Wyoming

• Travel Wyoming website

Most visitors will enter and exit the state by car. The majority of these will stick to the Interstate highway system, which is fast and well maintained. I-80 crosses the state east to west in the south; I-25 cuts through north to south on Wyoming's eastern side; and I-90 loops through the northeastern corner.

The most interesting routes through the state are on two-lane federal, state and local highways. Since it's not uncommon to see snow late in to May in much of the state and in higher elevation areas throughout the summer, you should pay special attention to weather when traveling by car. For those unfamiliar with the state (and for those who are), travel is safest when your gas tank is full, you've got detailed maps to find alternate routes and you have stashed some snacks and water in your car.

No matter where you're headed, there's almost always a scenic route. The state offers some spectacular drives on federal and state highways, including 20 byways and backways. See "Byways and Backways" below for more details.

See also: Air travel in the US

Getting to and from Wyoming by air can be tricky, expensive or both. Understanding the situation and alternatives can help you get the most out of your visit.

Jackson Hole Airport is the state's busiest and is served by American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, Skywest Airlines and United Airlines, which fly to Denver, Salt Lake City, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Minneapolis, Chicago, Atlanta and Los Angeles. Some services are limited to peak seasons. Most travelers who fly into Jackson Hole visit the nearby national parks or ski at nearby resorts. Flying into Jackson and renting a car is an option, albeit expensive, in summer months. In winter, travel outside of the immediate area is regularly disrupted by weather-related closures of the passes to the east and southwest and the seasonal closure of roads through Yellowstone National Park (closed October-May).

Other airports in the state are served by regional carriers. Of these, Casper/Natrona County International Airport is the busiest, with flights to Denver, Salt Lake City, and Las Vegas. Sheridan County, Riverton Regional, Rock Springs - Sweetwater County, Worland Municipal, Gillette - Campbell County, Laramie Regional, Yellowstone Regional (Cody) and Cheyenne Regional all provide commuter airline service to Denver and/or Salt Lake City. Service to these cities is on propeller aircraft, or regional jets (to Casper). Airfares tend to be expensive and services for travelers may be limited outside of Casper. Car rental is available at most of these airports but may be geared toward business travelers with expense accounts.

A reasonable alternative to flying into one of Wyoming's airports is to fly to Denver, Salt Lake City or Billings and rent a car to drive to the state. Fares to these cities are typically less expensive and all are well served by car rental agencies and other services for tourists. Salt Lake City is approximately 90 minutes from the Wyoming state line; Billings is 110 miles (180 km) north of Sheridan, Denver is 90 miles (140 km) south of Cheyenne. The drive from Billings to Yellowstone is especially scenic. The drive from Salt Lake City to Evanston crosses some beautiful mountain scenery. The drive from Denver north to Cheyenne is largely unremarkable except for the view of the Rocky Mountains to the west.

For the dedicated long-distance hiker the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (in short Continental Divide Trail) is a United States National Scenic Trail running 3,100 miles (5,000 km) between Mexico and Canada. It follows the Continental Divide of the Americas along the Rocky Mountains and traverses five U.S. states; Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico.

• Greyhound Lines runs a route from Utah and Colorado into Wyoming, serving Rock Springs, Rawlins, and Laramie
• Black Hill Stage lines has some routes serving Wyoming from Montana and Colorado, connecting Billings – Casper – Cheyenne – Denver, with additional connections to Pahaska Tepee at the entrance of Yellowstone National Park.
• Salt Lake Express serves Jackson in western Wyoming

Wyoming is served by three interstate highways. Interstate 80 runs from east to west along the path of the transcontinental railroad; I-25 runs roughly north-south from the Colorado border south of Cheyenne to just north of Buffalo; and I-90 extends from the South Dakota border west to Sheridan and then north to the border with Montana. These roadways are designed to get you where you're going as quickly as possible, but they do not follow the most scenic routes in the state. Interstate 80, especially, follows a rather bleak path for much of the distance across the state. If you have more time and the weather is good, it's well worth the effort to get off the Interstates and see some of the beautiful scenery along the state's secondary highways.

Visiting the state's national parks by car will mean driving on one or more of the federal and state highways, mostly two-lane roadways that can become clogged with traffic during peak visitor season. These roads follow more interesting terrain, but are slower than the interstates. The highways that run through the Bighorns from Sheridan or Buffalo to Cody are a much more interesting than taking I-90 to Billings or Bozeman (both near entrances to Yellowstone), but they require a bit of preparation and effort. These highways are more subject to weather conditions because they cross mountain passes and because they are secondary highways. If you're unsure of weather conditions, be sure to phone ahead and inquire, even in summer months. Snowstorms can occur in higher elevations through June.

