From small Western towns and national parks to private lodges, alpine lakes, and ski resorts, here are the best places to visit in the Cowboy State.
Like many travelers, I had my first encounter with Wyoming in Jackson Hole. Somewhere between a particularly memorable sunset along the Snake River, a chance grizzly bear sighting in Grand Teton National Park, and a snowy afternoon spent warming up with waffles and hot chocolate at Corbet’s Cabin, frequent trips to Wyoming became non-negotiable. The magnetism is subtle yet strong, continuously encouraging me to book return flight after return flight.
But it wasn’t until I recently journeyed to the other side of Wyoming — driving from Casper to Reid Creek Lodge, just outside of Douglas —that I began to understand the sheer size and varied appeal of the Cowboy State. While the Tetons in Jackson Hole embody dramatic beauty, the grassy plains and the foothills of the Laramie Range have an unbridled sense of possibility and adventure. During the few days I spent at the lodge, I embraced that feeling by traversing the property on horseback. I spent hours following the guides, who led me and my horse across creeks, up rocky hills, and through fields of cattle — resulting in one of the most “only in Wyoming” trips I’ve ever been on.
I’ve found that this appreciation for Wyoming’s lesser-known spots is shared by those working and residing in the state. “While Jackson is undoubtedly beautiful, there is so much to discover… beyond the northwest corner,” Andrea Nicholas Perdue, CEO of Wagonhound Land & Livestock Co., tells Travel + Leisure. “We are a state of ‘off the beaten paths’ with so many hidden gems and adventures for those willing to look further afield.”
Before you begin to seek out those experiences, though, there are a few things to know. For starters, you don’t want to rush your trip. “It’s a big state, and everything is spread out. It’s hard to do a quick trip well here,” says Megan Gallagher, the director and founder of Jackson Hole Food & Wine. It’s also paramount to understand the geography, pack accordingly, and plan your route as much as possible. “There are a lot of wide-open spaces, which is why I live here," says David DeFazio, one of the founders of Wyoming Whiskey. "But for those expecting endless catered amenities, be warned: You need to be self-sufficient, fill up your gas tank when you have the chance, and enjoy setting your own path."
With that in mind, read on to discover the best places to visit in Wyoming, according to local experts.
Andrea Nicholas Perdue is the CEO of Wagonhound Land & Livestock Co., a family-owned ranch outside of Douglas, Wyoming.
Megan Gallagher is the director and founder of the bi-annual culinary festival Jackson Hole Food & Wine.
David DeFazio is one of the founders of Wyoming Whiskey, a distillery located in Kirby, Wyoming.
Sheridan
“Sheridan is a town with old Mountain West charm and reminds me of early Jackson or Bozeman days,” says Perdue. “It has a charming historic downtown, a great summer rodeo, and easy access to Bighorn National Forest.” To fully embrace cowboy culture, book a stay at Sheridan Inn, a historic property with rooms named after Buffalo Bill and some of the major characters in his life —including Annie Oakley, Teddy Roosevelt, and the Rough Riders.
Related: This Underrated Northern Wyoming Town Is One of the Coziest Western Destinations in the U.S.
Reid Creek Lodge
Wyoming has a full roster of dude ranches, luxury properties, and remote stays, but Reid Creek Lodge sits firmly in its own category. The secluded 8,000-square-foot guest lodge (which can hold up to 22 people) is located on 300,000 acres of a working ranch, Wagonhound Land and Livestock Co., and the entire guest experience can be customized to fit each group’s preferences. Start your morning with a family-style breakfast made by your private chef, then spend the day on a guided horseback ride, at the sporting clays course, or hiking around the property. Given the sheer size of the ranch, you can be sure to discover something new every day —whether it’s an elk sighting in the foothills, a secret watering hole during your afternoon ride, or a majestic sunset from the rocking chair on the lodge’s porch.
Jackson Hole
If you’re planning a trip to Wyoming, there’s a high chance that Jackson Hole — the 48-mile-long valley that consists of the town of Jackson, Teton Village, and other areas — may already be on your list. While it’s known for its extensive range of outdoor pursuits (hiking, mountain biking, skiing, and fly fishing, among others), it’s also an area filled with culinary delights. And with Gallagher leading the charge at Jackson Hole Food & Wine, she’s the perfect person to tap for restaurant recommendations.
Persephone and Teton Thai are “on everyone’s list for a reason,” she says. The former, she says, has chocolate chip cookies that are “the best in the world,” and the latter comes with a fabulous menu accompanied by an even better location looking out on the Teton Range. She also recommends enjoying a burger and a beer at “classic Wyoming local’s hangout” The Bird, a sloshie from Jackson Hole Still Works, and small plates paired with a bottle of wine at Bin22.
