Planning a Trip to Wyoming: A Complete How-To

We’ve spent quite a bit of time in Wyoming at this point. We’ve hiked through the state’s best national park and spent a month in Cheyenne, the heart of cowboy country.

Wyoming isn’t a place you visit on a whim, though, especially if you’re here for the parks. You need to do some prep work when planning a trip to Wyoming, a vast state with lengthy driving distances in between attractions of note.

Use our first-hand knowledge and this guide to help plan your trip and narrow down your focus on a visit to Wyoming.

How to Plan a Trip to Wyoming

Planning a trip to Wyoming can be a little intimidating, especially if you’re traveling soon. Here are a few things you should know about planning trips to Wyoming:

• A trip to Wyoming can cost about $1,200 per person for a week of travel. That’s if you can find a cheap budget flight into one of the transportation hubs nearby, book cheap accommodations, and spend time cooking your own food vs. eating out.
• Pricing jumps considerably if you’re spending a seven-day trip in Yellowstone during high season or planning a ski vacation in Jackson Hole. I don’t camp, but that can be an option for you in the national parks to save some cash.
• You’ll need to drive in Wyoming. Unless you’re sticking to one city like Cheyenne, you’ll likely be enjoying many of those wide-open spaces from your car. I promise the long car rides are worth it. Wyoming is scenic as heck.
• Yellowstone is just as impressive as everybody says. If you’re able, get off the boardwalks and hit some of the park’s longer trails. You’ll lose some of the people who overwhelm the park in the peak summer months.
• Wyoming reps the American West. If you don’t love Western wear and cowboy culture, you’ll need to embrace it all temporarily while you’re in Wyoming, my little cowpoke.

How Many Days You Need to See Wyoming

Assuming you’re here to fit in a national park or two, a week gives you some flexibility to do both Yellowstone, the Beartooth Highway, and Grand Teton justice. You could even see Jackson with that amount of time.

If you’re short on time, I’d caution against anything less than two days in Yellowstone and one day in Grand Teton.

The Best Time of Year to Visit Wyoming

The best time of year to visit Wyoming depends on what you’re looking for in a trip to the Cowboy State. Check out my detailed information on weather-dependent travel in Wyoming:

• Summer: Generally, summer will boast the best weather for hikers if you’re not worried about sticking to a budget during high-season travel. This is also prime time for the state’s rodeos, something everyone should experience at least once.
• Fall: September and October are shoulder months in the national parks, so you’ll meet fewer people on the trails. Expect snow and chilly temperatures at elevation. If that’s not a deterrent, you’ll find decent weather in the valley and nice fall foliage.
• Winter: Ski season starts around Thanksgiving if you’re planning a trip to Jackson Hole for ski adventures. By the time winter comes around, it’s high season at the best resorts.
• Spring: May is a great month for travel in the national parks. The weather’s delightful and prices aren’t at their peak. If you’re a skier, you can take advantage of the lengthy ski season in Jackson Hole. Resorts are open well into March.

How to Get to Wyoming

You can get to Wyoming on a longer multi-day road trip into the state or by flying into one of the state’s airports.

If you’re traveling to Yellowstone, you’ll be choosing from regional airports. You’ll find them in the following towns: Cody and Jackson in Wyoming, Bozeman and Billings in Montana, and Idaho Falls in Idaho.

Note: All of those are within driving distance of the park, so it depends on the deals you’re able to find or whether you’re prioritizing efficiency.

Here’s the rundown on distances from Yellowstone National Park:

• Yellowstone Airport (10 minutes from West Entrance)
• Jackson Hole Airport (1 hour from South Entrance)
• Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (1 hour 30 minutes from North Entrance)
• Yellowstone Regional Airport (1 hour 30 minutes from East Entrance)
• Idaho Falls Regional Airport (2 hours 30 minutes from West Entrance)
• Salt Lake City International Airport (5 hours to West Entrance)

Skiers will be happy to find that Jackson Hole has its own airport. Getting a good deal to fly there, though, is unlikely.