Keep in mind that the distances between towns and cities can be vast and that in some parts of the state, you may travel great distances without seeing another soul. Be prepared: keep you gas tank full and carry water and some basic provisions, especially in winter. If you're unsure of weather or road conditions, consult Wyoming's Department of Transportation by dialing 511 (within the state) or 1-888-996-7623 (1-888-WYO-ROAD) from anywhere in the US. You'll need a map or some knowledge of highway numbers and locations to use this service.

Air travel between points within Wyoming will likely require a change of plane in Salt Lake City or Denver. Fares are prohibitively expensive for leisure travelers - a two-week advanced purchase airfare from Casper to Jackson Hole cost more just over $1,000.00 as of May 2012, involved an eight hour trip and a change of planes in Salt Lake City. The same trip takes no more than five hours by car in good weather. In practical terms, driving is the only real way to get around the state, with air travel an alternative only when weather won't allow travel by car.

Information on transit can be found from APTA.

Located in the northwest corner of Wyoming, Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park are places everyone should see at least once in their lifetimes.

Guides and outfitters in nearby towns, such as Jackson and Cody, can help visitors explore the parks' mountains, lakes, waterfalls, forests, wildlife and geysers.

Since its designation as a national park in 1872, visiting has been an iconic American adventure. Yellowstone's more than 2 million acres boast the most and widest array of geothermal features anywhere in the world. Visitors flock to its geysers, hot springs, fumaroles and mud pots, and its legendary wildlife includes grizzly and black bears, gray wolves, buffalo, elk, pronghorn and eagles.

To experience the park's grandeur, visitors can choose day hikes, backcountry camping excursions, bus tours, guided horseback and wagon rides, boating and fishing, snowmobiling, cross-county skiing and other activities.

Keep in mind that tourist capacity in the Park is limited and crowds are often large. Back country permits are required if you intend to explore the Park's vast and interesting interior. If you want to stay in one of the hotels or lodges inside Yellowstone, you may need to book your rooms far in advance. Camping spaces are similarly limited and must be reserved well in advance.

Just south of Yellowstone, Grand Teton rises from the relatively flat valley into a towering spine of 12,000-foot (3,700-meter) peaks that dominate the horizon. Its high-alpine backcountry makes it a paradise of outdoor activities and adventures: more than 250 miles (400 km) of hiking trails; gorgeous waters that beacon kayakers, canoers, sail boaters, waterskiers and float trippers; world-class fishing in Jenny, Jackson and Phelps lakes; and peaks that lure climbers and mountain bikers.

As with Yellowstone, lodging and other facilities within Grand Teton National Park are limited. Camp sites, hotel rooms and climbing permits should be secured well in advance of your visit.

This one-of-a-kind natural wonder near the town of Hulett in northeast Wyoming looms more than 1,200 feet (350 meters) above the eastern plains and the Belle Fourche River. The volcanic rock formation is popularly known for its scene in the climax of Steven Spielberg's sci-fi classic, Close Encounters of the Third Kind. The tower is considered sacred by many American Indians, who leave colorful prayer cloths tied to trees near its base. Several campgrounds near the park's entrance offer views of the tower.

Just west of Kemmerer lies a prehistoric limestone lake bed that's home to fossils dating up to 50 million years ago. The visitor center has thousands of them on display, including a 13-foot (4-meter) crocodile and a giant slab of limestone encasing 356 fish. In summer, you can hike to the fossil research quarry and assist park staff as they collect specimens.

