Wyoming felt like one of many final actually wild states I’ve explored. It’s sparsely populated however full of pure wonders – from Yellowstone’s geysers to the Tetons’ jagged peaks and wide-open cowboy nation. I spent six weeks exploring its unimaginable gems, listed here are my favorites…
1. Grand Teton Nationwide Park
This jaw-dropping park completely received me over — its jagged peaks, alpine lakes, and wildlife-filled valleys made me really feel like I’d stepped right into a real-life Nationwide Geographic unfold!
Simply an hour’s drive east from Grand Targhee over the move into Jackson Gap, I stayed per week soaking within the Tetons’ magnificence — climbing round Jenny and Taggart Lakes (I discovered it was finest to reach early to beat the crowds), gazing at dreamy views from Sign Mountain, kayaking on the Snake River, and even watching rock climbers deal with Cascade Canyon.
My private highlights…
- Staying on the stylish Cloudveil Resort, I cherished the comfy modern decor, the fireplace pits, the pool views of Snow King Mountain, and the rooftop’s telescopic viewfinder!
2. Jackson
This charming mountain city completely received me over with its mixture of boutique outlets, artwork galleries, advantageous eating, and traditional Western aptitude — all framed by dreamy summer time views of the Tetons. I cherished the way it managed to really feel each adventurous and trendy on the identical time!
I drove solely 20 minutes south from Grand Teton to Jackson, the place I lingered for 3 days — exploring the vigorous City Sq., admiring the elk-antler arches, and hopping between artwork galleries, boutique outlets, and heat little cafés.
In winter, locals advised me it reworked right into a snowy paradise with snowboarding and snowboarding at Jackson Gap Mountain Resort, snowshoeing in Grand Teton Nationwide Park, and comfortable après-ski vibes. Despite the fact that the entire place was very charming it was dear — each eating and lodging stretched my finances!
- Location: Jackson Gap Valley, nestled between the Teton Mountain Vary and the Gros Ventre Mountains in western Wyoming
- Elevation: 6,237 toes
- Location Map
- Inhabitants: approx. 10,500 residents
My highlights…
- I stayed on the cozy 4-star Rustic Inn Creekside for a part of my journey and cherished the rustic-chic decor and the luxurious spa, the place I relaxed with a hydrating wild sage and lavender physique wrap inside a tipi-inspired tent!
3. Bighorn Scenic Byway, Bighorn Nationwide Forest
I believed this 58-mile scenic drive was completely breathtaking — winding by way of rugged peaks, untouched forests, cascading waterfalls, and wide-open mountain vistas. It had a rugged but serene vibe (and skinny mountain air!) that made me need to preserve stopping at each overlook.
From Cody, I drove two hours northeast on US-14A to Lovell after which spent two days exploring the byway — staying in a single day on the rustic Shell Campground and the quirky 4-star Horseshoe Bend Motel, stopping at Shell Falls, climbing as much as the Medication Wheel Nationwide Historic Landmark, and soaking within the gorgeous views and pine-scented air from Cloud Peak and Medication Wheel overlooks. I’ve to say it was gorgeous nevertheless it was distant, with few services close by — so I glad I purchased water and snacks with me!
- Location: Bighorn Nationwide Forest alongside U.S. Freeway 14 within the northern a part of the state
- Size: 58 miles
- Wildlife: Mule deer, moose, black bears, elk, and golden eagles
- Location Map
- Bighorn Scenic Byway Web site
My favourite highlights…
- Mountaineering the two.6-mile Bucking Mule Falls Path — I cherished the way it opened as much as panoramic canyon views and the dramatic sight of the falls plunging down sheer cliffs!
4. Yellowstone Nationwide Park
Originated in 1872, this world-famous park truly left me speechless — its effervescent geysers, rainbow-colored scorching springs, thunderous waterfalls, and unimaginable wildlife made it really feel like nature’s final showstopper!
A 1.5-hour drive north from Jackson by way of the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Parkway introduced me to Yellowstone’s South Entrance, the place I spent 4 action-packed days — standing in awe as Outdated Trustworthy erupted, seeing the vivid Grand Prismatic Spring, climbing out to the dramatic Artist Level, recognizing bison and wolves in gorgeous Lamar Valley, kayaking on shimmering Yellowstone Lake, and being humbled by the thunder of the Decrease Falls within the spectacular Grand Canyon.
