Things to do in Wyoming, United States: The Best Outdoor Activities

September 29, 2021 Hector Krause

Wyoming boasts a positively selfish hoard of natural outdoor beauty! From the soaring peaks of the Grand Tetons to Jackson Hole valley and Yellowstone National Park, the mountain landscape and natural wonders of Wyoming are breathtaking. All-season outdoor activities prove a natural draw for families, couples and group getaways. Sports lovers golf through spring and summer at attractive rates or tackle river and lake fishing, hunting and hiking. Families take to Alpine skiing and snowmobiling in Jackson Hole, Snow King, Grand Targhee and Pine Creek. Every visitor is awed by the deep canyons and steaming geysers of The Yellowstone National Park. Each magnificent sight rivals the next. The Grand Tetons rise over a mile above Jackson Hole valley, where a ride on the Aerial Tram from Teton Village offers unforgettable views. Across the entire state, wildlife stakes its rightful claim, from bison and bighorn sheep herds to black bear and mountain elk. For a step back in frontier history, take the family to Go Native America to experience Native American culture, history and arts of the Plains Tribes. Enjoy tours with indigenous guides, horseback riding and roping lessons. With every experience, your family will gain a sense of the pioneer spirit that pushed America westward.
Restaurants in Wyoming

1. Cascade Canyon Trail

Grand Teton National Park, WY
Excellent
84%
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14%
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5.0 based on 259 reviews

Cascade Canyon Trail

This uphill trail follows Cascade Creek for 4.5 miles and reaches Hidden Falls.

Reviewed By TravFiend - Laguna Beach, United States

Since we had planned to hike up to Lake Solitude (14.5 mile round trip) we decided to take the first shuttle across the lake (you have the option of tacking on another 4 miles if you plan to hike the southern part of Jenny trail instead of taking the shuttle). We were pleasantly surprised that the first shuttle @ 7am costs $5 RT per person (all later shuttles cost $18 RT pp), so if you want to save some money and want to avoid the crowd, then I would strongly recommend getting up early to catch the first shuttle to hike this trail. Plus early mornings promise better moose sightings. We saw a total of 6-7 moose on our way up to the fork, and then another 3-4 on our way back. In order to see the canyon view, you really have to go past (bear right at the fork) the Canyon fork. You don’t have to hike all the way up to Lake Solitude (which is 2.7 miles past the fork). Just hike another mile past the fork, look back, and you’ll be rewarded with the most beautiful scenery. The last mile up to Lake Solitude was more strenuous and tricky given some of the snow pack at certain parts of the trail. So if you’re going to hike up late spring or early summer, I’d recommend hiking boots (not sneakers) and poles. The lake was still partially frozen over in early July, but we managed to dip our feet in the chilly water for a second or two to refresh the legs for our hike back down. The way back got crowded past the fork. A lot of families with kids looking to get a glimpse of moose. The whole hike took us 8 hours to complete, including 1/2 hour lunch break at the top, and a 15 minute “moose jam”, where a bull was blocking the trail as we were hiking up. My advice, start early! It’ll be so much more enjoyable.

2. Continental Divide Trail

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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Continental Divide Trail

A National Scenic Trail that extends 3,100 miles along the backbone of America, stretching from Canada to Mexico.

3. Beartooth Highway

+1 406-446-2103 http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/byways/byways/2281
Excellent
88%
Good
11%
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5.0 based on 84 reviews

Beartooth Highway

Nestled between two scenic wilderness areas, this drive is considered the "most beautiful road in America."

Reviewed By rowenam872 - Shell, United States

“ The above is a quote from our Swiss friend. Peaks rising over 12,000 ft including the state’s tallest. The Beartooth Plateau is one of the largest landmasses in the United States above 10,000 feet. Hope you find the mountain that looks like a Bear Tooth, I can’t. There are many pointed peaks. Add a mountain goat and pica to this. Lakes, hiking trails, snowmobile trails, and an extreme skier may ski into July. This is Heaven for botanists, wetland ecologists, hydrologists, and soil scientists due to the Mountain fens (peat-accumulating wetlands) or groundwater-dependent habitats. Read the other Advisor notes before you go. They mention the weather. That can change any day.

