Wyoming, one of the most populous and largest states in America is also known for its breathtaking scenery and thrilling outdoor activities. Although most visitors flock to Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks, the Cowboy State has many other hidden spots and state park to be explored.
It encompasses the Rocky Mountains, Great Plains, deserts, canyons, lakes and other landscapes. You can enjoy its beautiful scenery and its varied landscapes while you relax and take in the beauty. You can often spot bison, bears, elk, and moose roaming in the Wyoming national parks.
Wyoming’s wild, unspoiled open space is its main draw. However, there are a few state parks that protect historic sites in Wyoming. Visitors centers also help to highlight the wildlife, history and culture of each area.
11. Buffalo Bill State Park
The tranquil and beautiful Buffalo Bill State Park is spread across an enormous area west of Cody. It is home to stunning views and nature, as well as a variety of outdoor fun activities.
It was established in 1957 around the Buffalo Bill Reservoir, a reflective lake with a 350-foot dam that used to be the highest in the world. These are both named for William Cody, a Wild West pioneer who established the city nearby and helped increase agriculture and irrigation in northwest Wyoming.
You can also bike, hike, and camp along the scenic shoreline. Once you have taken some photographs of Shoshone Canyon’s stunning beauty, be sure to visit the excellent visitor center. It has fascinating exhibits about the area and Buffalo Bill.
10. Sinks Canyon State Park
(c) DreamstimeAnother amazing spot is the Sinks Canyon State Park, nestled among the Wind River Mountains. It is located in central Texas, just outside Lander. This park includes everything you need: a river with rapids and lots of fauna and flora.
It was named after the Middle Fork Popo Agie River, which runs into an underground cave. The foundation of this cavern dates back to 1971. Although no one can pinpoint the exact path of the Sinks, it is possible to see the Rise; the beautiful pool at the river’s reemerge into the immense canyon.
Its cliff walls, which were formed over millennia from slow-moving glaciers and now provide great opportunities for rock climbing. You can hike, camp or picnic in the shady forests. Or you can fish and swim in many of its lakes and watersways.
9. Bear River State Park
DreamstimeThe beautiful Bear River State Park can be found at the eastern end of Evanston. It stretches along both banks of the river and offers stunning overlooks, wildlife viewing, and nature trails that tourists and locals can enjoy.
It is located in southwest Utah, just one stone’s throw away from the Utah border. The park protects the woods and meadows as well as the river and wildlife. The park is home to small groups of bison, elk and deer that can be found in the forest. Sometimes bears are also seen among the undergrowth.
People have been enjoying walking along the banks of the river since the late nineties and taking in the stunning views. You can also find benches, picnic areas and a pavilion to rest and watch the wildlife. There is even a visitor center that teaches all you need about the park.
8. Fort Laramie National Historic Site
c) ShutterstockMost Wyoming state parks are meant to protect the wildlife and wilderness, but a few preserve historic sites. Fort Laramie is a place where visitors can find out more about America’s westward expansion and how the Native Americans fought back against the settlers and soldiers.
It is located just outside of the small town of the identical name. This collection of historical old buildings lies at the point where the North Platte and Laramie rivers meet. This strategic location was close to Rockies’ lowest point of crossing that led to the establishment in 1830s of a trading post.
The site was visited by many travelers on the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails. A United States Army military base was later established to safeguard them. It is filled with authentic artifacts, exhibits, photographs, and videos that give a glimpse into the life of a frontier post during American Indian Wars.
7. Curt Gowdy State Park
c) ShutterstockThe Curt Gowdy State Park is located just a few hours from Fort Laramie. It is the perfect spot to unwind and relax. The numerous lakeside camping areas offer a variety of outdoor and indoor activities, as well as excellent amenities.
It is hidden away in the foothills the Laramie Mountains. This area includes lush forests, meadows full of flowers, and jagged rock outcrops. Its highest point is 7,214 feet high. However, the main feature of this area are three large lakes that provide great opportunities for fishing, boating, and water skiing.
You can relax on the shore, swim and splash about in the cool water, or you could also ride a horseback along more than 35 miles worth of shaded trails.
6. Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
DreamstimeThe breathtaking Bighorn Canyon is the most stunning natural beauty in Montana. It borders Montana and offers a variety of watersports as well as exciting outdoor activities.
The damming and construction of Bighorn Lake, which is located in Crow Indian Reservation’s part, was completed back in sixties. The canyon is a fabled, colorful and craggy structure that rises up from all sides. It stretches over 70 miles.
You can enjoy stunning views from the ochre-colored waters while you are jet skiing, boating or kayaking in its calm waters. You can hike along the canyon’s rim, snapping pictures from high up, and also visit its few historic ranches to see wild horses.
