Day Trips in Wyoming: National Parks, Scenic Drives & Hidden Natural Wonders
From towering peaks to ancient petroglyphs and wild horse country, day trips in Wyoming promise big adventure with small-town charm. Whether you’re kayaking the Flaming Gorge, marveling at geysers in Yellowstone, soaking in Thermopolis hot springs, or hiking to alpine lakes in the Snowy Range, the Cowboy State delivers unforgettable experiences. This local’s guide highlights the top day trips across all corners of Wyoming—perfect for nature lovers, history buffs, outdoor adventurers, and families looking to explore without the crowds.
Here are some fantastic day-trip ideas in Wyoming:
Grand Teton National Park
- Enjoy scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and hiking trails around Jenny Lake or Taggart Lake.
- Take a boat ride on Jenny Lake, followed by a hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point.
Yellowstone National Park (South Entrance)
- Visit Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and Yellowstone Lake.
- Perfect for wildlife watching—look for bison, elk, bears, and wolves.
Devils Tower National Monument
- Explore trails around America’s first national monument.
- Rock climbing, hiking, or simply enjoy spectacular photography opportunities.
Jackson Hole
- Experience shopping, galleries, and restaurants in downtown Jackson.
- Consider taking the Aerial Tram at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort for stunning mountain views.
Wind River Canyon & Thermopolis
- Scenic drive through the breathtaking Wind River Canyon.
- Soak in the hot springs at Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis, home to the world’s largest mineral hot spring.
Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest
- Hike trails around Medicine Bow Peak and explore Mirror Lake.
- Ideal for nature enthusiasts who love wildflowers, wildlife, and alpine scenery.
Cody
- Visit the Buffalo Bill Center of the West to experience Western culture and history.
- Catch a rodeo or explore local art galleries and shops.
Flaming Gorge Reservoir
- Enjoy boating, fishing, kayaking, or relaxing on the scenic reservoir.
- Hike or picnic at Red Canyon Overlook for impressive canyon vistas.
Laramie & Vedauwoo Recreation Area
- Stroll historic downtown Laramie and visit the Wyoming Territorial Prison.
- Explore Vedauwoo’s unique rock formations, ideal for hiking, climbing, or photography.
Bighorn National Forest & Cloud Peak Wilderness
- Enjoy scenic drives, waterfalls, and hiking trails such as the Medicine Wheel Trail.
- Wildlife watching and fishing opportunities abound.
Here’s an expanded list organized geographically, with ten great day trips in each region of Wyoming:
🏔 Northwest Wyoming
- Grand Teton National Park
- Hiking, wildlife viewing, Jenny Lake.
- Yellowstone National Park
- Old Faithful, Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Mammoth Hot Springs.
- Jackson & Jackson Hole Valley
- Shopping, dining, Snake River float trips, National Elk Refuge.
- Dubois & Togwotee Pass
- Scenic drives, wildlife spotting, hiking trails.
- Cody
- Buffalo Bill Center of the West, nightly summer rodeos, historic downtown.
- Beartooth Scenic Highway
- Stunning mountain vistas connecting Wyoming to Montana (via Cooke City).
- Shoshone National Forest
- Hiking, camping, scenic drives, horseback riding.
- Heart Mountain Interpretive Center (near Powell)
- Important historical WWII internment camp site and museum.
- Hot Springs State Park (Thermopolis)
- Mineral hot springs, bison viewing, swinging bridge.
- Kirwin Ghost Town
- Remote historical mining town reachable by 4WD or hiking trails.
🌄 Northeast Wyoming
- Devils Tower National Monument
- Hiking around iconic geological formation, rock climbing.
- Sheridan & Bighorn Mountains
- Historic downtown Sheridan, Bighorn Scenic Byway, hiking trails.
- Buffalo
- Visit the Occidental Hotel, hiking trails in nearby Cloud Peak Wilderness.
- Fort Phil Kearny & Wagon Box Fight Historic Sites
- Learn Western history and enjoy panoramic prairie views.
