Wyoming Region
Western US state with Yellowstone and wide-open spaces
Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks bring geothermal features, wildlife viewing and mountaineering; Jackson Hole offers ski resorts, Western galleries and gateway services for backcountry trips.
Wyoming at a Glance#
Wyoming is the least-populous state - a Rocky Mountain frontier of cowboys and open range, home to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons.
Known for: Yellowstone, the Tetons, and the cowboy West
Don’t miss: Yellowstone (Old Faithful), Grand Teton National Park, Jackson, and Devils Tower
When to go: summer for the parks; winter for Jackson skiing
About Wyoming#
Wyoming’s wide open skies are matched by a landscape of high plains, jagged mountain ranges and vast rangelands: the eastern High Plains give way to the snow-capped peaks and alpine valleys of the Rocky Mountain West. The state’s character is unmistakably frontier - sparsely populated, fiercely scenic and threaded with ranchlands and sagebrush.
Signature towns and world-famous parks anchor Wyoming’s appeal: Cheyenne serves as the capital and a hub of Western culture, while gateways such as Cody, Jackson and Buffalo lead to iconic protected landscapes like Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park, where geothermal basins, dramatic peaks and abundant wildlife draw visitors from around the globe.
Outdoor recreation is the backbone of a visit: hiking, backpacking and wildlife watching dominate in summer, rivers and lakes offer kayaking and fishing, and alpine terrain and groomed resorts bring skiing and snowboarding in winter - plus backcountry opportunities across the Wind River Range, Medicine Bow and other public lands.
Wyoming’s food and drink scene leans on hearty Western fare and local ingredients: think bison and elk dishes, cowboy-style steakhouses, wood-fired cooking and small-batch craft breweries and distilleries; in mountain towns you’ll also find mountain-inspired comfort foods and a strong culture of ranch-to-table hospitality.
Why Visit Wyoming#
Visit Wyoming for dramatic landscapes and uncrowded access to iconic wilderness - from the geysers and hot springs of Yellowstone National Park to the spires and lakes of Grand Teton National Park - and for authentic Western culture on full display at events like Cheyenne Frontier Days.
Best Things to Do in Wyoming#
Wyoming Bucket List#
Yellowstone National Park - See Old Faithful, the Grand Prismatic Spring and large mammals like bison and bears across one of the world’s most famous geothermal landscapes.
Grand Teton National Park - Take in the Teton Range’s jagged skyline, paddle on Jackson Lake and hike alpine trails with dramatic mountain views.
Cheyenne Frontier Days - If you visit in late July, experience one of the largest and longest-running rodeo and Western festivals in the United States.
Wind River Range - Backpack and climb within a spectacular high-alpine wilderness of peaks, glaciers and pristine lakes (access from towns like Pinedale and Dubois).
Medicine Bow National Forest - Explore miles of trails, alpine meadows and fishing streams just west of Laramie for quiet mountain recreation.
Thunder Basin National Grassland - Discover wide-open prairie, wildlife and scenic solitude on this expansive grassland in northeastern Wyoming.
Cody - Enjoy rodeo culture, Western museums and gateway access to Yellowstone’s east entrance.
Cheyenne Botanic Garden - Visit this surprising year-round horticultural oasis in the state capital for seasonal displays and events.
Buffalo and local ranch experiences - Sample authentic Western hospitality, cowboy history and regional dishes like bison steaks and hearty ranch fare.
Top Cities in Wyoming#
National Parks in Wyoming#
Best Time to Visit Wyoming#
Wyoming’s weather varies between high, cooler mountains in the west and drier, windier plains in the east; mountain areas stay cooler and snowier while the plains experience hotter summers and colder, wind-driven winters.
March - May
0-15°C / 32-59°F
Spring is variable and often windy with late snow at higher elevations, but lower trails open for early-season hikes, wildlife viewing and fewer crowds in the parks.
June - August
10-30°C / 50-86°F
Warm, generally dry days make summer ideal for hiking, boating, fishing and scenic drives, though afternoons can bring thunderstorms in late spring and early summer.
September - November
-5-15°C / 23-59°F
Crisp, colorful fall weather and thinning crowds are perfect for backcountry hikes, scenic photography and wildlife rut viewing, with snow beginning at higher elevations late in the season.
December - February
-25-5°C / -13-41°F
Cold, snowy winters dominate the mountains and bring great skiing, snowmobiling and winter wildlife watching, while lower-elevation areas are frigid but less snowy and remain open for winter travel.
Getting Around Wyoming#
Visitors typically get around Wyoming by car, using rental vehicles to cover long distances between towns, trailheads and national parks.
Major Highways
Major routes include I-80, which runs east - west across the southern tier of the state connecting Cheyenne, Laramie and Rawlins; I-25, the north - south corridor linking Cheyenne, Casper and Buffalo; and I-90 across northern Wyoming connecting Sheridan and eastern destinations toward South Dakota.