Wyoming Travel Guide: Wild Parks, Frontier Towns, and Sky-High Adventure

Intro to Wyoming Travel Guide

Wyoming is untamed, elemental, and breathtaking. With Yellowstone and Grand Teton among its crown jewels, the state invites you to witness geysers, wildlife, alpine peaks, and genuine Old West heritage. Whether you’re soaking in mountain hot springs or tracing wagon trails under an open sky, Wyoming’s vast landscapes and rich traditions promise something unforgettable.

Start your journey with our Wyoming Travel Guide and experience rugged beauty, outdoor freedom, historic towns, and unforgettable things to do in every corner of the Cowboy State.

Wyoming Cities and Major Destinations

Wyoming is sparsely populated but rich in distinctive towns, national parks, and high-elevation adventures.

Jackson
The most famous gateway town to Grand Teton and Yellowstone. Known for upscale mountain lodges, wildlife safaris, and an artsy downtown with rustic-chic appeal.

Cheyenne
The capital city and epicenter of Western culture. Visit during Cheyenne Frontier Days for rodeos, chuckwagon dinners, and cowboy parades.

Cody
Founded by Buffalo Bill, this town delivers Old West spirit with rodeos, museums, and Yellowstone’s east entrance just an hour away.

Laramie
A historic railroad and university town. Home to a lively arts scene, frontier architecture, and nearby Snowy Range trails.

Thermopolis
Famous for its natural hot springs and dinosaur museums. Relax in mineral pools or visit the Wyoming Dinosaur Center.

Casper
Located on the Oregon Trail, Casper blends museums with riverfront trails and nearby mountain hiking in the Laramie Range.

Sheridan
A small city with big cowboy flavor. Visit working ranches, historic hotels, and access to the Bighorn Mountains for outdoor adventures.

Pinedale
The quieter gateway to the Wind River Range. Great for solitude, glacier-fed lakes, and backcountry camping.

Buffalo
A stop along the Cloud Peak Scenic Byway. Explore historic inns, cowboy culture, and easy access to hiking in the Bighorns.

Evanston and Green River
Two of southwestern Wyoming’s underrated towns, good for road-trippers heading toward Utah, with scenic drives and fishing access.

How to Choose Where to Go in Wyoming

Wyoming’s destinations vary by region and terrain. Here’s how to plan your route:

For national parks and wildlife: Base in Jackson, Cody, or Dubois for access to Grand Teton and Yellowstone. Go in late spring through fall.

For frontier history and rodeos: Visit Cheyenne, Cody, or Sheridan for museums, live events, and Western heritage.

For hiking and climbing: Choose Pinedale, Lander, or Buffalo to explore the Wind River Range and Bighorn Mountains.

For hot springs and geology: Head to Thermopolis or Saratoga to soak in mineral waters and learn about Wyoming’s volcanic roots.

For road trips and remote escapes: Try the Snowy Range Scenic Byway, Cloud Peak Highway, or Flaming Gorge routes. Great in summer and early fall.

For university towns and breweries: Explore Laramie or Casper for a mix of culture, local food, and mountain access.

Natural Escapes and Scenic Highlights

From bubbling geysers and alpine meadows to desert basins and jagged peaks, Wyoming is defined by its natural spaces.

Yellowstone National Park
America’s first national park, spanning volcanic landscapes, geysers, hot springs, and vast wildlife habitats. Don’t miss Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, Lamar Valley, and Yellowstone Lake.

Grand Teton National Park
Jagged mountains rise dramatically over meadows and glacial lakes. Explore Jenny Lake, Snake River, Mormon Row, and hikes like Cascade Canyon.

Wind River Range
A remote and rugged mountain range with granite spires, alpine lakes, and the Continental Divide Trail. Backpacking, fishing, and serious climbs abound.

Bighorn Mountains
Accessible yet uncrowded. Offers scenic drives, waterfalls, forest trails, and Cloud Peak Wilderness. Great for day hikes and wildlife viewing.

Devils Tower National Monument
A sacred Indigenous site and America’s first national monument. Towering rock columns attract climbers and visitors intrigued by its alien beauty.

Hot Springs State Park (Thermopolis)
Free outdoor soaking pools fed by the world’s largest mineral hot spring. The walking bridge over the Bighorn River offers panoramic views.

Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area
Straddling the Wyoming-Utah border, this reservoir is perfect for boating, cliff jumping, and camping beside dramatic red canyon walls.

Snowy Range Scenic Byway
Crosses the Medicine Bow Mountains west of Laramie. High-elevation lakes, wildflower meadows, and quick access to trailheads.

Killpecker Sand Dunes
One of North America’s largest active dune fields. Located in southwest Wyoming, it’s a hidden gem for off-roading and photography.

Red Desert and Great Divide Basin
A remote and otherworldly high desert, often overlooked by travelers. Expect solitude, wild horses, and unique rock formations.

