From Wikitravel

For other places with the same name, see Wyoming (disambiguation).

Wyoming [1] is a state in the Rocky Mountains region of the United States of America.

[edit] Regions

Wyoming's geography includes wide-open plains, swaths of high desert and sweeping mountain ranges. To help visitors get oriented and navigate around, the Wyoming Office of Tourism divides the state into five distinct regions:

[edit] Cities

• Cheyenne – The state capital and largest city, known for friendly people and an Old West atmosphere.
• Buffalo – Full of historic buildings and frontier charm at the base of the Big Horn Mountains.
• Casper - Wyoming's second-largest city, with 20 museums, performing arts and world-class outdoor activities.
• Cody - Named after Buffalo Bill Cody; a gateway to Yellowstone National Park.
• Douglas - Known as the "Home of the Jackalope" and site of the Wyoming State Fair (every August).
• Green River [2] – A haven for fishing, canoeing and kayaking and a base for exploring Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area.
• Jackson – This little metropolis, surrounded by the Tetons, lets visitors experience cowboy culture.
• Laramie – A quaint college town (home of the University of Wyoming) at the foot of the Snowy Range of the Medicine Bow Mountains.
• Sheridan – A mix of Old West and modern with Victorian architecture, golf courses and the nearby Cloud Peak Wilderness.

[edit] Other destinations

• Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area [3] — Geologic forces have distorted and bowed once-level layers of rock into 1,000-foot cliffs that loom over the Bighorn Lake.
• Black Hills National Forest — The Black Hills straddle South Dakota and Wyoming and stand in contrast to the prairies, rolling from 5,000-6,000 feet in elevation.
• Devils Tower National Monument — Made famous in Steven Speilberg's "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," the 500-foot monolith is the core of an ancient volcano.
• Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area — The canyon surrounding this giant reservoir was named by explorer John Wesley, who upon first looking at the red gorge, believed that it was on fire.
• Fossil Butte National Monument [4] — The monument contains 8,198 acres and protects a portion of the largest deposit of freshwater fish fossils in the world.
• Grand Teton National Park — This jagged range in the Rocky Mountains is a wondrous playground for climbers, hikers, skiers and all outdoor enthusiasts.
• Yellowstone National Park — The nation's first national park was set aside in 1872 to preserve its geysers, hot springs and thermal areas, as well as the area's incredible wildlife and rugged beauty.

[edit] Understand

Wyoming is the place to discover the American West, home to unspoiled mountain vistas, unbelievably blue sky stretching toward the horizon, and awe-inspiring panoramas lit by golden sunsets. It's here that the legend of the cowboy was born, where the people are genuine and hospitable, and the West is still wild.

Wyoming is the least populated U.S. state, with slightly more than half a million residents, the majority of whom are clustered into just a few cities and towns — Cheyenne and Casper alone are home to a quarter of all Wyomingites. For the traveler, this means that the distance between towns is often far, requiring a bit more planning and self-sufficiency than travel in more densely populated parts of the country. The state offers a wealth of outdoor recreation and sightseeing opportunities, including the nation's first national park, mountain ranges, vast forests, crystal-clear rivers and wilderness areas. The state's economy is closely tied to these public lands, used for mineral extraction, tourism and ranching, making land-use policy one of the state's most hotly debated issues.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By car

Most visitors will enter and exit the state by car. The majority of these will stick to the Interstate highway system, which is fast and well maintained. I-80 crosses the state east to west in the south; I-25 cuts through north to south on Wyoming's eastern side; and I-90 loops through the northeastern corner.

No matter where you're headed, there's almost always a scenic route. The state offers some spectacular drives on federal and state highways, including 20 byways and backways. See "Byways and Backways" below for more details.

[edit] By plane

Jackson Hole Airport, the state's busiest, is served by American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Skywest Airlines and United Airlines (seasonally). These airlines provide service to Denver, Salt Lake City, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Minneapolis, Chicago, Atlanta and Los Angeles.

Regional carriers serve the state's other airports. Of these, Casper/Natrona County International Airport is the busiest, with flights to Denver, Salt Lake City, Minneapolis and Chicago. Sheridan County, Riverton Regional, Rock Springs - Sweetwater County, Worland Municipal, Gillette - Campbell County, Laramie Regional, Yellowstone Regional (Cody) and Cheyenne Regional all provide commuter airline service to Denver and/or Salt Lake City. Note that service to these cities is entirely on regional carriers, which utilize propeller aircraft or regional jets (to Casper).

