The Best Experiences in Wyoming: Top 10 Must-Do Activities (Currently Open)
Wyoming is where the spirit of the American West still runs wild. From the towering peaks of the Teton Range to the steaming geysers of Yellowstone National Park, this state is a vast playground for adventure seekers, families, and anyone longing to reconnect with nature. Whether you want to ride horses across rolling plains, soak in natural hot springs, or step back in time in historic frontier towns, the best experiences in Wyoming capture the state’s rugged beauty and untamed heart.
This guide uncovers the Top 10 Must-Do Activities in Wyoming (Currently Open)—each one offering something unforgettable, from wildlife encounters and outdoor thrills to cultural treasures that showcase the Cowboy State’s soul.
Witness Nature’s Power at Yellowstone National Park
When it comes to iconic Wyoming experiences, Yellowstone National Park is the crown jewel. As America’s first national park, Yellowstone spans nearly 3,500 square miles of geothermal wonders, vast wilderness, and untamed wildlife.
What makes it unforgettable:
Watch the legendary Old Faithful Geyser erupt like clockwork.
Stroll the colorful boardwalks around Grand Prismatic Spring, one of the world’s largest hot springs.
Spot bison, elk, bears, and wolves roaming freely across the plains.
For those seeking more adventure, hiking trails like Uncle Tom’s Trail or Fairy Falls offer awe-inspiring views of canyons and waterfalls. Stay overnight in one of the historic lodges like the Old Faithful Inn, and you’ll experience Yellowstone’s magic both day and night.
Soar Through the Tetons at Grand Teton National Park
Just south of Yellowstone lies Grand Teton National Park, a mountain paradise that looks like a painting come to life. The jagged peaks, reflective lakes, and alpine meadows make this park one of the most breathtaking destinations in the U.S.
Must-do experiences:
Take a scenic float trip down the Snake River, framed by the Tetons.
Hike the Jenny Lake Trail or paddle across its mirror-like waters.
Watch moose and bald eagles at Oxbow Bend during sunrise.
For thrill-seekers, mountaineering the Grand Teton is a bucket-list climb. For families, the park’s paved pathways and scenic overlooks provide easy access to postcard-perfect views. Whether you come for the hike or the serenity, this park delivers pure Wyoming magic.
Step Into the Old West at Cody
If you want to experience the heart of cowboy culture, there’s no better place than Cody, a town founded by the legendary Buffalo Bill Cody himself. This Western gem offers the perfect mix of history, entertainment, and adventure.
What to explore:
Visit the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, a world-class museum complex celebrating Western art, Native culture, and frontier history.
Attend the Cody Nite Rodeo, held nightly during summer—one of the longest-running rodeos in the nation.
Stroll down Sheridan Avenue, lined with saloons, boutiques, and old-fashioned charm.
Cody feels like a living museum of the Wild West, where cowboy boots are still part of daily life and the sunsets are as grand as the stories told around the campfire.
Ride Horses on a Real Wyoming Ranch
Few experiences are as authentic as horseback riding across the Wyoming plains. The state’s many guest ranches and dude ranches offer visitors a chance to live the cowboy dream—if only for a few days.
Top picks:
Triangle X Ranch in Jackson Hole – a century-old, family-run ranch inside Grand Teton National Park offering daily rides and campfire cookouts.
The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch near Shell – a luxury working ranch with cattle drives, horsemanship clinics, and gourmet meals.
Vee Bar Guest Ranch near Laramie – perfect for families, offering casual riding, fishing, and cozy cabins.
Whether you’re a beginner or a lifelong rider, Wyoming’s wide-open spaces and gentle horses make for unforgettable days in the saddle.
Relax in the Healing Waters of Hot Springs State Park
In the heart of Thermopolis, Hot Springs State Park offers one of Wyoming’s most relaxing natural experiences. Steaming mineral pools, travertine terraces, and wellness spas make it a favorite for travelers seeking rest and rejuvenation.
Don’t miss:
The State Bath House, where visitors can soak for free in natural mineral water kept at a soothing 104°F.
The colorful terraced rock formations, formed by centuries of mineral deposits.
A visit to the nearby Wyoming Dinosaur Center, which adds a fun prehistoric twist for families.
A day here is the perfect balance between Wyoming’s natural power and peaceful indulgence—a true hidden gem for wellness travelers.
Discover the Frontier Spirit in Cheyenne
Wyoming’s capital, Cheyenne, is where the Old West meets modern-day hospitality. Known as the “Magic City of the Plains,” this lively town celebrates its frontier roots with parades, rodeos, and railroads.
