Bordering Montana and South Dakota, this sparsely populated state attracts tens of millions with its “outlawish” vibe, windswept plains, nationwide parks, and distinctive geologic areas. Listed below are my favourite spots I’d like to share..
1. Bighorn Scenic Byway, Bighorn Nationwide Forest
I personally suppose this drive is actually breathtaking! It’s a 58-mile scenic journey which winds by way of towering peaks, historical untouched forests, cascading waterfalls, and expansive vistas – I really like how each rugged and serene the vibe is right here!
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 Medication Wheel Nationwide Historic Landmark and took within the unbelievable views of the Bighorn Mountains on the Cloud Peak Overlook and pulled over on the Medication Wheel Overlook, the place I noticed each the historic Medication Wheel and extra views of the sprawling mountains.
- Handle: U.S. Route 14
- Location Map
- Finest time to go to: spring to fall
My favourite highlights…
- Taking the easy-to-moderate path to Coney Creek Path Stull Lakes, and Coney Lake.
2. Cody
That is such a novel and characterful spot! It’s a historic Western city and to me it actually stands out due to its charming Western-style downtown, beautiful mountain backdrop and being a gateway to the world-famous Yellowstone Nationwide Park – I additionally love the way it feels adventurous however with a welcoming, small-town really feel!
Situated 52 miles east of Yellowstone Nationwide Park’s East Entrance, in Park County, within the northwestern a part of the state. It was famously based in 1896 by the legendary Buffalo Invoice Cody and at present it’s a really 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all of the Buffalo Invoice sights together with the Buffalo Invoice Middle of the West, strolled by way of the historic Outdated Path City, took a scenic drive alongside the Buffalo Invoice Cody Scenic Byway, exploring the paths within the close by Shoshone Nationwide Forest, and found the distinctive outlets and eating places within the fascinating downtown space.
- Customer Middle Handle: Cody Customer Middle 836 Sheridan Avenue,
Cody, WY 82414 - Location Map
- Finest time to go to: summer season and fall
My private highlights…
- Visiting the Buffalo Invoice Museum and seeing the fascinating reveals (equivalent to an enormous stuffed buffalo!) and studying all about Cody’s colourful historical past!
- Catching the Wild West Spectacular the Musical which was a very enjoyable dwell present.
3. Yellowstone Nationwide Park
This is without doubt one of the most well-known nationwide parks on the earth! It’s critically jaw-dropping with its effervescent geysers, colourful scorching springs, thundering waterfalls, extraordinary wildlife and untamed magnificence – it’s like entering into nature’s final showstopper!
It’s situated largely in northwestern Wyoming, with small parts extending into Montana and Idaho. It was established in 1872, as the primary nationwide park on the earth and spans over 2.2 million acres. It’s teeming with wildlife, together with majestic bison, bears, wolves, elk, moose, pronghorn, and a lot of fowl species.
I spent a rare 4 days right here and gazed on the much-loved Outdated Devoted geyser, found the unbelievable Grand Prismatic Spring, hiked a path to see the breathtaking Artist Level, noticed attractive wildlife in Lamar Valley, kayaked on the huge Yellowstone Lake, and witnessed the ability of 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…
- Seeing the beautiful Grand Prismatic Spring from the overlook on the Fairy Falls Path.
- Trying out the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and see the tallest waterfall within the park (which stands at 308 toes excessive).
4. Grand Teton Nationwide Park
This critically jaw-dropping spot by no means fails to win me over! I personally suppose its breathtakingly lovely with its jagged mountain peaks, shimmering alpine lakes, and wide-open valleys dotted with fascinating 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 the state. It spans over 310,000 acres with The Teton Vary, with peaks over 13,000 toes being a significant spotlight. The wildlife can be very spectacular 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 panoramic views from Sign Mountain, visited the fascinating historic barns at Mormon Row, kayaked on Snake River and watched the courageous rock climbers at Cascade Canyon.
