Three Spring Itineraries You Don’t Want to Skip in Wyoming
Maybe it’s the longer days, maybe it’s that newfound warmth in the air, but something about spring seems to stir our sense of spontaneity, especially when it comes to travel. And Wyoming is an ideal destination for last-minute travel this season, whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in Wild West history, embark on an epic outdoor adventure or experience the one-of-a-kind culture of the Cowboy State.
Need a little help planning your last-minute spring travel? Read on to explore three itineraries packed with incredible things to do and places to go in Wyoming this spring.
Three Spring Days in Grand Teton and Jackson Hole
Between April showers and seasonal runoff from the melting snow, spring in Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park is known as the “mud season”. And while the higher-elevation hiking trails may not be open yet, and most campgrounds remain closed until late April, there are still plenty of classic Wyoming spring activities to enjoy, from historic sites and scenic roads to amazing annual events. In fact, this quieter time of year is ideal for exploring Wyoming like a local while taking advantage of flexible last-minute booking and off-season deals.
Day 1: Road Biking and Wildlife Watching
Trail conditions can vary throughout the spring season, so if you want to spin your wheels in the great outdoors, head to Grand Teton National Park’s Inner Park Loop Road. The scenic 20-mile stretch of highway connects Moose to Jackson Lake Junction, with spectacular views of the Teton Range. It’s also closed to motor vehicles until May 1st, making it ideal for an epic road-biking adventure.
Cycling your way through terrain this breathtaking is bound to work up an appetite, so do as the locals do and pack a picnic to enjoy amid some of the Cowboy State’s most spectacular scenery. Visiting later in the spring season? Head to The Trapper Grill at Signal Mountain Lodge for scenic outdoor dining curated with heart and local flair.
Wyoming’s wildlife is especially active in spring, when our resident elk, bears and bighorn sheep emerge from a season of hibernation, often with their adorable offspring in tow. Ensure you #WYresponsibly by following key wildlife safety tips.
Day 2: Rafting on the Snake River
Wyoming’s rivers, canyons and whitewater stretches offer thrills for everyone from beginner paddlers to expert rafters—and spring is one of the best times of year to experience them. Located just outside of Jackson, the Snake River offers both class II and III rapids. Though it typically crests in the first week of June, paddling conditions are generally favorable throughout the spring season.
New to exploring Wyoming on the water? There’s no need to fret; our experienced local river guides can ensure you’ll have everything you need for a fun and worry-free float. Afterward, head back to town to toast your exploits at Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, an iconic local watering hole where you can enjoy live country music and an unforgettable Wild West ambiance.
Day 3: Experiencing Local Culture
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Cafe Genevieve, a cozy restaurant inside a historic log cabin in downtown Jackson. After that, it’s time for a wildly inspiring afternoon at the National Museum of Wildlife Art. Open Tuesday through Sunday in early spring and daily from May 1st onward, the museum offers immersive art exhibits, including a larger-than-life outdoor sculpture trail. Kids four and under visit free, making it ideal for families with young children.
Depending on when you visit this spring, you could find yourself in a lively celebration of Western heritage and cowboy culture at Old West Days in Jackson Hole. Typically celebrated in mid-May, this beloved local festival includes rodeos, stagecoach rides, a High Noon Chili Cook-Off, Best of the West Parade and the Town Square Shootout. The ten-day celebration culminates with the Million Dollar Music Festival, a free, rain-or-shine country music concert held in Jackson’s town square.
Dreaming of your next Wyoming adventure? Explore the top 12 things to do in Jackson for even more Wild West inspiration.
Two Spring Days in the Cowboy State’s Capital City
The rugged spirit of the frontier is alive and well in Cheyenne. A new twist on the Old West, the bustling city is home to exceptional dining, unique shopping and engaging museums that bring Wyoming’s history to life—not to mention the world's largest outdoor rodeo. And with the renewal of spring, Cheyenne truly shines.
Day 1: Exploring Cheyenne in Full Bloom
The capital of Wyoming, Cheyenne is pretty as a picture all year round, but springtime might just be its most becoming season. Take in all the Old West history, small-town charm and newly sprouted blooms with a tour about town on the Cheyenne Street Railway Trolley. These guided, 90-minute tours offer a perfect primer on the city’s frontier past.
