Located in the Western United States, Wyoming is a land of vast expanses and endless opportunities for visitors. From the towering peaks of the Grand Tetons to the rolling prairies of the east, there is something for everyone in Wyoming. And while it may be best known for its outdoor recreation, there are plenty of other hidden gems to discover in the Equality State.
The best way to experience Wyoming is to get out and explore all that it has to offer. Many of these attractions are located off the beaten path, but they are well worth the effort to find them. What's more, they provide a unique look at the state's history and culture. For those looking for something different to do on the next trip to Wyoming, here are ten hidden gems to check out.
10 Medicine Bow National Forest
With over 1 million acres of land, Medicine Bow National Forest is one of the largest national forests in the country. It is home to several mountain ranges, including the Medicine Bow Mountains, which give the forest its name.
There are also more than 2,700 miles of streams and rivers, as well as several hundred lakes and reservoirs.
Visitors to the Forest can enjoy a wide range of activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and horseback riding.
There are also plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing, with elk, bighorn sheep, mule deer, and pronghorn antelope all being common sightings.
- Location: Southeastern Wyoming
- Price: $5 daily pass ($30 annual pass)
- Hours: Mon-Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm. Closed on weekends.
9 Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is a spectacular place to visit, with its towering cliffs, winding rivers, and abundant wildlife.
The recreation area encompasses more than 73,000 acres of land.
There are many different activities to enjoy in the recreation area, including camping, hiking, fishing, boating, and bird watching. There is also an extensive trail system that provides access to some of the most scenic areas of the canyon.
- Location: On the Border of Northern Wyoming and Montana
- Price: $5 per vehicle daily pass ($30 annual pass)
- Hours: 8:15 am -5:00 pm
8 Devil's Tower National Monument
Devil's Tower National Monument is a unique geological formation that stands more than 1,000 feet tall.
The monument is located in the northeastern corner of Wyoming, and it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state.
There are many different hiking trails that wind their way around the base of the tower. One of them is the Red Beds Trail, which is one of the most scenic Wyoming hikes not located in a park.
Visitors are also allowed to climb to the top of the monument if they so choose.
The summit of Devil's Tower offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
- Location: Northeastern Wyoming
- Price: $15 per adult on foot
- Hours: 24 hours
7 Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area
Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area is a stunning place to visit, with its red rock cliffs, blue waters, and abundant wildlife.
The recreation area is located in southwestern Wyoming, and it encompasses more than 500,000 acres of land.
Some of the activities to enjoy in the recreation area include camping, hiking, fishing, boating, and swimming. There are also several scenic drives that wind their way through the recreation area.
- Location: Southwestern Wyoming
- Price: Free
- Hours open: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
6 Hot Springs State Park
Hot Springs State Park is a popular tourist destination due to its geothermal pools and scenic views. The park is located in northwestern Wyoming, and it covers more than 3,000 acres of land.
Visitors have multiple geothermal pools to choose from, as well as a number of hiking trails that wind their way through the park.
The park also has a visitor center where you can learn more about the geothermal features of the park.
- Location: Northwestern Wyoming
- Price: Free
- Hours: 6 am to 10 pm
5 Independence Rock State Historic Site
Independence Rock is a massive granite rock that covers more than 1,900 acres of land. The rock is located in central Wyoming, and it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state.
The rock gets its name from the fact that it was a popular stopping point for settlers traveling west on the Oregon Trail.
Today, visitors can hike to the top of the rock and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
- Location: Central Wyoming
- Price: Free
- Hours: 24 hours
4 Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Wyoming, and for good reason.
The park is home to a variety of different attractions, including geothermal features, waterfalls, mountains, and wildlife.
Some of the most popular activities in the park include hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife watching. There are also a number of different scenic drives that wind their way through the park.
- Location: Northwestern Wyoming
- Price: $35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass
- Hours: 24 hours
3 Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark
The Medicine Wheel is a large stone circle that is located in the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming. The wheel is believed to be over 2,000 years old, and it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state.
Many different hiking trails lead to the Medicine Wheel, and visitors can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains from the top of the wheel.
- Location: Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming
- Price: Free
- Hours: 24 hours
2 Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park is one of the most stunning winter destinations in Wyoming. The park is home to a variety of different attractions.
Some of the most popular activities in the park include hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife watching. The park is also home to a number of different mountain peaks, including the Grand Teton itself.
There are scenic drives that wind their way through the park, and visitors can also take advantage of the many hiking trails.
There are also a number of different lodges and restaurants located within the park.
- Location: Northwestern Wyoming
- Price: $20 for a 7-day individual pass
- Hours: 24 hours
1 Beartooth Highway
Wyoming is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, and the Beartooth Highway is one of the best ways to experience it.
This 68-mile stretch of road winds its way through the Beartooth Mountains, offering stunning views of alpine lakes, wildflower-filled meadows, and towering peaks.
Visitors can drive the highway or take advantage of the many hiking and camping opportunities that are available.
- Location: Southwestern Wyoming
- Price: Free
- Hours: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, Mon-Thursday, and 24 hours from Friday to Sunday, Late May to early October (weather permitting)