I’ve spent a lot of time looking into Wyoming, and honestly, it kept surprising me.
This state has it all. Geysers, wild bison, dramatic canyons, historic saloons, and mountain peaks that make you stop mid-sentence.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through 69 places to visit in Wyoming, from Yellowstone’s famous hot springs to hidden gems most travelers skip.
I’ll cover the top spots, what to do there, and tips to plan your trip. I’ve put this together so you don’t have to spend hours researching.
You get everything in one place.
Why Visit Wyoming?
Wyoming is one of the least visited states in the U.S., and that’s exactly what makes it special.
You get wide open spaces, real wildlife encounters, and landscapes that don’t feel crowded or overrun.
From the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone to the cowboy culture of Cody, this state packs more variety than most people expect.
If you want something raw, real, and genuinely different, Wyoming delivers.
Top 50 Places to Visit in Wyoming
Here are the first 50 must-visit spots across Wyoming. Each one brings something different to the table.
1. Yellowstone National Park
The crown jewel of Wyoming. Yellowstone has geysers, hot springs, waterfalls, and more wildlife than you can count.
It’s the kind of place where you turn a corner and see a bison herd blocking the road. Go early in the morning to beat the crowds.
2. Grand Teton National Park
The Tetons rise straight out of the valley floor, no foothills in the way. The views are some of the best in the country.
Hike the trails, kayak on Jackson Lake, or just pull over and stare. It’s that good.
3. Devils Tower National Monument
This flat-topped rock column rises 867 feet out of the ground and looks like nothing else in the U.S. Rock climbers love it.
Photographers love it even more. Walk the trail around the base for the full effect.
4. Buffalo, Wyoming
A small town with a big history. Buffalo sits at the foot of the Bighorn Mountains and has a charming historic downtown with local shops and museums.
It’s a great base for exploring the surrounding wilderness and backcountry trails.
5. Cody, Wyoming
Named after Buffalo Bill himself, Cody earns its reputation. The Buffalo Bill Center of the West is five museums in one building.
Old Trail Town brings the Wild West back to life. Rodeos happen here almost every night in summer.
6. Jackson, Wyoming
Jackson punches way above its size. The famous antler arch in the town square is a photo stop everyone makes.
The National Elk Refuge sits just outside town. In summer, the rodeo runs weekly. In winter, the ski season takes over completely.
7. Cloud Peak Skyway
This scenic byway cuts through some of Wyoming’s best mountain scenery. You’ll pass overlooks, forest roads, and views that stretch for miles.
It’s a great drive even if you don’t stop, but you’ll want to stop.
8. Snowy Range Pass
Tucked inside the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, Snowy Range Pass sits at over 10,000 feet.
The drive is short but the scenery is big. Alpine lakes, rocky peaks, and wildflowers in summer make it a photographer’s spot.
9. Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area
Red rock canyons meet deep blue water here. You can boat, fish, hike, or just drive the rim road for sweeping views.
It straddles Wyoming and Utah, and the whole area feels like a hidden corner of the Southwest.
10. Sinks Canyon State Park
One of Wyoming’s most unusual spots. The Popo Agie River literally disappears into a cave here and reappears downstream.
There are waterfalls, wildlife, and a trout pool where fish gather near the surface. Super easy to visit and totally worth it.
11. Bighorn Medicine Wheel
High in the Bighorn Mountains, this ancient stone circle has been used by Native American tribes for centuries.
It’s a sacred site, so visitors are asked to be respectful. The view from up here is wide and quiet and unlike anything else in the state.
12. Hole-in-the-Wall Outlaw Hideout
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid used this remote canyon as a hideout. The red cliff wall has a narrow notch that gave it the name.
Getting here requires a bit of effort, but history buffs and backcountry fans will love it.
13. Smith Mansion, Cody
This is one of the most unusual buildings you’ll ever see. A local man spent decades building a wild, multi-story log structure on a hillside with no plans and no blueprint.
