Best Places to Visit in Wyoming, United States
Top Destinations in Wyoming List
Use our realistic List of the Best Places to Visit in Wyoming to plan your next adventure in the “Cowboy State”.
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Wyoming is a landlocked state in the Rocky Mountains region. It is the 10th largest state by area.
But the state is by far the least populous one in the nation. About ten percent of the state’s population reside in Cheyenne, WY, its capital and most populous city.
Wyoming has a lot of natural wonders. To be precise, Wyoming is home to 2 National Parks and 2 National Monuments. Both the first US national park and monument are in Wyoming.
The state has 4 National Historic Trails, 8 National Forests, and 12 State Parks. Most of Wyoming’s territory is under some type of protection.
There are a lot of sights to choose from. Continue with our Best Places to Visit in Wyoming List to pick the right sights for your next trip to the “Equality State”.
1. Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park claims the top spot on our Best Places to Visit in Wyoming List. While the park spans across three states, its major sights are in Wyoming.
The first national park in the world has it all: mountains and waterfalls, geysers and hot springs, lakes and wildlife. In fact, it might be easier to name the things Yellowstone does not have. Hotels and vacation rentals are sparse.
Budget at least 1.5 days to explore Yellowstone highlights:
- Catch an Old Faithful Geyser eruption
- Explore the Grand Prismatic Spring
- Walk on the Mammoth Hot Springs terraces
- Admire the Kepler Cascades
- Observe buffaloes from a safe distance
Keep in mind that most Yellowstone roads are open only between late spring and early fall. This leaves a short period each year to visit Yellowstone’s sights.
2. Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park is the second Best Place to Visit in Wyoming. The park is on the way from Yellowstone to Jackson, WY and Salt Lake City, UT. Both serve as gateways to this region’s sights.
If you made it to Yellowstone National Park, do not skip Grand Teton. You will not regret this decision.
The park’s three mountain peaks of the Grand Teton range will leave you speechless. You can choose to explore the park’s scenic overlooks.
But the park’s hiking trails are the real highlight. The trails bring you closer to the mountain peaks. And you can leave the crowds at the lakes. Budget enough time to find parking and complete the hikes. And do not forget: Grand Teton is in the bear country.
3. Beartooth Scenic Byway
The Beartooth Highway holds the title of the Best Scenic Drive in Wyoming. This highway is in the running for the Best Scenic Drive in the United States.
The Beartooth Highway connects Yellowstone National Park with Red Lodge, MT. It goes back and forth between Wyoming and Montana. It is free to drive on the Beartooth Highway. But the highway is only open in the summer.
The road gains about 4,500 ft (1,372 m) in elevation in just 30 miles (48 km). The Beartooth Pass is an experience not for the faint of heart.
Once there, you try skiing at one of the few summer ski areas in the country. And, if you are lucky, you could spot wildlife, from deer to bears.
4. Devils Tower National Monument
Devils Tower National Monument protects an impressive rock formation. You can hike one of the trails around the Tower. Please, follow the monument’s rules and regulations. This way, you can show respect to the sacred place.
To save money, stop at the the viewpoints on State Highway WY-24. You will get distant but free views of Devils Tower.
Devils Tower is far from Wyoming’s other scenic places. It might be best to add a visit to Devils Tower to your Black Hills itinerary. The river valley views would round up your visit to this national monument.
5. Bridger-Teton National Forest
Bridger-Teton National Forest is the only forest that made the list of Best Places to Visit in Wyoming. Its Snake River Canyon is a beautiful destination. It is well worth a stop on your way to Yellowstone and Grand Teton.
If you enjoy whitewater rafting, the Snake River is a place for you. Check out companies near Jackson, WY to book your tour.
Takeaways: Top Destinations in Wyoming
Wyoming is an amazing travel destination. It is easy to spend half a week exploring Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Driving through the Bridger-Teton National Forest and Beartooth Pass will add a few more days to your Wyoming trip.
And if you venture east to Devils Tower and Cheyenne, you can complete the entire state exploration in a week.
Remote location of many sights and lack of airport hubs are the only downsides when visiting Wyoming. Chances are you will be flying to Salt Lack City or Denver on your way to Wyoming’s sights.
It would take at least a day to reach Yellowstone or Black Hills from these airports. As a result, most trips to Wyoming would take about a week to complete.
Finding places to stay is also a challenge. Look into larger towns of Jackson, WY, Dubois, WY, Cody, WY, or Sundance, WY when searching for places to stay. In popular regions staying in other states might yield a better return.
Take a look at our Best Places to Visit in Wyoming Video List and visit our YouTube channel for the latest videos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yellowstone National Park is the most popular park in Wyoming. This park has almost every sight imaginable: from geysers and hot springs to waterfalls and scenic drives.
Wyoming has several unique places to visit:
– Yellowstone National Park
– Grand Teton National Park
– Beartooth Scenic Byway
– Devils Tower National Monument
– Bridger-Teton National Forest
Northwestern Wyoming is the prettiest part of the state. It is home to Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Beartooth Highway, and Bridger-Teton National Forest.
Jackson, WY is the most visited town in the state. Its airport is a gateway to Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Jackson Hole is also a popular mountain ski resort in the winter.
Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. But Yellowstone offers more scenic sights than Grand Teton.
– Late spring is the best time to visit Yellowstone and Grand Teton. The scenic drives are open. But the summer crowds have not arrived.
– Early summer is best for driving the Beartooth Highway.
– And early fall is the time to visit Devils Tower and Black Hills.
Safe realist travels!