- Keyhole State Park
- Boating, fishing, camping, and water recreation.
- Gillette & Eagle Butte Mine Tours
- Tours of massive open-pit coal mines, and historic downtown exploration.
- Vore Buffalo Jump
- Archaeological site showcasing ancient indigenous history.
- Ucross Art Gallery
- Visit this rural art community’s gallery, workshops, and exhibits.
- Tongue River Canyon
- Scenic hiking, fishing, and photography opportunities near Dayton.
- Aladdin General Store
- Historic landmark in tiny town with antique shopping and local charm.
🌾 Southeast Wyoming
- Vedauwoo Recreation Area
- Rock climbing, hiking trails, and scenic picnics.
- Cheyenne
- Wyoming State Capitol, historic Cheyenne Depot, and Cheyenne Frontier Days.
- Medicine Bow National Forest & Snowy Range Scenic Byway
- Alpine lakes, hiking trails, scenic drives.
- Curt Gowdy State Park
- Mountain biking, hiking, boating, fishing.
- Laramie
- Historic downtown, Wyoming Territorial Prison, University of Wyoming Art Museum.
- Saratoga Hot Springs
- Mineral hot springs, fly fishing on North Platte River.
- Guernsey State Park
- Reservoir recreation, hiking, historical Civilian Conservation Corps architecture.
- Fort Laramie National Historic Site
- Historic military outpost with guided tours and exhibits.
- Oregon Trail Ruts & Register Cliff
- Historic sites along pioneer trails near Guernsey.
- Glendo State Park
- Boating, fishing, hiking trails, sandy beaches.
🌵 Southwest Wyoming
- Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area
- Fishing, boating, hiking, scenic overlooks at Red Canyon.
- Fossil Butte National Monument
- Fossil displays, ranger-led hikes, and educational exhibits.
- Rock Springs & White Mountain Petroglyphs
- Historic downtown, cultural museums, ancient rock carvings.
- Green River
- Expedition Island, kayaking, tubing, and scenic walks along the river.
- Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge
- Wildlife viewing, birdwatching, fishing, and photography.
- Kemmerer & J.C. Penney Mother Store
- Visit historic store, shopping, and fossil hunting nearby.
- Bear River State Park (Evanston)
- Hiking trails, picnic areas, wildlife viewing (bison, elk).
- Historic South Pass City & Atlantic City
- Visit authentic gold-mining ghost towns with preserved buildings.
- Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop
- View wild horses and dramatic landscapes near Rock Springs.
- Little Mountain
- Scenic drive, wildlife spotting, wildflower viewing, and remote hiking trails.
This extensive list gives you excellent options for experiencing the diversity, beauty, and history across Wyoming. Let me know if you need further details or recommendations!
Here’s an additional set of budget-friendly day trips you can enjoy across Wyoming, organized by region:
🏔 Northwest Wyoming (Budget-Friendly)
- Jenny Lake (Grand Teton NP)
- Hike the trail around the lake (no fee other than park entry).
- Colter Bay Village
- Free ranger talks, scenic picnic areas, wildlife spotting.
- Jackson Hole Historical Society Museum (Jackson)
- Low-cost admission with fascinating local history exhibits.
- Phelps Lake (Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve)
- Free hiking trails, swimming, and wildlife viewing.
- National Elk Refuge (Jackson)
- Free wildlife viewing, especially elk and bison in winter.
- Menor’s Ferry Historic District (Grand Teton NP)
- Free historical site with restored buildings and trails.
- Dubois Scenic Overlook
- Free panoramic views, great picnic stop.
- Sinks Canyon State Park (near Lander)
- Free entry, hiking, fishing, and exploring geological features.
- Wind River Indian Reservation & Cultural Sites
- Drive scenic routes and visit free or low-cost museums like the Shoshone Tribal Cultural Center.
- Meeteetse Historic District
- Historic western town with affordable museums, historic buildings, and bakeries.
