My 19 Favorite Scenic Gems in Wyoming (that lived up to the hype)!

Wyoming felt like one of the last truly wild states I’ve explored. It’s sparsely populated but packed with natural wonders – from Yellowstone’s geysers to the Tetons’ jagged peaks and wide-open cowboy country. I spent six weeks exploring its incredible gems, here are my favorites…

1. Grand Teton National Park 

The jaw-dropping Grand Teton National Park totally won me over, its jagged peaks, alpine lakes, and wildlife-filled valleys made me feel like I’d stepped into a real-life National Geographic spread!

I drove 1.5 hours east from Grand Targhee over the pass into Jackson Hole, I stayed for a truly extraordinary week soaking in as much of Tetons’ beauty as I could which included hiking around Jenny and Taggart Lakes (I found it was best to arrive early to beat the crowds) and taking in the kind of far-reaching mountain views that seemed to stretch forever in every direction.

I also tackled Snake River on a kayak, and watched rock climbers brave the sheer rock faces of the dramatic Cascade Canyon! It was all big nature drama!

Location: Northwestern Wyoming | Size: 485 sq. miles | Vibe: dramatic, alpine, and soul-stirring | Wildlife: elk, moose, bison, pronghorn, black and grizzly bears, wolves, bald eagles

My personal highlights…

• Staying at the cozy contemporary Cloudveil Resort – I loved the Scandi-style swivel chairs, trendy fire pits, the pool’s postcard-worthy views of Snow King Mountain, and using the rooftop’s handy telescopic viewfinder to spot distant peaks glowing pink in the evening light!

2. Jackson

This charming mountain town totally won me over with its mix of boutique shops, art galleries, fine dining, and classic Western flair — all framed by dreamy summer views of the Tetons. I loved how it managed to feel both adventurous and stylish at the same time!

I drove an hour south from Grand Teton to Jackson, where I stopped over for three days exploring the lively Town Square, admiring the elk-antler arches, checking out the Western-inspired treasures at Made (one of my favorite shops), hopping between cute little art galleries and boutique stores, and warming up with an oat-milk chai latte from Persephone Bakery.

The friendly locals loved telling me that during winter the town transformed into a snowy paradise complete with both skiing and snowboarding at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, snowshoeing in Grand Teton National Park, and a lively après-ski scene.

Warning: even though the whole place was very charming, I found it was a little on the pricey side for both dining and accommodation.

Location: Northwestern Wyoming  | Size: small town ~11,000+ residents | Vibe: rustic-chic, outdoorsy, and Western-glam

My highlights…

• I stayed at the rustic-chic 4-star Rustic Inn Creekside for part of my trip. The luxury spa, where I relaxed with a hydrating wild sage and lavender body wrap inside an unique tipi-inspired tent was a huge stand-out!

3. Bighorn Scenic Byway

I thought the Bighorn Scenic Byway was absolutely breathtaking. I wound through rugged peaks, untouched forests, cascading waterfalls, and huge, wide-open mountain vistas. It had a rugged yet serene vibe (and thin mountain air) that made me want to keep stopping at every single overlook I passed!

From Cody, I drove two hours northeast on US-14A to Lovell and then spent two days exploring the byway staying overnight at the rustic Shell Campground and the quirky 4-star Horseshoe Bend Motel. 

From the thundering waters of Shell Falls to the historic Medicine Wheel, I was constantly rewarded with thin but fresh mountain air, towering pines, and truly awe-inspiring views across the Bighorn Mountains!

Warning: it was stunning but it was remote, with few facilities nearby so bringing water and snacks was essential!

Location: Northern Wyoming| Size: ~58-miles | Vibe: lofty, winding, and spectacularly scenic

My favorite highlights…

• Hiking the 2.6-mile Bucking Mule Falls Trail — I loved spotting clusters of purple lupines and bright yellow mule’s ears wildflowers along the path before reaching the breathtaking overlook of the falls and canyon!

4. Yellowstone National Park 

Originated in 1872, world-famous Yellowstone National Park actually left me speechless — its bubbling geysers, rainbow-colored hot springs, thunderous waterfalls, and incredible wildlife made it feel like nature’s ultimate showstopper!

A 1.5-hour drive north from Jackson via the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Parkway brought me to Yellowstone’s South Entrance, where I spent four action-packed and truly extraordinary days, this actually became one of my favorite places I’ve ever visited.

I packed in some of Yellowstone’s greatest highlights — watching Old Faithful erupt, hiking to Artist Point, spotting wolves and bison in Lamar Valley, paddling across Yellowstone Lake, and standing spellbound by the deafening roar of the spectacular Lower Falls!

