Wyoming is a popular winter road trip destination and it’s no surprise why. Wyoming topography can often appear to the viewer like a far-off planet.
Riddled with landscape features such as craggy rock faces, soaring peaks, and even hot springs, this state embodies the wild. Wyoming’s face in the winter becomes even more intriguing. It is a state of snow-capped mountaintops and sparkling prairies. Wildlife can still be viewed, with antelope in abundance and elk populating the high country.
The many regions of Wyoming deserve to be explored, and the chill of the season doesn’t have to stop you from planning that epic Wyoming road trip. Our state is abundant in scenic byways, and many of these routes are still accessible in winter.
Not only that but following Wyoming wanderlust can lead you to some of the most alluring destinations in the country. National park territory beckons, along with legendary Western towns, historic sites, and the magic of dense winter forests.
Top 9 Wyoming Winter Road Trip Ideas
- Yellowstone National Park
- Grand Teton National Park
- Jackson Hole
- Saratoga Hot Springs & The Snowy Range
- Thermopolis
- Pinedale & The Winds
- Sheridan & Bighorn National Forest
- Shoshone National Forest
- Casper & Casper Mountain
Wyoming Winter Road Trips Map
Tap the icons in the map below to learn more about each winter road trip destination.
1. Yellowstone National Park
One of the most awe-inspiring sights during a Wyoming winter is the other-worldly landscape of Yellowstone National Park. Transformed into a winter wonderland, the frozen landscape seems to shimmer in the snow. The roadways and boardwalks are devoid of their summer crowds, while the thermal features are their most dramatic.
Access to the park in the cold months is limited, and to gain entry you must book a snowcoach to take you into the park. The other option is to choose a snowmobile tour. You will feel as if you have the best of Yellowstone all to yourself. Should you elect to take a slower approach to the landscape, both snowshoeing and cross-country skiing within the park are excellent options.
While it’s true that park access is limited, those who plan their trip in winter still have the opportunity to view the unique wildlife that occupy this magical destination. Wolves, fox, moose, elk and bison are more easily seen against a blanket of snow. Book a private wildlife viewing tour to get the most out of your visit.
For more inspiration, visit the Yellowstone Winter Guide.
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2. Grand Teton National Park
Enjoying Grand Teton National Park in the winter means embracing activities that might be familiar, but your excursions are made all the more special due to limited access. This could mean snowshoeing or cross-country skiing the snow-packed surface from Taggart Lake Trailhead to Signal Mountain Lodge. Wildlife tours are available throughout the winter as well, should you prefer the warm comfort of a heated vehicle and the friendly input of a local wildlife guide.
Make your visit even more memorable by scheduling a snowshoe hike with an interpretive ranger. This option is available starting at the end of December through mid-March. What could be better than the sounds and sights of such a spectacular location, seen and experienced on foot? The snow creates a hushed environment for your visit, blanketing the terrain with an inviting sparkle.
For more inspiration, visit the Grand Teton Winter Guide.
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3. Jackson Hole
Jackson Hole, Wyoming thrives in the winter and is a destination for domestic and international travelers alike. A popular winter road trip destination, the town comes alive with winter activities, and it’s not just about world-class downhill skiing.
Snowmobiling, snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, and even snow tubing all have their place in this stunning mountainous playground. Taking a soak at nearby Granite Hot Springs will feel like the ultimate treat and be one of the highlights of your visit.
Access to the National Park system is limited in the winter months, but your time is well spent exploring the National Elk Refuge and the local ski destinations. Even if you don’t feel comfortable on skis, a trip to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort just to ride the tram to the “top of the world” is well worth it. And in town, Snow King Mountain also features a scenic gondola ride that provides sweeping views of the town and the Tetons.
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4. Saratoga & The Snowy Range Mountains
Local history shows that the area around Saratoga has been prized for centuries. Native Americans hunted the abundant wildlife and bathed in the therapeutic hot springs. Mountain men and trappers working their way West soon discovered the gifts of the region.
Grab a piece of this history by planning a road trip to Saratoga. Not only will you enjoy views of the Snowy Range, you may actually set off on a pair of snowshoes to get closer. The surrounding Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest is prime snowmobiling territory, and can also play host to a cross-country skiing excursion.