Essential experiences:
Attend Cheyenne Frontier Days, the world’s largest outdoor rodeo and Western celebration, held every July.
Tour the Wyoming State Capitol and Historic Governor’s Mansion for a dose of state pride.
Stop by the Cheyenne Depot Museum to learn about the city’s railroad heritage.
Cheyenne’s blend of grit, charm, and community spirit makes it the perfect place to experience Wyoming’s living Western legacy.
Chase Waterfalls and Wildlife in the Wind River Range
For those craving remote wilderness and jaw-dropping scenery, the Wind River Range delivers some of the best backcountry experiences in the nation. Towering granite peaks, turquoise lakes, and abundant wildlife make it an adventurer’s paradise.
Highlights include:
Hiking to Titcomb Basin, one of the most stunning alpine valleys in the Rockies.
Camping under the stars near Green River Lakes or Big Sandy Trailhead.
Fishing, climbing, and photography opportunities everywhere you look.
This is Wyoming at its wildest—untamed, breathtaking, and best explored by those who crave solitude and discovery.
Experience Cowboy Art and Culture in Jackson Hole
Jackson Hole isn’t just for skiing—it’s also a thriving cultural destination. The town combines rugged mountain life with refined art, fine dining, and year-round adventure.
Top things to do:
Visit the National Museum of Wildlife Art, featuring works by masters like Remington and Bierstadt.
Wander Jackson Town Square, famous for its antler arches and boutique shopping.
Enjoy local fare at Snake River Grill or cocktails at The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, where you can sit on real saddles.
Jackson Hole is where adventure meets sophistication—a destination that perfectly balances nature and culture.
Take a Scenic Drive Through the Snowy Range Scenic Byway
For travelers who love open roads and breathtaking scenery, the Snowy Range Scenic Byway near Laramie is a must-do. This high-altitude drive offers panoramic mountain views, alpine lakes, and plenty of opportunities to stop and explore.
Why it’s a favorite:
Spans about 29 miles through the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest.
Access to hiking trails, picnic spots, and campgrounds.
In summer, fields of wildflowers transform the landscape into a painter’s dream.
Whether you’re on a motorcycle, RV, or car, this route delivers some of Wyoming’s most cinematic views—all from the comfort of your seat.
Marvel at Devils Tower National Monument
Rising dramatically from the plains of northeastern Wyoming, Devils Tower is a sight that never fails to inspire awe. Sacred to Native American tribes and famous from films like Close Encounters of the Third Kind, this geological wonder is one of the most iconic landmarks in the West.
How to make the most of your visit:
Hike the Tower Trail, an easy loop offering close-up views of the monolith.
Learn about its cultural significance at the visitor center.
Watch expert climbers scale its sheer rock columns (with permits).
Whether you come for photography, hiking, or spiritual reflection, Devils Tower is an experience that stays with you long after you’ve left.
Bonus Experience: Stargazing in Wyoming’s Dark Skies
Wyoming’s wide-open spaces make it one of the best places in the U.S. for stargazing. With minimal light pollution and vast horizons, the night sky here looks like something out of a dream.
Top stargazing spots:
Grand Teton National Park – Clear, high-altitude views of the Milky Way.
Sinks Canyon State Park near Lander – Great for camping under the stars.
Medicine Bow Peak – Ideal for astrophotographers and night-sky lovers.
On a clear night, you can see thousands of stars, distant planets, and even the faint glow of the Milky Way stretching across the sky.
Why Wyoming’s Experiences Stand Apart
What makes Wyoming’s adventures so unique is their balance between wild beauty and genuine hospitality. Whether you’re soaking in hot springs, climbing peaks, or listening to rodeo cheers echo through the night, every experience connects you to the land and its people.
Here’s why visitors keep coming back:
Authenticity: Every corner of Wyoming feels real—unspoiled and true to its roots.
Variety: From luxury lodges to rustic ranches, you’ll find something for every traveler.
Space to breathe: Wyoming has one of the lowest population densities in the country, meaning fewer crowds and more serenity.
It’s not just a destination—it’s a feeling of freedom you carry home.
Conclusion: Your Wyoming Adventure Awaits
The best experiences in Wyoming invite you to slow down, look around, and rediscover what matters most—nature, heritage, and adventure. From Yellowstone’s geysers to Devils Tower’s cliffs, every corner of this state tells a story written by wind, water, and time.
So pack your hiking boots, bring your sense of wonder, and set out to explore the Top 10 Must-Do Activities in Wyoming. Whether you’re chasing sunsets, soaking in hot springs, or riding into the horizon, Wyoming will remind you what true adventure feels like.
Experience the West—Wyoming style. The mountains are calling, and the open skies are waiting.