Protect Wyoming’s Wide-Open Spaces
Together, we can keep Wyoming wild and free. As the least populated state with the most room for adventure, we recognize the responsibility to be mindful stewards for our land, animals, culture and communities. We invite you to come witness the majesty, responsibly, with these important tips.
Enjoy Natural Spaces Responsibly
Wyoming’s wide-open spaces make for epic camping and hiking. Before you set out, here are a few things to keep in mind while enjoying your public lands.
1
Plan ahead.
Make camping reservations early for reservable sites, and be flexible with plans. If a parking lot is full, be ready to seek different trails and lesser-known experiences. You can find ideas here.
2
Keep it clean.
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. Public lands need your help to keep things clean. Learn more.
3
Be fire aware.
Respect fire bans in place, choose a campsite with pre-existing fire rings whenever possible and never leave your fire unattended. Make sure you have plenty of water available to put out your fire; you’ll need to completely extinguish it at night and before you leave camp. Learn more.
We are all caretakers.
See why Sara Evans Kirol, Leave No Trace State Liaison and Public Affairs Officer at Bighorn National Forest, is dedicated to protecting Wyoming’s natural spaces.
Co-Exist Responsibly
Wyoming’s wildlife is plentiful and powerful. Please consider these tips so we can peacefully co-exist.
1
Keep your distance.
For the safety of wildlife and visitors, please keep your distance from all animals, not just those that seem scary to you. It’s recommended to stay at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves and at least 25 yards away from all other wildlife. Find the best wildlife watching spots here.
2
Respect their home.
Respect wildlife habitats by not altering campsites, trails or developed recreation sites. Be aware of seasonal closures in place to protect wintering wildlife. Make sure you follow leash regulations and pick up after your pets.
3
Keep them wild.
Prevent animals from becoming reliant on humans by never feeding wildlife. Feeding wildlife – even in harsh winter conditions – puts their health and safety at risk. Store food properly by keeping it in a locked vehicle with windows rolled up, hard-sided camper, bear canister or bear box. Dispose all food in a trash bag, and take your garbage with you when you leave.
Stay mindful of our impacts.
Liz Rose, Wyoming Field Coordinator for Trout Unlimited, reminds us to know our impacts and keep our distance from wildlife.
Be Part of a Responsible Community.
The spirit of the West is wild and welcoming. But it’s not reckless. Together, we follow these key guidelines.
1
Buy local.
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.
2
Be flexible & informed.
Do your research and 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.
3
Drive safely.
Always observe posted speed limits. 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. Learn more.
Let’s keep it local & rural.
Pine Bluffs Distillery co-owner Chad Brown explains why local businesses are so important to Wyoming.
Show us how you #WYRESPONSIBLY
Are you a mindful traveler? Tag us in your Instagram photos using #WYresponsibly to share the adventure and encourage sustainable experiences.
Learn More About Mindful Travel
Working Together to Keep Wyoming Safe
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.