🌄 Northeast Wyoming (Budget-Friendly)
- Devils Tower Trail
- Affordable park entrance, enjoy hiking the Tower Trail.
- Kendrick Park (Sheridan)
- Free family-friendly park, walking paths, and picnic areas.
- Downtown Buffalo Historic Walk
- Free self-guided walking tour, historic buildings.
- Tongue River Canyon (near Dayton)
- Free hiking, wildlife spotting, photography.
- Campbell County Rockpile Museum (Gillette)
- Free entry; exhibits on regional history.
- Lake DeSmet Recreation Area
- Free entry for swimming, fishing, picnics.
- Weston Hills Recreation Area (near Gillette)
- Free hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing trails.
- Vore Buffalo Jump
- Low-cost historical site with educational tours.
- Historic Ucross Area
- Scenic rural drives, free galleries, and outdoor sculptures.
- Connor Battlefield Historic Site (Ranchester)
- Free historic walking trails, picnic areas.
🌾 Southeast Wyoming (Budget-Friendly)
- Wyoming State Museum (Cheyenne)
- Completely free, interactive exhibits.
- Vedauwoo Recreation Area
- Free access trails, picnic sites, unique rock formations.
- Downtown Laramie Historic District
- Self-guided free walking tours, murals, and historic landmarks.
- Snowy Range Scenic Byway
- Free drive with hikes and picnic areas along the route.
- Curt Gowdy State Park
- Small entrance fee, excellent hiking/biking trails.
- Historic Governors’ Mansion (Cheyenne)
- Free guided tours of beautifully preserved mansion.
- Oregon Trail Ruts & Register Cliff
- Free historical sites, walking trails, and educational signage.
- Terry Bison Ranch (Cheyenne)
- Free viewing areas, low-cost activities like bison feeding.
- Hobo Hot Springs (Saratoga)
- Free natural hot springs accessible year-round.
- Ames Monument (near Buford)
- Free historical landmark visit, scenic views and trails.
🌵 Southwest Wyoming (Budget-Friendly)
- Bear River State Park (Evanston)
- Free wildlife viewing (bison/elk), trails, picnic sites.
- Rock Springs Historical Museum
- Free admission, interesting exhibits on local history.
- Expedition Island Park (Green River)
- Free access for walking trails, riverfront, kayaking area.
- Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge
- Free birdwatching, wildlife photography, hiking trails.
- White Mountain Petroglyphs (Rock Springs)
- Free exploration of ancient rock carvings.
- Fort Bridger State Historic Site
- Low-cost historic fort tours, affordable family events.
- Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop
- Free scenic drive, wild horse viewing.
- Historic Fossil Hunting near Kemmerer
- Low-cost or free fossil collecting on public lands.
- Little America
- Iconic affordable stopover with famous ice cream cones (small treat budget).
- Historic Piedmont Ghost Town
- Free visit exploring ruins and old charcoal kilns.
These budget-friendly day trips ensure you can explore Wyoming’s beautiful landscapes, history, and wildlife without straining your wallet. Let me know if you need additional tips or more detailed info!
Here’s a curated list of budget-friendly and lesser-known day trips across Wyoming, broken down by region:
🏔 Northwest Wyoming (Lesser-Known & Budget-Friendly)
- Brooks Lake Recreation Area
- Scenic lake near Dubois; free hiking trails, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
- Five Springs Falls (near Lovell)
- Free hiking trail to beautiful waterfall; ideal picnic spot.
- Castle Gardens Petroglyph Site (near Riverton)
- Free site featuring ancient petroglyphs and hiking trails.
- Legend Rock State Petroglyph Site (near Thermopolis)
- Free access, stunning Native American rock art.
- Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite (near Shell)
- Free educational site featuring dinosaur footprints.
- Double Cabin Area (near Dubois)
- Free wilderness trails with spectacular views of Absaroka Mountains.
- Upper Sunshine Reservoir (near Meeteetse)
- Free recreational area, fishing, birdwatching, and relaxing by the water.
