Bill Sniffin
Bill Sniffin has been a publisher and author in Wyoming for 53 years. He formerly owned all or part interest in 20 different newspapers, magazines, print shops, ad agencies, and internet companies.
He is one of Wyoming's best-known columnists, having written a statewide column for more than 22 years and a local column for 38 years prior to that.
Sniffin has published six books including three Wyoming-themed coffee table books, called the Wyoming Trilogy. He lives in Lander with his wife Nancy.
Latest from Bill Sniffin
Bill Sniffin: My 538-Mile Loop Drive Included Spectacular Wyoming Rivers And Lakes
Columnist Bill Sniffin writes: “During the first week of August, I traveled from Lander up to Lovell and then over to Yellowstone and then back home. This amounted to 538 miles of dry country interrupted by fertile fields, beautiful rivers, and spectacular lakes and reservoirs."
Bill SniffinSeptember 16, 2025
At 2,500 Feet Deep, Bighorn Canyon Is 55 Miles Of Spectacular Wyoming Landscape
Unlike Yellowstone or Grand Teton national parks, there are no long lines of RVs or crush of tourists with cameras at Bighorn Canyon. The canyon feels like Wyoming’s secret, a place many lifelong residents have never seen.
Bill SniffinSeptember 14, 2025
Bill Sniffin: ‘I Think We Lost The Governor,’ Was Fear Of One Shot Hunt 25 Years Ago
Columnist Bill Sniffin writes: “Wyoming’s governor is the official host of the Lander One Shot Antelope Hunt. He is not supposed to go missing during the hunt!”
Bill SniffinSeptember 13, 2025
Bill Sniffin: Wyoming Is Known Far And Wide For ‘Firsts’
Columnist Bill Sniffin writes: “From the creation of Yellowstone to giving women voting rights, a lot of ‘firsts’ occurred here in the lowest populated state in the union over the years.”
Bill SniffinSeptember 10, 2025
Bill Sniffin: Wyoming Could Use A Big New Monument - How About The Historic Oregon Trail?
Columnist Bill Sniffin writes: “The Oregon Trail has significant sites and sights all across Wyoming that are still in place which deserve recognition. It is worthy of a more important national designation.”
Bill SniffinSeptember 06, 2025
Bill Sniffin: It Was History, Not Parents, That Spoiled The Baby Boomer Generation
Bill Sniffin writes: “Yes, us baby boomers were born on third base and thought we had hit a triple. This means whatever advantages we had in our lives, they were not created by us. Our parents set us up for success. And relished in it."
Bill SniffinSeptember 02, 2025
Wyoming’s Vast Killpecker Dunes: Like Another Planet Where The Sand Sings To You
Spending time in Wyoming’s vast Killpecker Sand Dunes deserves a spot on anyone’s bucket list. It feels like visiting another planet — a place where the sand sings to you.
Bill SniffinSeptember 01, 2025
Bill Sniffin: How To Deal With 2,000 Hippies When They Invaded Wyoming Over July 4 Holiday?
Columnist Bill Sniffin writes: “It is hard to imagine today what a potential disaster it would be when 2,000 hippies invaded Cowboy Country back in 1973. They ultimately camped at Freak Mountain. Yes, Freak Mountain!”
Bill SniffinAugust 30, 2025
Bill Sniffin: Serving As ‘Bear Bait’ May Have Been Worst Job In The World?
Columnist Bill Sniffin writes: “Ranger Steve Frye waited for a bear to enter the cage, while squatting in putrid garbage. It was him or the bear. Yikes.”
Bill SniffinAugust 27, 2025
Bill Sniffin: My Very Own Wyoming Painted Morning – Just Me And The Ducks
Columnist Bill Sniffin writes, "Walking along a Wyoming river during the early morning hours is perhaps the most therapeutic thing you can do during the best time of the day.”
Bill SniffinAugust 23, 2025
Bill Sniffin: My Friend Buck Valdez Died On One Of My Favorite Roads – US 287
Columnist Bill Sniffin writes, "This column was going to be my love letter to U. S. Highway 287, which I drove this past weekend from central Wyoming to Fort Worth, Texas. I paused to say a prayer for my friend when I came over that hill and drove down to the site where the horrible collision occurred."
Bill SniffinAugust 20, 2025
Bill Sniffin: ‘Home Town’ Emphasis Was Key To Saving Eight Wyoming Newspapers
Columnist Bill Sniffin writes: “Folks in eight Wyoming towns breathed a big sigh of relief when the announcement was made that veteran newspaper publishers Robb and Jen Hicks of Buffalo plus Rob Mortimore of Torrington were stepping in to save the publications.”
Bill SniffinAugust 16, 2025
Bill Sniffin: Wyoming Is Full Of Scenic Drives – Here Is A Favorite
Columnist Bill Sniffin writes: “One of Wyoming’s major north-south routes, which follows the BNSF Railroad Line, is a pleasure to drive this time of year. Lots of wonderful towns and small cities.”
Bill SniffinAugust 12, 2025
Bill Sniffin: It Is Tragic To See Eight Newspapers Close -- Especially How It Occurred
Columnist Bill Sniffin writes: “What is so tragic is the way these newspapers were shuttered. Just no warning. Hard on both the employees and the communities.”
Bill SniffinAugust 09, 2025
Bill Sniffin: A Tale About The Search For A Bell Ringer In Old Wyoming
Columnist Bill Sniffin writes: “Here is my favorite rendition of an old groaner about the problems a pastor was having in finding a proper bell ringer. This tale occurred here in Wyoming.”
Bill SniffinAugust 05, 2025
Bill Sniffin: Here Are Two Big Reasons I Ended Up With A Desk Job
Columnist Bill Sniffin writes: “My characterization of work was defined by two experiences as a 17-year-old. Tough dirty physical jobs made a big impression on my younger self.”
Bill SniffinAugust 02, 2025
Bill Sniffin: Four Years Later, The Late Sen. Mike Enzi Remembered As One Of Wyoming’s Great Leaders
Columnist Bill Sniffin writes, “Has it really been four years already? Mike Enzi was such a wonderful leader for Wyoming. He is missed.”
Bill SniffinJuly 29, 2025
Bill Sniffin: Never Kick A Cowpie On A Hot Summer Day
Columnist Bill Sniffin writes: “There are various western codes that define Wyoming people. The most famous is the Code of the West. But there are other versions, too.”
Bill SniffinJuly 26, 2025
Bill Sniffin: See That Big RV Blocking Your Way? Hey, That Might Be Me! Howdy!
Columnist Bill Sniffin writes, “Traveling by RV is like having your house on your back. And the wide open spaces here in the Big Empty are very hospitable to this lifestyle. I love it.”
Bill SniffinJuly 21, 2025
Bill Sniffin: It Is Time To Hit The Road For Treks Around The Cowboy State
Columnist Bill Sniffin writes, "A great Wyoming tourist theme is the Great Road Trip. I am planning my trips right now. Two of my annual trips will be my annual Yellowstone trip for the 55th consecutive year and my annual trip to the Red Desert."
Bill SniffinJuly 15, 2025
Bill Sniffin: Wyoming's Red Desert Is A Vast Deep Sea – It Will Swallow You
Columnist Bill Sniffin writes, “Wyoming’s Red Desert is so unique. And it is huge! It can swallow you up. And you will love every minute of it.”
Bill SniffinJuly 10, 2025