Covered by a combination of mountains and prairie, Wyoming is an outdoor lover’s paradise.
A true four seasons destination from Jackson Hole in winter to the breathtaking views of Yellowstone in summer, if you’re looking for a non-traditional warm weather adventure, look no further than the American West.
As the least populous state in the country, Wyoming offers plenty of space to “Roam Free.”
Climb the Tetons
There’s no more dramatic Wyoming landscape than the outline of the Tetons looming in the distance. One of the Rockies youngest ranges, scaling a mountain may seem intimidating to first timers, but the massifs known as Grand Teton, Middle Teton, South Teton, Moran, and Teewinot are surprisingly accessible once you’ve mastered a few maneuvers. Knowledgeable guides will teach you how to read a rock face, tie knots, and belay and you’ll be on your way to scaling the 13,770-foot Grand Teton in just two days.
Explore like an outlaw
The are plenty of epic road trips in Wyoming lasting anywhere from a few hours to a few days, but two of the most unique involve two of the West’s iconic outlaws. The Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway follows the North Fork of the Shoshone River through Wapiti Valley to the east entrance of Yellowstone National Park. You could spend anywhere from an hour to a day traversing the 27 miles which cuts through the town of Cody, the “Rodeo Capital of the World.” For a multi-day journey, follow the footsteps of Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid all the way from Sundance to Laramie. Various stops along the route include Devil’s Tower, the US’s first national monument, Big Horn National Forest, the Hole-in-the-Wall hideout, Star Valley, and Buffalo Bill Center of the West, with the entire trip taking anywhere from 3-5 days.
Have a sleepover. In jail.
If you love a good scare, the Wyoming Frontier Prison off I-80 in Rawlins may just be the adventure for you. Declared haunted by several paranormal investigators, if you’d like to get spooked exploring this former outlaw penitentiary, you can either tour the gallows and gas chambers on a daytime visit, or for a more immersive experience, opt to spend a night in “Lock Down” in your own personal jail cell.
Stay at a dude ranch
Dude ranch vacations are all the rage and the way to experience the West like the cowboys did. From rustic to luxurious and traditional to modern, however authentic you want your stay to be depends solely on your preferences. Whether you opt to help round up the cattle or kick back with a beer and your spurs, there’s a homestead of you. If you don’t want to get your hands dirty, some even offer spa facilities.