Frequently Asked Questions

The biggest city in Wyoming is the state capital, Cheyenne. Learn more about things to do and see in Wyoming’s capital city here.

Wyoming is located in the Rocky Mountain Region of the Western United States and neighbors Idaho, Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, Colorado and Utah.

As of 2021, Wyoming’s population is 578,803, making it the least populated state in the country. But fewer people means more room for adventure within Wyoming’s beautiful, wide-open landscapes.

In Wyoming there is a 4% sales tax across the state, except for groceries and prescription drugs. Some counties in Wyoming can have an additional sales tax.

As the last bastion of the American West, Wyoming is best known for rodeos, Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Devils Tower National Monument, diverse wildlife and natural hot springs. While Wyoming’s official nickname is the Equality State – a nod to the state’s role as the first to guarantee women the right to vote and hold office – Wyoming is often known as the Cowboy State. This moniker speaks to the grit, tenacity and Western spirit that can be seen across the state.

Wyoming offers several scenic routes to Yellowstone National Park, all of which offer breathtaking views. Enter from the east along the Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway for glimpses of the Shoshone River and the beautiful Shoshone National Forest. Travel from the south to drive through Grand Teton National Park and see the stunning Teton Range. Or take another route from the east that connects Chief Joseph Scenic Byway to Beartooth Scenic Highway, winding through the Absaroka Mountains along the way.

From Wyoming, there are two main routes to get to the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore National Monument. If you’re traveling from Cheyenne in southeastern Wyoming, take I-25 north to US-26. From here you’ll go east and take state highway 270 to Guernsey, followed by taking US-18 east into South Dakota. This route shows off Wyoming’s eastern plains and beautiful farmlands. If you’re starting from northeast Wyoming near Gillette, take I-90 east to US -6 and follow that into South Dakota. This route features Wyoming’s stunning Black Hills.

Wyoming offers many memorable stops along I-80. Some notable locations for adventure seekers include Medicine Bow National Forest near Laramie, Seminoe State Park north of Rawlins and Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area south of Green River. A few other interesting locations include the Wyoming Frontier Prison and Fort Bridger State Historic Site. Find more to do along I-80 in this article.

Wyoming’s wide-open spaces are meant to be enjoyed by all, and there are plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for adventurers with disabilities. Check out our accessible travel page for more information.

Wyoming’s neighboring states are Idaho, Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, Colorado and Utah.

As a large state sprinkled with small towns, most people travel by car in Wyoming. Wide-open roads winding through scenic landscapes makes Wyoming the perfect road trip destination. If you prefer flying, one of our nine regional airports can help make your trip a breeze.

The best month for visiting Wyoming depends on the activities you want to enjoy. January and February offer the most reliable snow, making it an ideal time for snowmobiling along trails and skiing at our world-class resorts. If you want to experience a rodeo or visit one of our national or state parks, Memorial Day through Labor Day is your window. Consider shoulder seasons like spring and fall to catch glimpses of wildlife while avoiding crowds.

Wyoming offers plenty to do for adventurous spirits, families of all sizes and those looking to experience the authentic American West. Our national forests, state parks and mountains offer opportunities for hiking, camping, backpacking, boating, rock climbing, horseback riding, hunting, fishing and more. Experience Wyoming’s culture through unique shops and restaurants, music festivals, rodeos and fairs. During the winter months, ice climbing, snowmobiling, skiing, snowshoeing and dog sledding are just some of the ways you can experience the serene beauty of our state. Discover more things to do in Wyoming here.

Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park are the two national parks located in Wyoming. In addition to these two well-known areas, Wyoming is home to Devils Tower National Monument, Fossil Butte National Monument, Fort Laramie National Historic Site, Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area and Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. Learn more about our national parks here.

The best-known national park in Wyoming is Yellowstone National Park. Most of this popular national park’s 2.2 million acres are within Wyoming’s borders – 96 percent of it to be exact. Learn more about the world-famous Yellowstone National Park and how to best experience it here.

Some roads in Wyoming have seasonal closures each winter, typically from mid-October through Mid-May. Roads can also close temporarily in Wyoming due to snowstorms, high wind or accidents. But there are always plenty of incredible road trips to take through the winter, find our favorite itineraries here. For the most up-to-date Wyoming road conditions, call 1-888-996-7623. You can find more tools from the Wyoming Department of Transportation here.

