Wyoming’s wide-open spaces are a playground for rough-and-tumble types. If your outdoor adventure is taking a hike, exploring on a bike, taking a longer route with a backpacking trip, climbing, paddling or fishing, then you’re sure to get your heart pumping with some of the West’s greatest scenery as the backdrop at these adventurous locals.
Go Rock Climbing.
Geological wonders, prehistoric boulders and limestone crags beckon climbers of every skill level for an unforgettable day on the rocks at these top climbing sites.
1. Devils Tower National Monument
This otherworldly, rocky cathedral near Hulett and Sundance is clad with sheer dihedrals on every side, luring crack-climbers from around the world with 5.6–5.13 difficulty. Note: Many rock climbers honor Devils Tower‘s significance to local tribes by voluntarily opting not to ascend the tower during the month of June, especially when many American Indian cultural activities take place.
2. Near Laramie – Vedauwoo
These granite outcrops between Cheyenne and Laramie look like they were stacked by giants. “Land of the Earthborn Spirit,” as it’s known accordingly to the Arapaho Indians, is home to hundreds of fun and challenging routes for bouldering, sport and trad climbing. Vedauwoo also has awesome hiking trails.
3. Lander – Sinks Canyon
Additionally climbers will feel at home in the town of Lander, which hosts the International Climbers’ Festival each July. The big draw is nearby Sinks Canyon State Park, featuring more than 300 climbs on pockety limestone, sandstone and granite.
Go Fishing.
4. Casper – Miracle Mile
This storied section of the North Platte River near Casper is the holy grail for serious anglers. Furthermore, bring your nymph rigs and streamers to land behemoth rainbow and brown trout or enlist one of the many local outfitters to show you their secrets.
5. Near Pinedale – Green River
Meltwater from the Wind River Range feeds the Green River in southwest Wyoming, thus becoming a hotspot for dry fly-fishing each summer. Get outfitted in Pinedale, then set out in search of trout.
6. Grand Teton National Park – Jackson Lake
Deep, cold waters at the base of Grand Teton National Park harbor abundant trout, trophy-size pike and lastly salmon. June through September is high season, but the spring ice-out brings droves of hungry fish to the shallows.
Take a Hike.
7. Popo Agie Falls Trail
Skill Level: Easy
Take in absolutely stunning views of Middle Fork Falls, where the Popo Agie River cascades over large outcroppings into Sinks Canyon on a 3-mile, round-trip route in Sinks Canyon State Park near Lander. Find the trailhead at Bruces Parking Area.
8. Bridle Trail
Skill Level: Moderate
This steep yet well-maintained 4.5-mile loop begins at the base of Garden Creek Falls in Rotary Park near Casper and leads to breathtaking vistas of the town and dense evergreen forests. Sightings of sage grouse, deer, antelope and other wildlife are generally common.
9. Medicine Bow Peak Loop
Skill Level: Difficult
Glimpses of sprawling meadows, glittering mountain lakes and snow-freckled peaks reward ramblers who take the rocky trek up Medicine Bow Peak, the highest in the Snowy Mountains at 12,014 feet. The trailhead is located at West Lake Marie parking area near Centennial but the trail can be accessed at multiple areas
Go Backpacking.
10. Titcomb Basin
Skill Level: Intermediate/Difficult
Titcomb Basin features unforgettable alpine scenery, including kaleidoscopic wildflowers and the jagged Wind River Range. The nearly 30-mile, out-and-back route encompasses firstly the Seneca Lake, Indian Pass and Pole Creek trails; start your trip at the Elkhart Park Trailhead near Pinedale.
11. Cloud Peak
Skill Level: Difficult
At 13,167 feet, Cloud Peak is the tallest point in the Bighorn Mountains and the journey to its summit is 23 miles round-trip. Consequently, along the way you will find views of turquoise glaciated lakes and the peaceful Cloud Peak Wilderness. There are several ways to the top, but the most commonly used route begins at West Tensleep Trailhead near Ten Sleep.
12. Teton Crest
Skill Level: Difficult
The point-to-point, 39-mile Teton Crest Trail traverses Grand Teton National Park’s bucket-list-worthy backcountry, where you can experience glacier-carved valleys, fields full of lupine, paintbrush and other wild flora and lastly the awe-inspiring Teton Range. Locate the starting and end points at the Phillips Pass and Leigh Lake trailheads (backcountry permit required).
Go Paddling.
13. Fremont Canyon
Tucked between Alcova and Pathfinder reservoirs near Alcova, Fremont Canyon’s sheer rock walls tower above the clear waters. Launch your boat, kayak or stand-up paddleboard for the purpose of examining 2 billion years of geologic history in the canyon’s walls while experiencing all the canyon has to offer.
14. Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area
Panoramas of the gorge’s multihued red-rock canyons are even lovelier from a raft, boat, SUP or kayak. Spend an afternoon surveying Flaming Gorge Reservoir, situated between Green River and Rock Springs, and be sure to catch the spectacular sunset.
15. Snake River
Outfitters in Jackson host an assortment of rafting excursions along the Snake River, from white-knuckle expeditions to scenic family floats — all of which showcase the iconic natural grandeur of the Teton Mountains. Guided kayaking trips are also available.
