10 Must-Do Summer Adventures in Wyoming

Trip Ideas

July 21, 2014

By Travel Wyoming

There simply is no place in America with more untouched natural beauty, friendlier people or real Western adventures than Wyoming. Imagine yourself on a summer vacation in Wyoming, camping at the foot of the magnificent Devils Tower or hoofing in cowboy boots around a luxurious dude ranch. Travel to Wyoming and make your summer dreams a reality. Explore these 10 must-do summer adventures to create lifelong memories in Wyoming.

1. National Parks & Monuments

At the top of just about everyone’s national park bucket list is Yellowstone. The park has the world’s largest collection of geysers with an unmatched wide-open natural beauty. Grand Teton National Park is just two hours down the road, making it easy to check out two of America’s greatest natural treasures in one vacation. A scenic road trip across the great state of Wyoming can take you past Devils Tower National Monument, a one-of-a-kind natural wonder that rises 1,200 feet above the eastern plains of Wyoming.

2. Horseback Riding

This part of the country was meant to be seen from a saddle. With centuries of experience, outfitters and dude ranches are ready to take all skill levels from beginners to experts on some of Wyoming’s best horse trails. Wind along the Continental Divide in Bridger Teton National Forest or saddle up slope side in Jackson Hole.

3. ATV & Off-Roading

If you prefer the power of 50 horses over just one, then Wyoming’s ATV and off-roading adventures are more your speed. Play in the country’s biggest sandbox at Killpecker Sand Dunes or witness the brilliant red cliffs of Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area right from your ATV.

4. Camping

Wyoming camping is waking up to crisp air, hiking among majestic peaks, discovering hidden mountain lakes and falling asleep under a blanket of stars. Try one of the top 40 campgrounds in America at Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park or see why Canyon Village Campground is Yellowstone’s most popular place to pitch a tent or park an RV.

5. Hiking

Bison, elk, pronghorn, moose and bald eagles enjoy the untouched mountains and prairies of Wyoming. Wildlife and hiking trails abound in the state’s 18 million acres of public lands. Try backcountry hiking at Yellowstone Lake or take in the jaw-dropping views of the Snowy Mountain Range in Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest.

6. Fishing

Wyoming is a paradise for trout fishing on a mountain stream, floating on a pristine lake or seeking out one of Wyoming’s 22 species of game fish. Cast your rod in one of these fishing holes and create a fish tale of your own:

7. Rodeos

It wouldn’t be the West without a good ‘ole fashioned rodeo, and lucky for you, Wyoming offers some of the best rodeos in the country. From the “Daddy of ’em all” at Cheyenne Frontier Days to the “Rose Bowl” of college rodeos at the College National Final Rodeo in Casper, get in the spirit of the West and see what the hype’s about at these must-see Rodeos.

8. Dude & Guest Ranches

If you’ve ever dreamed of being a cowboy or cowgirl, spending a week on a dude ranch will give you the chance to walk in some real Western boots. Dude ranches in Wyoming vary greatly from working ranches to resort ranches. No matter what your speed, the dude ranches of Wyoming can match it to create memories even city slickers will cherish forever. These ranches will blow your boots off with five-star customer ratings:

9. Festivals

It wouldn’t be summer in Wyoming without a slew of Western-style festivals. The Laramie Jubliee Days celebrate Wyoming’s statehood with nine days of rodeos, bull-riding competitions, slack barrel races and even a brewfest to top it off. If you’re a bluegrass fan, Grand Targhee Bluegrass Festival is a must see with music as impressive as its spectacular mountain scenery.

10. Hot Springs

It’s time for a summer soak in the hot springs of Wyoming. From 90-degree pools with slides and diving boards to 112-degree steamy soaks, there are options for families and couples at all of the state’s hot springs. Enjoy the cleanest air in the country, combined with natural minerals and therapeutic hot springs. It’s the perfect combo for a relaxing summer vacation.

Truly experience the West this summer with one of these authentic Wyoming summer adventures or go ahead and create your own Wyoming adventure. The memories are sure to last a lifetime. For more Wyoming travel inspiration, order our free Travel Guide. What are you waiting for?

About Travel Wyoming We at the Wyoming Office of Tourism love exploring and sharing the things in our state that make your road trips and adventures one of a kind.