Wind in Wyoming varies based on time of year and location. More covered areas, like forests, provide coverage from windy weather. Winds tend to be strongest in the early spring and calmest in the summer, with July ranking as the least windy month in Wyoming.

The wind in Wyoming has to do with how our state’s varied landscapes interact with the jet stream. High pressure in Wyoming’s mountains and low pressure in the plains combine with a west-to-east jet stream, causing Wyoming to, in a sense, get squeezed, which results in more wind than your average state. But don’t worry; a windy day makes for an Instagram-worthy photoshoot with Wyoming’s picturesque mountains as your backdrop. Our beloved wind also makes nearly every day perfect for flying a kite.

Yellowstone National Park covers over 2.2 million acres.

Yellowstone National Park is usually open year-round; however, most roads and facilities close during the winter. Yellowstone is typically closed mid-October through late May or early June, with specific dates varying by year and location within the park. Learn more about experiencing Yellowstone in the winter.

Yellowstone National Park is famous for being the first national park in the world and for featuring the most geysers and hot springs in the world, including Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring.

Yellowstone became the world’s first national park in 1872.

Yellowstone National Park sits in the northwest corner of Wyoming. Most of Yellowstone National Park – 96 percent – is in Wyoming, while the remaining portions are shared between Montana and Idaho.

Yellowstone National Park has nine lodges. All are open from late spring through fall. Two remain open in the winter. If you’re looking to camp, you’ll find 12 campgrounds throughout the park. All sites must be reserved.

We recommend planning your trip to Yellowstone nine months to a year in advance. Most lodging within the park requires reservations and books quickly.

The driving distance between Glacier National Park and Yellowstone is 441 miles, or about 8 hours. Glacier is located in northwest Montana, while Yellowstone National Park is in northwest Wyoming.

The closest airport to Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming is Yellowstone Regional Airport, located in Cody. Any of Wyoming’s nine airports offer connecting flights from larger international airports like Salt Lake City and Denver. Find more Wyoming airports here.

To see most of the popular destinations in Yellowstone National Park you should plan for at least 2-3 days, we’ve crafted an unforgettable itinerary for you here. If you’re looking for a more in-depth visit to this sprawling national park, plan for about a week.

For the best summer weather, you should visit Yellowstone National Park between June and August. For smaller crowds, plan your trip for late April or early September. Since Yellowstone is the second most popular national park, visiting during these less popular times can make for a more enjoyable experience.

Yellowstone National Park is accessible for travelers with disabilities, with features like boardwalks, paved paths, specific backcountry sites, ranger programs and more. Check out this article to learn more about accessibility in Wyoming’s national parks.

Pets are allowed in Yellowstone National Park. However, they must be kept on a leash at all times (unless they’re in a car or crate). Pets may only accompany people in developed areas and are not allowed on hiking trails, with the exception of qualified service animals. Visit the National Park Service website for more information.

Grand Teton National Park is in the northwest region of Wyoming, just 10-minutes north of Jackson Hole. It sits just below Yellowstone National Park.

Grand Teton National Park is famous for its jagged mountain peaks, which create a stunning skyline. The park is also well-known for some of the best wildlife viewing in the United States.

Grand Teton National Park is about 310,000 acres, or 485 square miles.

Grand Teton National Park offers plenty to do. Hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, scenic drives, wildlife viewing and camping are some options. With six large lakes at the base of the Tetons and over 100 alpine and backcountry lakes, Grand Teton National Park is also a prime location for boating and fishing.

Grand Teton National Park offers a number of cabins, lodges and ranches for you to stay in within the park’s boundaries. You can also enjoy one of seven park campgrounds, all of which require reservations.

Grand Teton National Park is open year-round. However, many roads and facilities close during the winter months, which is typically mid-October through late-May. Learn more about experiencing Grand Teton National Park in the winter here.

Located in northwest Wyoming, there are several ways to get to Grand Teton National Park. From Salt Lake City, Utah, drive east on I-80 to Evanston, Wyoming and take US-89 north. This highway travels through Wyoming’s Star Valley, a series of towns nestled beneath the Salt River Range. From Rock Springs, Wyoming, travel north along US-189, taking time to enjoy the Wind River Range near Pinedale along the way. Discover more ways to get to Grand Teton along different Wyoming routes.