You’ll probably be connecting from one of the major airports into any of the above options. If you’re up for a longer road trip, flights into Denver, Colorado, or Salt Lake City, Utah, will offer more opportunities for good flight deals.

Unfortunately, those looking for scenic train travel won’t find it here. Amtrak doesn’t have routes that cut through the state’s scenic byways.

How to Get Around Wyoming

You’re going to want a car to get around Wyoming, whether you’re focused on adventure in Yellowstone or traveling throughout the state. Book your car well ahead of travel if you’re visiting in the summer months.

If you’re staying in Jackson, you could get by without a car by using the START Bus, ride-share services, or taxis. If you’re heading there on a ski trip, though, it may be worth the extra expense for the convenience and efficiency of having your own ride.

I assume you’ll have gear to get from Point A to Point B in that instance.

Top Places to Visit in Wyoming

We’ve spent a lot of time in Wyoming. Here are a few stops we would highlight on your trip here. I’d suggest prioritizing the national parks above all else.

Cheyenne

You don’t have to be collecting state capitals to make it a point to see Cheyenne while you’re in Wyoming. Despite my personal feelings about Cheyenne, this city of around 65,000 residents is classic Wyoming.

Embrace the state’s rodeo history at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum, tour the Wyoming State Capitol, and find as many Big Boots around town as you can.

Fun fact: These art installations have been painted by local artists to show off the history of both Cheyenne and the state.

With more time, take some of the best trips out of the city. That includes one of my favorite places, Fort Collins in Colorado.

Devils Tower National Monument

Devils Tower was the country’s first national monument, designated as such in 1906 by President Theodore Roosevelt. This imposing geological formation is accessible from both South Dakota and Wyoming, but however you access it, it’s worth the trip.

A trip to Devils Tower is worth it for the views alone, but you’ll also get some great hiking trails and wildlife spotting at this park. If you’re able, hike the Red Beds Trail for expansive views of Devils Tower without the need to zoom out.

READ MORE: Intrigued by this imposing national monument? I have a complete guide to help you plan your day there.

Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is home to one of the prettiest views you’ll get in the state at Mormon Row. There are so many other places to visit around Grand Teton that are almost as attractive, though.

Feast your eyes on Jackson Lake, a 15-mile-long glacial lake, or Jenny Lake, one of the most popular spots in the park for a reason. Even the visitor center comes with expansive views of the Teton Range.

If you’re just not sure where to start, I always suggest picking a hike or two if you’re able to see a place from your feet. My guide to planning your time in the Tetons includes treks at all levels.

Interested in guided experiences while you’re here? Here are a few highly-rated options:

Jackson

Jackson, or Jackson Hole if you’re nasty and talking about the valley in town, is a year-round destination. If you’re here to ski and feel a little fancy, Teton Village surrounds the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.

If you’re allergic to skiing like me and prefer summertime outdoor pursuits, Jackson is a super cute way to do all of that.

Seriously, downtown Jackson is very cute.

While you’re there, meet elk at the National Elk Refuge, soak in the Granite Hot Springs, or set up shop for a few days while you plot your drive to Yellowstone from Jackson.

If I had more of a cash surplus, I’d spend quite a bit more time in this town. (I’d probably skip the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, though.)

Interested in guided experiences around Jackson that aren’t Yellowstone? Check out these highly-rated options:

Yellowstone National Park

The number one attraction in Wyoming is Yellowstone National Park, the country’s first national park.

That’s likely because it’s home to Old Faithful, one of the most popular attractions in the United States. It could also be thanks to Yellowstone Lake, the largest high-elevation lake in North America.

Maybe it’s the Grand Prismatic Spring, the Norris Geyser Basin, or the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

I could come up with a list of a dozen different spots for you to check out in Yellowstone alone before touching the rest of the state in this travel guide. That’d be pretty rude to the rest of Wyoming, though.

You could spend weeks exploring this park and still not see everything there is to see. Interested in a Yellowstone itinerary? I have a guide to three days in the park.