Cultural and Historic Landmarks

Wyoming’s story is shaped by Indigenous nations, homesteaders, outlaws, and explorers.

Buffalo Bill Center of the West (Cody)
A five-museum complex covering Western art, Native American culture, natural history, and the life of Buffalo Bill.

Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum
Explore the history of the world’s largest outdoor rodeo, along with Western tack, art, and antique carriages.

Fort Laramie National Historic Site
Once a military outpost and stop on the Oregon Trail, the fort’s restored buildings and costumed interpreters bring 19th-century frontier life to vivid detail.

Wyoming Territorial Prison (Laramie)
Formerly home to outlaw Butch Cassidy. Tour preserved cells and learn about the Wild West justice system.

Heart Mountain Interpretive Center (near Cody)
A sobering site of a World War II Japanese-American internment camp. Thoughtful exhibits connect past injustices to modern civil rights issues.

Fossil Butte National Monument
Preserves fossil-rich limestone beds that date back over 50 million years. Explore ancient fish, leaves, and reptiles at the visitor center.

Indigenous Landmarks
Respectful visits to Medicine Wheel (Bighorn Mountains) or Wind River Indian Reservation offer insight into the Arapaho and Shoshone communities.

Historic Downtowns
Wander old storefronts and saloons in Sheridan, Buffalo, and Cody. Many towns have preserved their 19th-century facades and frontier charm.

Local Food, Arts and Experiences

Wyoming’s cuisine reflects ranching roots, regional pride, and a growing farm-to-table movement shaped by high-altitude living and heritage ingredients.

Steaks and Wild Game
Expect high-quality bison, elk, and beef served in ranch lodges and local steakhouses. Prime rib, venison sausage, and bison burgers are staples in Jackson, Cody, and Sheridan.

Cowboy Comforts
Try chicken-fried steak, pot pies, sourdough pancakes, and fry bread tacos. Chuckwagon dinners are offered at dude ranches and tourist ranches across the state.

Craft Beer and Local Spirits
Wyoming’s breweries are booming. Snake River Brewing (Jackson), Roadhouse Brewing, Melvin Brewing (Alpine), and Accomplice Beer Co. (Cheyenne) are local favorites. For spirits, try Backwards Distilling (Casper) or Pine Bluffs Distilling for whiskey and vodka.

Sweets and Pie Stops
Classic diners serve huckleberry pie, rhubarb tarts, and cowboy cookies. Look for pie cafés along scenic byways and in towns like Thermopolis and Dubois.

Farmers Markets and Co-ops
Find pasture-raised meats, cheeses, and produce at markets in Jackson, Laramie, and Casper during summer months. Wyoming’s short growing season means fresh, seasonal meals are well appreciated.

Western Arts and Culture
Explore galleries in Jackson’s Center for the Arts, Native beadwork at Wind River artisan shops, and the Sheridan WYO Rodeo art exhibit. Cody’s nightly gunfight show and music saloons bring history to life.

Festivals

• Cheyenne Frontier Days (late July): Ten-day rodeo with parades, concerts, and bull riding
• Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival (September): Gallery walks, auction sales, and plein-air events
• Cody Stampede Rodeo (early July): Classic Western event with fireworks and daily rodeos
• Laramie Jubilee Days (July): Small-town fun with rodeo, carnival rides, and pancake breakfasts
• Thermopolis Brewfest (August): Craft beer, live music, and local vendors in a hot springs setting

Discover top-rated Wyoming tours and experiences, and explore the best things to do in Wyoming — from food walks and tram rides to palace day trips and sunset cruises. Book early for exclusive access and flexible cancellation.

Must-See Experiences in Wyoming

Here are some of the most iconic adventures that bring Wyoming to life:

Watch Old Faithful erupt
Yellowstone’s most famous geyser shoots boiling water more than 100 feet into the air every 60 to 90 minutes. Arrive early to beat the crowds.

Drive the Beartooth Highway
Often called one of America’s most scenic roads, this high-altitude drive connects Red Lodge (Montana) to Yellowstone’s northeast entrance via alpine switchbacks and jaw-dropping views.

Hike Jenny Lake and Cascade Canyon
Take the boat shuttle across the lake and hike into Grand Teton’s core. Moose sightings are common and the scenery is unbeatable.

Attend a real Western rodeo
Whether in Cheyenne, Cody, or a small-town event, live rodeo showcases Wyoming’s cowboy spirit in action.

Soak in mineral hot springs
Relax in Thermopolis’s free public bathhouse, Saratoga Hot Springs, or in private pools with mountain views.

Photograph bison and bears in Lamar Valley
Known as America’s Serengeti, this stretch of Yellowstone is ideal for wildlife watching at dawn and dusk.