- Anchor Dam and Owl Creek Mountains
- Scenic, remote hiking and wildlife viewing near Thermopolis.
- Green Creek Trail (near Cody)
- Quiet hiking trails, wildlife spotting, and beautiful views of Shoshone National Forest.
- Torrey Creek Trail (Dubois)
- Free scenic hike leading into the Fitzpatrick Wilderness, abundant wildlife.
🌄 Northeast Wyoming (Lesser-Known & Budget-Friendly)
- Sand Creek Wildlife Area (near Sundance)
- Free access, birdwatching, wildlife spotting, and quiet trails.
- Medicine Lodge Archaeological Site (near Hyattville)
- Free entry, petroglyphs, picnic sites, hiking trails.
- Moorcroft Reservoir (near Moorcroft)
- Free fishing, picnics, relaxing by the water.
- Dry Fork Canyon (near Kaycee)
- Free remote hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography.
- Burnt Hollow Recreation Area (near Gillette)
- Free hiking, mountain biking, and scenic views.
- Cook Lake Recreation Area (near Sundance)
- Affordable day-use fee; scenic lake, picnic, hike trails.
- Inyan Kara Mountain (near Sundance)
- Scenic, remote hike, offering panoramic views.
- Welch Ranch Recreation Area (near Buffalo)
- Free hiking trails, historic site exploration.
- Mosier Gulch Recreation Area (Buffalo)
- Quiet, budget-friendly picnic spots, and trails.
- Crazy Woman Canyon Road (near Buffalo)
- Free scenic drive, picnic spots, remote hikes.
🌾 Southeast Wyoming (Lesser-Known & Budget-Friendly)
- Hidden Falls (Curt Gowdy State Park area)
- Short hike to secluded waterfall, minimal park entry fee.
- Platte River Wilderness Area (near Encampment)
- Free trails, fishing, wildlife spotting.
- Pole Mountain Area Trails (Medicine Bow NF)
- Free network of hiking and biking trails.
- Quealy Lake (near Laramie)
- Free alpine lake hiking, fishing, picnicking.
- Friend Park Campground and Trails (near Douglas)
- Free trails, quiet hikes, and wildlife viewing.
- Hawk Springs State Recreation Area
- Free/low-cost entry, birdwatching, fishing, quiet relaxation.
- North Crow Reservoir (near Cheyenne)
- Free birdwatching, quiet hikes, fishing.
- Red Mountain Open Space (near Cheyenne)
- Free hiking trails, wildlife spotting, quiet scenic views.
- Libby Flats Observation Point (Snowy Range)
- Free access, panoramic mountain views, easy trails.
- Greyrocks Reservoir (near Wheatland)
- Quiet fishing, wildlife viewing, free entry.
🌵 Southwest Wyoming (Lesser-Known & Budget-Friendly)
- Leucite Hills (near Rock Springs)
- Unique volcanic formations, free exploration and hiking.
- Weeping Rock Trail (near Green River)
- Short, free hike featuring interesting geology.
- Historic Piedmont Charcoal Kilns (near Evanston)
- Free access, historical exploration and photography.
- Black’s Fork River (near Fort Bridger)
- Free wildlife viewing, fishing, quiet picnic spots.
- Adobe Town Wilderness Study Area
- Free remote hiking, scenic badlands, wildlife spotting.
- Fontenelle Reservoir (near Kemmerer)
- Free fishing, birdwatching, quiet trails.
- Fort Supply Historic Site (near Robertson)
- Free historic exploration, walking trails, wildlife.
- Hams Fork Recreation Area (near Kemmerer)
- Free trails, fishing, wildlife viewing, solitude.
- Cokeville Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
- Free birdwatching, quiet trails, photography.
- FMC Park Trails (near Green River)
- Free local hiking trails, river views, birdwatching.
These hidden gems allow you to enjoy Wyoming’s stunning nature, rich history, and solitude without large crowds or expenses. Let me know if you’d like more specifics about any of these locations!