My highlights…
- Staying on the eco-friendly 4-star boutique Bentwood Inn — I used to be received over by their gourmand natural breakfasts (the veggie omelet dotted with chives, dill, and garden-fresh parsley was divine!) and the wildlife safari the pleasant workers organized for me!
5. Buffalo
Relationship from 1879, this quirky little frontier city felt like stepping again in time — with its well-preserved downtown, mountain views, and timeless small-town vibe, I discovered it some of the picturesque locations in Wyoming. It made me need to decelerate and simply soak in its historical past!
Touring from Pinedale, I made the 5-hour drive northeast throughout central Wyoming on US-26 and I-25 to Buffalo, the place I stayed for a weekend. I explored the fascinating Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum, strolled the historic streets, browsed distinctive outlets, hiked into the Bighorn Nationwide Forest, and drove the close by Cloud Peak Scenic Byway.
- Location: base of the Bighorn Mountains, serving as a gateway to the Bighorn Nationwide Forest within the northeastern a part of the state.
- Measurement: round 4,500 individuals
- Location Map
My favourite highlights…
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Staying on the storied Historic Occidental Lodge, I cherished listening to how legends like Butch Cassidy, Buffalo Invoice, Calamity Jane, and even Teddy Roosevelt as soon as stayed right here, and it was unimaginable figuring out Owen Wister wrote elements of The Virginian (together with the well-known showdown scene!) within the very constructing!
6. Flaming Gorge Nationwide Recreation Space
This place actually made my jaw drop — with its rust-red cliffs, the mighty Inexperienced River (calm in some stretches, wild in others), and the glowing blue waters of the Flaming Gorge Reservoir, the distinction of colours and landscapes felt astonishing.
This was the ultimate cease on my Wyoming street journey. From Devils Tower, I made the lengthy 6-hour drive south on I-25 and US-191 to achieve Flaming Gorge close to the Utah border.
My three-day keep whereas basing myself on the close by cozy Little America Lodge was continuous – epic views at Crimson Canyon Overlook, climbing the Canyon Rim Path, boating the reservoir, white-water rafting the Inexperienced River, and a guided Flaming Gorge Dam tour that was far more fascinating than I anticipated!
My private spotlight…
- Mountaineering Hideout Canyon Path — a leisurely 2-mile spherical journey the place I noticed deer among the many aromatic junipers and ended with a swim in a secluded cove that felt like my very own personal hideaway!
7. Cody
This historic Western city actually stood out to me — based in 1896 by the legendary Buffalo Invoice Cody, it had a captivating downtown filled with Western-style buildings, a shocking mountain backdrop, and a welcoming small-town really feel. I additionally cherished how adventurous but pleasant it felt as a gateway to Yellowstone.
Leaving my former cease at Yellowstone by way of the East Entrance, I drove about 2.5 hours alongside the scenic Buffalo Invoice Cody Byway to achieve Cody.
I spent a enjoyable weekend exploring — visiting the Buffalo Invoice Heart of the West, wandering by way of Outdated Path City, climbing within the close by Shoshone Nationwide Forest, looking the distinctive downtown outlets and eating places, and even catching the family-friendly Wild West Spectacular the Musical!
- Location: Yellowstone Nationwide Park’s East Entrance in Park County, northwestern Wyoming
- Location Map
- Inhabitants: round 10,000 residents.
My private highlights…
- Staying on the characterful 4-star Chamberlin Inn — I cherished how the fastidiously restored constructing has saved a few of its authentic 1900s allure, the natural meals like heirloom tomatoes, wildflower honey, and contemporary sourdough bread, and studying from the workers how Ernest Hemingway as soon as stayed!
8. Devils Tower Nationwide Monument
This was each a hanging pure attraction and a sacred web site revered by a number of Native American tribes. I used to be blown away by its otherworldly column of volcanic rock rising dramatically above the plains and forests — to me it felt mystical and awe-inspiring. It additionally was unimaginable figuring out I used to be standing at one of many largest and most iconic examples of columnar jointing on this planet!