Location: Northwestern Wyoming (also extends into Montana and Idaho) | Size: ~2.2 million acres | Vibe: epic and untamed | Wildlife: bison, elk, wolves, grizzly and black bears, moose, pronghorn, coyotes, bald eagles

My highlights…

• Staying at the rustic-chic 4-star Fox Den Lodge. I woke up to a veggie omelet dotted with chives, dill, and garden-fresh parsley while relaxing in a pale green Adirondack chair on the veranda, serenaded by a cheerful dawn chorus of robins and sparrows!

5. Buffalo

Dating from 1879, Buffalo felt like a wonderfully preserved slice of the Old West. With its historic downtown, backdrop of the Bighorn Mountains, and laid-back frontier charm, I found it one of Wyoming’s most picturesque towns and never wanted to rush my visit.

I drove 6.5 hours northeast from Pinedale to Buffalo, crossing some of Wyoming’s most expansive landscapes before spending a weekend exploring this charming frontier town. My highlights included the fascinating Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum, checking out all the antique stores (Crazy Woman Antiques was a gem!) and galleries, hiking in the beautiful Bighorn National Forest, and cruising the breathtaking Cloud Peak Scenic Byway.

Location: North-Central Wyoming | Size: small town ~4,600+ residents | Vibe: cowboy-heritage-rich

My favorite highlights…

• Staying at the Historic Occidental Hotel where I wandered the creaky hallways gazing at historic photographs and antique saddles from its Wild West heyday! I loved hearing from staff how legends like Butch Cassidy, Buffalo Bill, Calamity Jane, and Teddy Roosevelt once stayed here! 

6. Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area 

The Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area literally made my jaw drop (seriously!) with its rust-red cliffs, the mighty Green River (calm in some stretches but wild in others), and the sparkling blue waters of the Flaming Gorge Reservoir, the contrast of colors and landscapes felt astonishing.

This was my final stop on my Wyoming road trip and from Devils Tower I made the very long but very scenic 8.5-hour drive south on I-25 and US-191 to reach Flaming Gorge near the Utah border.

My four-day stay while basing myself at the nearby comfy Little America Hotel was non-stop – epic views at Red Canyon Overlook, hiking the Canyon Rim Trail, boating the reservoir, white-water rafting the Green River, and a guided Flaming Gorge Dam tour that was way more interesting than I expected!

Location: Southwestern Wyoming| Size: ~207,000 acres | Vibe: desert-meets-alpine dramatic | Wildlife: elk, mule deer, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, black bears, coyotes, bald eagles

My personal highlight…

• Hiking Hideout Canyon Trail — a leisurely 2-mile round trip where I spotted mule deer among the fragrant sage-green junipers and ended with a swim in a secluded cove that felt like my own private hideaway!

7. Cody 

Founded by Buffalo Bill Cody in 1896, this lively Western town stood out for its handsome historic buildings, dramatic mountain scenery, and warm, welcoming vibe. I especially loved its mix of frontier history and easy access to Yellowstone’s wild landscapes.

Leaving my former stop at Yellowstone through the East Entrance, I drove about 2.5 hours along the scenic Buffalo Bill Cody Byway to reach Cody.

I spent a fun weekend exploring — visiting the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, wandering the interesting Old Trail Town, hiking the peaceful trails in the nearby Shoshone National Forest, window shopping the quirky downtown shops, dining in characterful restaurants (the Westerns-style Irma Restaurant Grill was a gem!), and even catching the family-friendly Wild West Spectacular the Musical! 

Tip: If you are driving the Buffalo Bill Cody Byway toward Yellowstone, give yourself extra time. It is a slow, winding road with significant tourist traffic and I personally wanted stop frequently as the scenery was incredible!

Location: Northwestern Wyoming | Size: small city ~10,000+ residents | Vibe: cowboy-bold and heritage-rich

My personal highlights…

• Staying at the characterful 4-star Chamberlin Inn — I loved how the carefully restored building has kept some of its original 1900s charm, how they served organic foods including heirloom tomatoes, wildflower honey, and freshly baked sourdough bread, and learning from the staff how Ernest Hemingway once stayed!

8. Devils Tower National Monument

Devils Tower National Monument was both a striking natural attraction and a sacred site revered by several Native American tribes. I was blown away by its otherworldly column of volcanic rock rising dramatically above the plains and forests — to me it felt mystical and awe-inspiring. It also was incredible knowing I was standing at one of the largest and most iconic examples of columnar jointing in the world! 