It’s quirky, photogenic, and genuinely one of a kind. Worth a roadside stop.
14. Chugwater Soda Fountain
This tiny Wyoming town has a soda fountain that dates back decades. It’s a true slice of small-town Americana.
Stop for a handcrafted soda or a scoop of ice cream and enjoy the slower pace. It’s the kind of stop you don’t expect but always remember.
15. Woods Landing Bar & Cafe
Built in 1883, this place has a log floor and walls that have seen more than a century of stories. It sits along the Laramie River near Colorado’s border.
Come for a cold drink and stay for the atmosphere. Old Wyoming doesn’t get more real than this.
16. Old Faithful Geyser
It erupts roughly every 90 minutes, and yes, it’s still impressive every single time. Old Faithful is the most visited spot in Yellowstone for a reason.
Get there early, grab a seat on the boardwalk, and watch the show. The steam cloud goes higher than you’d expect.
17. Grand Prismatic Spring
The largest hot spring in the U.S. and one of the most colorful on Earth. The rings of orange, yellow, and green around the deep blue center are caused by heat-loving bacteria.
Take the overlook trail for the aerial view. Photos don’t fully capture it.
18. Morning Glory Pool
Named for its resemblance to the flower, this pool in Yellowstone has shifted colors over the years due to people throwing coins and debris into it.
It’s still striking and sits along an easy boardwalk trail. A short walk with a big visual payoff.
19. Jenny Lake, Grand Teton
Jenny Lake is one of the most photographed spots in Grand Teton. You can take a ferry across to the west side and hike to Hidden Falls from there.
The water is cold and clear, and the mountains surrounding it make every angle worth shooting.
20. Signal Mountain, Grand Teton
Drive to the top of Signal Mountain for one of the best views in the entire park. You can see the full Teton range, the Snake River winding below, and Jackson Lake stretching out in the distance.
It’s a short drive with a massive reward.
21. Mormon Row
A row of old homestead barns set against the backdrop of the Teton peaks. The Moulton Barn is one of the most photographed structures in Wyoming.
It’s best at sunrise when the light hits the mountains and the barns cast long shadows.
22. Schwabacher Landing
A bend in the Snake River where wildlife photographers set up before sunrise. Moose, beavers, and eagles show up here regularly.
The mountain reflection in the still water is the shot most people are going for. Arrive early to get the best light and parking.
23. Avalanche Peak, Yellowstone
One of the more challenging hikes in Yellowstone, but the 360-degree summit views make every step worth it.
No trail signs and a steep scramble near the top, so it’s best for experienced hikers. On a clear day, you can see across the entire park.
24. Mt. Washburn, Yellowstone
Mt. Washburn is one of the best hikes in Yellowstone for all skill levels. The summit has a fire lookout station and views in every direction.
Bighorn sheep are often spotted near the top. Two trailheads make this a flexible and rewarding day hike.
25. Lamar Valley, Yellowstone
Known as America’s Serengeti. Lamar Valley is the best place in Yellowstone to spot wolves, grizzly bears, bison, and elk.
Go at dawn or dusk with binoculars. In the early morning, the valley is quiet and the animals move freely across the open grasslands.
26. Hayden Valley, Yellowstone
Another top wildlife viewing area in Yellowstone. Bison herds move through here constantly, and grizzly sightings are common near the Yellowstone River.
It’s flatter and more open than Lamar, making it easy to scan large areas from the road.
27. Buffalo Bill Dam
Built in 1910, this was once the tallest dam in the world. It sits just outside Cody and holds back the Shoshone River.
There’s a visitor center and a walkway across the dam with canyon views below. A quick stop that’s worth making on the drive into Cody.
28. Cody Firearms Museum
Part of the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, this museum holds one of the largest collections of American firearms in the world.
Over 7,000 pieces. The history goes from colonial flintlocks to modern sporting rifles. Even non-gun people find it genuinely interesting.
29. Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve
A quieter, more reflective corner of Grand Teton. This preserve focuses on the sensory experience of nature, with minimal signage and peaceful trails.
The Phelps Lake loop is a highlight. It’s a good choice if you want to step away from the busier park areas.
30. Granite Hot Springs Pool
A geothermal pool tucked into the Bridger-Teton National Forest, about an hour south of Jackson.
You drive a dirt road to get there, but the soak in natural hot water surrounded by forest makes it worthwhile. Popular in winter when steam rises from the pool.
31. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
One of the top ski resorts in North America. The vertical drop is among the steepest in the U.S. In summer, gondola rides, hiking, and mountain biking take over.
The views from the top of Rendezvous Mountain are worth the ticket price alone.
32. Clear Creek Trail, Buffalo
A paved trail that runs along Clear Creek through downtown Buffalo and out into the surrounding area.
It’s easy, flat, and great for a morning walk or bike ride. Local wildlife shows up along the creek regularly, making it a relaxed but rewarding outing.
33. Crazy Woman Canyon
A dramatic canyon near Buffalo with rock walls, a rushing creek, and good hiking. The name alone makes it memorable.
The canyon road is rough but passable. Wildflowers line the trail in summer and the creek crossings add a little extra fun to the hike.
34. Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum
Located in Buffalo, this museum tells the story of Wyoming’s frontier past. Native American artifacts, ranching tools, military history, and outlaw memorabilia fill the rooms.
It’s small but packed with genuine local history. A good stop before heading into Bighorn country.
35. Meadowlark Lake
Sitting along the Cloud Peak Skyway, Meadowlark Lake is a calm, clear mountain lake with camping, fishing, and easy walking trails.
The views of the surrounding peaks are wide and relaxed. A good mid-drive stop that’s easy to enjoy with kids or as a quick picnic break.
36. Big Horn Peaks Overlooks
Multiple pullouts along the Cloud Peak Skyway offer long views over the Bighorn Basin and mountains.
Each one is a little different depending on the light and time of day. Bring a camera and plan to stop more than once. The views change fast as the road climbs.
37. Prairie Dog Town, near Devils Tower
A large prairie dog colony lives near the Devils Tower entrance. These small animals pop in and out of their burrows constantly and make for great photography and easy wildlife watching.
Kids especially love it. A fun, low-effort stop on the way to the monument.
38. Joyner Ridge Trail, Devils Tower
This 1.5-mile loop offers some of the best views of Devils Tower from a distance. You get the whole structure in frame, surrounded by the Belle Fourche River valley below.
Less crowded than the main trail around the base. A solid choice for photography and a quieter experience.
39. Wind Circle Sculpture, Devils Tower
Located at the Devils Tower visitor area, this sculpture honors the Native American connection to the site. It’s a quiet and meaningful stop near the monument.
Take a few minutes here before moving on. It adds context to the place that makes the visit feel more complete.
40. Mirror Lake, Medicine Bow
A small alpine lake in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests with easy access and calm water. Good for fishing, picnicking, or just sitting by the shoreline.
The reflections of the surrounding trees and peaks make for clean, simple photos. A peaceful stop along the Snowy Range Scenic Byway.
41. Libby Flats Observation Area
A high-elevation pullout on the Snowy Range Scenic Byway with views of Medicine Bow Peak and the surrounding alpine terrain.
Interpretive signs help explain the geology and ecology. Short and accessible, this stop takes maybe 20 minutes but gives you a real feel for the high country.
42. West Lake Marie Trail
This trail in Medicine Bow-Routt leads through alpine meadows and past rocky terrain to Medicine Bow Peak.
It’s moderately challenging and rewards hikers with open summit views. Lake Marie at the trailhead is worth time on its own before you even start climbing.
43. Medicine Bow Peak
The highest point in the Medicine Bow Range at just over 12,000 feet. Reachable via trail from Lake Marie, the summit offers wide views over southern Wyoming.
