnants tell stories of railroad workers who once called this windswept summit home, and there’s much more history waiting to unfold.
Key Takeaways
- Take Interstate 80 Exit 335 between Laramie and Cheyenne to reach Buford at 8,000 feet elevation.
- Visit the Buford Trading Post, 60-foot Ames Monument, abandoned Sherman town, and Old Sherman Cemetery.
- Prepare for extreme weather with sub-zero nights and 80-degree afternoons; pack extra water and fuel.
- Explore public areas and historical markers, but respect private property boundaries around the shuttered trading post.
- Experience unique Precambrian granite formations at nearby Vedawoo for climbing, camping, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
The Rise and Fall of America’s Smallest Town
When Union Pacific crews hammered steel rails westward across Wyoming Territory in 1866, Fort Sanders sprang up almost overnight—a raw military outpost assigned to protect railroad workers from increasingly desperate Native American tribes watching their hunting grounds vanish beneath cross-ties and steam engines.
The settlement transformed into a classic “Hell on Wheels” town, swelling to 2,000 souls chasing railroad prosperity through saloons and gambling dens.
The reasons for town’s collapse came swift when Union Pacific relocated operations elsewhere. Without economic diversity, Buford withered from 2,000 residents to just seven by 1980.
The lessons from Buford’s history ring clear: communities built on single industries rarely survive when that lifeline severs. Today’s boarded-up storefronts and silenced gas pumps stand as monuments to economic fragility.
What You’ll Find at the 8,000-Foot Summit Today
At 8,000 feet above sea level, your lungs notice the difference before your eyes adjust to the landscape. The thin mountain air sharpens everything—crisp mornings in the 30s, brilliant sunlight cutting through the atmosphere, and that distinctive burn in your chest during your first hike.
PhinDeli Town Buford still claims its quirky fame as the world’s smallest town, though it’s more a historical marker than a destination. The real draw lies in the surprising geology formations surrounding the summit. Precambrian granite formations at Vedawoo create otherworldly climbing and camping terrain you won’t find anywhere else on the plains.
Wildlife at 8,000 feet includes occasional moose sightings in nearby valleys. Pack layers—temperatures swing wildly between sub-zero nights and 80-degree afternoons, depending on season.
Must-See Landmarks and Historic Sites Around Buford
Beyond the natural wonders, Buford’s real story lives in the weathered monuments scattered across this windswept plateau. Just three miles north, you’ll discover the Ames Monument—a 60-foot granite pyramid honoring the brothers who bankrolled America’s transcontinental dream. Its architectural significance rivals anything you’d find in established museums, yet here it stands alone at 8,247 feet, wind-carved and magnificent.
The pioneer town settlement of Sherman once thrived nearby until Union Pacific abandoned its tracks in 1918. Today, you’ll find only a small cemetery marking where hundreds lived and worked. Walk among the headstones—these aren’t tourist attractions but genuine remnants of frontier ambition.
The Buford Trading Post itself offers provisions and historical context, though its $900,000 sale captures modern Wyoming’s complicated relationship with isolation and commerce.
Getting There: Location and Access Information
Finding Buford requires nothing more than following Interstate 80 to Exit 335, where this solitary outpost materializes between Laramie and Cheyenne like a mirage at 8,000 feet. You’ll spot the Buford Trading Post—gas station, convenience store, and ghost town rolled into one—right off the highway.
The coordinates (41.123688, -105.302292) place you at one of transcontinental I-80‘s highest elevation points, where Union Pacific trains still rumble past on active tracks. While accessibility challenges are minimal thanks to interstate access, Wyoming’s brutal winters and thin mountain air demand respect. Pack extra water, fuel up, and check weather conditions before venturing out.
The Ames Monument stands as one of few nearby attractions, marking this historic stretch of America’s first transcontinental railroad route.
Making the Most of Your Visit to This Wyoming Ghost Town
Your arrival at Buford will likely evoke a melancholy you didn’t expect from a roadside stop. The shuttered trading post and silent gas pumps tell their own story—no guides needed for this self-guided exploration.
Capture photo opportunities of the brown historical marker and elevation monument marking Interstate 80’s highest point at 8,000 feet. The boarded windows and empty parking lot create haunting compositions against the Medicine Bow Mountains backdrop.
Since there aren’t functioning services, bring your own water and snacks. Don’t trespass on the private property, but you’ll find plenty to photograph from public areas. The nearby Old Sherman Cemetery adds another layer to your ghost town experience—just rusting cans remain where railroad workers once lived.
Plan for a quick thirty-minute stop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Hotels or Camping Options Near Buford?
You won’t find lodging in Buford itself—it’s fundamentally/predominantly/chiefly abandoned—but you’ll discover motel accommodations in nearby Laramie, just 10 miles east. Local campsites dot the Snowy Range, offering you rustic freedom under Wyoming’s endless starlit skies.
What’s the Best Season to Visit Buford for Weather and Road Conditions?
Summer’s your best bet for reliable roads and clear skies to Buford. You’ll enjoy low crowds, extended daylight for exploration, and occasional beautiful foliage along mountain routes—plus dry pavement means freedom to roam without winter’s restrictions.
Can You Explore Inside the Abandoned Buildings at Buford?
You can’t legally explore inside—respect property rights since Buford remains privately owned after its 2012 auction. Safety concerns for entering dilapidated structures also pose serious risks. Instead, photograph the exterior and imagine its storied past from the roadside.
Are There Any Guided Tours or Visitor Centers for Buford?
No formal guided tours exist at Buford—you’re free to explore independently. The Buford Trading Post offers informational displays about the town’s history. For regional context, visit Laramie’s visitor center, just 25 miles east.
What Other Ghost Towns Are Nearby for a Multi-Stop Road Trip?
Step back in time exploring old mining towns like South Pass City and Kirwin nearby. You’ll discover historic landmarks including Piedmont’s railroad ruins and Eadsville’s mountain cabins—perfect stops for your freedom-seeking adventure through Wyoming’s forgotten past.