For travelers with a bit more time, a reasonable alternative is to fly to Denver, Salt Lake City or Billings and rent a car to drive into Wyoming. Salt Lake City is approximately 90 minutes from the Wyoming state line; Billings is 110 miles north of Sheridan, Denver is 90 miles south of Cheyenne. The drive from Billings to Yellowstone is especially scenic. The drive from Salt Lake City to Evanston crosses some beautiful mountain scenery. The drive from Denver north to Cheyenne is largely unremarkable except for the view of the Rocky Mountains, to the west.

[edit] Get around

The distances between towns in Wyoming are often huge, requiring a bit more planning than travel in more densely populated parts of the country. Car rental agencies are located in Casper, Rock Springs, Cody, Jackson, Cheyenne, Sheridan and Laramie.

State information centers run by Wyoming Travel and Tourism can offer directions, restrooms and other services. Find them in Cheyenne, Sheridan, Beulah (northeast Wyoming) and Laramie.

[edit] By car

Wyoming is served by three interstate highways. Interstate 80 runs from east to west along the path of the transcontinental railroad; I-25 runs roughly north-south from the Colorado border south of Cheyenne to just north of Buffalo; and I-90 extends from the South Dakota border west to Sheridan and then north to the border with Montana. These roadways are designed to get you where you're going as quickly as possible, but they do not follow the most scenic routes in the state. Interstate 80, especially, follows a rather bleak path for much of the distance across the state. If you have more time and the weather is good, it's well worth the effort to get off the Interstates and see some of the beautiful scenery along the state's secondary highways.

Visiting the state's national parks by car will mean driving on one or more of the federal and state highways, mostly two-lane roadways that can become clogged with traffic during peak visitor season. These roads follow more interesting terrain, but are slower than the interstates. The highways that run through the Bighorns from Sheridan or Buffalo to Cody are a much more interesting than taking I-90 to Billings or Bozeman (both near entrances to Yellowstone), but they require a bit of preparation and effort. These highways are more subject to weather conditions because they cross mountain passes and because they are secondary highways. If you're unsure of weather conditions, be sure to phone ahead and inquire, even in summer months. Snowstorms can occur in higher elevations through June.

Keep in mind that the distances between towns and cities can be vast and that in some parts of the state, you may travel great distances without seeing another soul. Be prepared: keep you gas tank full and carry water and some basic provisions, especially in winter. If you're unsure of weather or road conditions, consult Wyoming's Department of Transportation by dialing 511 (within the state) or 1-888-996-7623 (1-888-WYO-ROAD) from anywhere in the US. You'll need a map or some knowledge of highway numbers and locations to use this service.

[edit] By plane

Air travel between points within Wyoming will likely require a change of plane outside the state. As of February 2010, there was only air service between Worland and Laramie, an intermittent stop on the route to Denver. Traveling from Jackson to Casper would require a change of plane in Denver, Salt Lake City or Minneapolis. In practical terms, driving is the way to get around, and intra-state air travel is only an alternative when weather won't allow you to travel by car.

[edit] By train

There is currently no passenger train service in or to Wyoming.

[edit][add listing] See

[edit] National Parks & Monuments

Located in the northwest corner of Wyoming, Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park are places everyone should see at least once in their lifetimes.

Guides and outfitters in nearby towns, such as Jackson and Cody, can help visitors explore the parks' mountains, lakes, waterfalls, forests, wildlife and geysers.

• Yellowstone National Park

Since its designation as a national park in 1872, visiting has been an iconic American adventure. Yellowstone's more than 2 million acres boast the most and widest array of geothermal features anywhere in the world. Visitors flock to its geysers, hot springs, fumaroles and mud pots, and its legendary wildlife includes grizzly and black bears, gray wolves, buffalo, elk, pronghorn and eagles.

To experience the park's grandeur, visitors can choose day hikes, backcountry camping excursions, bus tours, guided horseback and wagon rides, boating and fishing, snowmobiling, cross-county skiing and much more.

• Grand Teton National Park

Just sound of Yellowstone, Grand Teton rises from the relatively flat valley into a towering spine of 12,000-foot peaks that dominate the horizon. Its high-alpine backcountry makes it a paradise of outdoor activities and adventures: more than 250 miles of hiking trails; gorgeous waters that beacon kayakers, canoers, sail boaters, waterskiers and float trippers; world-class fishing in Jenny, Jackson and Phelps lakes; and peaks that lure climbers and mountain bikers.

• Devils Tower National Monument

This one-of-a-kind natural wonder near the town of Hulett in northeast Wyoming looms more than 1,200 feet above the eastern plains and the Belle Fourche River. The volcanic rock formation is popularly known for its scene in the climax of Steven Spielberg's sci-fi classic, Close Encounters of the Third Kind". The tower is considered sacred by many American Indians, who leave colorful prayer cloths tied to trees near its base. Several campgrounds near the park's entrance offer views of the tower.

