Wyoming Rocky Mountains, USA Travel Guide
Wyoming features world-renowned natural landmarks that draw visitors from around the globe.
Yellowstone National Park (Established 1872) is a vast wilderness area spanning several states, with its major attractions concentrated in Wyoming.
Park entrances open seasonally. An entrance fee of $35 per vehicle for 7 days (as of late 2023) applies. Check the NPS Grand Teton website for details and seasonal closures.
Comprehensive complex with five museums: Draper Natural History, Plains Indian, Buffalo Bill, Cody Firearms, and Whitney Western Art Museum. Extensive collections on Western art, natural history, firearms, and Native American culture. Admission fee applies (approx. $25 for adults). Allow a full day.
Focuses on the history of Jackson Hole, including Native American presence, the fur trade, homesteading, and ranching. Offers local historical context.
Features art from ancient to contemporary, all focused on wildlife. Includes works by artists like Carl Rungius and Georgia O'Keeffe. The museum overlooks the National Elk Refuge.
Covers the natural and cultural history of Wyoming, from dinosaurs and geology to modern industries. Admission is free, an accessible option for learning about the state.
Wyoming offers several museums and cultural institutions that highlight its natural history, Western heritage, and art. They provide context and enrichment for your visit.
Wyoming's historical sites offer glimpses into its past, from westward expansion to the Cold War era.
Various interpretive sites and preserved segments of these historic wagon trails are found across Wyoming, specifically in the central and eastern parts of the state. Register Cliff, Independence Rock, and Fort Laramie National Historic Site are prominent points of interest.
These sites allow visitors to walk in the footsteps of pioneers and experience the challenges of westward expansion.
Near Guernsey, a significant 19th-century military post and fur trade center. It was instrumental in westward expansion and the signing of Indian treaties. The site is open year-round, offering self-guided tours and living history demonstrations in summer.
Near Cheyenne, a preserved Cold War-era missile site, providing tours of a deactivated Minuteman missile launch control center. This site offers an unique perspective on a different aspect of U.S. History.
Near Cody, this center commemorates the Heart Mountain Relocation Center, one of ten Japanese American incarceration camps during WWII. It features exhibits and restored structures that tell a powerful story of civil liberties during wartime.
A preserved 1860s gold mining town near Lander. It offers a glimpse into Wyoming's boom-and-bust past and the lives of early settlers.
This refuge serves as the winter home to thousands of elk. Sleigh rides are available in winter for up-close viewing opportunities. A popular spot for wildlife photography.
Features the world's largest mineral hot spring. The park offers free public bathing in a 104°F (40°C) pool for 20 minutes, alongside commercial bathhouses with larger pools and slides.
This forest boasts diverse landscapes, including mountains, canyons, and alpine lakes. It is popular for hiking, camping, and scenic drives, like the Bighorn Scenic Byway.
Beyond the national parks, Wyoming features numerous other natural attractions worth exploring.
Discover some of Wyoming's lesser-known but equally captivating hidden gems.
These destinations often offer unique experiences with fewer crowds, providing a more intimate connection with Wyoming's diverse landscapes and history.
A vast, ecologically unique high desert landscape featuring sand dunes, buttes, and free-roaming wild horses. This remote area has opportunities for solitude and unique wildlife viewing.
Southwest Wyoming/Northeast Utah, a spectacular canyon carved by the Green River. It features red rock cliffs, a large reservoir, and offers excellent fishing, boating, and hiking opportunities.
Less crowded than the national parks, these forests offer excellent hiking, camping, and scenic drives, especially the Snowy Range Scenic Byway (seasonal).
A picturesque valley in western Wyoming known for its dairy farms, small towns, and the unique Intermittent Spring, which flows and stops on a cycle.
Wyoming’s diverse attractions cater to many interests, from historical exploration to natural wonders.
An archaeological site where Native Americans hunted bison for centuries. It provides insights into their hunting methods and culture. A fascinating historical and scientific site.
A rich dinosaur fossil quarry historically significant in the 'Bone Wars' of the 19th century. Visitors can see interpretive displays and learn about Wyoming's prehistoric past.
Beyond the popular parks, explore scenic byways like the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway near Cody or the Beartooth Highway (seasonal) for breathtaking views and photography opportunities.
For the most current information on opening hours, entrance fees, and trail conditions for national parks and monuments, always check the official National Park Service websites.
Yellowstone NPS WebsiteLocal tourism boards in towns like Jackson, Cody, and Cheyenne offer detailed guides, maps, and events calendars. These resources often provide localized insights.
Travel Wyoming WebsiteFor tours and guided experiences, platforms like GetYourGuide offer a range of options, from wildlife safaris to whitewater rafting trips.
GetYourGuide WebsiteWyoming weather can change rapidly. Check forecasts and real-time road conditions (especially for mountain passes and seasonal park roads) before heading out.
Wyoming DOT Road InfoStart your visit at a visitor center in national parks or major towns for up-to-date information, maps, and ranger insights.
Wyoming's museums provide a understanding of its history, culture, and natural heritage.
Explore sites that tell the story of westward expansion, military history, and pivotal moments in U.S. History.
Entrance fees for national parks and monuments are typically valid for 7 days. Consider purchasing an America the Beautiful Pass if you plan to visit multiple federal sites across the U.S. Within a year.
Check for timed entry or reservation systems for popular parks like Yellowstone or Grand Teton, especially during peak season, as these can be implemented to manage visitor flow.
Wyoming's natural landscapes are its greatest treasures, offering breathtaking vistas and unique geological phenomena.
The dramatic Teton Range and pristine lakes create a breathtaking skyline. The park is popular for hiking, boating, and scenic views.
An iconic laccolithic butte, Devils Tower is sacred to Native American tribes and a popular climbing destination. It was the first National Monument in the U.S.
Near Jackson Hole, this refuge serves as the winter home to thousands of elk, providing an unique opportunity for wildlife viewing.
A significant conservation area for the largest elk herd in the world.
Located in Thermopolis, this park features the world's largest mineral hot spring.
A perfect spot for relaxation and therapeutic soaking in natural hot spring waters.
This forest boasts diverse landscapes, including mountains, canyons, and alpine lakes, offering extensive outdoor recreation.
A less crowded alternative to the national parks for nature immersion.
Some hidden gems are remote. Carry extra water, snacks, and a first-aid kit. Inform someone of your itinerary.
Road conditions to lesser-known sites can vary, especially seasonally. Always check local advisories or call ahead.
When exploring natural hidden gems, practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve their pristine condition for future visitors.
