Wyoming is the tenth largest state in the United States, yet it remains the least populated. That combination of enormous open spaces and very few people is a huge part of what makes the state special. Wyoming is also home to several important firsts in American conservation, including Yellowstone, the world’s first national park, and Devils Tower, the country’s first national monument.
For me, Wyoming is one of the best states in the country for outdoor adventure. Between its mountains, wildlife, national parks, remote wilderness, and small western towns, it’s one of the few places where you can still get a real sense of just how vast the American West can be.
Explore Gannett Peak
Gannett Peak is the highest mountain in Wyoming. Although several mountains in the lower 48 are higher, Gannett’s extreme remoteness makes it one of the more serious state high points. Reaching the mountain usually requires several days of hiking through the Wind River Range before the real climb even begins.
Depending on the route, a trip to Gannett can involve roughly 40 to 50 miles of hiking through some of the most beautiful alpine terrain in the country. Weather can also be a major problem, and it’s not unusual for climbers to make more than one attempt before finally reaching the summit.
Explore Yellowstone
Yellowstone became the world’s first national park in 1872 and remains one of the best places in the United States to experience large-scale wilderness and wildlife. Bison roam across open valleys, while elk, moose, bears, wolves, and countless smaller animals live throughout the park.
Yellowstone also sits above an enormous volcanic system that continues to fuel the park’s famous geothermal activity. Geysers, hot springs, mud pots, and steaming vents are found throughout the region, giving Yellowstone one of the greatest concentrations of geothermal features anywhere on Earth.
Explore Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park protects some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in Wyoming. The Teton Range rises abruptly above the surrounding valleys and lakes, with several peaks topping 12,000 feet and the Grand Teton itself rising above 13,000 feet.
The park is also home to bison, elk, moose, bears, wolves, deer, and plenty of other wildlife. Hiking, climbing, kayaking, fishing, and camping are all popular here, while the Grand Teton itself offers some of the most famous technical climbing in the lower 48 states.
Explore Devils Tower
Devils Tower rises dramatically above the surrounding landscape in northeastern Wyoming. Its nearly vertical columns make the formation look almost artificial from a distance, and Native American traditions have long associated the grooves with the claws of a giant bear.
In 1906, Devils Tower became the first national monument in the United States. Today it’s one of Wyoming’s most recognizable landmarks and a famous destination for rock climbers, while those who prefer to stay on the ground can hike around the base and take in the tower from several different viewpoints.
Explore Cody
Founded by Buffalo Bill Cody, the small town of Cody is one of the best places in Wyoming to experience the state’s western history and culture. During the day you can visit historic sites, explore the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, or head outside town for horseback riding and other outdoor activities.
At night, Cody keeps the western atmosphere going with rodeos, live country music, bars, and restaurants. With Yellowstone only a short drive away, Cody also makes a convenient stop for anyone exploring the northwestern part of the state.