Related: This Small Wyoming Town Is Known for Its National Parks, Luxury Hotels, and Famous Cowboy Bar
Yellowstone National Park
Just about all of America’s fourth-most visited national park, Yellowstone, resides in Wyoming — about 96 percent, to be exact. According to DeFazio, it’s also “the reason to come to Wyoming” and a must-see for all travelers. “It is the first national park and offers views and features that can't be found anywhere else in the country. Geysers, thermal pools, bison, grizzly bears, elk, bighorn sheep, and countless views of a pristine landscape,” he says. Before you embark on your adventure, though, be sure to read up on the park’s safety rules and regulations. A few big ones? Don’t feed or approach wildlife, walk in the designated areas, and don’t stop your car in the middle of the road.
Related: The Best Times to Visit Yellowstone National Park
Cheyenne
To experience what Perdue calls the “true spirit of the American West,” you’ll need to head to the capital of Wyoming: Cheyenne. Here, travelers can outfit themselves head to toe in Western wear — a custom hat from Wild J Trading, cowboy boots from The Wrangler, leather goods from Alexis Drake — then go line dancing at Outlaw Saloon or horseback riding at Terry Bison Ranch. Cheyenne’s cowboy side really comes alive in July, though, when the Cheyenne Frontier Days festival comes to town. “Cheyenne Frontier Days is the ‘Daddy of 'em All’ when it comes to rodeos," says DeFazio. "This 10-day event features the best of the best in the rodeo world with top musical talent performing in the evenings. If you've never seen a rodeo before, this is the one."
Related: This Wyoming City Has a Bison Train, Old West Saloons, and the Largest Outdoor Rodeo in the World
Fremont Lake
Wyoming may be landlocked, but it still boasts over 4,000 lakes and reservoirs within its borders. Fremont Lake, the second-largest natural lake in the state, sits just outside Pinedale. Measuring in at 12 miles long and up to one mile wide, the lake plays host to a variety of water-related activities —including boating, kayaking, windsurfing, fishing, and swimming. Travelers looking to extend their time on the lake can book a cabin at Lakeside Lodge, where guests can also access canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rentals during their stay.
Grand Teton National Park
A trip to Jackson Hole wouldn’t be complete without exploring the hiking trails, lakes, mountains, and scenic views found within Grand Teton National Park’s 310,000 acres. With so many things to see and do within the park, it can be difficult for first-time visitors to figure out a game plan — so Gallagher shared a few of her highlights. “Jackson Lake… is one of my favorite places in the world. Get on the water on a paddleboard or boat and enjoy the pristine view,” she says, adding that Jenny Lake is good for “a gorgeous but often crowded hike” and String Lake is another option for paddleboarding.
Related: Everything to Know Before Visiting Grand Teton National Park, According to Experts
Cody
There’s perhaps no Wyoming destination that embraces the culture of the Wild West as much as Cody. Founded by Colonel William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody in 1896, the town continues to honor its heritage at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West and the Old Trail Town, where visitors can see authentic frontier buildings from the late 19th century. Cody is also known as the eastern gateway to Yellowstone National Park and the “Rodeo Capital of the World,” so a visit here is sure to land you a newfound (or reignited) appreciation of all things Western.
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, located about a 20-minute drive from downtown Jackson in Teton Village, is a year-round playground for travelers of all ages. In the winter, skiing is the main draw, with 2,500 acres of skiable terrain and a vertical drop of 4,139 feet. Come summer, the resort’s bike park, Via Ferrata experience, and hiking trails are open to adventurers. The Aerial Tram, which runs during ski season and again from mid-May to early October, is another major attraction. “Take the tram up and enjoy waffles at Corbet’s Cabin and the most magnificent view on top of Rendezvous Peak," suggests Gallagher. "Riding the tram is an experience in and of itself."
Bighorn Mountains
If you’ve already seen the Tetons, it’s time to check a few more Wyoming mountain ranges off your list. To explore the Bighorn Mountains, a geological formation that DeFazio describes as “big but accessible,” set up your base camp in either Sheridan, Buffalo, or Ten Sleep — and make sure your car’s gas tank is full. “A couple of roads lead travelers up and over the mountain range, which gives visitors an opportunity to gain tremendous elevation without taking a step outside their vehicle,” he says. “And if they choose to venture out, there are waterfalls, rivers, and spectacular hikes to satisfy anyone's outdoor curiosity.”
