Top 10 Wild Places to Discover in Wyoming
Wyoming offers a rare kind of freedom. Wide open spaces, untouched landscapes, and an open invitation to slow down and look around. In this top 10 we chase everything from its natural wonders and the geysers of Yellowstone to the Cowboy State’s Western roots, the former frontier town of Cody, known as “the Rodeo Capital of the World”.
6. Devil’s Tower National Monument
Why Tucked Away Wyoming is Worth the trip
1. Yellowstone National Park
The world’s first national park, Yellowstone National Park, always puts on a show. Geysers erupt, hot springs bubble, and wildlife roam freely. Wait out Old Faithful with a quiet walk to Morning Glory Pool in the late afternoon followed by dusk Bison viewing in Lamar Valley.
2. Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park feels wild but never far away. Sharp, photogenic peaks rise abruptly from the plains, their jagged silhouettes glowing pink and gold at sunrise. Trails wind through alpine meadows to lakes like Taggart, a favourite for its short scenic loop, while boat rides across Jenny Lake offer quiet moments and mirrored mountain views.
3. Wind River Range
Less visited than the Tetons, but equally unforgettable, the Wind Rivers are for those who like their solitude scenic. Fishing, hiking, or just watching the sky shift over alpine lakes, it’s all here. You won’t find crowds or gift shops, just open trails, glacier-fed waters, and a stillness that stays with you long after you’ve left.
4. Cody
Founded by Buffalo Bill himself, Cody knows how to tell a story. Explore the Buffalo Bill Centre of the West, five museums in one, then catch a nightly rodeo in summer; the Rodeo Capital of the World hosts the Cody Stampede Rodeo every July. An event that draws the best cowboys from all over the United States, this is a place that still captures the true spirit of the frontier era.
5. Hot Springs State Park
A public bathhouse that offers free access to its healing springs, slip into the warm mineral pools of Thermopolis. Cherished for centuries by Native American tribes, mountain men, pioneers and settlers, this quiet spot combines rustic calm and a touch of the wild, as bison graze nearby. With the water staying at a steady, soothing 104 degrees there is no better way to unwind after a day on the road.
6. Devil’s Tower National Monument
A striking rock formation, Devil’s Tower rises unexpectedly from rolling hills. Believed to have been formed around 50 million years ago the site is linked to mystical legends of giant bears and sacred to many Native American tribes. Early mornings are the best time to visit, as the light is soft, the trails are quiet, and the tower casts its longest shadow across the prairie.
7. Jackson Hole
Yes, it’s known for luxury, but Jackson Hole has also kept its frontier edge. Art galleries, historic saloons and elk antler arches line the square. Just minutes away, wildlife safaris and river float trips keep things wild.
8. Bighorn Canyon
Tucked in the north, this canyon is often overlooked. Here, steep cliffs, winding water, and wide skies stretch for miles. Look closely from the rim and you might just spot wild mustangs roaming the high desert plateaus. Loll about on a boat or simply soak in the silence and raw beauty of this extraordinary place.
9. Fort Laramie
History feels close in this part of Wyoming. Once the most important military post on the Northern Plains, Fort Laramie played a central role in frontier life—trade, treaties, and conflict all passing through. Walk through original buildings, listen to the wind in the cottonwoods, and when the cannons fire, hear the past roar back to life.
10. Medicine Wheel Passage
Driving over the Bighorn Mountains and across the high plateau, you’ll reach the Medicine Wheel, an ancient Native American site still used for spiritual ceremonies today. Set against sweeping alpine views, it offers a striking sense of place and quiet reverence, a powerful reminder that people have connected with this land for generations.
Why Tucked Away Wyoming is Worth the trip
Beyond the headline sights lies a quieter side of Wyoming. Away from the crowds, these five spots rewarding you with the kind of experience that’s worth the detour.
1. Killpecker Sand Dunes
No one expects to find a desert in Wyoming. But here it is. One of the largest active dune fields in North America, the Killpecker Sand Dunes stretch across the southwest. Whether you bring a 4WD or try out at sand boarding, the shifting sands invite exploration. Stay long enough, and you might just catch a glimpse of the Rock Springs wild horses.
2. Sinks Canyon State Park
Near Lander, the Sinks Canyon State Park hides a geological mystery. The Popo Agie River disappears into a limestone cavern (“The Sinks”) and reappears a quarter of a mile downstream (“The Rise”). In between? No one really knows. With trails weaving through alpine forests, and golden eagles circling above, this is a place that sparks curiosity and awe in equal measure.
3. The Snowy Range
Remote without being inaccessible, the Snowy Range lies tucked into southern Wyoming’s Medicine Bow Mountains. Think dramatic landscapes, alpine lakes, jagged peaks, and winding roads. Easy to explore at your own pace: hike among wildflowers in July, or simply take the scenic byway and stop when the view demands it.
4. The Red Desert
This high-altitude desert rarely appears on postcards, and that’s part of its charm. Located near Farson, Boar’s Tusk rises stark and solitary from the sagebrush, surrounded by sweeping sand dunes and marked with ancient petroglyphs. Wild horses roam the expansive landscape, where badlands and buttes stretch to the horizon. Not a place you stumble upon; come with a plan, and leave with a story.
5. Hawk’s Rest
Set inside the Teton Wilderness area, Hawk’s Rest is the most remote point in the Lower 48. Only accessible by foot or horseback, this destination is wild, raw and utterly unplugged. Worth the trek, it’s home to one of nature’s hidden treasures: the Parting of the Waters. Here a single creek splits to flow toward both the Atlantic and Pacific, a natural divide Lewis and Clark hoped to find but never did.
Big Names, Bigger Adventures, and a Few You Haven’t Met Yet
The Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks have more than earned their place in the spotlight. Blessed with geysers, grizzlies, jagged peaks and alpine lakes, they rank among the world’s greatest natural wonders. However, as you’ll quickly realise while out on the road, the Cowboy State rewards curiosity.
So see the icons. Marvel at Old Faithful. Watch the Tetons catch fire at dawn. But leave time for the places less known, because in Wyoming, the best moments are often the ones you didn’t plan for.
For more information on our tailor-made holidays and assistance in planning your Wyoming adventure call our specialists on 020 8776 8709 or email us at America@frontier-travel.co.uk. ATOL PROTECTED No 5405 ABTA W3207.
