A visit to Wyoming gives you plenty of opportunities to explore its natural beauty and cultural offerings. This American state has parks, museums, breweries, and lots of other attractions. Some call Wyoming the ‘Cowboy State’ and consider it the last bastion of the West. The state is divided into several regions that guide you through its different parts.
Besides discovering the majestic attractions of this state, you’ll also get the chance to embark on some outdoor adventures. The rugged landscapes in this part of the world provide ideal settings for such activities. However, here we’ll focus on the best attractions you can explore in Wyoming.
1. Jackson
This charismatic town is the gateway to Grand Teton National Park. You’ll feel the spirit of the Wild West in Jackson. It is located at the foot of the magnificent Teton Mountains and has many charming features that delight tourists. While getting around in this town, you’ll come across rustic buildings of wood.
Adding charm to the town of Jackson are some quaint shops, restaurants, and galleries. Jackson is also a popular place to stop while getting to the Yellowstone National Park. On the borders of this town is the National Elk Refuge. It protects the world’s largest herd of wintering elk.
Another great place you can visit while touring Jackson is the National Museum of Wildlife Art. Located to the south of the town, it houses over 4,000 works of art.
2. Yellowstone National Park
A geothermal wonder, Yellowstone National Park is home to some marvelous gifts of nature. This park was established in the late 19th century and is the first and oldest national park in the world. Here, you’ll find steaming hot springs, hissing natural geysers, and bubbling mud pots.
They were formed as a result of volcanic activities millions of years ago. The park is also home to some amazing spots where you’ll find an abundant wildlife. You’ll see herds of bison roaming around freely in the valleys. Other wild animals that you’ll get to see in this park are wolves, black bears, and trumpeter swans.
A drive through the park would allow you to witness all those marvelous sights. Another great option for exploring the park’s ecosystems would be to hike through the vast network of trails. You can also stay in one of the scenic campgrounds in the park to experience the wilderness.
3. Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park is home to over 300 species of birds, freshwater fish, and 60 species of mammals. This is why the park has become a paradise for photographers, hikers, wildlife lovers, and kayakers. A visit to this national park will also give you the chance to witness the mighty Teton Mountain Range. The mountains date back millions of years.
The highest among them is the Grand Teton, which has a height of 13,770 feet. Of course, the best way to explore the awe-inspiring sights of this park is hiking. This national park witnesses a heavy rush of visitors during summers. Around this time of the year, hiking trails on the high mountain are completely free of snow. You can also visit Grand Teton National Park during spring or fall.
4. Cheyenne
Named after the Cheyenne Indians, this is the capital city of Wyoming. You can learn the history of Cheyenne by visiting its museums and historic sites. One of them is the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum. It will give you a glimpse of the Wild West with some antique items and exhibits.
The city was once the United States Cavalry’s largest outpost. Other fascinating attractions worth visiting in the city is the Wyoming State Capitol Building and the Wyoming State Museum.
5. Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area
Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area has been named after the attractive red sandstone cliffs at this place. This recreational spot in Wyoming is also home to the Flaming Gorge Reservoir, which is fed by waters of the Green River. It gives you the chance to indulge in some exciting water-based activities.
They are swimming, boating, fishing, and kayaking. If you’re seeking some extreme adventures outdoors, try rafting in the waters of the Green River. Don’t miss visiting the Red Canyon Vista and Visitor Center. You’ll get to savor some fabulous views of the gorge from this place.
6. Bridger-Teton National Forest
You’ll come across three wilderness areas in the Bridger-Teton National Forest. One is the Bridger Wilderness, located in the Wind River Mountains. It houses the Gannett Peak, which is the highest point in Wyoming. The Bridger Wilderness area is also home to some of the largest glaciers in the world.
Another wilderness area is the Teton Wilderness, where you’ll find grizzlies, bisons, and wolves. The third wilderness area is Gros Ventre Wilderness, which has some charming geological features. The Lower Slide Lake in this area was created when the Gros Ventre Slide carved down a mountainside in 1925.
7. Hot Springs State Park
Located in the town of Thermopolis is the largest single mineral hot spring in the world. The Hot Springs State Park has been built around this spring, providing a wonderful space to stop and relax. The steamy mineral water is channeled into bathhouses when it flows from Big Spring. In the bathhouses, the temperature is kept constant at 104-Degree Fahrenheit.
You can choose to soak yourself in the indoor or outdoor pools. While exploring the Hot Springs State Park, you’ll also find hiking trails, summer flower gardens, and petroglyphs. Also located in this park is the Rainbow Terrace, where water from a stream flows into the Bighorn River.
8. The Wind River Range
Get to the Wind River Range if you wish to escape the bustling crowds and enjoy the apine scenery. This area encompasses seven glaciers, lush meadows, snow-capped peaks, valleys, and waterways. Spread across 2.25 million acres, the Wind River Range offers hiking, fishing, hunting, camping, and climbing opportunities.
There are over 600 miles of trails for hikers, which includes the Continental Divide Scenic National Trail. This particular trail runs from Canada to Mexico! You’ll have an 80-mile stretch of this trail in this region. It reaches an elevation of 11,000 feet and offers great hiking experiences in August and September. These are the months when this trail is free of snow.