• Dude and Guest Ranches A Wyoming dude ranch vacation is a quintessential Western experience. Some are working ranches where guests participate in cattle drives and perform daily chores. Others provide a completely different experience, one with less labor involved. No matter what type of dude ranch you choose, there is sure to be a range of fun activities: horse riding for people of all abilities, overnight fishing trips, archery, cookouts, swims, nature walks, trail rides, square dancing, etc.
• Fishing With 4,200 crystalline lakes sand 27,000 miles (43,000 km) of blue-ribbon, fishable streams, Wyoming is a fishing and fly fishing destination. Expert anglers and eager beginners alike can explore the clear waters scattered across the state.
• Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding Several ski areas offer everything from expert terrain to beginning slopes, ensuring everyone in the family gets to enjoy Wyoming's light, fluffy powder. In the northeast, there's Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Snow King Resort and Grand Targhee Resort. Near Cody, there's Sleeping Giant Ski Area; White Pine Ski Area and Resort is located near Pinedale; Hogadon Ski Area in Casper; and Snowy Range Ski Area is a short drive from Laramie.
• Snowmobiling Wyoming has more than 2,000 miles (3,000 km) of groomed and ungroomed trails for snowmobilers, including the Continental Divide Snowmobile Trail System, which is consistently ranked among the best snowmobiling in the country.
• Camping Wyoming has more than 18 million acres of public land and numerous wilderness areas perfect for camping. From backcountry adventures to RV adventures to campgrounds with plenty of amenities, there's a spot for everyone.
• River Rafting Wyoming is home to canyons with stretches of whitewater perfect for thrill-seeking rafters. There are also mellow rivers that offer relaxing, mellow floats through some of the nation's most scenic country.
• Rodeo Rodeo is more than a sport in Wyoming — it’s a way of life that stresses the importance of ranching while giving prominence to an American hero and icon, the cowboy. Spectators can feel the raw emotion and see the athleticism and passion in every rodeo event.
• Golf Nearly 100 courses are scattered throughout the state. The high altitude of Wyoming allows the shots stay aloft almost 10 percent longer than the same shot made at sea level.
• Wildlife Watching The state is home to more than 600 species of wildlife, which inhabit sagebrush plains, mountain ranges and alpine forests. Look for bison, moose, elk, coyotes, bighorn sheep, mule deer, river otters and trumpeter swans.

• 🌍 Bear River State Park. – Featuring a tourist information center, picnic areas, and a small herd of bison and elk. The park also contains nearly three miles (5 km) of hiking/bicycling trails. (updated Jan 2022)
• 🌍 Boysen Reservoir. – Boysen offers fishing, camping and a variety of water sports, plus picnicking and sightseeing. There are 76 miles (122 km) of shoreline and offers both day-use and overnight camping facilities. (updated Jan 2022)
• 🌍 Buffalo Bill State Park. – Surrounded by mountainous scenery, the park offers camping, picnicking, trout fishing, nature trails and wind surfing. (updated Jan 2022)
• 🌍 Curt Gowdy State Park. It has been named an "Epic" trail system by the International Mountain Bicycling Association; the foothills of the Laramie Mountains offer granite towers, rocky soils and timbered slopes. Two small reservoirs form the heart of the park, with excellent rainbow trout and kokanee salmon fishing. (updated Jan 2022)
• 🌍 Edness K. Wilkins State Park. – Bird watchers and walkers find this park a shady oasis on the plains. This park is designed for day use; picnic and play areas are numerous. (updated Jan 2022)
• 🌍 Glendo State Park. – One of southern Wyoming’s most popular boating parks. It offers visitors water skiing, fishing and other water-based activities. Day-use and overnight facilities feature improved campsites, sanitary facilities, tables and grills. (updated Jan 2022)
• 🌍 Guernsey State Park. – Guernsey is known for its excellent boating opportunities and collection of historic 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps buildings and recreational facilities. The park also offers boating, camping, fishing, hiking, birdwatching and picnicking. (updated Jan 2022)
• 🌍 Hawk Springs State Recreation Area. – Features boating, prime fishing, picnic areas and campgrounds. Bird watchers can see blue heron and the many other birds that inhabit the area. (updated Jan 2022)
• 🌍 Hot Springs State Park. – The park is built around the world’s largest single-mineral hot spring. Big Spring pours forth millions of gallons of mineral water every 24 hours at a constant temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Two year-round swimming plunges and the State Bath House provide indoor and outdoor pools. 
• 🌍 Keyhole State Park. – Located at the edge of the Black Hills within sight of Devils Tower National Monument, Keyghole's reservoir offers excellent fishing for walleye, catfish, small-mouth bass and northern pike. (updated Jan 2022)
• 🌍 Seminoe State Park. – Surrounded by giant white-sand dunes, sagebrush, thousands of pronghorn antelope and sage grouse. The park features the Seminoe Mountains, Seminoe Reservoir and the “Miracle Mile” of the North Platte River and provides facilities for anglers, boaters, picnickers, campers and hikers. (updated Jan 2022)
• 🌍 Sinks Canyon State Park. – The park features a geologic phenomenon, in which the Popo Agie River vanishes into a large cavern (the Sinks) but reappears in a trout-filled pool. A visitor center features wildlife exhibits, viewing sites, and interpretive signs. The park contains hiking trails, camping picnicking sites, rock climbing, and fishing. (updated Jan 2022)