Go fly fishing in alpine streams
The Snake River, Green River, and Wind River Range offer pristine waters for trout fishing. Local guides can take you to backcountry spots.

Stargaze in a dark sky park
Wyoming’s remote location means truly star-filled nights. Visit Devils Tower, Bighorn Basin, or remote state parks for Milky Way views.

Getting Around Wyoming

With few cities and wide-open distances, travel here is self-reliant and scenic.

By Car
A car is essential. Rent a 4WD or AWD vehicle in winter or if you plan to drive forest roads. Gas stations are sparse in some regions — refuel often.

By Air
Main airports:

• Jackson Hole Airport (JAC): Closest to Grand Teton and Yellowstone
• Yellowstone Regional (Cody): Seasonal access to the park’s east side
• Casper-Natrona County Airport (CPR): Central access to state
• Cheyenne Regional Airport (CYS): Regional connections
• Riverton Regional Airport (RIW): Entry to Wind River and Dubois

By Train or Bus
No Amtrak service. Greyhound runs limited routes to Cheyenne and Casper. Local shuttles serve Jackson to Grand Teton and Yellowstone areas in summer.

By RV or Campervan
Popular for national park trips. Campgrounds book early, and dump stations are not everywhere — plan ahead.

By Bike or Horseback
Jackson, Laramie, and Casper have bike paths. Horseback tours are popular in Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and ranches across the state.

Best Time to Visit Wyoming

Seasons in Wyoming shape every experience. Here’s when to go:

• Spring (April to June)
  Parks start reopening, wildflowers bloom in the Tetons, and wildlife is active. Be aware of snowpack at high elevations and road closures in May.
• Summer (July to mid-September)
  Peak for hiking, road trips, and national parks. Lodging and parks are busiest. Great for rodeos, festivals, and alpine adventures.
• Fall (mid-September to October)
  Fewer crowds, golden aspens, elk rut in the Tetons, and crisp hiking conditions. Ideal for scenic drives and photography.
• Winter (November to March)
  Snow blankets the mountains. Ski in Jackson Hole or Snowy Range, snowmobile in Yellowstone, or join a winter wildlife tour. Some park roads are closed but lodges in the north remain open.

Best Travel Itineraries in Wyoming

These routes showcase the state’s best regions and landscapes:

Classic National Parks Loop (7–9 Days)
Jackson → Grand Teton → Yellowstone → Cody
Ideal for first-time visitors. Combines wildlife, geysers, mountains, and frontier towns.

4-Day Wind River Escape
Pinedale → Wind River Range → Dubois
Great for solitude, lake hikes, and Wind River Reservation culture.

6-Day Wild West Road Trip
Cheyenne → Casper → Cody → Sheridan
Mixes cowboy towns, Old West museums, and the Bighorn Mountains.

5-Day Geology and Hot Springs Trail
Thermopolis → Fossil Butte → Flaming Gorge
Perfect for families and geology lovers. Add kayaking or rafting to mix it up.

3-Day Teton Adventure
Jackson → Jenny Lake → Signal Mountain
Short but spectacular — sunrise hikes, float trips, and wildlife drives.

Travel Safety and Etiquette in Wyoming

Keep your travels safe and respectful with these local tips:

• Give wildlife space. Stay 100 yards from bears and wolves, 25 yards from bison and elk
• Check road conditions and weather before every mountain drive
• Carry bear spray and know how to use it, especially in park areas
• Pack out trash. Litter and feeding animals are serious issues in wild areas
• Respect Native lands and permit zones
• Tip your guides, wranglers, and servers. Many work seasonally and depend on gratuity
• Book early for summer parks, cabins, and campgrounds

Nearby States to Explore

Wyoming sits at the heart of the Mountain West, ideal for regional combos:

• Montana Big Sky Country
  North to Big Sky, Bozeman, and Glacier National Park. Ideal continuation from Yellowstone.
• Colorado Alpine Adventures
  South to Fort Collins, Rocky Mountain National Park, and alpine towns.
• Utah Canyon Wonders
  Southwest to Flaming Gorge and onward to Arches, Zion, or Bryce.
• Scenic Idaho Getaways
  West to the Tetons, Sawtooths, and river towns. Pair with Yellowstone’s west entrance.
• South Dakota Monument Trails
  East to the Black Hills, Badlands, and Mount Rushmore. Connect through Devils Tower.

Final Planning Checklist for Wyoming

• Reserve national park lodging and permits at least 3 months ahead
• Pack layers, sunscreen, and water — even in cooler months
• Bring a paper map or GPS — reception is limited outside towns
• Watch for wildlife on roads, especially at dawn and dusk
• Include at least one state park, mountain trail, and hot spring
• Rent a car or camper suited to rugged terrain
• Download or print trail maps, scenic byway guides, and park alerts before departure
• Don’t overpack your days — leave time for spontaneous views, hikes, and slower moments

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