Bordering Montana and South Dakota, this sparsely populated state attracts thousands and thousands with its “outlawish” vibe, windswept plains, nationwide parks, and distinctive geologic areas. Listed here are my favourite spots I’d like to share..
1. Bighorn Scenic Byway, Bighorn Nationwide Forest
I personally assume this drive is actually breathtaking! It’s a 58-mile scenic journey that winds via towering peaks, historical untouched forests, cascading waterfalls, and expansive vistas—I like the rugged but serene vibe of this place!
It’s situated in Bighorn Nationwide Forest alongside U.S. Freeway 14 within the northern a part of the state, it connects Ranchester and Shell.
I drove alongside the 58-mile route for over 4 hours and gazed on the rugged Bighorn Mountains, stopped on the picturesque Shell Falls, hiked alongside the easy-on-the-eye path to Drugs Wheel Nationwide Historic Landmark and took within the unbelievable views of the Bighorn Mountains on the Cloud Peak Overlook and pulled over on the Drugs Wheel Overlook – it was superior to see each the historic Drugs Wheel and the sprawling mountain vary!
- Handle: U.S. Route 14
- Location Map
- Finest time to go to: spring to fall
My favourite highlights…
- Mountaineering the two.6 miles spherical journey Bucking Mule Falls Path which took me two hours – there have been a number of steep sections however I liked the panoramic views of the Bighorn Canyon and the dramatic views of the Bucking Mule Falls cascading down the vertical cliffs.
2. Cody
That is such a singular and characterful spot! It’s a historic Western city that actually stands out due to its charming Western-style downtown, beautiful mountain backdrop, and its position as a gateway to the world-famous Yellowstone Nationwide Park. I additionally love its adventurous but welcoming, small-town really feel!
Situated 52 miles east of Yellowstone Nationwide Park’s East Entrance in Park County, northwestern Wyoming, this city was famously based in 1896 by the legendary Buffalo Invoice Cody. At the moment, it stays a well-preserved Wild West city with round 10,000 residents.
I spent a enjoyable weekend right here and visited all of the Buffalo Invoice sights together with the Buffalo Invoice Heart of the West, strolled via the historic Outdated Path City, took a scenic drive alongside the Buffalo Invoice Cody Scenic Byway, explored the paths within the close by Shoshone Nationwide Forest, found the distinctive outlets and eating places within the very attention-grabbing downtown space and caught the enjoyable family-friendly stay present the Wild West Spectacular the Musical!
- Customer Heart Handle: Cody Customer Heart 836 Sheridan Avenue, Cody, WY 82414
- Location Map
- Finest time to go to: summer season and fall
My private highlights…
- Staying on the characterful upscale Chamberlin Inn – I liked how the rigorously restored constructing has saved a few of its authentic 1900s attraction, the natural meals and studying about how Ernest Hemingway as soon as stayed!
- Visiting the Buffalo Invoice Museum and seeing the attention-grabbing displays and studying all about Cody’s colourful historical past – I notably favored the massive stuffed buffalo and seeing the standard Native American feathered headdresses and struggle bonnets!
3. Yellowstone Nationwide Park
This is likely one of the most much-loved nationwide parks on the earth! It’s actually significantly jaw-dropping with its effervescent geysers, colourful scorching springs, thundering waterfalls, and really extraordinary wildlife. To me it felt like entering into nature’s final showstopper!
It’s primarily based within the northwestern a part of the state, additionally extending into Montana and Idaho. Originated in 1872, it spans over 2.2 million acres. The park is stuffed with wildlife, together with bison, bears, wolves, elk, moose, pronghorn, and numerous hen species.
I spent a rare 4 days right here and gazed on the much-loved Outdated Trustworthy geyser, found the unbelievable Grand Prismatic Spring, hiked a path to see the breathtaking Artist Level, noticed unbelievable wildlife in Lamar Valley, kayaked on the huge Yellowstone Lake, and took within the mighty Decrease Falls within the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone!
- Handle: Yellowstone Nationwide Park, P.O. Field 168, Yellowstone Nationwide Park, WY 82190-0168
- Location Map
- Finest time to go to: late spring and early fall
My highlights…
- Staying on the attractive eco-friendly boutique lodge the Bentwood Inn – I used to be completely received over by the gourmand natural breakfasts, the comfortable and welcoming vibe and the way the workers organized an superior wildlife safari journey for me!
