Written by Cassandra Brooklyn
With only about half a million residents, Wyoming has the distinction of being the least-populated state in the country—but what it lacks in population, it makes up for in natural beauty and attractions. Though you’ll find unique museums, roadside attractions, and breathtaking scenery stretching to all four corners of the state, the western edge of the Cowboy State has the densest concentration of significant sites.
From Native American petroglyphs to hot springs and two of the most popular national parks in the country, Wyoming is just begging to be explored. Here are 10 of our favorite things to do on a road trip across western Wyoming.
As it’s one of the most-visited national parks in the U.S., it’s best to plan your visit to Grand Teton during off-peak times to avoid the crowds. If you’re driving up from Jackson, pop into the Moose Entrance Visitor Center to speak with rangers to determine which hiking, biking, and driving routes best suit your interests and mood. Taggert and Jenny lakes (and the Hidden Falls waterfall) are two of the most beautiful—and most-visited—parts of the park, so try to get on the trails before 9 a.m. Note that western Wyoming is bear country (both black and grizzly) so if you plan to hike, be sure to pack bear spray.
Established in 1872, Yellowstone is the oldest national park in the country. Though small portions of it extend into Idaho and Montana, the vast majority of the park’s 2 million acres are spread across northwestern Wyoming. The park is best known for boiling mud pots and brilliantly-colored geothermal hot springs such as Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring, and for its superb wildlife viewing. Check with visitor center staff and park rangers to learn where elk, bison, wolves, and bears have been spotted recently—or sign up for a guided day tour of the park with a company like EcoTour Adventures (advance registrations are required). Just like in Grand Teton, you’ll want to bring bear spray with you when hiking.
Banner Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons