It’s no secret that extended getaways can be hard to come by in our busy lives. The truth is, weekend-long “mini-vacations” are often easier to plan, afford and schedule, letting you maximize your experience without the complications of too much time away.
That’s why we’ve outlined seven Wyoming weekend getaways to choose from. Use these itineraries to plan a two-day trip with ease and get in the know on things to do in the area so that you can make the most of your stay even on a tight timeline. String all seven together and make an epic Wyoming road trip.
1. Thermopolis
Thermopolis is a destination best known for their hot springs, but they have so much more to offer! Ideal for those who love to take it easy, rejuvenate, and engage with history.
Day 1 – Hot Springs
Start your day off with a brisk hike on one of the 6.2 miles of trails in Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis. Picnic at one of the areas provided in the park, then relax the rest of the afternoon away by soaking in the free bathhouse, where the water is maintained at 104 degrees.
Before leaving the park, check out the Big Spring, a Technicolor turquoise and green pool that pumps out 3.6 million gallons of 127-degree water daily. Finally, head to Thermopolis for dinner and to spend the night.
Day 2 – Petroglyphs
Voyage 29 miles northwest of Thermopolis on Highway 120 to the Legend Rock State Petroglyph Site, a 400-meter-long, near-vertical cliff with more than 92 prehistoric petroglyph panels.
Next, drive the Wind River Canyon Scenic Byway, a spectacular journey that follows its namesake river through red-stone cliffs. You can also plan a fishing or float trip and spend part of your day on the river.
Discover more to do in Thermopolis.
2. Pinedale and the Continental Divide
This Wyoming weekend getaway is ideal for those who are active and looking to capture the true adventure of the wild west.
Day 1 – Alpine Lakes
For this Wyoming weekend getaway, start in Pinedale and plan to spend the day enjoying one of the area’s beautiful lakes. Fremont Lake, Half Moon Lake and nearby Green River Lake offers fishing, boating and other recreational activities amid breathtaking scenery. Pack a picnic and spend the day enjoying the outdoors. Be sure to check out the Museum of the Mountain Man while you’re in town.
Day 2 – Continental Divide Trail
After breakfast, drive approximately 14 miles east of Pinedale to the Elkhart Park trailhead on the Wyoming portion of the famous Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. This trail runs all the way from Canada to Mexico and offers breathtakingly beautiful scenery around the Wind River Mountain Range. During the summer months, hike or bike the trail. During winter, jump on a snowmobile for a full day of scenic views.
3. Southwest Wyoming
For a true getaway, this Southwest WY weekend trip is great for families looking for that perfect road trip.
Day 1 – Evanston
Start in Evanston, Wyoming’s southwesternmost town. Surrounded by the Uinta Mountains, this city is an excellent place for hitting trails, setting the stage for one of the best 2-night getaways in the state. Once you’re in town, visit Joss House, an 1894 Taoist temple that served as a place of worship for the large Chinese community that once lived here.
Next, travel east on 1-80 toward Green River to the 20-mile Bridger Valley Historic Byway. Stop along the byway to check out Fort Bridger Historic Site, an 1843 pioneer trading post. Loop back to 1-80 and mosey 40 miles more to spend the night in Green River.
Day 2 – Flaming Gorge
Explore the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area south of Green River on 191. Spend the day boating, fishing, or water skiing on the Flaming Gorge Reservoir, named for its landscape’s spectacular, kaleidoscopic colors, which extends 91 miles north of the Green River.
4. Far East and Devils Tower
As an unforgettable experience, Devils Tower is a national monument for a reason. Fortunately, this itinerary offers experiences to light up your whole weekend.
Day 1 – Sundance & Vore Buffalo Jump
Plan a cozy, rustic mini-vacation in one of the private cabins at the Sundance Mountain Hideaway B&B or Devils Tower KOA at the base of Devils Tower. After breakfast, hit up the Crook Country Museum in Sundance to see where Butch Cassidy’s crony, the Sundance Kid, earned his nickname by spending 18 months in jail.
Next on this Wyoming weekend getaway, travel east on I-90 for approximately 12 miles to the Vore Buffalo Jump, one of the most important yet unknown archaeological sites of the late-prehistoric Plains Indians. Open only in June through Labor Day weekend, visitors will be taken on a guided tour for a firsthand look at the excavation site and displays.