My private highlights…
- Trying out the scenic large boulders situated alongside the Taggart path.
5. Buffalo
That is such a unusual and distinctive gem! It’s a former frontier city with a wealthy historical past however I feel it’s additionally very easy-on-the-eye in a quaint manner and is commonly talked about as being the state’s most lovely city.
It’s house to a really well-preserved historic downtown, elegant mountain views, and a peaceable, timeless small-town vibe that made me need to decelerate and keep awhile!
It’s nestled the bottom of the Bighorn Mountains making it a gateway to the Bighorn Nationwide Forest within the northeastern a part of the state. It dates again to 1879 as a frontier city however at present it’s solely house to round 4,500 residents.
I stayed right here for a weekend and that was sufficient to discover the fascinating historic Occidental Resort, 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 revel 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 yr spherical
My favourite highlights…
- Studying concerning the Well-known Visitors on the Occidental Resort – legends like Butch Cassidy, the Sundance Child, “Buffalo Invoice” Cody, Tom Horn, Teddy Roosevelt, and Calamity Jane have all been related to the lodge prior to now! I additionally discovered that Owen Wister additionally wrote components of The Virginian there, together with the well-known showdown scene!
- Eating on a hearty veggie brunch on the super-cute Busy Bee Cafe.
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. I really like that it presents a mixture of rugged journey and a peaceable escape.
Situated in each northeastern Utah and southwestern Wyoming, it spans round 207,363 acres and contains the scenic Uinta Mountains and surrounding the Inexperienced River and Flaming Gorge Reservoir. A various vary of wildlife additionally lives right here from bighorn sheep and mule deer to bald eagles and osprey.
I often keep right here for a 3 days at a time and discover the breathtaking vistas from Crimson 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 in all my journeys I took an enchanting guided tour of Flaming Gorge Dam (it was completely value it)!
- Guests Middle Handle: Flaming Gorge Dam Customer Middle 25 Utah Freeway 43, Dutch John, UT 84023
- Location Map
- Finest time to go to: spring to fall
My private highlights…
- Staying within the cozy cabins in Flaming Gorge Resort.
- Climbing the scenic Crimson Canyon Overlook by way of Canyon Rim Path (rated reasonable) took me previous beautiful surroundings.
7. Sizzling Springs State Park
I feel that is such a calming pure attraction! It’s additionally a beautiful magnificence spot with which mixes the soothing attract of pure scorching springs with distinctive and colourful mineral terraces, flower-filled gardens, and beautiful 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 Massive 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 house to bison, deer, and waterfowl.
I keep within the city of Thermopolis and spend a few days right here once I went to rejuvenate and soak within the soothing waters of the 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: Sizzling Springs State Park, 220 Park Avenue, Thermopolis, WY 82443
- Location Map
- Finest time to go to: spring to fall (however winter presents a novel soaking expertise)!
My private highlights…
- Tenting in a single day at Ten Sleep Brewing Co., subsequent to the placing, lovely crimson cliff Sign Butte.
- Climbing the T Hill Climbing Path (reasonable), which took me practically 2 hours to finish however the unbelievable views made it value it!
8. Devils Tower Nationwide Monument
That is each a placing 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 feels mystical and awe-inspiring.
Tucked away inside the Black Hills area within the northeastern a part of the state (close to the city of Hulett), one of many largest and most iconic examples of columnar jointing on the earth. It was shaped over 50 million years in the past Rises 867 toes from its base and 5,112 toes above sea degree. It’s additionally a sacred Web site, revered by a number of Native American tribes.
I got here right here on a day journey and hiked the scenic Tower Path for unbelievable up-close views of the towering columns, exploring the peaceable Joyner Ridge Path which had very good panoramic vistas, study its geological and cultural significance on the customer middle and watch courageous climbers deal with the dramatic rock faces!