4. Grand Teton Nationwide Park
This significantly jaw-dropping spot by no means fails to win me over! I personally assume its breathtakingly lovely with its jagged mountain peaks, shimmering alpine lakes, and wide-open valleys dotted with attention-grabbing wildlife – to me it felt like standing in the midst of a Nationwide Geographic unfold (sure actually)!
It enjoys a privileged place simply south of Yellowstone Nationwide Park and close to the charming city of Jackson Gap within the northwestern a part of Wyoming. Spanning over 310,000 acres, it contains the majestic Teton Vary, with peaks hovering above 13,000 toes. The world can be stuffed with free-roaming moose, bison, elk, and grizzly bears.
I often keep right here 4 or 5 days at a time soaking within the pure magnificence and taking within the unbelievable sights of the Teton Vary. I’ve additionally hiked across the very lovely Jenny Lake and Taggart Lake, loved dreamy panoramic views from Sign Mountain, visited the attention-grabbing historic barns at Mormon Row, kayaked on Snake River and watched the courageous rock climbers at Cascade Canyon!
My private highlights…
- Mountaineering the Taggart Lake Path which took me on a 3 mile spherical journey and took 2 hours to finish – I liked seeing the spectacular big boulders alongside the way in which in addition to the photogenic lake set in opposition to the backdrop of the mighty Teton Vary!
5. Buffalo
That is such a unusual and distinctive gem! It’s a former frontier city wealthy in historical past, and I discover it exceptionally picturesque in a quaint means. It’s usually cited as probably the most lovely city within the state and I’m not stunned!
It’s residence to a really well-preserved historic downtown, elegant mountain views, and a peaceable, timeless small-town vibe that made me wish to decelerate and keep awhile!
It’s nestled on the base of the Bighorn Mountains, serving as a gateway to the Bighorn Nationwide Forest within the northeastern a part of the state. Established in 1879 as a frontier city, at this time it’s residence to roughly 4,500 individuals.
I stayed right here for a weekend and that was sufficient to discover the attention-grabbing historic Occidental Lodge, study native historical past on the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum, stroll alongside the quaint streets of downtown Buffalo, browse the distinctive outlets, hike the scenic trails of the Bighorn Nationwide Forest, and luxuriate in scenic drives within the picturesque Cloud Peak Scenic Byway.
- Location: the junction of Interstate 25 and Interstate 90
- Location Map
- Finest time to go to: all 12 months spherical
My favourite highlights…
- Staying on the well-known and really characterful Occidental Lodge – I liked studying about how Butch Cassidy, the Sundance Child, “Buffalo Invoice” Cody, Tom Horn, Teddy Roosevelt, and Calamity Jane all as soon as stayed right here from the pleasant workers! I additionally discovered that Owen Wister additionally wrote components of The Virginian there, together with the well-known showdown scene!
6. Flaming Gorge Nationwide Recreation Space
This place actually makes my jaw drop! I actually can’t get sufficient of visiting right here as a result of the dramatic rust-red cliffs, the mighty Inexperienced River – which is each calm and fast-flowing in several sections – and the glowing blue waters of the Flaming Gorge Reservoir and a handful of sandy and pebble seashores create an astonishing pure distinction.
Spanning round 207,363 acres throughout northeastern Utah and southwestern Wyoming, this space contains the scenic Uinta Mountains and surrounds the Inexperienced River and Flaming Gorge Reservoir. It’s residence to diversified wildlife together with bighorn sheep, mule deer, bald eagles, and osprey.
I often keep right here for a 3 days at a time and discover the breathtaking vistas from Pink Canyon Overlook, hike the very photogenic Canyon Rim Path, boat throughout the huge Flaming Gorge Reservoir, go white-water rafting on the Inexperienced River and on one among my journeys I took a captivating guided tour of Flaming Gorge Dam (it was completely price it)!