If you’re short on time, guided experiences are always an option. Check out these highly-rated guided tours:

More Places to Visit in Wyoming

We’ve spent months in Wyoming and still haven’t ticked off everything there is to do in this massive state. There’s just always so much driving involved to get from one place to the next. Here are a few Wyoming attractions that are still on our list:

• Bighorn National Forest: Visit this expanse of natural beauty for towering mountains, deep canyons, and over a million acres of wilderness. The Bighorn Mountains are the biggest draw here, but locals love the forest as a serene retreat.
• The Buffalo Bill Center of the West: You need to travel to Cody to get there, but once you’re there, you’ll be treated to a complex of five different museums and a library dedicated to the American West. Start at the Buffalo Bill Museum, naturally.

Fun fact: Buffalo Bill’s full name was William Frederick Cody, so you can call him Buffalo Bill Cody, Fred Cody, really anything you please.

• Casper: This town is known for fly-fishing all along the North Platte River. History buffs won’t want to miss the Fort Caspar Museum and Historic Site and the Salt Creek Museum for a taste of the local history.
• Dubois: This small Wyoming town has become a hot spot for one activity that won’t surprise you in the least: dude ranches. If you want to experience the Wild West at its best, visit one of the town’s ranches for a weekend on horseback.
• Thermopolis: Visit Thermopolis for a more relaxing approach to Wyoming. The town is home to Hot Springs State Park. To add a little dino intrigue to your Wyoming trip planner, stop at the Wyoming Dinosaur Center.

Wyoming Travel Itineraries

One week in Wyoming will only scratch the surface of Wyoming travel, but that just means you may have to come back for more.

If you’re planning a Wyoming road trip, here are a few ideas for a full week’s worth of activities.

Option 1: Wyoming National Parks Adventure

• Day 1: Arrive in Jackson.
• Day 2: Explore Grand Teton National Park.
• Day 3: Explore Grand Teton National Park.
• Day 4: Arrive in Yellowstone National Park.
• Day 5: Explore Yellowstone National Park.
• Day 6: Explore Yellowstone National Park.
• Day 7: Return via Jackson.

Option 2: Wyoming Towns & Wilderness

• Day 1: Arrive in Cheyenne.
• Day 2: Explore Curt Gowdy State Park.
• Day 3: Hike in Medicine Bow National Forest.
• Day 4: Tour Fort Laramie National Historic Site.
• Day 5: Visit Laramie, Wyoming.
• Day 6: Relax at Saratoga Hot Springs.
• Day 7: Depart from Cheyenne.

Option 3: Geological Wonders & the Wild West

• Day 1: Arrive in Sundance via Denver.
• Day 2: Visit Devils Tower National Monument.
• Day 3: Learn about the mining industry in Gillette.
• Day 4: Experience the Wild West in Buffalo.
• Day 5: Meet the King of Cowboy Towns in Sheridan.
• Day 6: Explore Bighorn National Forest.
• Day 7: Depart from Sheridan or return via Denver.

Interesting Facts About Wyoming

Just because there aren’t many folks living in Wyoming doesn’t mean it doesn’t boast some fun facts. Here are a few of my favorite fun facts about Wyoming.

1. A nefarious Wyoming connection is the outlaw Harry Alonzo Longabaugh, better known as the Sundance Kid. He got the nickname from the Sundance jail he frequented in his teens.
2. This one surprised me, as women’s suffrage doesn’t come to the top of my mind when it comes to the Cowboy State. Wyoming was the first state to grant women the right to vote in 1869.
3. The bison is the state mammal, but Wyoming’s also the birthplace of the jackalope. The antlered jackrabbit was the creation of Douglas, Wyoming, brothers Douglas and Ralph Herrick, who sold their unique taxidermy in the 1930s.
4. Wyoming also boasts a state dinosaur, the triceratops, as a nod to its importance amongst fossil hunters. There’s even a cabin made out of fossil bones near Medicine Bow, Wyoming, which isn’t creepy at all.
5. You know that game you used to play on those pixelated computer screens? A good chunk of the actual Oregon Trail stretched all the way across Wyoming. Start at the Oregon Trail Ruts State Historic Site in Guernsey, Wyoming.