- Customer Middle 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…
- Stopping by the customer middle, I discovered concerning the monument’s historical past and found all of the hidden gems within the space.
- Climbing the scenic Tower Path that took us in a loop across the magnificent rock formation.
9. Sinks Canyon State Park
That is an usually neglected hidden gem! Though it’s not essentially the most well-known park on this state full of present stopping wonders, I personally liked its distinctive geological rarities, just like the mysterious disappearing Popo Agie River, dramatic canyon partitions, historical forests – I discover it’s each peaceable and mysterious, with a contact of journey thrown in!
It has a beautiful location spanning 568 acres on the on the base of the southern Wind River Mountains within the central a part of the state (simply outdoors the city of Lander) and it’s house to wildlife together with moose, deer, bighorn sheep, and a various vary of fowl 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 beautiful Bruces Picnic Space.
- Handle: Sinks Canyon State Park 3079 Sinks Canyon Highway Lander, WY 82520
- Location Map
- Finest time to go to: summer season
My highlights…
- Having a picnic at Bruce Picnic Web site, the place I watched the gushing river as I ate.
- Taking newbie’s mountain climbing classes with Wind River Climbing Guides.
10. Jackson
Like many others 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, superb eating, artwork galleries and a potent combine of out of doors journey and western aptitude!
It enjoys a really 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. It has an elevation of 6,237 toes, a inhabitants of solely 10,500 residents and its a well-liked outside recreation hub in each summer season and winter.
I often spend a couple 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 go climbing in Grand Teton Nationwide Park, raft the Snake River, and bike on the scenic pathways within the surrounding wilderness, go to the Nationwide Elk Refuge and revel in all the luxurious facilities within the city.
- Handle: Jackson City Sq., 10 E Broadway Ave, Jackson, WY 83001
- Location Map
- Finest time to go to: spring to fall
My highlights…
- White-water rafting down the Snake River which was a really thrilling expertise!
11. Medication Bow Peak, Medication Bow Nationwide Forest
This distant and majestic place by no means fails to wow me! I really 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 Medication Bow Mountains, it’s situated within the Medication Bow-Routt Nationwide Forest within the southeastern a part of the state (close to the city of Laramie). It rises to 12,013 toes,
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 may simply see the magnificent Medication Bow Peak in addition to the attractive views of the encompassing mountains, alpine lakes, and meadows.
On my subsequent journey I went again for a two day journey and immersed myself within the pure magnificence by climbing the Medication Bow Peak Path and noticed beautiful summit views, explored Lakes Marie and Alice, drove the Snowy Vary Scenic Byway and noticed 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…
- Visiting the tranquil Lake Marie was a relaxing, zen-like expertise.
12. Bighorn Canyon Nationwide Recreation Space
This dramatic space by no means fails to wow me! It’s a jaw-dropping space house to steep dramatic cliffs, serene turquoise waters, and breathtaking views – to me it showcases the untamed wilderness of the American West! I feel it additionally feels a bit like a mini model of the extra well-known Grand Canyon.
It spans round 120,000 acres largely 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 lot of various sorts of birds all name this place house!
I spent a weekend right here tenting at Afterbay Campground and that was sufficient to squeeze in 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
13. Sheridan
I feel Sheridan is such a captivating place! It completely wins me over with its mixture of historic allure, Western-style buildings very good mountain views, and a really visually interesting downtown full of artwork galleries, native outlets, and tree-lined streets – I really like that it manages to really feel each rustic and refined on the similar time.
It’s location alongside the Bighorn River within the within the northern a part of the state signifies that it serves as a gateway to each the Bighorn Mountains and the close by Satan’s Tower Nationwide Monument. It dates again to 1882 and its Victorian-era buildings and Western-style structure stay intact even at present.
I spent a enjoyable weekend right here and explored the Sheridan Inn, a historic landmark as soon as frequented by Buffalo Invoice, visited the Path Finish State Historic Web site and took a tour of the grand mansion, found the downtown district with its distinctive outlets and artwork galleries, hiked the paths within the Bighorn Nationwide Forest and went boating at sundown at Lake DeSmet.
