1: Off-Road ATV Adventures

Wyoming’s 640 miles of ATV and off-road vehicle trails twist through diverse landscapes, from mountainous peaks to desert expanses. Whether you’re after a laid-back ride or an adrenaline rush, there’s a trail to blaze in the Cowboy State.

Head northeast to the glittering hills of Killpecker Sand Dunes to glide through 11,000 acres of sand. This otherworldly terrain offers gentle slopes for beginners and towering dunes for thrill-seekers. For a change of scenery, the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area delivers dramatic red cliffs and the famed clear water of the Green River. Cruise up and down the shores of North Piney Lake in Cora, or explore the vast and varied trails in the Black Hills National Forest along the South Dakota border. Looking for something truly wild? Explore where the wild horses roam at McCullough Peaks in Buffalo Bill State Park.

If you’re new to off-roading, Brush Creek Ranch in Saratoga offers guided tours, making exploring even the most rugged terrain easy. For seasoned explorers seeking ATV rentals, Wyoming Outdoor Adventures in Saratoga, Albany County Lodge in Laramie, Ultimate Outdoor Adventures in Buffalo, UTV Rentals and Toys in Glenrock, Rockin Rollin Rentals in Rock Springs and Boyd’s Outdoor Power Sports in Gillette are all excellent options.

2: Experience Wild West’s Greatest Show

What’s a visit to Wyoming without a good old-fashioned rodeo? It’s a rite of passage for anyone drawn to the dust, drama and spirit of cowboy culture. If this is your first rodeo, the real adventure lies in choosing the experience that suits your style.

Cheyenne Frontier Days, affectionately known as the "Daddy of ’em All” is a world-renowned festival that draws a crowd every July. This week-long celebration is perfect for families, with a parade, concert and a carnival in the event lineup alongside its iconic rodeo events.

For those warm summer evenings in the Rodeo Capital of the World, the Cody Nite Rodeo—a tradition since 1938—showcases bull riding and barrel racing in a buzzing, family-friendly atmosphere. A stop at the nearby Buffalo Bill Center of the West is worthwhile for a deep dive into the history and culture of the American West. For a more intimate experience, the Ten Sleep Rodeo Association’s 4th of July celebration is a can’t-miss small-town experience with big-time action. It’s considered one of the best places to spend Independence Day, thanks to two days of thrilling rodeo, street dances, a parade and fireworks.

3: Take the Hike of a Lifetime

Lace up your boots and take a walk on the wild side. Wyoming’s trails guide you to some of the world’s most breathtaking sights, but with these bucket-list hikes, the journey is just as unforgettable as the destination—guaranteed.

Medicine Bow Peak in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest is the highest point in the Snowy Range and offers a choose-your-own-adventure experience with two trails. Opt for the 1.6-mile Lewis Lake Trail for a short and challenging ascent or take the scenic 3.6-mile West Lake Marie route for a longer, more leisurely climb. Both trails wind through alpine meadows and rocky landscapes before reaching panoramic summit views. 

For another rewarding trek, venture to Popo Agie Falls Trail (pronounced pu-PO-juh) in Sinks Canyon State Park, located at the southern base of the Wind River Mountains. Sinks Canyon is also a designated International Dark Sky Park through DarkSky International, making it the perfect spot to see the wonders of the cosmos. This short and sweet three-mile loop climbs over 660 feet in elevation, transporting hikers to stunning scenes of waterfalls, mountains and canyons.

Staying near Casper? The Bridle Trail in Rotary Park is a 4.5-mile loop through dense evergreen forests. The trail begins at the base of Garden Creek Falls and offers plenty of wildlife sightings, including deer and antelope. On clear days, the views of Casper and the surrounding landscape are picture-perfect.

4: Reach New Heights

For those who find their greatest adventures in the climb, Wyoming’s diverse landscapes create the perfect conditions for conquering new heights. With a wealth of routes for rock climbing and bouldering, you’ll find countless bucket-list-worthy ascents.

Wyoming’s first national monument is a must for lovers of classic crack climbing. Devils Tower offers hundreds of vertical cracks in its hexagonal columns, creating climbs of varying widths and heights reaching up to 400 feet. These formations create near-perfect, straight-up routes that attract climbers from every corner of the world. Most routes here are traditional (trad) climbs, so you’ll need plenty of gear to take on this destination. Don’t worry—local experts at Devils Tower & Needles Rock Climbing Guides can help you get equipped for the experience of a lifetime.

For an under-the-radar climbing experience, visit Vedauwoo Recreation Area in Southeastern Wyoming. These striking rock formations between Cheyenne and Laramie are thought to boast more than 700 climbs. Experienced crack climbers will find plenty of opportunities to test their skills here, while novice climbers can choose from a mix of bouldering and sport climbing. 

For those looking to learn the ropes or sharpen their climbing skills, Wyoming Mountain Guides can help you plan a custom-guided climbing trip. If you’re new to climbing, learn the basics in A Beginner’s Guide to Rock Climbing in Wyoming.

5: Hit the Open Road

There’s nothing like the classic road trip for a sightseeing adventure—especially when the fall colors are in full swing. Each of Wyoming’s 21 scenic byways twists and turns through unforgettable landscapes, but some routes shine so brightly in autumn hues that they’re worth planning an entire trip around.

The Beartooth Scenic Highway, sometimes called “America’s most beautiful highway”, stretches 39 miles through Shoshone National Forest. Showcasing stunning views of aspens and mountain peaks, this renowned route follows US-212 into Montana but keeps much of its magic within Wyoming. Don’t miss the lookout points, trailheads or stops like the Top of the World Store and The 45th Parallel.

Another must-drive is the Cloud Peak Skyway, a 47-mile route connecting the towns of Ten Sleep and Buffalo. This scenic road winds through the southern Bighorn National Forest, with highlights including Ten Sleep Canyon and views of Cloud Peak—the tallest mountain in the range.

Explore the rugged beauty and ancient history of the Red Gulch Alkali Backcountry Byway—a true road less traveled running through a primarily unpaved section of the Big Horn Basin. This route takes you past the striking red hills of the 230-million-year-old Chugwater Formation, the towering 13,000-foot peaks of the Bighorn Mountains, and landscapes once roamed by Paleo-Indian mammoth hunters over 12,000 years ago. 

6: Reel in All-Season Adventure

With 4,200 lakes, 27,000 miles of rivers and streams and 14 reservoirs housing over 22 fish species, Wyoming is an angler’s dream. Whether you cast a line in summer or drop it through the ice in winter, these waters promise unforgettable catches.

Wondering where to start? The Miracle Mile on the North Platte River is legendary for grand scenery and trout fishing, with rainbow, brown and even cutthroat trout thriving in its pristine waters. Seeking something more tranquil? The Green River and Grayrocks Reservoir offer serene settings where you can settle in for a peaceful day by the water.

When the temperatures drop, Wyoming’s waters transform into an ice fishing wonderland, home to some of the most unique and rewarding ice fishing spots in the western United States. Grab your auger and head to Wyoming ice fishing hotspots like Boysen Reservoir, Glendo Reservoir and Keyhole Reservoir.

If you want an expert angler alongside you for the trip, team up with one of our fishing outfitters and guides. These local pros provide invaluable knowledge and ensure you’re fully equipped for the fishing adventure of a lifetime. Before you go, make sure you have your fishing license!

Don’t Just Dream It

Ready to make your bucket-list dreams a reality? Start planning your once-in-a-lifetime Wyoming adventure with our Free Wyoming Travel Guide for even more inspiration and things to do in Wyoming. Grab your gear, map out your route, and start crossing off that bucket list.