An explorer’s guide to the wonders of Wyoming
Check off your bucket list in the Northwest
From rolling plains and jutting mountains to rodeos, ranchers, and pioneers, Wyoming is a big state defined by its idyllic beauty and historic heritage. So, where should you start? A popular area for first-time visitors and seasoned travelers alike is the Northwest. Home to Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Park, Wind River Range, and Shoshone National Forest, there’s an abundance of stunning sights to see and outdoor adventures to be had in this diverse region.
Once you’ve hiked, climbed, and camped your way through the wilderness, take some time to embrace cowboy culture in Cody. During the summer, this Old West town hosts the Cody Nite Rodeo every evening, a bustling event with bull riding, tie-down roping, live music, and more. For greater cultural context, learn all about the Wild West and Plains Indian history at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, or, if you prefer, escape it all at the thermal baths of Hot Springs State Park just south of Cody in Thermopolis.
Discover iconic sites in the Northeast
Journey east from Cody and you’ll soon come across the Bighorn National Forest. Known for its dramatic valleys, fragrant forests, and beautiful alpine meadows, this center of outdoor recreation is great for trekking, camping, and fishing, with everything from black bears to golden eagles calling the region home. It’s also where you’ll find the Medicine Wheel, an Indigenous site constructed from limestone boulders 700 years ago. If you're an avid rock climber, head south from here to take on the ever-popular routes of Ten Sleep.
For even more remarkable sightseeing, detour through the quaint towns of Buffalo and Sheridan – where you can visit some of the state’s best museums – and make your way to the iconic Devils Tower National Monument. This sacred landmark not only plays an important role in Native American tradition but has grown to become a leading attraction for climbers and hikers, too.
Wander through history in the Southeast
Back in the early 19th century, Wyoming was an integral thoroughfare for pioneers migrating west. Today, you can still see remnants of the routes and learn all about the trials and tribulations of these old-world travelers at sites like Independence Rock and Fort Laramie National Historic Site. Many of the best-preserved are in southeast Wyoming, with museums like the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum shedding light on the lives of these early settlers.
If you do visit the museum, it’s well worth spending a couple more days in Cheyenne to explore the boutiques, cafés and galleries of the historic district, as well as the city’s many parks and boulevards, before taking a 30-minute drive west to the unspoiled wilds of Curt Gowdy State Park. For an adrenaline-fueled adventure, continue on to Vedauwoo Recreation Area and gear up for some of the best rock climbing and bouldering in the state.
Broaden your horizons in the Southwest
To truly experience the diversity of Wyoming, nothing compares to standing among the soaring sand dunes and serene plains of the Red Desert. A striking departure from the state’s snow-capped mountains and verdant greenery, natural wonders like the Killpecker Sand Dunes and Boar’s Tusk are unmissable attractions – and a perfect backdrop for dune-bashing adventures and backcountry camping.
As evening falls, make your way to Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area and gaze in wonder at sparkling constellations in the crystal-clear night sky. With near-zero light pollution, it's the ideal moment to press pause and take it all in. Beyond intrepid outdoor activities and stargazing, the region’s unique geology also makes it one of the best fossil-hunting destinations in the US. Head to Fossil Butte National Monument and Fossil Lake for a guided tour, then get hands-on by digging for your own fossils in a private quarry.