From Sheridan, I drove 2.5 hours east on I-90 to Devils Tower, where I based myself at the quirky but homely Devils Tower Lodge hiking the Tower Trail and getting treated to breathtaking close-ups, walking along Joyner Ridge and gazing in awe at the incredible panoramas, learning about all the interesting geology and Native history at the visitor center, and watching climbers carefully inch up its sheer rock walls! 

Location: Northeastern Wyoming | Size: ~1,347 acres with a 867-ft volcanic monolith | Vibe: mystical and awe-inspiring

My personal highlights… 

• Hearing nothing much except a woodpecker hammering away in the nearby ponderosa pines and the distinctive squeaks of prairie dogs drifting across the grasslands below.

9. Sheridan

I thought Sheridan was such a charming place — a gateway to the Bighorn Mountains with a mix of rustic historic charm, Western-style buildings, mountain views, and a downtown filled with art galleries, local shops, and tree-lined streets. Founded in 1882, I loved how the Victorian-era buildings and Western-style architecture were still beautifully intact!

In less than an hour after descending the Bighorn Scenic Byway, I rolled into Sheridan and stayed for two fun and intriguing days and it was worth it for sure! 

I stayed overnight at the Sheridan Inn (where I found Buffalo Bill once stayed!), exploring the Trail End mansion, poking through galleries and quirky shops downtown, hiking in the Bighorn National Forest, and boating at sunset on the beautiful Lake DeSmet.

Location: North-Central Wyoming | Size: small city ~19,000+ residents | Vibe: mountain-meets-ranch country

My personal highlights…

• Dining at the chef-driven downtown restaurant Frackletons — I loved the friendly waitress, the open kitchen, and their cushion-like potato gnocchi topped with crunchy fried sage!

10. Medicine Bow Peak

The remote and majestic Medicine Bow Peak completely wowed me with its majestic alpine views, beautifully clear lakes, and wild, untouched vibe, it felt like I’d stepped into pure wilderness!

I followed Highway 130 west for 1.5 hours from Vedauwoo Recreation Area, passing through beautiful mountain landscapes before arriving at the Lake Marie Trailhead. Waiting for me was an unforgettable view of Medicine Bow Peak rising above a stunning patchwork of alpine lakes, evergreen forests, and open meadows.

I spent two days at the charming Historic Elk Mountain Hotel and filled my time with a rewarding hike up Medicine Bow Peak, spectacular summit vistas, peaceful moments by Lakes Marie and Alice, and a memorable drive along the Snowy Range Scenic Byway.

Warning: this area has a very high altitude so take things slow to avoid altitude sickness and carry lots of water.

Location: Southeastern Wyoming (Snowy Range in Medicine Bow National Forest) | Size: 12,018 ft | Vibe: dramatic and alpine

My personal highlight…

• Hiking the easy 3-mile looped Lake Marie Trail — I skirted the sparkling shoreline, added a two-mile extension to Mirror Lake and Lookout Lake where I saw the jagged Snowy Range peaks reflect in the mirror-like water and the occasional Clark’s nutcracker dart between the pines!

11. Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

I couldn’t believe how impressive this place was, the combination of towering canyon walls, shimmering turquoise water, and panoramic overlooks made it feel like a smaller but equally dramatic Grand Canyon and I loved it! It almost felt like a film set to me!

After a 2-hour drive northeast from Cody on US-14A, I arrived at the dramatic landscapes of Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. Staying for two days at the cozy Horseshoe Bend Motel, I filled my itinerary with Rim Trail hikes, a memorable boat trip on Bighorn Lake, a visit to Fort Smith, and many moments admiring the immense canyon views from Devil Canyon Overlook!

Warning: summer temperatures in the canyon floor can be scorching so I’d recommend starting at dawn, wear a hat, and carry more water than you expect to drink.

Location: Northern Wyoming | Size: ~120,000 acres | Vibe: rugged and remote | Wildlife: wild horses, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, mule deer, coyotes, golden eagles, hawks

My highlights… 

• I also stopped by the Yellowtail Dam Visitor Center, where I learned how millions of tons of concrete were used to create this engineering marvel and how its turbines still harness the river’s power today!

12. Hot Springs State Park

I thought the Hotsprings State Park was such a relaxing natural attraction — a gorgeous spot that combined the soothing allure of hot springs with colorful mineral terraces, flower-filled gardens, and pretty views of the Bighorn River.