5. Hot Springs State Park
DreamstimeHot Springs State Park is located in Thermopolis and offers a variety of hot springs, water parks, and spas for visitors to enjoy. It is the perfect place to relax and sore your muscles after all that sightseeing and hard outdoor activity.
It is home to one of the most powerful hot springs anywhere in North America. Since 1897, it has been part of an official park. Generations of people have visited the hot springs over the years, and many more families are now able to enjoy them. The park also contains a large number of peaceful bison and old petroglyphs.
The bubbling springs are already spectacular and you should not miss a chance to take a refreshing dip. There are many places that offer water slides and wave pools, while there is also the State Bath House which offers indoor and outdoor hot tubs and pools.
4. Fossil butte National Monument
DreamstimeThe fantastic Fossil Butte National Monument is located in Wyoming’s southwest corner, not far from Bear River State Park. It is well-known for its great butte, hundreds of fossils, and scenic drives that visitors can enjoy.
It is one of the largest and most extensive sites in paleontology on Earth. The site was first discovered by miners late 19th century. The Fossil lake has been home to perfectly preserved fossils from birds, fish, plants, and insects. These amazing finds are from the Eocene Epoch, which occurred between 56 and 34 million years ago.
Visitors can not only view the beautiful fossils at the visitor center but also attend talks and watch videos, as well as peruse the interactive exhibits. You can even hike around the Butte, where excavations continue each summer.
3. Devils Tower National Monument
DreamstimeThe distinctive Devils Tower, located in northeastern Cowboy State rises high above the surrounding landscape. The Devils Tower, a geologic landmark that was established as the US’ first national monument, must be seen in order to appreciate its remarkable size and scale.
Although the monolith is protected by Native American tribes since 1906, Native American tribes revere it and worship it every day. It towers 1,267ft above the ground. The lonely terrain and steep sides make it a great spot for photos. There are many options available, including camping, hiking and rock climbing.
You can find out all you need to know about this landmark, which actually reveals the core of an extinct volcano.
2. Grand Teton National Park
c) ShutterstockGrand Teton National Park is located just outside Jackson, Northwest Wyoming. It will delight nature-lovers and outdoors enthusiasts alike. You can take a break from the hustle and bustle of life and immerse yourself into nature’s breathtaking views and stunning scenery.
It is known for its stunning landscapes and large swathes unspoiled wilderness. The park was founded in 1929. Named after the majestic Teton Range’s highest peak, it stands at 13,775 feet. It is surrounded by verdant forests, flower-filled meadows and twinkling rivers.
You can bike, hike, climb, fish and swim on its beautiful slopes. The park is home to everything you could ever want, including regal moose, bison, and bald Eagles.
1. Yellowstone National Park
c) ShutterstockAnother incredible national park is located just north of the wildest reaches. Although most of Yellowstone’s majestic mountains, canyons, and geysers are located in Wyoming, there is a small section that extends into Idaho and Montana.
It was the most famous national park in the world, established in 1872 due to its stunning scenery. Although Yellowstone has many amazing natural attractions, its most notable feature is the more than 10,000 hot springs that are scattered throughout its picturesque confines. Grand Prismatic Spring, Old Faithful, and Old Faithful, are most well-known and photographed because of their stunning colors and size, as well as regular eruptions.
You can also explore the largest geothermal area in the world, and hike or camp among its beautiful forests, mountains, and valleys. Yellowstone is known for its incredible wildlife, including bears, bisons, cougars, and Canadian lynx.
Wyoming Map showing National & State Parks
Faqs
– Grand Teton National Park. You can find breathtaking views a short 15 mile drive from Jackson Hole in Grand Teton National Park.
– Yellowstone National Park.
– Devils Tower National Monument.
– Fossil Butte National Monument.
– Fort Laramie National Historic Site.
Yellowstone National Park, ID,MT,WY Within Yellowstone’s 2.2 million acres, visitors have unparalleled opportunities to observe wildlife in an intact ecosystem, explore geothermal areas that contain about half the world’s active geysers, and view geologic wonders like the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River.
– Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Big Sur, California.
– Makoshika State Park. Glendive, Montana.
– Baxter State Park. Millinocket, Maine.
– Iao Valley State Park. Wailuku, Hawaii.
– Valley of Fire State Park. Overton, Nevada.
– Peninsula State Park.
– Eldorado Canyon State Park.
– Cayo Costa State Park.
– Central Park, New York. The crown jewel of city parks, Central Park is the best urban oasis in the world.
– Park Güell, Barcelona.
– Hyde Park, London.
– The Imperial Palace Gardens, Tokyo.
– Mount Royal Park, Montreal.
– Phoenix Park, Dublin.
– Ibirapuera Park, São Paulo.
– Golden Gate Park, San Francisco.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park