789 continue south to Thermopolis. Ten Sleep was named because it was approximately a ten days journey between important Indian camps or geographical locations in the state. The main problem is, no one knows what these locations were. Suffice to say Ten Sleep is halfway between the two endpoints. Washakie County is a leading producer of sugar beets, corn, small grains, alfalfa hay, and beans in Wyoming.
Farmers irrigate much of the land here to ensure adequate watering.
However, U.S. 16 quickly leaves this agricultural area behind as it enters Ten Sleep Canyon and the Big Horn Mountains. U.S. 16 is routed along the northwest side of the Ten Sleep Creek through the canyon, but it used to be located on the southeast side of the creek. Today the old road is used as a cross-country ski and snowmobile trail. Upon reaching the top of the mountains, U.S. 16 makes a steep descent into Buffalo and Johnson County. The grade is measured at six to seven percent in many places.