• Fossil Butte National Monument

Just west of Kemmerer lies a prehistoric limestone lake bed that's home to fossils dating up to 50 million years ago. The visitor center has thousands of them on display, including a 13-foot crocodile and a giant slab of limestone encasing 356 fish. In summer, you can hike to the fossil research quarry and assist park staff as they collect specimens.

[edit] Byways & Backways

Central Wyoming

• California Trail - Follows the same route as the Oregon and Mormon trails. Trail ruts can be seen for more than 1,000 miles from Casper to California.

• Cherokee Trail - In 1849 and 1850, many Cherokee Indians left their reservation in Oklahoma to head west and seek their fortunes in California's gold fields.

• South Big Horn/Red Wall Scenic Backway - Vast prairieland gives way to red sandstone mesas on this 102-mile gravel road at the southern end of the Big Horn Mountains.

Northeast Wyoming

• Bighorn Scenic Byway - A 57-mile paved highway through Big Horn National Forest, passing valleys, lakes and the 120-food Shell Falls.

• Wind River Canyon Scenic Byway - Thirty-four miles of unspoiled scenic views, geologic exploration, wildlife and more.

Northwest Wyoming

• Beartooth All American Road - A 68-mile paved route over the Beartooth Mountains on the highest highway in Wyoming.

• Beartooth Scenic Byway - A designated National Scenic Byway.

• Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway - a 27.5-mile highway along the North Fork Shoshone River to the East Entrance of Yellowstone National Park.

• Centennial Scenic Byway - A 161-mile route in mountainous western Wyoming along rivers and past the Teton Range.

• Chief Joseph Scenic Byway - A 63-mile paved highway from Cody that leads high into the Absaroka Mountains and the Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone River.

• Cloud Peak Skyway Scenic Byway - A 64-mile paved highway up Ten Sleep Canyon and over the Big Horn Mountains.

• John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway - Connecting Yellowtsone and Grand Teton national parks.

Southeast Wyoming

• Seminoe to Alcova Scenic Backway - Paved and gravel roads between Sinclair on I-80 and Alcova on Wyoming Highway 220.

• Snowy Range Scenic Byway - A 41-mile paved highway from the old mining town of Centennial, over the rugged Snowy Range to the North Platte River Valley.

Southwest Wyoming

• Big Spring Scenic Backway - This rugged 68-mile, mostly dirt road from Kemmerer to Cokeville winds past homesteads, emigrant trails and through the Tunp Mountain Range.

• Bridger Valley Historic Byway - A 20-mile loop that was once the crossroads of the California/Oregon Trail, the Mormon Trail, the Pony Express Route, the Transcontinental Railroad and the Lincoln Highway.

• Flaming Gorge - Green River Basin Scenic Byway - The beginning of the redrock country of the Green River-Colorado River drainage basin.

• Mirror Lake Scenic Byway - Runs 42 miles through the Wasatch-Cache National Forest.

• Muddy Creek Historic Backway - Twenty-five miles of backroads from the Western ghost town of Muddy Creek.

• Red Gulch/Alkali Scenic Byway - This 34-mile, unpaved route winds through a colorful landscape of canyons, caves and table rocks and along the Red Gulch Dinosaur Track Site.

[edit][add listing] Do

[edit] Outdoor Adventures

• Dude and Guest Ranches

A Wyoming dude ranch vacation is a quintessential Western experience. Some are working ranches where guests participate in cattle drives and perform daily chores. Others provide a completely different experience, one with less labor involved. No matter what type of dude ranch you choose, there is sure to be a range of fun activities: horse riding for people of all abilities, overnight fishing trips, archery, cookouts, swims, nature walks, trail rides, square dancing and much more.

• Fishing

With 4,200 crystalline lakes sand 27,000 miles of blue-ribbon, fishable streams, Wyoming is a fishing and fly fishing destination. Expert anglers and eager beginners alike can explore the clear waters scattered across the state.

• Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding

Several ski areas offer everything from expert terrain to beginning slopes, ensuring everyone in the family gets to enjoy Wyoming's light, fluffy powder. In the northeast, there's Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Snow King Resort and Grand Targhee Resort. Near Cody, there's Sleeping Giant Ski Area; White Pine Ski Area and Resort is located near Pinedale; Hogadon Ski Area in Casper; and Snowy Range Ski Area is a short drive from Laramie.

• Snowmobiling

Wyoming has more than 2,000 miles of groomed and ungroomed trails for snowmobilers, including the Continental Divide Snowmobile Trail System, which is consistently ranked among the best snowmobiling in the country.

