CHEYENNE, Wyo. – April 17, 2026 – The Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources is excited to announce the lineup of talented musicians for the 2nd year of the Tunes on the Trail summer series. This unique initiative combines live acoustic music with the stunning outdoor scenery of Wyoming's state parks and historic sites, offering an unforgettable experience for music lovers and nature enthusiasts.
The four selected Wyoming-based artists are Shawn Hess (Laramie), Box of Rocks (Laramie), The Tinderwoods (Lander), and Pathfinder (Casper).
"We are beyond excited for the second year of Tunes on the Trail. This program saw incredible success last year, and we have amazing artists selected for 2026," stated Jamie Hansen with the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation. "It was a difficult selection process, and we greatly appreciate everyone who applied. We look forward to getting people outside and introducing them to Wyoming music and culture.”
Each artist will perform a 90-minute set, made unique by the custom backdrop of Wyoming's beautiful landscape. The experience begins with an optional guided hike, allowing attendees to explore the area before settling in for live music.
The summer concert series will kick off on June 6, 2026, with a performance by Shawn Hess at Guernsey State Park. Attendees are invited to join a hike at 4:30 p.m., followed by the performance from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
On July 11, 2026, Seminoe State Park will feature the band Box of Rocks. The schedule includes a 5:00 p.m. hike and a performance from 6:00 to 7:30p.m.
South Pass City State Historic Site will host The Tinderwoods on August 15, 2026. Participants can enjoy a hike at 4:30 p.m., with the performance set from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
The concert series will conclude at Hot Springs State Park on August 22, 2026, with the band Pathfinder performing. Hikers can start at 5:30 p.m., with the concert running from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
While standard day-use fees apply for park entry at Guernsey State Park and Seminoe State Park ($7 per vehicle for Wyoming residents and $12 per vehicle for non-residents) and general admission applies at South Pass City State Historic Site ($4 for Wyoming residents, $8 for non-residents, with free admission for kids 17 & under) the Tunes on the Trail events are free to attend. Entry to Hot Springs State Park is always free. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early and explore the park to make the most of their visit.
Tunes on the Trail is a program created in partnership by the Wyoming Arts Council, the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation, and Wyoming State Parks, programs within the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources.
The Tunes on the Trail program is partially supported by the Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources Spark Tank program, an internal funding initiative for innovative agency projects and events, and is part of the Wyoming Arts Council's Wyoming Independent Music Initiative (WIMI), which aims to promote local artists and facilitate their performances throughout the state.
To stay updated on upcoming events, follow us on our Facebook pages: @WyomingArtsCouncil, @WyoRec, and @WyomingStateParks. You can also learn more about the diverse programs offered by Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources at wyospcr.wyo.gov.
Figure 1: Shawn Hess of Laramie, image courtesy of the artist. Figure 2: Box of Rocks of Laramie, image courtesy of the artist. Figure 3: The Tinderwoods of Lander, image courtesy of the artist. Figure 4: Pathfinder of Casper, image courtesy of the artist.
Contact: Jamie Hansen, (307) 460-8794; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