No matter your choice of winter activities once your wheels stop turning, we know why you really need this Wyoming destination. It’s all about the hot springs, which are guaranteed to be a great place to visit during your road trips.
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5. Thermopolis
Thermopolis, Wyoming is home to Hot Springs State Park, and the town claims that the world’s largest mineral hot springs, “The Big Spring” is located here. A popular winter road trip idea, the outside pool at the park is closed during the winter, but the free bath house remains open all year. The water is maintained at 104 degrees for therapeutic soaking. The bath house is open 7 days a week, but is closed on winter holidays (no soaking for Santa).
In the early 1990s, dinosaur remains were discovered at the local Warm Springs Ranch, and the Wyoming Dinosaur Center was founded soon thereafter. Fifteen minutes from the museum are multiple dig sites. More than 10,000 bones have been discovered and excavated, most of which are either on display or stored just down the hill at the museum. Learn more about the history of Thermopolis at the Hot Springs County Museum and Cultural Center in the downtown historic district.
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6. Pinedale & The Wind River Range
Wyoming’s Hwy 191 is a breathtaking option for a winter road trip, but the first thing you need to do when planning is to check road conditions. This stretch of asphalt can be hairy, and may actually require chains on your tires.
If you get the timing right, however, you are in for a treat. From the Yellowstone area to Pinedale, this is what a Winter Wonderland is made of.
Firs are laden with snow all along the Snake River, and the winding road presents enchanting sites at every turn. No less beautiful are the peaks of the Wind River Range, gracing your peripheral. When you finally pull into Pinedale, the authentic cowboy town that lies against the Western slope of the Wind River Range, what are your plans?
The surrounding area is a playground that caters to snowmobile enthusiasts, ice fishing aficionados, and those who love to strap on a pair of skates.
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7. Sheridan & Bighorn National Forest
Located in north-central Wyoming, the Bighorn Mountains are a sister range of the Rocky Mountains. This range is home to Cloud Peak and Blacktooth Mountain, both rising at over 13,000 feet in elevation. This dramatic wilderness plays host to the many outdoor pursuits that are so popular in Wyoming.
During your winter road trip, you’ll find that Sheridan serves as a gateway to this wilderness, and is quintessential Wyoming. The highlight of the annual Sheridan WYO Winter Rodeo is skijoring. A rider on horseback tows either a skier or snowboarder through an obstacle course in downtown Sheridan while onlookers cheer on the action.
Serious snow enthusiasts will want to check out the Antelope Butte Mountain Recreation Area, about 60 miles west of Sheridan. Antelope Butte features 28 trails for downhill skiing and snowboarding off three lifts, and miles of groomed trails for Nordic skiing and fat tire biking.
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8. Shoshone National Forest
The first designated National Forest in the country just happens to be in Wyoming. Shoshone National Forest is a vast wilderness of 2.4 million acres. Driving through in the winter will offer the opportunity to view deer and bighorn sheep, which have a reputation for blocking traffic at times.
For this road trip, winter recreation opportunities are many, and plenty of enthusiasts take advantage of the snow. These include snowshoers, cross-country skiers, and snowmobilers.
Along your journey through Shoshone National Forest on the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway, you will traverse the Wapiti Valley. The byway ends at the East Entrance to Yellowstone in Sylvan Pass. Although the East Entrance to our country’s first National Park is closed in winter, you may still snowshoe and cross-country ski in this area. And don’t forget your camera. The views are spectacular.
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9. Casper & Casper Mountain
Casper, Wyoming is located in Central Wyoming and boasts some of the most approachable terrain in the state. Within the town itself, there are endless activities that will feed your curiosity. This town is home to over one dozen museums, ranging in subject matter from history, science, geology and fine art.
Nearly 26 miles of groomed and lighted trails ranging from flat runs to steep inclines surround the Casper Mountain Trail Center. Warm up or grab a bite at the lodge, and get ready to spend a day surrounded by majestic wilderness as you participate in nordic skiing, snowshoeing and fat biking. Hogadon Basin Ski Area, Casper Mountain’s downhill ski and snowboarding spot, is only a few minutes from the heart of downtown.
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