From Sheridan, I drove 2.5 hours east on I-90 to Devils Tower, the place I based mostly myself on the quirky however homely Devils Tower Lodge climbing the Tower Path for jaw-dropping close-ups, strolling Joyner Ridge and gazing in awe at unimaginable panoramas, diving into its geology and Native historical past on the customer heart, and watching climbers fastidiously inch up its sheer rock partitions!
- Location: Black Hills area, northeastern Wyoming (close to the city of Hulett)
- Measurement: Rises 867 toes from its base and reaches 5,112 toes above sea stage
- Information: Shaped over 50 million years in the past
- Wildlife: Prairie canines, white-tailed deer, golden eagles, and falcons
- Devils Tower Nationwide Monument Web site
My private highlights…
- Listening to the drumming of woodpeckers and prairie canine chatter within the distance!
9. Sheridan
I believed Sheridan was such a captivating place — a gateway to the Bighorn Mountains with a mixture of rustic historic allure, Western-style buildings, mountain views, and a downtown full of artwork galleries, native outlets, and tree-lined streets. Based in 1882, its Victorian-era buildings and Western-style structure had been nonetheless fantastically intact.
In lower than an hour after descending the Bighorn Scenic Byway, I rolled into Sheridan and stayed two enjoyable days — overnighting on the Sheridan Inn the place Buffalo Invoice as soon as stayed, exploring the Path Finish mansion, poking by way of galleries and outlets downtown, climbing within the Bighorn Nationwide Forest, and boating at sundown on the gorgeous Lake DeSmet.
- Location: alongside the Bighorn River within the northern a part of the state
- Location Map
- Inhabitants: approx. 19,800
My private highlights…
- I dined at Frackletons, a chef-driven restaurant downtown — I cherished the pleasant waitress, the open kitchen, and their pillowy potato gnocchi topped topped with crispy fried sage!
10. Medication Bow Peak, Medication Bow Nationwide Forest
This distant and majestic peak utterly wowed me — with its jagged alpine views, crystal-clear lakes, and wild, untouched vibe, it felt like I’d stepped into pure wilderness!
I drove 1 hour west from my earlier cease at Vedauwoo Recreation Space on Freeway 130, winding by way of alpine surroundings close to Laramie, till I reached the Lake Marie Trailhead. From there, I had sweeping views of Medication Bow Peak rising above the encompassing lakes and meadows.
I stayed for 2 days basing myself on the close by homely Historic Elk Mountain Lodge and conquered the Medication Bow Peak Path, soaked in panoramic summit views, lingered by Lakes Marie and Alice, and cruised the Snowy Vary Scenic Byway in awe.
- Location: Medication Bow Mountains, Medication Bow-Routt Nationwide Forest, southeastern Wyoming
- Elevation: 12,013 toes
- Location Map
- Wildlife: moose, deer, pikas, marmots, raptors
My private spotlight…
- Mountaineering the Lake Marie Path — a simple 3-mile loop skirting the glowing shoreline, then added a two-mile extension to Mirror Lake and Lookout Lake, the place glassy waters completely mirrored the jagged Snowy Vary peaks!
11. Bighorn Canyon Nationwide Recreation Space
This dramatic space didn’t fail to wow me — with its sheer cliffs, turquoise waters, and sweeping views, it felt like a wilder, mini model of the Grand Canyon.
It was a 2-hour drive northeast from Cody on US-14A to Lovell and the Bighorn Canyon overlooks, the place I based mostly myself for 2 days on the rustic-chic Horseshoe Bend Motel and packed in hikes alongside the Rim Path, boating on Bighorn Lake, exploring Fort Smith, and gazing out from Satan Canyon Overlook.
- Location: principally alongside the Bighorn River and Bighorn Lake, close to the Bighorn Mountains and situated in northern Wyoming and southern Montana.
- Location Map
- Measurement: spans round 120,000 acres
- Wildlife: Bighorn sheep, mule deer, elk and many sorts of birds
My highlights…
- I additionally stopped by the Yellowtail Dam Customer Heart, the place I discovered how this towering concrete big was constructed and the way it nonetheless powers the area at present by way of hydroelectric power.
12. Sizzling Springs State Park
I believed this was such a calming pure attraction — a stunning spot that mixed the soothing attract of scorching springs with colourful mineral terraces, flower-filled gardens, and fairly views of the Bighorn River.