• Camping

Wyoming has more than 18 million acres of public land and numerous wilderness areas perfect for camping. From backcountry adventures to RV adventures to campgrounds with plenty of amenities, there's a spot for everyone.

• River Rafting

Wyoming is home to canyons with stretches of whitewater perfect for thrill-seeking rafters. There are also mellow rivers that offer relaxing, mellow floats through some of the nation's most scenic country.

• Rodeo

Rodeo is more than a sport in Wyoming — it’s a way of life that stresses the importance of ranching while giving prominence to an American hero and icon, the cowboy. Spectators can feel the raw emotion and see the athleticism and passion in every rodeo event.

• Golf

Nearly 100 courses are scattered throughout the state. The high altitude of Wyoming allows the shots stay aloft almost 10 percent longer than the same shot made at sea level.

• Wildlife Watching

The state is home to more than 600 species of wildlife, which inhabit sagebrush plains, mountain ranges and alpine forests. Look for bison, moose, elk, coyotes, bighorn sheep, mule deer, river otters, trumpeter swans and much more.

[edit] Museums & Cultural Destinations

Below are just a few of the state's most popular museums and cultural destinations.

Northwest Wyoming

• Buffalo Bill Historical Center, Cody [5] - Learn all about Buffalo Bill, his Wild West show and the West he knew and loved. Follow his life as a frontiersman, actor, showman, entrepreneur and legend..

• Wyoming Dinosaur Center, Thermompolis [6] - The museum has more than 30 mounted skeletons, a preparation lab with visitor viewing and hundreds of displays and dioramas. The dig site tour offers an opportunity to see dinosaurs buried in the ground.

Central Wyoming

• Fort Laramie National Historic Site, Fort Laramie [7] - This historic place preserves one of America's most important locations in the history of westward expansion and Indian resistance.

• National Historic Trails Interpretive Center, Casper [8] - Thousands of people traveled the Oregon, Mormon, California and Pony Express trails in the 1800s. Their tales are told through the center's interactive exhibits.

• Fort Caspar Museum, Casper [9] - The museum explores central Wyoming's history, including a reconstructed 1865 military post located at a major river crossing on the Oregon, California, Mormon Pioneer and Pony Express trail corridor.

• Fort Fetterman State Historic Site, Douglas [10] - One of few original frontier posts with existing buildings, at the junction of the Bozeman and Oregon/Morman Trails. Open from 1867 to 1882.

Southeast Wyoming

• American Heritage Center, Laramie [11] - The University of Wyoming's manuscript repository, rare book library and university archives. One of the largest special collections repositories in the nation. Internationally known for its research collections on Wyoming and the American West.

• Cheyenne Depot National Historic Landmark, Cheyenne [12] - The museum describes the establishment of Cheyenne and the history of this beautifully restored building. Built in 1886–1887, the Union Pacific Depot is the last of the grand 19th-century depots remaining on the Transcontinental Railroad.

• Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum, Cheyenne [13] - One of the nation's largest collections of historic horse-drawn vehicles and the region's most celebrated Western art exhibitions.

• Wyoming State Museum, Cheyenne [14] - The only museum dedicated to the entire history of Wyoming. Permanent exhibits include artifacts that tell Wyoming's history, regional wildlife, coal mining, dinosaurs, Native Americans in Wyoming, pioneers and the USS Wyoming.

• Laramie Plains Museum at the Historic Ivinson Mansion, Laramie [15] - Restored 1892 historic house museum.

• Wyoming Frontier Prison Museum, Rawlins [16] - The Old Wyoming State Penitentiary, in use from 1901–81, offers guided tours through cell blocks, the cafeteria, the grounds and the Death House.

[edit] Wyoming State Parks

• Bear River, Evanston [17] – Featuring a tourist information center, picnic areas and a small herd of bison and elk. The park also contains nearly three miles of hiking/bicycling trails.

• Boysen, Shoshoni [18] – Boysen offers fishing, camping and a variety of water sports, plus picnicking and sightseeing. There are 76 miles of shoreline and offers both day-use and overnight camping facilities.

• Buffalo Bill, Cody [19] – Surrounded by mountainous scenery, the park offers camping, picnicking, trout fishing, nature trails and wind surfing.

• Curt Gowdy, Cheyenne [20] – Recently named an "Epic" trail system by the International Mountain Bicycling Association, the foothills of the Laramie Mountains offer granite towers, rocky soils and timbered slopes. Two small reservoirs form the heart of the park, with excellent rainbow trout and kokanee salmon fishing.