4. Chief Joseph Scenic Highway

WY +1 307-587-2297 http://www.byways.org/explore/byways/2168/
Excellent
87%
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5.0 based on 162 reviews

Chief Joseph Scenic Highway

Part of the Nez Perce National Historic Trail, this scenic drive offers panoramic canyon views.

Reviewed By IndySig - Indianapolis, United States

This drive is simply amazing. Right off the bat we saw a large herd of antelope. The views are spectacular and we saw so many beautiful plants and wildlife. We stopped and stuck our feet in Dead Infian Creek and enjoyed various stops along the way.

5. Buffalo Bill National Scenic Byway

Excellent
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5.0 based on 9 reviews

Buffalo Bill National Scenic Byway

A 50-mile scenic drive that passes through dramatic wilderness and canyon landscapes.

6. Snowy Range Road

Excellent
86%
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5.0 based on 7 reviews

Snowy Range Road

Designated the Second National Forest Scenic Byway in the United States, this scenic route between Laramie and the Upper Platte River Valley is a popular recreation attraction with many camping, picnic, hiking and observation facilities.

7. 42-mile Scenic Loop Drive

Grand Teton National Park, WY +1 307-739-3300 http://www.nps.gov/grte/index.htm
Excellent
87%
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5.0 based on 612 reviews

42-mile Scenic Loop Drive

Reviewed By gillkaribu - Bishops Stortford, United Kingdom

If you have limited time in the park this is the best route to take. Whether you start at Moose Entrance, Moran Entrance or Jackson Lake Junction you will follow the Teton Park Road with close views of the lakes and Teton Mountains and Highway 89 through the open plains along the Snake River. Take as much time as possible to stop for photo shoots of Jackson and Jenny Lakes and it is worth taking the turn-off to Schwabacher Landing just off Highway 89. Dornans at the southern end of the park is good for food and gifts as is Jackson Lake Lodge.

8. Artist Point

South Rim Road, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
Excellent
84%
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5.0 based on 1,292 reviews

Artist Point

Reviewed By Tommy599 - Two Rivers, United States

We crossed Chittenden bridge across the Yellowstone river; stopping first at Uncle Toms to view the smaller upper Falls, then on to Artist Point to view the MAGNIFICENT lower falls and the unbelievable colors of the canyon. It is IMPOSSIBLE to describe the majesty of this waterfall and canyon colors, so we will not even try,

9. Snowy Range Scenic Byway

Hwy 130 Medicine Bow National Forest, Centennial, WY +1 307-327-5481 http://travelwyoming.com/listing/centennial/snowy-range-scenic-byway
Excellent
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5.0 based on 165 reviews

Snowy Range Scenic Byway

Reviewed By Wanderer587992 - Gainesville, United States

This is a spectacular drive! Many great hiking trails and picnic spots, scenic views and turnouts. Trout fishing and beautiful fall colors. The elevation goes up quickly from 7,100 feet in Centennial to over 10,000 feet at a Libby Flats.

10. Lamar Valley

Yellowstone National Park, WY +1 307-344-7381 http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/basicinfo.htm
Excellent
84%
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5.0 based on 2,998 reviews

Lamar Valley

Reviewed By FancyFree55 - Florida, United States

This route is an amazing drive into the park, with large herds of buffalo grazing in vast fields on both sides of the northeast entrance road. It seemed that our visit coincided with birthing season, when lots of calves were just joining families. They're an unusual orange-brown color, compared with the very dark fur of their parents.' Tourists parked all over the sides of the highway to stop for close-up photos these incredible animals. When I say close-up, I mean with a good zoom. Park signage warns you not to get nearer than 75 yards because the animals are very fast and, if they feel like their babies are threatened, they will charge. We were very fortunate to also spot a small herd of pronghorn elk grazing not far from the road and got some great pix. The drive itself is beautiful, with mountains off in the distance, and a river winding through vast green along and around the roadway.

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