Spending 2-3 days in Grand Teton National Park should give you enough time to explore the area. View our Grand Teton National Park itinerary for first timers here.

Spring and fall are the best times to visit Grand Teton National Park, providing great wildlife viewing, fall colors and smaller crowds.

A Wyoming fishing license is required for adult residents and nonresidents while visiting Grand Teton National Park. Residents under 14 may fish without a license, but nonresidents under 14 must be accompanied by an adult with a valid license. Head to our fishing page to find out more.

Devils Tower National Monument is a geological wonder. Made from a rare igneous rock, phonolite porphyry, scientists still wonder how it was formed.

Devils Tower National Monument sits in the northeast corner of Wyoming.

Devils Tower National Monument is 867 feet tall from its base to its summit. This geological wonder stands 1,267 feet above the nearby Bella Fourche River.

Devils Tower National Monument provides a variety of things to do. Hiking, rock climbing and wildlife viewing are just a few activities you can enjoy. Devils Tower is also known for its dark skies, making it a prime destination for stargazing.

Most Native American tribes that lived near Devils Tower National Monument, or Bear Lodge as it is better known to the tribes, have individual oral histories about the creation of the tower. You can explore their stories here.

Not only is Devils Tower an important geological wonder, but it is also an important sacred site to Native Americans. During the month of June, dozens of Northern Plains tribes arrive at Devils Tower to perform ceremonies. Because of this, rock climbers are urged not to climb the tower in June.

Yes, Devils Tower became the first national monument on September 24, 1906.

While you can see Devils Tower from quite a distance for free, it’s worth paying to enter the park so that you can view this natural wonder up close. A standard entrance pass costs $15 per person entering on foot or bicycle and $25 total for a single, private vehicle and all its passengers.

Must-do activities at Flaming Gorge National Recreation Site include hiking, fishing, boating, water skiing, rafting, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, dam tours and geological tours.

The best time to visit Flaming Gorge depends on what activities you’re interested in and what sort of weather you prefer. Naturally, summer is the busiest season, and this is when the air and water are at their warmest. Spring and fall, on the other hand, present fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.

Yes! Some of the most popular scenic drives around Flaming Gorge include the Flaming Gorge–Uintas Scenic Byway, the Sheep Creek and Spirit Lake backways and the Red Cloud Loop. Take a look at this page to learn more about these scenic routes.

Places to stay near Flaming Gorge on the Wyoming side include Buckboard Crossing Campground, Firehole Canyon Campground, Little Bear Motel, Hampton Inn & Suites Green River, Oak Tree Inn and Super 8 by Wyndham Green. Browse more lodging options on our Places to Stay page.

While visiting Flaming Gorge, keep an eye out for bald eagles, pronghorn, mule deer, osprey, river otters, Rocky Mountain elk and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. View this list to learn about more species that can be found in Flaming Gorge Country.

Canyon Rim Trail is considered Flaming Gorge’s most scenic hike. Other great options include Green River Canyon Rim Trail, Red Canyon Overlook Trail, Bear Canyon and Little Hole Trail. Check out this list for more picturesque hiking spots in the area.

Must-see attractions at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area include Devil Canyon Overlook, Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark, Ewing-Snell Ranch, Yellowtail Dam, Bighorn River and Lake and, of course, Bighorn Canyon itself. Explore this page to find more points of interest.

With ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, biking, camping, fishing and wildlife viewing, as well as historic ranches, Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is a great destination for families. Explore this page to find more things to do.

Yes! Scenic drives near Bighorn Canyon include Bighorn Scenic Byway, Cloud Peak Skyway and Medicine Wheel Passage.

Swimming is permitted at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. Swimmers are encouraged to use the lifeguarded areas at Horseshoe Bend and Ok-A-Beh.

Afterbay Lake, Ok-A-Beh Marina, the Bighorn River and Dryhead Creek are a few places where you can watch for wildlife at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area.

While visiting Bighorn Canyon, anglers will have the opportunity to fish for numerous species at Bighorn Lake, Afterbay and the renowned Bighorn River.