Sinks Canyon State Park
“Everyone knows that Wyoming has great national parks, but we also have great state parks,” says Gallagher, who shares that, outside of Jackson Hole, Sinks Canyon is one of her favorite places in the Cowboy State. “It’s a wonderful state park near Lander that’s beautiful but not crowded, with great hiking,” she says. The park’s name comes from the unusual course of the Popo Agie River, which disappears into a limestone cavern in the park and reappears about a quarter of a mile downstream. In addition to hiking, visitors to Sinks Canyon can also enjoy camping, fishing, mountain biking, and rock climbing.
Thermopolis
If you’re hoping to fit a bit of rest and relaxation into your Wyoming itinerary, consider a visit to Thermopolis. While there are several things to do in the area —including the Wyoming Dinosaur Center and Wind River Canyon — arguably the biggest draw is Hot Springs State Park, home of the world's largest mineral hot spring. “Access to the springs is free and [the springs] remain at 104 degrees year round and are a fun interactive way to experience the state’s geothermal activity,” says Perdue.
Related: 12 of the Best Hot Springs in the United States
The Lodge & Spa at Brush Creek Ranch
Voted by T+L readers as the best resort in Wyoming in the 2024 World’s Best Awards, The Lodge & Spa at Brush Creek Ranch is a pocket of pure Western luxury. The dude ranch — located in south-central Wyoming, not too far from Saratoga — is the perfect vacation for travelers looking to pair a bit of horse riding or fly fishing with unparalleled relaxation. Following a day on the trail, nothing will feel more soothing than a mountain spring hydration facial or a Wyoming river stone massage at the resort’s spa.
Grand Targhee Resort
Jackson Hole isn’t the only Wyoming destination with good snow. Grand Targhee Resort sits in Alta, on the west side of the Tetons, and it’s home to some of the best intermediate terrain in the state. Travelers who aren’t as keen on strapping on skis can explore the resort via snowshoes or fat tire bikes. In the summer, the resort offers scenic chair lift rides, disc golf, and more family-friendly activities.
Diamond Cross Ranch
There’s no question that Wyoming draws more than its fair share of travelers searching for a real cowboy experience. And from May 1 to late October each year, Diamond Cross Ranch delivers. The family-owned ranch is a 45-minute drive from Jackson, and its offerings have been perfectly curated to convey both authenticity and inclusivity. If you want just a small taste of life on the ranch, book a guided trail ride along the Buffalo River. Or, to fully immerse yourself in all things Western, stay overnight at the ranch’s on-site lodging, Teton Cabins, and try your hand at the Cowboy Adventure, where you’ll learn to herd cattle while riding alongside real cowboys.
National Museum of Wildlife Art
The National Museum of Wildlife Art is one of the first landmarks you’ll see as you make your way into the town of Jackson. “It’s a must-visit on the way to and from the airport, with important landscape artists, sculptures, and a great café,” says Gallagher. Inside the structure — made of Idaho quartzite and inspired by the ruins of Slains Castle in Scotland — there are over 5,000 pieces of wildlife art from names such as Georgia O’Keeffe, John James Audubon, and Andy Warhol.
Related: Jackson Hole’s Off-season Is the Mountain Town’s Best-kept Secret
Curt Gowdy State Park
Just 24 miles from both Laramie and Cheyenne, Curt Gowdy State Park is one of Wyoming’s hidden gems. Its wide range of landscapes and geographical features provide a seemingly endless number of ways to spend a day or two. There are miles of trails for mountain biking and hiking (Crow Creek Trail to Hidden Falls is one of the most popular hiking routes) and three reservoirs for those interested in fishing for brown trout, rainbow trout, or kokanee salmon.
Snow King Mountain Resort
You don’t have to fight the traffic from Jackson to Teton Village to hit the slopes for a couple of hours. Instead, you could grab your skis and make your way to Snow King Mountain Resort. “It's right in town and offers a bracing 1,600-plus vertical ascent quickly,” says Gallagher. And when the snow has cleared? “You can hike up and take the gondola down or check out the planetarium at the top as well as the coaster and alpine slide,” she says.
Wind River Mountains
“The Wind River Mountains in west-central Wyoming boast the tallest peak in the state, no roads, and a remoteness and pristine outdoor experience that is hard to find anywhere else,” says DeFazio. “If you're a hiker or rock climber, you're in heaven in these hills. But bring your bug spray because mosquitos thrive there.” Other essentials to have on hand as you explore the Wind River Range include plenty of water, a compass, food, and enough layers to handle the elements.
Devils Tower National Monument
Devils Tower National Monument is one of the most visually impressive geological features in Wyoming. The tower itself extends 867 feet from base to summit, and the summit is about the size of a football field. It’s also considered a sacred site by many Indigenous people. More than two dozen tribes are associated with the tower, and the park is still used for traditional ceremonies today.
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