If you’re looking for the perfect afternoon activity, the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens—known as the grand centerpiece of the city—are another must-see. Stroll through the curated gardens, explore a variety of exotic plants and flowers in the conservatory or simply enjoy a quiet moment in the Peace Garden.
Day 2: Authentic Frontier Spirit
On the hunt for a little indoor fun on a rainy spring day? Go even deeper into Wyoming’s fascinating history at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum. Open seven days a week throughout the year, the museum boasts a rotating slate of historic exhibits that celebrate the heritage of the American frontier.
Many visitors flock to Wyoming in search of the true spirit of the West. And locally owned Chronicles Distilling knows a thing or two about authentic, western spirits—literally. Their corn-based spirits are distilled in small batches in-house, with unique varieties including Spit Shine corn whiskey or Tart Lemon vodka. A family establishment, they also offer a selection of mocktails, soda and water for those who prefer not to imbibe.
Searching for a little more inspiration for your time in the Magic City of the Plains? Check out our roundup of the 12 best things to do in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
A (Hot) Spring Weekend in Casper and Thermopolis
Smack-dab in the center of the Cowboy State, Casper, Wyoming, was once the sole intersection point of the Oregon, California, Mormon and Pony Express Trails. Today, it’s a crossroads of another kind, filled with enticing things to do and places to see, both in springtime and all year round. From otherworldly landscapes to incredible prehistoric petroglyphs, come spend a little time exploring “the Oil City”—then hit the road and head for the hot springs of Thermopolis, perfect for beating the chill of an early spring day.
Friday Night: Enjoying Brews and Tunes
A Friday night in Casper calls for a stop in at Frontier Brewing Company and Taproom, right in the heart of downtown. The local brewer is known for their specialty and small-batch beer. Depending on when you visit, you could catch a trivia night, fun local event or even their Good Friday Music Marathon, featuring live performances from Casper’s most talented musicians, all under one roof.
Saturday: Exploring Hell’s Half Acre
Just off U.S. Highway 20/26, 40 miles west of Casper in the vast plains of Natrona County, you’ll find an alien landscape like nowhere else in Wyoming—a place that seems to belong to another planet altogether. Known as Hell’s Half Acre, the striking geological formations found here are actually a prime example of badlands topography. (You might also recognize it as the fictional planet of Klendathu in the film Starship Troopers.)
Spend a morning traversing the area’s hard-packed hiking trails (a great way to avoid the sometimes-muddy hiking conditions of springtime), then head back to town for an educational afternoon at Casper College’s Tate Geological Museum. This regional Earth Science Education Center is free and open to the public. Here, you can learn even more about Wyoming’s many geological wonders—and maybe even inspire your next outdoor adventure.
Sunday: Petroglyphs and Hot Springs
Wyoming may be best known for its Wild West history, but there’s another kind of history here that’s older than even the great pyramids of Egypt: Legend Rock Petroglyphs Historic Site. To get there, take a scenic drive two-and-a-half hours northwest of Casper, through the stunning landscapes of Wind River Country and just past the town of Thermopolis.
Here, you can explore more than 92 prehistoric petroglyph panels and over 300 petroglyph figures, considered to be among the oldest and best examples of Dinwoody rock art in the world. Just remember to look and not touch; these fragile etchings can be damaged by as little as the oils in your hands. If you’re traveling with the family in tow, be sure to supervise young children at all times, and keep pets securely leashed to preserve the integrity of this important historic site.
Afterward, head back toward Thermopolis for a relaxing soak in the natural hot springs. One of many hot spring locations found throughout the Cowboy State, it’s the perfect way to unwind after a day of wild Wyoming adventure.
Embrace the Call of the West This Spring
From thrilling outdoor adventures in Grand Teton and Jackson Hole to budding spring beauty and Old West history in magical Cheyenne, springtime in Wyoming is a season that never disappoints. Add the benefit of easy last-minute bookings and off-season (or, if you ask us, best-kept-secret season) deals and you’ve got a recipe for unforgettable experiences in the Cowboy State.
So what are you waiting for? Start planning the spring adventure of a lifetime here in the last bastion of the West.