Snow can be present well into summer. A challenging but achievable hike for fit day hikers.
44. Popo Agie Falls
A short hike in Sinks Canyon leads to this two-tiered waterfall. The lower falls are wide and easy to photograph.
The upper falls require a steeper scramble but reward you with a closer look. A satisfying out-and-back hike that almost anyone can complete.
45. Boulder Choke Cave, Sinks Canyon
Part of the cave system where the Popo Agie River disappears underground. The cave entrance is visible and the geology here is genuinely fascinating.
It’s not open for standard tours, but the exterior and the story behind the disappearing river make it worth a look.
46. Trout Pool at Sinks Canyon
Where the Popo Agie River reappears after its underground run. Large brown and rainbow trout gather in this pool, visible just below the surface.
You can buy fish food from a nearby dispenser. It’s a crowd-pleaser and a genuinely odd natural phenomenon.
47. Old Town Trail, Cody
A self-guided walking trail through Cody’s historic district. Plaques and markers explain the original buildings, businesses, and people who shaped the town.
It’s free, easy to do at your own pace, and gives you a real sense of what Cody looked like in its early days.
48. Buffalo Bill Irma Hotel
Built in 1902 by Buffalo Bill himself and named after his daughter, the Irma Hotel has a cherrywood bar that Queen Victoria gifted to Cody.
It still operates as a hotel and restaurant. The gun fights performed outside in summer are pure, fun Wyoming kitsch.
49. Yellowstone Lower Falls
The most dramatic waterfall in Yellowstone. The Lower Falls drops 308 feet into the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.
Multiple viewpoints exist along both rims. Uncle Tom’s Trail takes you partway down into the canyon for a close-up view. A must-see on any Yellowstone visit.
50. Yellowstone Grand Canyon
The canyon itself stretches over 20 miles and drops up to 1,200 feet deep. The yellow and orange canyon walls give Yellowstone its name.
Both the North Rim and South Rim have trails and overlooks. Artists Point on the South Rim is the classic view.
Yellowstone & Grand Teton Experiences
Beyond the headline attractions, Yellowstone and Grand Teton offer experiences that most visitors overlook. Here are some worth adding to your list.
- Yellowstone Geyser Basins: Norris is the hottest basin in the park. Fountain Paint Pot packs geysers, mud pots, and hot springs into one short loop.
- Yellowstone Waterfalls: Tower Fall drops 132 feet near the northeast entrance. Mystic Falls is an easy hike from Biscuit Basin with great year-round flow.
- Yellowstone Hiking Trails: Trails range from flat boardwalks to full backcountry routes. Lone Star Geyser and Fairy Falls are solid day hike picks for most visitors.
- Yellowstone Hot Springs: Emerald Spring, Doublet Pool, and Chromatic Spring have striking colors and easy access. Stay on the boardwalks. The ground around these springs can be dangerously thin.
- Yellowstone Mud Pots: Thick, boiling mud that bubbles and pops. Best seen at Fountain Paint Pot and Artists’ Paintpots. Nothing in any national park looks quite like this.
- Yellowstone Sulfur Springs: You’ll smell these before you see them. Yellow and orange mineral deposits coat the ground. The best concentration is near Norris and Mammoth Hot Springs.
- Yellowstone Ranger-Led Programs: Free talks, hikes, and campfire programs run all season. Rangers add real context to what you’re seeing. Check the schedule at any visitor center.
- Yellowstone Picnic Areas: Dozens of spots with tables and bear boxes. Fishing Bridge, Norris Meadows, and Madison are the best picks. Pack your own food and take your time.
Grand Teton Activities & Scenic Spots
Grand Teton isn’t just a backdrop. There’s a lot to actually do here, and these spots show that off well.
- Snake River: Great float trips run right through the park. Guided rafting and kayaking are easy to book in Jackson. The Teton views from water level are worth it alone.