- Guests Heart Handle: Flaming Gorge Dam Customer Heart 25 Utah Freeway 43, Dutch John, UT 84023
- Location Map
- Finest time to go to: spring to fall
My private highlights…
- Additionally happening the great Hideout Canyon Path which was a leisurely 2 mile spherical journey and took me an hour to finish – I liked seeing the beautiful junipers and deer alongside the way in which after which swimming within the secluded cove on the finish of the canyon.
7. Scorching Springs State Park
I believe that is such a calming pure attraction! It’s additionally a stunning magnificence spot with which mixes the soothing attract of pure scorching springs with distinctive and colourful mineral terraces, flower-filled gardens, and wonderful views of the Bighorn River.
It spans 1,108 acres alongside the Bighorn River close to the quaint city of Thermopolis within the north-central a part of the state. At its coronary heart is the Huge Spring, the world’s largest single-mineral scorching spring, channeling its 104°F waters into bathhouses and swimming pools for a calming and therapeutic expertise. It’s additionally residence to bison, deer, and waterfowl.
I keep within the city of Thermopolis and spend a few days right here after I went to rejuvenate and soak within the soothing waters of the (free!) State Bathtub Home. I additionally admire the colourful mineral terraces, stroll throughout the Swinging Bridge for the attractive views of the Bighorn River, hike the charming trails just like the Monument Hill Path, uncover the park’s resident bison herd and picnic on the plush inexperienced lawns.
- Handle: Scorching Springs State Park, 220 Park Avenue, Thermopolis, WY 82443
- Location Map
- Finest time to go to: spring to fall (however winter affords a singular soaking expertise)!
My private highlights…
- Bathing within the naturally scorching spring water within the exterior communal pool within the State Bathtub Home – I discovered from the workers the waters are wealthy in calcium, sodium bicarbonate, sulfate, silica, and chloride!
8. Devils Tower Nationwide Monument
That is each a putting pure attraction and sacred place! It’s spectacular for its towering, otherworldly column of volcanic rock rising dramatically above the encompassing plains and forests – to me it felt mystical and awe-inspiring!
Tucked away within the Black Hills area within the northeastern a part of the state, close to the city of Hulett, this website is likely one of the largest and most iconic examples of columnar jointing on the earth. Shaped over 50 million years in the past, it rises 867 toes from its base and reaches 5,112 toes above sea degree. It’s also a sacred website, revered by a number of Native American tribes.
I got here right here on a day journey and hiked the scenic Tower Path and noticed unbelievable up-close views of the towering columns, explored the peaceable Joyner Ridge Path which had very good panoramic vistas, learnt about its geological and cultural significance on the customer heart and watch climbers sort out the dramatic rock faces!
- Customer Heart Handle: Devils Tower Nationwide Monument, 149 State Freeway 110, Devils Tower, WY 82714
- Location Map
- Finest time to go to: spring to fall
My private highlights…
- Studying all in regards to the monument within the attention-grabbing customer heart and its distinctive reward store stuffed with artisan crafts – I notably favored the viewing areas the place I might stare upon spectacular views of Devils Tower!
9. Sinks Canyon State Park
That is an usually neglected hidden gem! Though it’s not probably the most well-known park within the state, it’s stuffed with show-stopping wonders. I personally liked its distinctive geological rarities, just like the mysterious disappearing Popo Agie River and the dramatic canyon partitions, in addition to its historical forests. The park is each peaceable and mysterious!
It has a stunning location spanning 568 acres on the on the base of the southern Wind River Mountains within the central a part of the state (simply exterior the city of Lander) and it’s residence to wildlife together with moose, deer, bighorn sheep, and a various vary of hen species.
I got here right here on a day journey and hiked the scenic Nature Path and Center Fork Path, took within the distinctive geological phenomenon of the Popo Agie River disappearing into the limestone cavern at The Sinks and reappearing at The Rise and picnic in peaceable environment on the pretty Bruces Picnic Space.
- Handle: Sinks Canyon State Park 3079 Sinks Canyon Street Lander, WY 82520
- Location Map
- Finest time to go to: summer season
My highlights…
- Having a picnic at Bruce Picnic Website – I actually favored sitting subsequent to the fast-flowing Popo Agie River and likewise making use of the grills there with a hearty BBQ!