• Edness K. Wilkins, Evansville [21] – Bird watchers and walkers find this park a shady oasis on the plains. This park is designed for day use; picnic and play areas are numerous.

• Glendo [22] – One of southern Wyoming’s most popular boating parks. It offers visitors water skiing, fishing and other water-based activities. Day-use and overnight facilities feature improved campsites, sanitary facilities, tables and grills.

• Guernsey [23] – Guernsey is known for its excellent boating opportunities and collection of historic 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps buildings and recreational facilities. The park also offers boating, camping, fishing, hiking, birdwatching and picnicking.

• Hawk Springs [24] – Features boating, prime fishing, picnic areas and campgrounds. Bird watchers can see blue heron and the many other birds that inhabit the area.

• Hot Springs, Thermompolis [25] – The park is built around the world’s largest single-mineral hot spring. Big Spring pours forth millions of gallons of mineral water every 24 hours at a constant temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Two year-round swimming plunges and the State Bath House provide indoor and outdoor pools.

• Keyhole, Moorcroft [26] – Located at the edge of the Black Hills within sight of Devils Tower National Monument, Keyghole's reservoir offers excellent fishing for walleye, catfish, small-mouth bass and northern pike.

• Seminoe, Sinclair [27] – Surrounded by giant white-sand dunes, sagebrush, thousands of pronghorn antelope and sage grouse. The park features the Seminoe Mountains, Seminoe Reservoir and the “Miracle Mile” of the North Platte River and provides facilities for anglers, boaters, picnickers, campers and hikers.

• Sinks Canyon, Lander [28] – The park features a geologic phenomenon, in which the Popo Agie River vanishes into a large cavern (the Sinks) but reappears in a trout-filled pool. A visitor center features wildlife exhibits, viewing sites and interpretive signs. The park contains hiking trails, camping picnicking sites, rock climbing and fishing.

[edit][add listing] Eat

Wyoming is known for its steakhouses, which often offer elk, bison and other local game on their menus. While you're not likely to see many chain restaurants outside of the state's larger cities, most towns have several quaint, locally owned restaurants, and asking a friendly local is the best way to find them. Jackson boasts the widest range of dining choices, including everything from sushi to Thai food to fresh seafood.

[edit][add listing] Drink

A saloon dubbed the "Cowboy Bar" is nearly ubiquitous in every Wyoming town. Most of these are friendly establishments where jeans and cowboy boots are the outfit of choice, and fancy cocktails are not often on the menu. However, several larger cities, including Cheyenne and Jackson, offer more nightlife opportunities, such as wine and martini bars, live music venues and brew pubs. There are several craft breweries and even a winery in Wyoming as well.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

Accommodations options in Wyoming include upscale resorts, name-brand hotels and motels, historic inns, homey bed and breakfasts, and campgrounds and RV parks.

[edit] Stay safe

Pay special attention to the weather when traveling on highways in Wyoming. If the snow gates are down, do NOT ignore them. Be aware that at higher elevations (including most of the state's mountain passes) snow can fall in June and even July. There are large expanses of land between towns that are wholly uninhabited, and getting stuck out on the interstate in whiteout conditions is an extraordinarily hazardous predicament to be caught in to say the least! If you must travel in winter, keep your gas tank full and carry some snacks - just in case you get stuck. If stuck in a blizzard, do not leave your vehicle.

You should also be aware that the state's abundant wildlife may pose a hazard to visitors. While you're unlikely to be stalked by mountain lions, there is a reasonable chance that you may encounter antelope, moose or deer on the state's highways. When you see signs that say "open range", be especially cautious, as cattle may enter the roadway along with the usual assortment of four footed creatures.

[edit] Get out

• Montana - Wyoming's northern neighbor is often called Big Sky Country for its famed big, blue skies, but the amazing natural landscape varies from the flat regions to the East and the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains in the West.
• South Dakota - Wyoming's northeastern neighbor is home to such natural and cultural wonders as Badlands National Park, Wind Cave National Park and Mount Rushmore.
• Nebraska - The state's southeastern neighbor has a rich agricultural heritage, offering visitors a glimpse into America's heartland.
• Colorado - The Rocky Mountain state borders Wyoming to the south and offers a mind-boggling array of outdoor activities.
• Utah - Wyoming's southwestern neighbor is worth visiting for the mind-blowing rock formations found in places like Arches National Park and Zion National Park, as well as the winter recreation opportunities found around Salt Lake City, host of the 2002 Winter Olympics.
• Idaho - Wyoming's western neighbor is a rugged state, with snow-capped mountains, whitewater rivers, forests, high desert, and plenty of wilderness.

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