Day 2 – Keyhole State Park & Devils Tower
From Sundance, travel east on I-90 toward Moorcroft to spend the morning fishing in Keyhole State Park at the base of the stunning Black Hills. After catching your keep, head north on Highway 24 to Devils Tower National Monument. Spend the afternoon walking the Tower Trail at the base of the gigantic monolith. Finally, go nine miles north on Highway 24 to Hulett for dinner at one of the town’s many terrific restaurants.
5. Casper
Casper is a WY town steeped in natural wilderness and history, and is recommended especially for enthusiasts of cowboy culture.
Day 1 – Downtown Casper
Start in Casper and spend the day in the second-largest city in the state. First, check out Three Crowns Golf Club for a morning round of golf amid 110 acres of manicured turf, sprawling blue lakes and white sand bunkers.
Afterward, wander over to Casper’s historic downtown district for lunch, then browse boutiques and authentic Western-wear shops. Be sure to experience the Tate Geological Museum and visit “Stan,” the seventh T. Rex ever found in the state.
Day 2 – Casper Mountain
From downtown Casper, travel south on WY-251 for approximately 30 minutes to Casper Mountain, where nature lovers will enjoy scenic trails, canyons and meadows in one of the best Wyoming getaways. Hike through Jackson Canyon to spot migratory bald eagles and then picnic in Beartrap Meadow. Head back to Casper for an afternoon of whitewater rapids adventure at the Casper Whitewater Park, a manufactured facility that stretches half a mile along the North Platte River.
Find a more detailed Casper itinerary.
6. Cheyenne and Laramie
As the biggest city in Wyoming, Cheyenne offers excitement and numerous activities to fill any weekend getaway, with Laramie adding even more things to do into the mix.
Day 1 – Cheyenne
Start your mini-vacation in Wyoming’s state capitol, Cheyenne, and take a self-guided morning tour of the Historic Governor’s Mansion, home to 19 first families of Wyoming. Each room is restored to a particular era, from the early 1900s through the late 1960s.
In the afternoon, take Happy Jack Road west out of Cheyenne to Curt Gowdy State Park to hike or bike on one of the many trails, one even leads to a waterfall called Hidden Falls. As the sun sets, continue west on I-80 to Laramie for a hearty ranch-style dinner and a good night’s rest in a quaint bed and breakfast.
Day 2 – Laramie
End this Wyoming weekend getaway in the vibrant college town of Laramie, where you can pick your favorite topic and head to a museum. There’s a museum for just about any interest, including The American Heritage Center, Wyoming Territorial Prison, Laramie Plains Museum and the University of Wyoming Art Museum. Next, take the Snowy Range Scenic Byway, a 72-mile drive from Laramie to Saratoga through the heart of the Medicine Bow National Forest.
7. Jackson
As a destination known for its natural beauty, Jackson attracts thousands of visitors every year and offers the perfect balance between outdoor recreation and cultural experiences. It’s worth stressing to definitely plan ahead for this destination: It’s popular for a reason.
Day 1 – Downtown Jackson/Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Consistently one of the most popular Wyoming weekend getaways, Jackson is the perfect blend of city sights and outdoor adventure, giving it a little something for everyone. Embrace the local culture by strolling through A RARE Gallery or MANGELSEN—Images of Nature Gallery, then grab the perfect souvenir for you or a friend at Jackson Mercantile or MADE. When you’ve worked up an appetite, quell it with delicious treats at Picnic or cowboy grub at the classic Virginian Restaurant.
If the lure of the Western wilds calls you, feel free to head up to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, just 15 miles northwest of the city. The gorgeous mountain backdrop is accompanied by all-season outdoor sports, including fishing, hiking, horseback riding and more in the summer. You will find incredible snowboarding, ice skating and winter biking when the snow flies.
Day 1 – Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park makes many travelers’ list of the best 2-night getaways in the West and for good reason. A quick 10-minute drive from downtown Jackson, the Teton Range has many must-sees that you can conquer with just one day in the park.. Hike up to Inspiration Point for a view you must see to believe, take in the local wildlife with a long drive on Teton Park Road and check out Mormon Row’s historic barns. There is always more to see in the Tetons, so make sure to make plans to visit again.
Discover more in Grand Teton National Park.