10. Jackson
I’m an enormous fan of this charming, upscale city! It’s a really interesting spot as a result of it’s nestled proper within the coronary heart of the Teton Mountains, with dreamy views, an endearing city sq., boutique outlets, wonderful eating, artwork galleries and a potent combine of out of doors journey and western aptitude!
It enjoys a privileged place within the photogenic Jackson Gap Valley, nestled between the Teton Mountain Vary to the west and the Gros Ventre Mountains to the east, in western Wyoming, simply south of Grand Teton Nationwide Park. Sitting at an elevation of 6,237 toes with a inhabitants of simply 10,500 residents, it serves as a preferred out of doors recreation hub in each summer season and winter.
I often spend a number of days right here at a time and go snowboarding and snowboarding in Jackson Gap Mountain Resort, snowshoeing in Grand Teton Nationwide Park and benefit from the cozy après-ski vibes. In the summertime, I’m going mountain climbing in Grand Teton Nationwide Park, raft the Snake River, bike on the scenic pathways within the surrounding wilderness, go to the Nationwide Elk Refuge and luxuriate in all the posh facilities within the city!
- Handle: Jackson City Sq., 10 E Broadway Ave, Jackson, WY 83001
- Location Map
- Finest time to go to: all seasons
My highlights…
- Staying on the distinctive and classy Cloudveil Resort – I liked the comfortable up to date decor, the cool fireplace pits, the out of doors swimming swimming pools the place I sat and gazed on the imposing Snow King Mountain and the superior telescopic viewfinder on the rooftop!
11. Drugs Bow Peak, Drugs Bow Nationwide Forest
This distant and majestic place by no means fails to wow me! I like the distinctive alpine views, the clear lakes, the rugged mountain landscapes and the wild, untouched vibe it has right here.
A part of the Drugs Bow Mountains, it’s situated within the Drugs Bow-Routt Nationwide Forest within the southeastern a part of the state, close to the city of Laramie. The height rises to an elevation of 12,013 toes, providing beautiful views and difficult trails for hikers and climbers alike.
I took the Snowy Vary Scenic Byway (Freeway 130) from Laramie, Wyoming, and adopted the indicators to the trailhead parking space close to the height. From there I might simply see the magnificent Drugs Bow Peak in addition to the attractive views of the encompassing mountains, alpine lakes, and meadows.
On my subsequent journey, I returned for a two-day journey, immersing myself within the pure fantastic thing about the world. I hiked the Drugs Bow Peak Path, the place I used to be rewarded with beautiful summit views. I additionally explored Lakes Marie and Alice and drove alongside the Snowy Vary Scenic Byway, taking within the breathtaking mountain vistas.
- Location: Lake Marie Trailhead, Wyoming Freeway 130 (Snowy Vary Scenic Byway, Saratoga, WY, 82331
- Location Map
- Finest time to go to: June to November
My private highlights…
- Mountaineering the Lake Marie Path which was a comparatively straightforward 3 mile spherical journey and took me an hour and half to complete – it adopted the shoreline of Lake Marie, and from there I additionally hiked the 2 mile extension to see the gorgeous Mirror Lake and Lookout Lake.
12. Bighorn Canyon Nationwide Recreation Space
This dramatic space by no means fails to wow me! It’s a jaw-dropping space, residence to steep, dramatic cliffs, serene turquoise waters, and breathtaking views that epitomize the untamed wilderness of the American West. To me, it looks like a mini model of the extra well-known Grand Canyon.
It spans round 120,000 acres principally alongside the Bighorn River and Bighorn Lake, close to the Bighorn Mountains and situated in northern Wyoming and southern Montana. Bighorn sheep, mule deer, elk and many sorts of birds all name this place residence!
I spent a weekend right here tenting at Afterbay Campground and that was sufficient to squeeze in mountain climbing the Bighorn Canyon Rim Path, boating on Bighorn Lake, exploring the historic Fort Smith and gazing at panoramic views at Satan Canyon Overlook.
- Handle: Bighorn Canyon Nationwide Recreation Space 20, US Freeway 14A, Lovell, WY 82431
- Location Map
- Finest time to go to: spring or fall
My highlights…
- Additionally stopping by the Yellowtail Dam Customer Heart – I learnt in regards to the dam’s development and its fascinating position in hydroelectric energy era!
