It totally exists. I've lived in Wyoming and I grew up in the foothills of the Beartooth mountains in Montana. Wyoming and Montana are similar in culture and ecology. I grew up in such a vast landscape, and particular set of circumstances and it really does affect how you view the world. I grew up going to street dances and rodeos, the state fair and small town 4th of July parades were the big entertainment we had. The hiking, camping, skiing, etc is amazing.

There's lots of hardship too. Winter blizzards were the norm. Nature will kick your ass if it doesn't kill you, if you disregard your limitations. And unless you are already rich, you won't get rich living there.