Note: From what I’ve read, it was just as dramatic as the game in terms of the fording of rivers and dysentery and such.

What to Pack to Wyoming

Most folks will be headed to Wyoming for Yellowstone, and I certainly don’t blame you for that. Below, check out what you should pack on trips that might include one of the country’s best national parks, in addition to other Western adventures:

• Cowboy Boots: This is one of those states where you can definitely pull off some cowboy boots without any irony. They’ll be especially welcome if you hit up any of the state rodeos, like the big annual event in Cheyenne. When in Wyoming, right?
• Cowboy Hat: I’ve already mentioned the idea of potential rodeo opportunities while planning a Wyoming itinerary. So what are you waiting for? Pick up a cowboy hat to help you blend in with the crowd.
• Hiking Backpack: Bring legit hiking gear if you’re visiting the state’s best park. As Scar once said, “Be prepared!” We’re Osprey brand loyalists if you want to start there.
• Hiking Shoes: Wyoming hiking is serious hiking. No matter which hiking shoes you choose, make sure your hiking trip isn’t the first time you’re wearing them. That’s a one-way ticket to blister city. I like Altra’s water-resistant varieties.
• Wool Socks: This isn’t an exciting packing list add-on, but it’s an essential one, whether you’re hitting the slopes in Jackson Hole or hiking in Yellowstone. Wool socks both wick away moisture and keep your feet warm. It’s all quite magical.

Famous Foods in Wyoming

Foods famous in Wyoming include:

• Bison burgers
• Chicken fried steak
• Chokecherries
• Fresh fish
• Game meat
• Jerky
• Prime rib
• Rocky Mountain oysters
• Sausage gravy
• Wyomatoes*

*This juicy tomato variety is only grown in Big Piney, at 7,400 feet.

Wyoming Festivals & Special Events

If you’re planning a trip to Wyoming during a specific time of year, consider whether there are any festivals or holidays happening. You may want to attend special events or avoid them, as holidays often mean businesses are closed.

Here are a few notable events:

• Old West Days: Jackson’s Old West Days is an annual spring festival celebrating, you guessed it, the days of the Old West. Expect live music, cold brews, and antler auctions. Yes, I said antler auctions.
• Cody Stampede: The town of Cody is big into its rodeo scene. The annual Cody Stampede kickoff is typically held around mid-June and is followed by a summer of events celebrating the town’s cowpoke history. Yee-haw!
• Gold Rush Days: This two-day event in South Pass City celebrates the town’s mining roots. Expect to pan for gold, ride in a stagecoach and take in some live music, all with the backdrop of mining machinery all around.
• Green River Rendezvous: The annual Green River Rendezvous in Pinedale celebrates the state’s Mountain Man traditions. It’s a weekend of Native American storytelling, parades, rodeos, and lecture series.
• Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo: It wouldn’t be a Wyoming info page without at least two rodeo events. This one is the most well-known. The Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo is what you’re likely imagining a big rodeo event to be.

Where to Stay in Wyoming

Deciding where to stay on trips to Wyoming depends on your itinerary. We typically book based on a blend of efficiency and cost. Just make sure you’re booking well ahead of travel if you’re planning on visiting Yellowstone or Grand Teton.

That includes camping. Book camping sites well in advance if you’re traveling in the summer months.

READ MORE: I have a detailed guide to lodging in Yellowstone if that’s what you’re planning!

Browse Booking.com or Hotels.com for your options based on your itinerary. Vrbo is my Airbnb alternative if you want something with more amenities.

Start with Wyoming’s parks on any trip to the state.

Wyoming is best known for being home to Yellowstone National Park. It’s also popular with travelers seeking legitimate cowboy culture, steaming springs and water features, and Grand Teton National Park’s scenic vistas.

Wyoming is a good place to visit if you want to experience some of the most impressive national parks in the United States and are here for outdoor adventures. If you’re here for a city break, it may be less impressive.

Other than Alaska, Wyoming has the lowest population density of any other state. Focus on Wyoming’s natural pursuits and you won’t be disappointed.