It was a 1.5-hour drive south from Lovell on US-310 and WY-120 to reach Thermopolis, where I checked into the quirky 4-star Elk Antler Inn for two days and filled my time soaking in the free State Bath House, wandering the colorful mineral terraces, walking the Swinging Bridge, hiking Monument Hill, spotting bison, and picnicking by the river with a hearty veggie huckleberry, fresh sweet corn, and locally baked sourdough.

Warning: take off all silver jewelry before entering the water, the high sulfur content in the mineral pools tarnishes sterling silver instantly!

Location: Thermopolis, Central Wyoming | Size: ~1,100 acres | Vibe: soothing, steamy, and slightly surreal | Wildlife: bison (park herd), white-tailed and mule deer, pronghorn, coyotes, river otters, bald eagles, herons

My personal highlight…

• I bathed in the naturally heated outdoor pool at the State Bath House, where mineral-rich waters infused with calcium, silica, and sodium bicarbonate and the sulfur scent rising from the pool left me feeling wonderfully rejuvenated! 

13. Sinks Canyon State Park

I discovered Sinks Canyon State Park was an awe-inspiring mix of geology and wilderness — crimson cliffs, the Popo Agie’s mysterious underground ‘Sinks,’ and tranquil mountain solitude just minutes from Lander!

I continued 2 hours southwest from my previous Thermopolis stop on US-20 and WY-789 to Lander, where Sinks Canyon sits just outside town where I spent two days at the nearby Rodeway Inn Pronghorn Lodge.

Along the Popo Agie Nature Trail, I visited the ‘Sinks’—where the river vanishes into limestone caverns—and then tracked it a quarter-mile downstream to the ‘Rise,’ where it surges back to the surface as a clear, trout-filled pool. After crossing the swinging bridge and spotting mule deer, I finished the day watching the sunset hit the fiery red canyon walls.

Location: West-Central Wyoming | Size: ~585 acres | Vibe: rugged, geologic, and quietly dramatic | Wildlife: mule deer, bighorn sheep, moose, black bears, marmots, pikas, golden eagles, hawks

My highlights…

• Picnicking at the Bruce Picnic Site, grilling a hearty BBQ beside the rushing Popo Agie River, tucking into grilled sweet corn and listening to sweet western meadowlarks singing from the surrounding sagebrush!

14. Knapsack Col

This spot was both rugged and remote, and I loved it for its high-altitude vistas, shimmering alpine lakes, dramatic peaks, and the incredible sense of isolation it gave me. To me, it felt like one of Wyoming’s best-hidden gems. Known for its tough terrain and altitude, it definitely drew more experienced hikers and backpackers.

Leaving Lander behind, I drove an hour northwest to Pinedale and ventured into the remote backcountry of the Wind River Range from the Elkhart Park Trailhead. Deciding to camp beside Peak Lake, I spent three days trekking rugged trails, taking in the beauty of Big Sandy and Clearwater Lakes, soaking up the solitude of the wilderness, and watching climbers conquer the Cirque’s spectacular granite spires.

Warning: this isn’t just a standard “hiking trail” for the average visitor it’s for people looking for a serious mountaineering/backcountry adventure.

Location: Wind River Range, West-Central Wyoming | Size: high alpine pass at ~12,200 ft | Vibe: remote and truly wild

My personal highlights…

• I camped overnight in a tent at remote Peak Lake, where towering peaks mirrored perfectly on the still waters and the strict “Leave No Trace” ethos meant there wasn’t so much as a scrap of litter in sight!

15. Wyoming State Capitol

I thought the Wyoming State Capitol made a fantastic first stop, with its elegant classical revival architecture, striking gold dome, ornate interiors, and beautifully landscaped grounds, it felt like a proper introduction to Wyoming and was a great visit for a history buff like me!

I actually started my state trip here in Cheyenne, arriving from Denver Airport in under 2 hours via I-25 and staying at the unique and homely Prairie Rose Bed & Breakfast. I spent an afternoon at the State Capitol strolling through the gardens before joining the free guided tour, where I saw the restored interiors, admired the stained glass and grand staircase, viewed the historical exhibits, and learned all about the state’s interesting political history and legislative process. 

Location: Cheyenne, Southeastern Wyoming | Size: 145-ft gold-leaf dome | Vibe: stately and historic

My personal highlights…

• Walking through the immaculate gardens and admiring both the proud bronze buffalo statue framed by flower beds filled with golden marigolds!

16. The Red Desert 

This vast and untamed landscape absolutely fascinated me—it truly felt like stepping onto another planet, defined by its shifting, windswept sand dunes, rugged badlands, and truly endless open skies!