It was a 1.5-hour drive south from Lovell on US-310 and WY-120 to achieve Thermopolis, the place I checked into the quirky 4-star Elk Antler Inn for 2 days and stuffed my time soaking within the free State Tub Home, wandering the colourful mineral terraces, strolling the Swinging Bridge, climbing Monument Hill, recognizing bison, and picnicking by the river.
- Location: Alongside the Bighorn River, close to Thermopolis in north-central Wyoming
- Measurement: 1,108 acres
- Wildlife: Bison, deer, and waterfowl
- Hotsprings State Park Web site
My private spotlight…
- I bathed within the naturally heated out of doors pool on the State Tub Home, the place mineral-rich waters infused with calcium, silica, and sodium bicarbonate and the sulfur scent rising from the pool left me feeling splendidly rejuvenated!
13. Sinks Canyon State Park
I found this was an awe-inspiring mixture of geology and wilderness — crimson cliffs, the Popo Agie’s mysterious underground ‘Sinks,’ and tranquil mountain solitude simply minutes from Lander!
I continued 2 hours southwest from my earlier Thermopolis cease on US-20 and WY-789 to Lander, the place Sinks Canyon sits simply outdoors city the place I spent two days on the close by Rodeway Inn Pronghorn Lodge.
On the Popo Agie Nature Path, I reached the eerie “Sinks” the place the river disappeared underground, tracked it to the “Rise” the place it surged again out, crossed the swinging bridge, glimpsed mule deer on the paths, and ended the day admiring fiery crimson cliffs at sundown!
- Location: base of the southern Wind River Mountains within the central a part of the state (simply outdoors the city of Lander)
- Location Map
- Measurement: spans 568 acres
- Wildlife: moose, deer, bighorn sheep, black bears and a various vary of chook species.
- Sinks Canyon State Park Web site
My highlights…
- Picnicking on the Bruce Picnic Web site, grilling a hearty BBQ beside the speeding Popo Agie River, with the scent of pine within the air and birdsong echoing by way of the canyon!
14. Knapsack Col, Wind River Vary
This spot was each rugged and distant, and I cherished it for its high-altitude vistas, shimmering alpine lakes, dramatic peaks, and the unimaginable sense of isolation it gave me. To me, it felt like one in all Wyoming’s best-hidden gems. Recognized for its powerful terrain and altitude, it undoubtedly drew extra skilled hikers and backpackers.
From Lander, I drove an hour northwest to Pinedale after which set off from the Elkhart Park trailhead into the Wind River Vary backcountry.
I pitched my tent at Peak Lake and spent three days pushing alongside rugged trails, gazing at Large Sandy and Clearwater Lakes, trekking deep into wild backcountry, and marveling at climbers ascending the sharp granite towers of the Cirque.
- Location: Bridger-Teton Nationwide Forest within the Wind River Vary (within the western a part of the state)
- Location Map
- Wildlife: black bears, moose, mountain goats, marmots, and raptors
My private highlights…
- I camped in a single day in a tent at distant Peak Lake, the place jagged peaks mirrored completely on the nonetheless waters and the strict “Go away No Hint” ethos saved the wilderness feeling pristine!
15. Wyoming State Capitol, Cheyenne
I believed this stately constructing made a implausible first cease — with its elegant classical revival structure, hanging gold dome, ornate interiors, and fantastically landscaped grounds, it felt like a correct introduction to Wyoming!
I truly began my state journey right here in Cheyenne, arriving from Denver Airport in beneath 2 hours by way of I-25 and staying on the distinctive and homely Prairie Rose Mattress & Breakfast. I spent a day on the State Capitol strolling by way of the gardens earlier than becoming a member of the free guided tour, the place I noticed the restored interiors, admired the stained glass and grand staircase, seen the historic displays, and discovered all in regards to the state’s political historical past and legislative course of.
My private highlights…
- Strolling by way of the stainless gardens and admiring the proud bronze buffalo statue framed by flower beds bursting with golden marigolds!
16. The Crimson Desert
This huge and untamed place all the time fascinated me — it felt like entering into one other world, with its windswept sand dunes, rugged badlands, and countless open skies.