- Fat Biking Trails: Several trails open for fat biking on packed snow in winter. Rentals are available in Jackson. A fun and active way to see the park in the off-season.
- Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride: The National Elk Refuge runs sleigh rides through thousands of elk from December through March. One of the most unusual wildlife experiences in Wyoming. Book early.
- Hidden Falls, Inspiration Point & Cascade Canyon: Ferry across Jenny Lake, hike to Hidden Falls, then push to Inspiration Point. Cascade Canyon connects all three into one solid half-day outing.
- Photography Spots in Grand Teton: Oxbow Bend, Mormon Row, and the Snake River Overlook are the classics. Wildlife shows up early. Both wide-angle and zoom lenses will get plenty of use.
- Red Canyon Overlook, Flaming Gorge: Red sandstone walls drop into blue-green water below. One of the most photogenic views along the entire Flaming Gorge rim. Easy to reach from the canyon road.
- Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve: No crowds, no Wi-Fi, no distractions. Quieter trails and a low-key visitor center. The calm, overlooked side of Grand Teton most visitors never find.
Miscellaneous Adventures & Hidden Gems
Wyoming has pockets of beauty that don’t always make the highlight reel. These four are worth the detour.
- Bighorn Mountains: Great hiking, scenic drives, and real solitude across north-central Wyoming. The Cloud Peak Wilderness sits at the center. Far less crowded than the national parks.
- Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests: Lakes, trails, campgrounds, and the Snowy Range Scenic Byway all run through here. A quieter alternative to the big parks and great for a multi-day camping trip.
- Old Faithful Inn: One of the largest log structures in the world. The lobby alone is worth a look. It’s been welcoming guests since 1904 and sits steps from Old Faithful.
- Flaming Gorge Dam: At 502 feet high, it crosses the Green River and holds back a 91-mile reservoir. Free tours run through the interior. A solid stop for anyone interested in engineering or Western history.
Travel Tips for Visiting Wyoming
Here are the 5 travel tips as short bullet points:
- Best time to go: Late spring to early fall for hiking and wildlife. September is the sweet spot with fewer crowds.
- What to pack: Layers, hiking boots, sunscreen, water bottle, binoculars, and a zoom camera.
- Getting around: Rent a car. Public transit won’t cut it here. An SUV helps on rougher roads.
- Park fees: Yellowstone and Grand Teton charge entry fees. An America the Beautiful pass saves money fast.
- Wildlife safety: Stay 100 yards from bears and wolves, 25 yards from all other animals. Never feed wildlife and stick to marked trails.
Conclusion
Wyoming surprised me the first time I looked into it properly. I kept thinking it was just Yellowstone. It’s not. It’s everything on this list and more.
If you’re planning a trip, I hope this helps narrow things down. Pick the spots that actually match what you want to do, not just what everyone else goes to.
The hidden gems here are worth as much as the famous ones.
Drop a comment below and tell me which spot you’re most excited about. And if this helped, share it with someone else who needs a good Wyoming itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need to visit Wyoming?
Most people need at least 7 to 10 days to cover Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and a few other areas. If you’re only going to Yellowstone, 3 to 4 full days is a good starting point.
What is the most visited place in Wyoming?
Yellowstone National Park is the most visited spot in the state. Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring are consistently the top two attractions within the park.
Is Wyoming good for solo travel?
Yes. Wyoming is very doable solo. The main thing to prepare for is remote driving and limited cell coverage. Let someone know your plans and carry offline maps and you’ll be fine.
When should you avoid visiting Yellowstone?
Peak summer crowds hit hardest in July and August. If you want fewer people, go in late May, early June, or September. Winter visits are possible but roads inside the park are limited and require snowcoaches or snowmobiles.
Are there family-friendly places to visit in Wyoming?
Plenty. Sinks Canyon’s disappearing river, the prairie dog town near Devils Tower, the sleigh rides in Grand Teton, and Mt. Washburn in Yellowstone are all great for families with kids of different ages.
