25 Best Things to Do in Wyoming: The Ultimate Guide

You are looking for true adventure, wide-open spaces, and a connection to the untamed spirit of the American West. Wyoming delivers all of this on a scale that is hard to comprehend until you see it with your own eyes. This state is not just about Yellowstone; it is home to dramatic mountain ranges, prehistoric fossils, and small towns that still live by the Cowboy Code.

Whether you are planning a family road trip to the national parks or seeking solitude in the backcountry, this guide covers the essential stops and local secrets you need to know.

National Parks & Monuments

Wyoming is synonymous with pristine nature. The state houses some of the most iconic protected lands in the world. You should prioritize these locations, but remember that early mornings are your best friend to avoid crowds and spot wildlife.

Yellowstone National Park

This is likely the main reason you are visiting. As the world's first national park, Yellowstone offers a surreal landscape. You must see Old Faithful erupt, but do not stop there. Walk the boardwalks at the Grand Prismatic Spring to see the rainbow-colored waters and hike down to the roaring Lower Falls in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

For a deeper connection with nature, drive to the Lamar Valley at dawn. This area is often called the American Serengeti because you have a high chance of spotting bison herds, wolves, and grizzly bears. Keep in mind that the park is massive. Since Wyoming ranks high among us states by size area, driving from one landmark to another takes time.

Grand Teton National Park

Just south of Yellowstone lies a landscape that feels completely different. The Teton Range rises abruptly from the valley floor without foothills. You should hike around Jenny Lake or take the shuttle boat across for a shorter trek to Hidden Falls. For photography enthusiasts, Mormon Row and Schwabacher Landing at sunrise provide that perfect reflection of the mountains.

Devils Tower National Monument

Rising out of the rolling prairie in northeastern Wyoming, this geologic feature is mesmerizing. It was the first national monument in the United States. You can hike the Tower Trail, a paved loop around the base, to see the massive igneous rock columns up close.

Fossil Butte National Monument

If you are interested in what Wyoming looked like 50 million years ago, this is the place. Located in the southwest, it holds some of the best-preserved freshwater fish fossils in the world. You can even join a quarry program to dig for fossils yourself.

Authentic Wild West Experiences

Wyoming embraces its cowboy heritage more than any other state. If you want to understand the culture, you need to step away from the hiking trails and into the towns.

Cheyenne Frontier Days & Museums

If your trip aligns with the last week of July, you are in luck. The Daddy of 'em All is the world's largest outdoor rodeo. But Cheyenne is worth a visit year-round. Visit the Cheyenne Depot Museum to learn about railroad history and see the Big Boy Steam Engine in Holliday Park.

Buffalo Bill Center of the West (Cody)

Located near the east entrance of Yellowstone, this is not just one museum; it is a complex of five world-class museums under one roof. You can explore the Plains Indian Museum, the Draper Natural History Museum, and the Cody Firearms Museum. Afterward, catch the Cody Nite Rodeo, which runs every night during the summer.

Wyoming Frontier Prison (Rawlins)

For those interested in the darker side of history and dark tourism, a stop here is essential. This historic prison housed some of the West's most notorious outlaws. The guided tours are chilling and offer a stark look at justice on the frontier.

Historic Oregon Trail Sites

Near the town of Guernsey, you can physically walk in the Oregon Trail Ruts, where iron-rimmed wagon wheels carved deep grooves into solid sandstone. Just a few miles away, visit Register Cliff, where thousands of emigrants carved their names into the soft rock as they headed west in the 1800s.

Fort Laramie National Historic Site

Once a major trading post and military garrison, this site is crucial to understanding the expansion of the West. You can walk through restored buildings and chat with living history interpreters who bring the 19th century back to life.

Outdoor Adventures & Wildlife

After sightseeing, switch gears to active adventure.

Jackson Hole & Wildlife Art

While famous for the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and its world-class skiing, the town offers more. In winter, take a sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge, where thousands of elk winter in the valley. Art lovers must visit the National Museum of Wildlife Art, built into a hillside overlooking the refuge.

Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area

Straddling the Utah border, this massive reservoir offers a stark contrast of red rocks and deep blue water. It is a paradise for fishing, boating, and hiking. The views from the Red Canyon Overlook are breathtaking.

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Often overlooked, this canyon offers dramatic cliffs and solitude. You can take a boat tour or kayak through the winding waterways. Keep an eye out for the wild horses of the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range nearby.

Vedauwoo Recreation Area

Located between Cheyenne and Laramie, this area is famous for its gravity-defying rock formations. It is a playground for rock climbers and hikers. The Turtle Rock trail provides an excellent loop for viewing the unique geology.

Sinks Canyon State Park

Near Lander, the Popo Agie River mysteriously vanishes into a limestone cavern (The Sinks) and reappears a quarter-mile down the canyon (The Rise). It is a geological oddity you have to see to believe.

Hot Springs & Relaxation

Geothermal activity isn't limited to Yellowstone.

Hot Springs State Park (Thermopolis)

Relax in the world's largest mineral hot spring. The state park offers a free bathhouse where you can soak in the healing waters. The town is quirky and quiet. If you are a fan of hot springs, you should also check out the best idaho hot springs nearby, as the geology of the region ignores state borders.

Saratoga Hobo Hot Springs

For a more rustic experience, head to Saratoga. The Hobo Pool is free, open 24/7, and located right by the North Platte River. It is a favorite among locals and weary travelers.

Prehistoric Wyoming

Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite

Walk where dinosaurs walked. Located near Shell, this site features a vast expanse of fossilized tracks from the Middle Jurassic period. It is an open landscape where you can get close to the prehistoric footprints.

Tate Geological Museum (Casper)

Meet Dee, the Columbian Mammoth. This museum at Casper College is a hidden gem for fossil lovers. It is small but packed with impressive specimens found right in Wyoming.

Scenic Drives

Driving in Wyoming is an attraction in itself.

• Beartooth Highway: Connects Red Lodge to Yellowstone. It climbs to nearly 11,000 feet and offers alpine lakes and glaciers.
• Cloud Peak Skyway: Crossing the Bighorn Mountains, this route offers smoother curves and spectacular forest views.
• Chief Joseph Scenic Byway: This road links Cody to the Beartooth Highway and offers stunning vistas and history related to the Nez Perce tribe.

Practical Tips for Your Wyoming Trip

A trip here requires preparation. The environment is rugged.

• Vehicle Choice: You definitely need a car. A vehicle with high clearance is better for exploring backroads.
• Altitude Awareness: Much of Wyoming sits above 6,000 feet. Drink plenty of water to avoid altitude sickness.
• Weather Readiness: It can snow in June. Always pack layers.
• Time Management: Distances are vast. Also, be aware of time changes if you cross state lines, as there are nearby states with two time zones, though Wyoming stays on Mountain Time.
• Connectivity: Download offline maps before you head out; cell service is rare in remote areas.

Planning your route carefully ensures you spend less time driving and more time experiencing the grandeur of the Cowboy State. Enjoy the freedom of the open road.