Weekend trips are supposed to be easy. That’s why we’ve outlined six Wyoming weekend getaways to choose from. Use the itineraries below to plan a two-day trip with ease and get in the know on things to do in the area, lodging options and local events to check out during your stay. String all six together and make a Wyoming road trip that hits much of the best there is to see and do in the state.
1. Thermopolis
Day 1 – Hot Springs
Start your day off with a brisk hike on one of the 6.2 miles of hiking 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 bath house, 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.
Discover more to do in Thermopolis.
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.
2. Pinedale and the Continental Divide
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 Lakes all offer 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 the winter months, jump on a snowmobile for a full day of scenic views.
3. Southwest Wyoming
Day 1 – Evanston
Start in Evanston, Wyoming’s southwestern-most town. Surrounded by the Uinta Mountains, Evanston is a great place for hitting trails. 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 the town of 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 on 1-80 to spend the night in Green River.
Day 2 – Flaming Gorge
Explore the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area south of Green River on 191. Named for the spectacular, kaleidoscopic colors of its landscape, spend the day boating, fishing or get skiing on the Flaming Gorge Reservoir, which extends 91 miles to the north of the Green River.
4. Far East and Devils Tower
Day 1 – Sundance & Vore Buffalo Jump
Overnight 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 view the jail 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.
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 towns many terrific restaurants.
5. Casper
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 and 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. Hike through Jackson Canyon to spot migratory bald eagles and then have a picnic in Beartrap Meadow. Head back to Casper for an afternoon of whitewater rapids adventure at the Casper Whitewater Park, a man-made facility that stretches half a mile along the North Platte River.
Find a more detailed Casper itinerary.
6. Cheyenne and Laramie
Day 1 – Cheyenne
Start 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. 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: 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.
