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In Wyoming, winter adventure is always on. From snow-dusted peaks to cozy small towns, there are endless ways to explore responsibly. Keep yourself and others safe by knowing before you go, respecting wildlife and weather conditions and leaving every snowy trail just as you found it. Here’s how to make sure your winter adventure is safe, sustainable and good for all the people and places you encounter along the way. Come explore with these helpful winter travel tips.
Wyoming’s wildlife is plentiful and powerful. Always follow these wildlife-viewing rules to keep yourself—and all wildlife—as safe as possible.
Wyoming’s wide-open spaces make for epic snowshoeing, skiing and snowmobiling, but require extra precaution. Before you head out, here are a few things to know while enjoying winter recreation.
Before heading out for any winter adventure, check weather reports and road conditions, and do your research on any potential seasonal closures. Wyoming’s national parks and other areas have limited services and accessibility during the winter months. Some outdoor spaces close to protect wintering wildlife. Always be sure others know where you’re going.
Be prepared to not have access to trash cans or restrooms, especially when recreating in national forests. Bring your own garbage bags and take all trash with you when you leave, including pet waste. The snow might cover it now, but that doesn’t mean it won’t surface in the spring. Learn more.
Pack the right clothes for the weather, location and activity. In winter, especially, this includes dressing in layers and having the appropriate outerwear for cold and wet conditions. Before heading into the backcountry, take a winter backcountry course to educate yourself on avalanche safety and seek out local guides for experiences like snowmobiling and backcountry skiing. Don’t forget to share your winter itinerary with family or friends, and never deviate from it without letting them know first.
There’s nothing quite like the big Western hospitality of smalltown Wyoming. So don’t just pass through. Here are a few ways to slow down, dig in and experience all the charm of the true frontier.
Support Wyoming communities by choosing locally-owned businesses when shopping, dining and exploring the state. Visit lesser-known areas to discover something new while giving heavily-trafficked areas a break and showing smaller communities more love. Learn more.
Do your research and make sure you have a plan B. Be prepared for spotty cell service and Wi-Fi by having maps and back-up plans ready. Understand what type of land you plan to recreate on, as amenities and regulations vary from national parks to national forests and other types of public lands. Learn more.
Winter storms can develop quickly. Before hitting the road, check weather conditions along your route and make sure your vehicle is in proper working order. Always observe posted speed limits, and use pullouts to watch wildlife, take pictures and let other cars pass. Keep in mind that gas and service stops might be few and far between, so fill up when you can. Find more winter road trip tips here.
The helpful tips featured on this page come to you with insights from the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, Wyoming Game & Fish, Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources, Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation, Wyoming State Forestry Division, Wyoming Office of State Lands and Investments, Wyoming Business Council and Wyoming Department of Transportation.
Are you a mindful traveler? Tag us in your Instagram photos using #WYresponsibly to share the adventure and encourage sustainable experiences. #WYRESPONSIBLY