- Handle: Sheridan Metropolis Corridor, 55 Grinnell Plaza, Sheridan, WY 82801
- Location Map
- Finest time to go to: summer season
My private highlights…
- Climbing the reasonable Story Penrose Path which took me by way of the well-known peaks of the Bighorn Mountains – the views are beautiful!
- Eating on the quaint Cowboy Cafe, I extremely advocate the Apple rhubarb pie!
- Discovering native artwork on the Sheridan Russell Gallery.
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 that it exudes – I actually suppose it’s one of many state’s best-hidden gems.
It’s nestled within the Wind River Vary, inside the Bridger-Teton Nationwide Forest, within the western a part of the Wyoming and it’s recognized for its difficult terrain and high-altitude situations attracting skilled hikers and backpackers.
On my journey, I camped on the website at Peak Lake and spent three days having fun with tackling difficult backcountry trails, the attractive views of Massive Sandy Lake and Clearwater Lakes, backpacking by way of untouched wilderness and watching the courageous rock climbers on the breathtaking The Cirque of the Towers, an space full of placing granite spires!
- Customer Middle Handle: Elkhart Park Trailhead, Forest Highway 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 at Peak Lake – the surroundings was unbelievable!
- Stopping by The Cirque of the Towers and photographing the epic landmark.
15. Wyoming State Capitol, Cheyenne
It is a lovely constructing and an important vacationer attraction, so add it to your checklist of issues to do when visiting the state.
It’s situated in Cheyenne, the capital of Wyoming. Along with being an exquisite and stylish constructing, it’s one in all twenty state capitols designated as a historic landmark.
300 E. twenty first Avenue dates again to 1888 and is the seat of Wyoming’s government and legislative branches of presidency. It’s open to guests from Tuesday to Saturday.
Whereas right here, take a while to discover the remainder of town of Cheyenne and head for sights such because the Frontier Days Outdated West Museum, Cheyenne Botanic Gardens, Wyoming State Museum, the 1904 Historic Governors’ Mansion, and the Cheyenne Depot Museum.
- 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…
- Exploring the fascinating reveals hosted within the constructing.
- Exploring the close by lovely Botanic Gardens, which had been full of vibrant colours.
16. The Crimson Desert
This huge and untamed place at all times fascinates me! I feel it’s a shocking and memorable expanse which appears like entering into one other world, with its windswept sand dunes, rugged badlands, and infinite open skies.
17. Vedauwoo Recreation Space
This distinctive spot is commonly neglected! Though I personally suppose its beautiful with placing granite rock formations that rise dramatically from the rolling plains and peaceable pine forests, open meadows and winding trails.
18. Fossil Butte Nationwide Monument
I feel this can be 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 tens of millions of years in the past – it’s like nature’s very personal museum!
19. Grand Targhee Ski Resort
Situated roughly 90 miles from Jackson Gap, this ski resort is ideal for many who like to ski however don’t like different resorts’ lengthy wait occasions.
Snowfalls common about 500 inches per yr, with 5 lifts to make the most of.
Better of all, there are areas of the resort which can be nice for all ranges of skiers, from freshmen to essentially the most superior. As well as, you additionally get entry to snowshoeing and Nordic trails to get pleasure from, which is the icing on the cake for adventurous folks.
That is additionally an important place to have a enjoyable household outing.
- Location: Grand Targhee Resort, 3300 Ski Hill Highway, Alta, WY 83414,
- Location Map
- Finest time to go to: December to March (as that is when the snowfall is the most effective)
My highlights…
- Happening a scenic snowshoe tour within the winter, the snowy surroundings right here is simply beautiful!
- Going snowboarding after which retiring to a comfy lodge.
- Having fun with tubing, which was a enjoyable, family-friendly expertise!
