Wyoming is a state of wild beauty and endless adventure, where you can explore the wonders of nature and the legacy of the West. Whether you want to witness the majestic geysers and hot springs of Yellowstone, the stunning peaks and valleys of Grand Teton, or the vast prairies and ranches of the plains, Wyoming has something for everyone. You can also experience the cowboy culture and history of Wyoming in its charming cities and towns, where you can enjoy rodeos, museums, festivals, and local cuisine. Wyoming is a place where you can reconnect with yourself and the land, and discover the true spirit of the American frontier. Here are some of the top destinations in Wyoming that you should not miss:
1. Yellowstone National Park
Established in 1872, Yellowstone is the world’s first and oldest national park. It’s home to one of the most awe-inspiring wilderness areas on the planet. Huge herds of bison still roam free in the valleys, and the abundant wildlife includes grizzly and black bears, gray wolves, elk, antelope, trumpeter swans, and majestic bald eagles. The park is a geothermal wonderland. Hissing geysers, bubbling mud pots, and steaming hot springs betray the forces that formed this staggering landscape millions of years ago. Waterfalls gush down steep ravines, and glittering lakes and rivers stretch for miles. The highlights of Yellowstone National Park include the famous Old Faithful geyser, Yellowstone Lake, and the jaw-dropping cascades of Lower Falls. You can drive through the park, but the huge network of hiking trails is the best way to appreciate the park’s diverse ecosystems. It’s easy to extend a wilderness experience by staying in one of the park’s scenic campgrounds. The park is one of the best places to visit in Wyoming. Sightseeing is excellent year-round, with each season painting the landscape in different hues, but most tourists visit in the summer.
2. Grand Teton National Park
Crowned by the craggy peaks of the mighty Teton Mountain Range, Grand Teton National Park is one of the jewels of Wyoming. These mountains, in the state’s northwest, were formed millions of years ago, when a fault in the earth’s crust buckled, creating 12 peaks reaching heights of more than 12,000 feet. The highest of these, Grand Teton, soars 13,770 feet above sea level. Wildlife is abundant. More than 300 species of birds, 60 species of mammals, and many freshwater fish live within the park. You can explore the stunning scenery by hiking, biking, boating, fishing, climbing, or skiing. The park also offers scenic drives, historic sites, visitor centers, and ranger programs. You can stay overnight in one of the park’s campgrounds or lodges.
3. Jackson: The gateway to Grand Teton and Yellowstone, Jackson is a charming town that blends cowboy culture and modern amenities. You can stroll along the wooden sidewalks, shop at the art galleries and boutiques, dine at the restaurants and cafes, and visit the museums and theaters. Don’t miss the iconic antler arches at the town square, or the thrilling rodeos at the fairgrounds.
4. Cheyenne: The capital and largest city of Wyoming, Cheyenne is a place where you can experience the history and spirit of the Old West. You can visit the Cheyenne Depot Museum, which showcases the role of the railroad in the development of the city, or the Wyoming State Museum, which displays artifacts and exhibits related to the state’s history and culture. You can also enjoy the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens, which feature a conservatory, a children’s village, and a solar farm.
5. Cody: Named after the legendary Buffalo Bill Cody, who founded the town in 1896, Cody is a hub for Western culture and adventure. You can explore the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, which consists of five museums dedicated to art, firearms, natural history, Native American culture, and Buffalo Bill himself. You can also watch a rodeo show at the Cody Stampede Park, or take a scenic drive along the Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway.
6. Hot Springs State Park
Hot Springs State Park is a public recreation area in Thermopolis, Wyoming, known for its hot springs, which flow at a constant temperature of 135° Fahrenheit. You can soak in the mineral-rich waters at the State Bath House, which offers indoor and outdoor pools, or at one of the nearby commercial spas. The park also features a suspension bridge over the Bighorn River, a herd of bison, a swinging bridge nature trail, and a colorful formation called the Rainbow Terraces. You can also visit the Wyoming Dinosaur Center and Dig Sites, which displays more than 30 mounted dinosaurs and offers guided tours to active fossil sites.
7. Martin’s Cove
Martin’s Cove is a historic site in Wyoming. The 933 acre cove is located 55 miles southwest of Casper, Wyoming, in Natrona County. It is the site where more than 200 members of the Mormon handcart pioneers sought shelter from a blizzard in November 1856. Many of them died from exposure and starvation. Today, the site is owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and offers a visitor center, a museum, monuments, and trails. You can learn about the history and faith of the pioneers, and even pull a handcart along part of the original trail.
8. White Pine Ski Area
White Pine Ski Area and Resort is a ski resort located 10 miles from Pinedale, Wyoming in northern Sublette County. The mountain holds about 25 trails of differing challenge. You can enjoy downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing on the slopes, or relax in the cozy lodge with a fireplace and a restaurant. The resort also offers ski lessons, rentals, and lift tickets at affordable prices. White Pine Ski Area is a great place to enjoy winter sports in Wyoming.
9. Devil’s Tower National Monument
Devil’s Tower National Monument is a striking geological formation that rises 867 feet above the surrounding landscape in northeastern Wyoming. It is considered sacred by many Native American tribes, who call it by different names, such as Bear Lodge, Tree Rock, and Grizzly Bear’s Lodge. The monument was established in 1906 by President Theodore Roosevelt, and was the first national monument in the United States. You can admire the tower from various viewpoints along the paved loop road, or hike one of the trails that circle its base. You can also climb the tower, with a permit and proper equipment, or join a ranger-led program to learn more about its history, culture, and natural features.
10. Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area
Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area is a scenic area that spans the borders of Wyoming and Utah. It encompasses more than 200,000 acres of land and water along the Green River and Flaming Gorge Reservoir. The area is named for the red sandstone cliffs that reflect the sun’s rays and create a flaming effect. You can enjoy a variety of recreational activities at Flaming Gorge, such as boating, fishing, swimming, camping, hiking, biking, wildlife watching, and scenic driving. You can also visit some of the attractions within the area, such as the Flaming Gorge Dam Visitor Center, the Red Canyon Visitor Center, and the Swett Ranch Historic Site.