Fort Laramie was the largest and best-known military outpost on the Northern Plains. It hosted many treaty negotiations with the Northern Plains Indian Nations and also functioned as a vital hub for transportation and communication across the central Rocky Mountain region, serving as a stop along the Pony Express route, stagecoach lines and more.

Fort Laramie was located at the confluence of the Laramie and North Platte rivers in southeast Wyoming.

The best time to visit Fort Laramie depends on your personal preferences and interests. Summer is a popular season for travelers, but the days can get quite hot, as Fort Laramie is located in the warmest part of Wyoming. Spring and fall bring vibrant foliage and blooming wildflowers, along with milder weather and fewer crowds.

While Fort Laramie itself doesn’t offer horseback riding, there are outfitters and ranches in Laramie and Centennial, Wyoming, that offer excursions like guided trail rides.

Yes, visitors are allowed to take photos inside the buildings at Fort Laramie. Those interested in commercial photography or filming must apply for a permit.

Cheyenne sits in Laramie County, Wyoming.

The population of Cheyenne, Wyoming, is 65,435 based on the 2020 US Census.

Cheyenne, Wyoming has a population of 65,435 and encompasses 20,720 acres.

Cheyenne, Wyoming is best known for Cheyenne Frontier Days, which is the largest outdoor rodeo in the world.

Some of the top attractions in Cheyenne are Terry Bison Ranch Resort, Cheyenne Botanic Gardens, Curt Gowdy State Park, Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum, the Big Boy Steam Engine and the Wyoming State Museum. Take a peek at this article to find more things to do in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Cody, Wyoming is considered the “Rodeo Capitol of the World.” During the summer you can catch a rodeo every night from June to August. You can also discover Cody’s museums, which include the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. Other activities in Cody include outdoor recreation like whitewater rafting and hiking, scenic byways, shopping, tours, wildlife viewing and much more.

Cody is in northwest Wyoming, about 50 miles east of Yellowstone National Park’s East Entrance.

Cody, Wyoming is in Park County.

Cody is 52 miles from the East Entrance of Yellowstone National Park.

Cody, Wyoming is famous for being the “Rodeo Capital of the World” and a well-known gateway town to Yellowstone National Park.

The population of Cody, Wyoming, is 10,389 as of 2023.

Jackson, Wyoming refers to only the town. If you use Jackson Hole you are speaking of the entire valley including: Jackson, Teton Village, Wilson, The Aspens, Moran Junction, Moose and surrounding areas.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming is known as one of the top ski destinations in the country. It sits just outside of Grand Teton National Park and is known as a gateway to that popular destination.

During the winter months Jackson Hole is an ideal place for winter recreation, such as skiing, snowboarding, dogsledding and snowshoeing. During the warmer months you can hike, fish, boat, climb, bike, and more Shopping and dining in Jackson’s vibrant downtown should be part of your to-do list no matter the season.

Jackson Hole is full of amazing lodges, dude ranches, hotels, cabins, campgrounds and more.

Jackson Hole offers a variety of food options. From farm to table to high end dining and everything in between, there is something for everyone’s food preference and budget.

The major airlines that fly into Jackson Hole include: Alaska, American, Delta and United Airlines.

Any time of the year is a great time to visit Jackson Hole. Winter offers plenty of opportunities to ski and experience other snow sports. Spring and fall are excellent for wildlife viewing and are often less-crowded times of the year. Summer provides a plethora of outdoor activities from whitewater rafting and rock climbing to hiking and sight-seeing.

Spending about three days in Jackson Hole will give you enough time to discover the area, but there are plenty of activities to make a longer stay worth it.

Some of the top attractions in Jackson, Wyoming, include Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Snow King Mountain, Astoria Hot Springs, the National Museum of Wildlife Art and the Snake River. Read through this article to find more things to do in Jackson, Wyoming.

Jackson, Wyoming, is at 6,237 feet above sea level.

Casper, Wyoming is located in the east central part of the state.

Casper is in Natrona County, Wyoming.

Casper, Wyoming is surrounded by amazing outdoor recreation, multiple museums, fantastic dining, breweries, distilleries and much more. Casper is well known as an incredible fly-fishing destination and is also known for its frontier history. Discover more things to do in Casper here.