Wyoming may be the least populated state in the country, but it certainly doesn’t lack natural beauty. With less than 600,000 residents, there are thousands of miles of wide open spaces that are home to some of the country’s wildest animals and stunning sights.
The two main attractions in Wyoming sit side-by-side with Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, but that isn’t all there is to see Cowboy State.
It is also home to one of the most underrated and under-visited mountain ranges in the country, massive canyons, unique geological formations, and the largest natural hot spring in the world!
So sit back, or hop in the car, and come along as we explore the sights around Wyoming that should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone coming in first should be no surprise to anyone. Known for being America’s first national park, Yellowstone is home to sights found nowhere else in the country, like multicolored thermal pools, geysers both big and small, bubbling mud pots, and more wildlife than you can shake a stick at.
When you’re done with those sights, there are still massive canyons, waterfalls, and some of the most epic fly fishing in the country.
Grand Teton National Park
Just to the south of Yellowstone sits Grand Teton National Park. The mountain range at the heart of the park is perhaps the most photogenic in the country as it rises dramatically from the valley floor below. Fun fact: this valley floor is called Jackson Hole, and the town itself is just Jackson.
Keep an eye out for the moose, elk, bear, and bison that frequently frame themselves for the perfect shot directly in front of this stunning mountain range.
Devils Tower National Monument
Devils Tower is one of the most unique geological formations in the entire country. This striking rock formation rises over 1,200 feet above the surrounding grasslands and is the largest example of columnar jointing in the world.
The tower is a popular spot for climbers and photographers for its striking appearance in an otherwise unremarkable landscape.
Jackson Hole
The city of Jackson (commonly referred to as Jackson Hole) is a western outpost that sits just outside of the boundaries of Grand Teton National Park. This area has become the go-to vacation home spot for the rich and famous and is generally regarded as one of the most expensive real estate markets in the country.
But you don’t need to take out a second mortgage to visit this mountain town and take in the antler arch, rodeo, and classic ski town vibes during the winter months.
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area straddles the border between Montana and Wyoming (this photo is actually a couple thousand feet onto the Montana side of the border) and features stunning canyons, caves, and wild rivers.
One of the most interesting features within the area is the Natural Trap Cave. This sinkhole-type pit is virtually undetectable from the top and has been the final resting place for an estimated 30,000 animals over the years who unwittingly fell to their demise. This has made the cave a gold mine for archeologists looking for the remains of prehistoric animals.
Wind River Range
While the Grand Tetons may steal the show when it comes to mountain ranges in Wyoming, it is tough to beat the Wind River Range for its remoteness and rugged beauty. Here backpackers can take off on multiday expeditions through the granite peaks that make up the range without passing by a single soul for the entire trip.
Even though people are rare in this part of the state, mosquitoes certainly aren’t, so come prepared with your best bug defenses.
Hot Springs State Park
Hot Springs State Park is located near the center of Wyoming near the aptly named town of Thermopolis. Here, you’ll find the locally proclaimed largest mineral hot spring pool in the world. The park is also home to miles of trails that wind their way through the thermal features, as well as a public bathhouse that collects the 128-degree water that constantly flows out of the ground.
Luckily for you, the water is cooled down to a more comfortable 104 degrees in the soaking pools.
The sheer size of the mineral deposits along the springs makes this a must-visit stop for anyone driving across the state.
Fossil Butte National Monument
Fossil Butte National Monument is home to some of the best preserved fossils found anywhere in the country. This ancient lake bed is home fossils of fish, turtles, insects, plants, birds, mammals, and reptiles. Make sure to pay a visit to the restrooms within the visitor center for a very special fossil display that is quite fitting for the area.
Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area
Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area straddles the border between southwest Wyoming and northern Utah. Featuring hundreds of miles of shoreline punctuated by towering red cliffs, this is a stunning area to camp, fish, or paddle.
The Green River, which flows through the gorge, is considered one of the best fly-fishing rivers in America.
Medicine Bow National Forest
Medicine Bow sits just to the west of Cheyenne and features stunning dome peaks, unique rock formations, and hundreds of miles of trails to explore this wilderness area. The high alpine lakes make for the perfect basecamp as you explore this wild section of the state.