I spent two days tenting on the Crimson Desert Rose Campground and taking time to discover the surreal landscapes of shifting dunes and jagged rock formations. I went on an off-road journey, hiked out to the secluded Killpecker Sand Dunes (one of many largest dwelling dune programs within the U.S.), explored Adobe City with its dramatic badlands and spires, and admired the traditional White Mountain Petroglyphs carved into the stone close to Rock Springs.
- Location: bounded by the Nice Divide Basin to the west, the Wind River Mountains to the north, the Sierra Madre Mountain vary to the east, and the Inexperienced River to the south.
- Location Map
- Measurement: round 9,320 sq. miles
- Wildlife: hardy pronghorns, wild horses, and a big number of chook species together with golden eagles and sage grouse.
My private highlights…
- Occurring a enjoyable three day driving tour – I’ll always remember waking at daybreak to see the huge Killpecker Sand Dunes glowing gold within the first mild of dawn!
17. Vedauwoo Recreation Space
This distinctive spot is commonly neglected, however I discovered it completely gorgeous. Towering granite formations rose dramatically from the plains, surrounded by peaceable pine forests, open meadows, and winding trails. Figuring out the Sherman Granite dated again over a billion years made the panorama really feel much more awe-inspiring.
From Cheyenne, I drove simply half-hour west on I-80 to achieve Vedauwoo and I stayed for one night time tenting on the gorgeous Vedauwoo Campground. Whereas I used to be there, I hiked the photogenic Field Canyon Path, watched climbers scaling the granite partitions, and biked the rugged Turtle Rock Path.
- Location: 24 miles west of Cheyenne within the southeastern a part of the state.
- Location Map
- Measurement: over 10 sq. miles of rugged terrain
- Wildlife: mule deer, moose, chipmunks, pine siskins and mountain bluebirds
- Vedauwoo Recreation Space Web site
My highlights….
- Mountaineering the Field Canyon Path – I cherished how towering granite partitions closed in round me, making a dramatic, virtually secret world away from the whole lot outdoors!
18. Fossil Butte Nationwide Monument
I believed Fossil Butte Nationwide Monument was fascinating. It had a surreal magnificence that made me really feel like I’d stepped again in time — with its excessive desert surroundings and completely preserved fossils that advised tales from hundreds of thousands of years in the past, it actually felt like nature’s personal museum.
I continued about 2 hours southwest from the Crimson Desert alongside I-80 to the excessive desert close to Kemmerer and Fossil Butte. I spent a full day there exploring the customer heart’s intensive displays, becoming a member of a ranger-led hike that lasted round two hours, watching fossil preparation demonstrations, taking scenic drives by way of the stark however stunning desert terrain and staying in a single day on the Fossil Butte Motel (which was a 20 minute drive away).
My favourite highlights…
- Driving from Kemmerer alongside Freeway 30 into the excessive desert, with solely countless open areas, the odd rocky outcrop, and little else in sight, felt splendidly distant!
19. Grand Targhee Resort
This resort was completely picturesque — I finished right here on my summer time and located countless slopes dotted with wildflowers, breathtaking views of the Tetons, and a laid-back, sunny, vibe and many contemporary mountain air!
Though after I researched I discovered it was well-known for its dependable powder within the winter (round 500 inches yearly), and providing one thing for everybody: light newbie runs, intermediate trails, and difficult off-piste terrain for superior skiers. There was even tubing, snowshoeing, fat-biking and a enjoyable après-ski scene (November to April).
From Fossil Butte, I drove about 3.5 hours north by way of Star Valley and over Teton Go into Alta. I stayed for 3 days and packed in loads – climbing by way of wildflower meadows, driving the scenic chairlift up Fred’s Mountain, biking its trails and catching dwell music on the Bluegrass Competition.
- Location: Alta, western slope of the Teton Vary, western a part of Wyoming close to the state’s border with Idaho
- Location Map
- Measurement: over 2,600 acres of skiable various terrain
- Wildlife: moose, elk, mule deer, and black bears
- Grand Targhee Resort Web site
My highlights…
- Staying at distinctive and comfortable Teton Teepee Lodge – I cherished the Insta-worthy round structure, the superior particularly the sunken round fireplace and the home made breakfast baked on‑web site, particularly the very moist Cinnamon espresso cake!
The place is Wyoming?
Wyoming sits within the Mountain West, bordered by Montana to the north, South Dakota and Nebraska to the east, Colorado and Utah to the south, and Idaho to the west.