I spent two days camping at the Red Desert Rose Campground and taking time to explore the surreal landscapes of shifting dunes and jagged rock formations. I went on an off-road adventure, hiked out to the secluded Killpecker Sand Dunes (one of the largest living dune systems in the U.S.), explored Adobe Town which featured wonderfully dramatic badlands and spires, and photographed the ancient White Mountain Petroglyphs carved into the stone near Rock Springs.

Warning: This is true, rugged wilderness. If you are going off-road, make sure your vehicle is fueled up and you have a 4WD vehicle.

Location: South-Central Wyoming | Size: ~9,300 square miles | Vibe: stark and otherworldly | Wildlife: wild horses, pronghorn, mule deer, elk, coyotes, sage-grouse, raptors

My personal highlights…

• Going on a fun three day driving tour – I’ll never forget waking at dawn to see the vast Killpecker Sand Dunes glowing gold in the first light of sunrise!

17. Vedauwoo Recreation Area

The unique Vedauwoo Recreation Area is often overlooked, but I found it one of Wyoming’s most surprising gems. Towering Sherman Granite formations erupted dramatically from the landscape, surrounded by fragrant pine forests, open meadows, and peaceful hiking trails. Discovering that the rocks were over a billion years old made the scenery feel even more extraordinary to me!

From Cheyenne, I drove just 30 minutes west on I-80 to reach Vedauwoo and I stayed for one night camping at the stunning Vedauwoo Campground. While I was there, I hiked the photogenic Box Canyon Trail, watched climbers scaling the granite walls, and biked the rugged Turtle Rock Trail.

Location: Southeastern Wyoming | Size: ~10,000 acres | Vibe: wild, whimsical, and wonderfully weird | Wildlife: mule deer, elk, pronghorn, moose, coyotes, red foxes, hawks

My highlights…. 

• Hiking the Box Canyon Trail — I loved how the towering granite walls closed in around me, creating a dramatic, hidden world where the temperature felt noticeably cooler and every sound echoed through the canyon!

18. Fossil Butte National Monument

I was fascinated by the surreal beauty of Fossil Butte National Monument. I loved how the rugged high-desert scenery combined with perfectly preserved fossils from a distant prehistoric world made it feel like a giant natural museum frozen in time!

I continued about 2 hours southwest from the Red Desert along I-80 to the high desert near Kemmerer and Fossil Butte. I spent a full day there exploring the visitor center’s extensive exhibits, joining a ranger-led hike that lasted around two hours, watching fossil preparation demonstrations, taking scenic drives through the stark but beautiful desert terrain and staying overnight at the Fossil Butte Motel (which was a 20 minute drive away).

Tip: you are not allowed to collect fossils within the National Monument but you can pay a fee to dig for your own specimens legally at one of the private “commercial quarries” nearby in Kemmerer.

Location: Southwestern Wyoming | Size: ~8,200 acres | Vibe: quiet, high-desert

19. Grand Targhee Resort

The Grand Targhee Resort was absolutely picturesque! I stopped here on my summer road trip and found endless green slopes dotted with delicate Columbines and pink Fireweeds, breathtaking views of the Tetons, a laid-back, sunny, vibe and lots of fresh mountain air! 

Although after I researched I found it was famous for its reliable powder in the winter (around 500 inches annually), and offering something for everyone; gentle beginner runs, intermediate trails, and challenging off-piste terrain for advanced skiers. There was even tubing, snowshoeing, fat-biking and a fun après-ski scene (November to April).

From Fossil Butte, I drove about 3.5 hours north through Star Valley and over Teton Pass into Alta. I stayed for three days and packed in plenty – hiking through wildflower meadows, riding the scenic chairlift up Fred’s Mountain, biking its trails and catching live music at the Bluegrass Festival. 

Tip: If you are visiting in summer, make sure you bring bug spray, the mosquitoes and biting flies near the alpine lakes can be aggressive!

Location: Western Wyoming | Size: ~2,600 skiable acres | Vibe: friendly, low-key mountain feel 

 My highlights…

• Staying at unique and cozy Teton Teepee Lodge – I loved the Insta-worthy circular layout, the awesome especially the sunken circular fire and the homemade breakfast baked on‑site, especially the ultra-moist Cinnamon coffee cake!

Where is Wyoming? 

Wyoming sits in the Mountain West, bordered by Montana to the north, South Dakota and Nebraska to the east, Colorado and Utah to the south, and Idaho to the west.