13. Sheridan
I believe Sheridan is such an enthralling place! It completely wins me over with its mixture of rustic historic attraction, Western-style buildings, very good mountain views, and a visually interesting downtown stuffed with artwork galleries, native outlets, and tree-lined streets.
Its location alongside the Bighorn River within the northern a part of the state means it serves as a gateway to each the Bighorn Mountains and the close by Satan’s Tower Nationwide Monument. Based in 1882, its Victorian-era buildings and Western-style structure stay intact even at this time.
- Handle: Sheridan Metropolis Corridor, 55 Grinnell Plaza, Sheridan, WY 82801
- Location Map
- Finest time to go to: summer season
My private highlights…
- Eating on the the chef-driven restaurant Frackletons – I like the tremendous pleasant waitress, the open kitchen and my divine dish of potato gnocchi which got here with fried sage!
14. Knapsack Col, Wind River Vary
That is each rugged and distant! I’m an enormous fan of this distinctive magnificence spot due to its high-altitude vistas, shimmering alpine lakes, dramatic mountain peaks, and the sense of isolation and tranquility it exudes. I actually assume it’s one of many state’s best-hidden gems.
It’s nestled in Bridger-Teton Nationwide Forest within the Wind River Vary (within the western a part of the state). Well-known for its difficult terrain and high-altitude circumstances, it attracts skilled hikers and backpackers.
On my journey, I camped on the website at Peak Lake and spent three days tackling difficult backcountry trails, taking within the attractive views of Huge Sandy Lake and Clearwater Lakes, backpacking via untouched wilderness and watching the rock climbers on the breathtaking The Cirque of the Towers, an space stuffed with putting granite spires!
- Customer Heart Handle: Elkhart Park Trailhead, Forest Street 210, Pinedale, WY 82941
- Location Map
- Finest time to go to: spring to fall
My private highlights…
- Tenting in a single day in a tent on the distant campsite Peak Lake – I actually favored how the peaks mirrored on the waters of the lake and the way they pushed the Depart No Hint ideas, which made it a really pristine expertise!
15. Wyoming State Capitol, Cheyenne
I personally assume this stately constructing makes a terrific vacationer attraction! Listed as a Nationwide Historic Landmark, this website is famend for its elegant classical revival structure, putting gold dome, intricate and ornate inside design, and immaculately landscaped grounds.
It’s situated in Cheyenne, the capital metropolis of Wyoming within the southeastern a part of the state and its development was accomplished in 1890 with the aim of housing the Wyoming State Legislature and the places of work of the Governor of Wyoming.
I stayed right here for a number of hours and I took a stroll across the pretty gardens earlier than taking the attention-grabbing guided tour (which took an hour and was free!) and noticed the superbly restored interiors, seen historic displays, and admired grand staircase and stained glass all whereas studying in regards to the state’s political historical past and legislative course of on the identical time!
- Handle: Wyoming State Capitol, 200 West twenty fourth Avenue, Cheyenne, WY 82001
- Location Map
- Finest time to go to: Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM to five:00 PM
My private highlights…
- The immaculately saved gardens – I notably liked the massive bronze buffalo statue and the flower beds brimming with yellow marigolds.
16. The Pink Desert
This huge and untamed place at all times fascinates me! I believe it’s a surprising and memorable expanse which looks like entering into one other world, with its windswept sand dunes, rugged badlands, and countless open skies.
It sprawls throughout round 9,320 sq. miles and is 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. It’s residence to hardy pronghorns, wild horses, and a big number of hen species together with golden eagles and sage grouse.
I spent an attention-grabbing few days immersing myself within the magnificent surroundings by going dispersed tenting and taking my time to discover the huge landscapes of sand dunes and rock formations.
I additionally went on a enjoyable off-road automobile journey, hiked to the secluded Killpecker Sand Dunes – one of many largest dwelling dune methods within the US – and Adobe City stuffed with putting rock formations and badlands and admired the fascinating White Mountain Petroglyphs (historical rock carvings situated close to Rock Springs).
- Handle: south-central
- Location Map
- Finest time to go to: spring or fall (for many snug temperatures)
My private highlights…
- Occurring a enjoyable three day driving tour – I’ll at all times keep in mind waking up at daybreak to the surreal sight of the Killpecker Sand Dunes bathed in golden daylight!
17. Vedauwoo Recreation Space
This distinctive spot is commonly neglected! Though I personally discover it beautiful, with putting granite rock formations that rise dramatically from the rolling plains, it additionally options peaceable pine forests, open meadows, and winding trails.
Tucked away simply off Interstate 80, it’s situated roughly 16 miles east of Laramie and 24 miles west of Cheyenne within the southeastern a part of the state. Though it spans solely over 10 sq. miles of rugged terrain, its dense focus of distinctive geological options, together with the unbelievable Sherman Granite formations over 1 billion years previous, makes it common with climbers and hikers. The world additionally reaches elevations round 8,000 toes, including to its dramatic panorama.
I stayed for a day and a half and camped over within the well-equipped Vedauwoo Campground. I hiked the photogenic Field Canyon path, watched the rock climbers on the Sherman Granite formations and mountain biked on the rugged Turtle Rock Path and did my greatest to identify as a lot wildlife as I might – mule deer, moose, chipmunks, pine siskins and mountain bluebirds all name this place residence!
- Handle: Buford, WY 82052
- Location Map
- Finest time to go to: Could via September
My highlights….
- Mountaineering the Field Canyon Path – I actually liked how the pure partitions of granite which enveloped the path made me really feel closed off and remoted from the surface world!
18. Fossil Butte Nationwide Monument
I believe it is a actually fascinating spot! It additionally has a surreal magnificence which to me felt like stepping right into a time, with its beautiful excessive desert surroundings and completely preserved fossils that inform tales from thousands and thousands of years in the past – it’s like nature’s very personal museum!
Tucked away simply off Interstate 80, it’s situated roughly 16 miles east of Laramie and 24 miles west of Cheyenne within the southeastern a part of the state. Though it spans solely over 10 sq. miles of rugged terrain, its dense focus of distinctive geological options, together with the unbelievable Sherman Granite formations over 1 billion years previous, makes it common with climbers and hikers. The world additionally reaches elevations round 8,000 toes, including to its dramatic panorama
I spent a full day right here and noticed all of the customer heart’s intensive displays, went on fascinating two hour ranger-led guided hike, attended fossil preparation demonstrations to see paleontology in motion and loved scenic drives via the surreally lovely excessive desert terrain.
- Handle: 864 Rooster Creek Street Kemmerer, WY 83101
- Location Map
- Finest time to go to: Could via September
My favourite highlights…
- Driving from Kemmerer or Diamondville and heading in the direction of the monument utilizing Freeway 30 after which taking a secondary highway into the excessive desert terrain – all I might see was the wide-open areas, the occasional rocky outcrop and never a lot else!
19. Grand Targhee Ski Resort
This can be a very picturesque family-friendly ski resort! I personally assume it seems to be totally heavenly, with its countless snowy landscapes that make me really feel like I’ve stepped right into a winter wonderland. I additionally adore the breathtaking views of the Tetons and the laid-back, pleasant vibe right here.
I’t’s nestled on the western slope of the Teton Vary, simply west of Grand Teton Nationwide Park in Alta, close to the western a part of Wyoming close to the state’s border with Idaho. It affords over 2,600 acres of skiable diversified terrain – there’s mild slopes for rookies, intermediate runs, and difficult areas for superior skiers, together with wonderful off-piste choices. It’s additionally identified for its heavy snowfall, averaging round 500 inches yearly.
I keep right here for 3 days and went snowboarding, went snowshoeing alongside Rick’s Basin and Quakie Ridge, tried fat-biking on the Jolly Inexperienced Giants and Extra’s Mountain, went enjoyable tubing on the park close to the bottom of the resort and indulged within the welcoming après-ski scene!
- Location: Grand Targhee Resort, 3300 Ski Hill Street, Alta, WY 83414,
- Location Map
- Finest time to go to: December to March (as that is when the snowfall is the very best)
My highlights…
- Staying at attractive The Raven’s Nest – I liked the comfortable trendy decor, the darkish wooden flooring, the superior actual fire and the out of doors patio the place I sat at gazed the dreamy mountain views!
