ADVENTURE GUIDE - The Great American West

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FROM YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK TO WILD WEST EXPERIENCES WYOMING adventure guide TravelWyoming.com/uk VisiteUsa.co.uk/state/wyoming +1 307-777-7777

Transcript of ADVENTURE GUIDE - The Great American West

FROM YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK TO WILD WEST EXPERIENCES

WYOMINGadventure guide

TravelWyoming.com/uk • VisitTheUsa.co.uk/state/wyoming • +1 307-777-7777

THE WORT HOTELA landmark on the National Register of Historic Places,

The Wort Hotel represents the Western heritage of Jackson

Hole and its downtown location makes it an easy walk to shops,

galleries and restaurants. Awarded Forbes Travel Guide

Four-Star Award and Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Award.

WortHotel.com

CARBON COUNTYGo snowmobiling and cross-country

skiing or explore scenic drives through mountains and prairies,

keeping an eye out for foxes, coyotes, antelope and bald eagles. In Rawlins,

take a guided tour of the Wyoming Frontier Prison and Museum, a

popular Old West attraction. In the quiet town of Saratoga, soak in

famous mineral hot springs.

WyomingCarbonCounty.com

CODY/YELLOWSTONE COUNTRYVisit the home of Buffalo Bill, an American icon, at the eastern gateway to Yellowstone National Park. See wildlife including bears, wolves and bison. Discover the Wild West at rodeos and gunfight reenactments. Hike through the stunning Absaroka Mountains, ride a mountain bike on the “Twisted Sister” trail and go flyfishing inthe Shoshone River.

YellowstoneCountry.org

WIND RIVER COUNTRYSouth of Yellowstone National Park is Wind River Country, famous for rodeos, cowboys, dude ranches, social powwows and home to the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Indian tribes. You’ll find room to breathe in this playground to hike, rock climb, fish, mountain bike and see wildlife. Explore two mountain ranges and scenic byways.

WindRiver.org

Wyomingwelcome to

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Travel TipsGETTING TO KNOW WYOMING

The rugged Rocky Mountains meet the vast High Plains (high-elevation prairie) in Wyoming, which encompasses 253,348 square kilometres in the western United States. Whilst the state is the U.S.’ 10th largest, it is the least populated and teems with wild landscapes, wide-open expanses and enduring frontier traditions.

WHEN TO GO

Summer offers warm days and cool nights with low humidity, whilst autumn brings crisp, sunny days — perfect for viewing colour-changing leaves. Winter tempera-tures can dip into the single digits, but the dry air facilitates perfect snow for skiing and other cold-weather pursuits. Snow is pos-sible year-round in the mountainous areas, so pack accordingly and dress in layers no matter the season.

WINTER DRIVING TIPS

Wyoming weather can be unpredictable and change in a moment’s notice. Make sure your car’s tyres are inflated properly, brakes are in good condition and the petrol and windscreen-wiper fluid tanks are full. If you encounter ice or snow on the road, proceed slowly to maintain full control of your vehicle. For up-to-date road conditions, contact the Wyoming Department of Trans-portation at wyoroad.info or 888-996-7623.

TRAVELWYOMING.COM

Find Wyoming stories and trip ideas, places to stay, events and more.

WELCOME CENTRES

Discover friendly information specialists, interactive displays, free maps and other travel resources.AIRPORTS

Nearly all Wyoming airports offer direct flights to and from Denver and Salt Lake City, including ones in Gillette, Chey-enne, Jackson, Laramie, Casper, Riverton,

Sheridan, Rock Springs and Cody. Nonstop service to and from Jackson Hole Airport increases during the summer and ski season with direct flights to Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Newark, New York City (JFK), Washington, D.C., San Francisco and Seattle.

*Flights can be seasonal and are subject to change.

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K.Yellowstone National Park

More than 3 million people make their way to the world’s first National Park annually — and it’s easy to understand why. Home to the world’s largest concentration of geothermal features (more than 10,000 in total), North America’s largest high-elevation lake and hundreds of species of wildlife, the 8,991-square-kilometre park is a dazzling attraction.

SPECIAL MOMENTS• Volcanism fuels the park’s wealth of geysers, boiling pools and

bubbling mud pots — a result of the active mammoth magma chamber underneath the area. View more than 150 geysers, hot springs and fumaroles (openings in the earth’s crust that emit steam and other gases), including the famous Old Faithful geyser, in the Upper Geyser Basin.

• Admire the largest hot spring in the U.S.: the Grand Prismatic Spring, a tie-dyed beauty that credits its brilliant colours to thriving microscopic colonies of pigmented bacteria.

• At 94 metres, the Lower Falls at Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is the tallest waterfall in the park. See and hear the thundering waters from several viewing areas, including Lookout, Red Rock and Artist Point.

• Wildlife viewing is a must at the national park, a habitat for more than 300 species of birds, bears, bald eagles, grey wolves, elk and more. Spot the world’s largest herd of free-roaming bison in verdant Hayden Valley. For your safety, please stay at least 20 metres away from bison and at least 90 metres away from bears and wolves.

National Parks& Monuments

Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks and Devils Tower National

Monument showcase some of Wyoming’s most beloved natural treasures —

from steamy geysers and jagged peaks to ethereal geologic wonders.

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Grand Teton National Park

Located just south of Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Park is rich with postcard-worthy sights of the snow-marbled Teton Range — which towers 2,134 metres above Jackson Hole. Crystalline alpine lakes mirror images of the dreamy mountains, and delightful wildflowers carpet the meadows during the summertime. There are endless ways to explore the park, including hiking, horseback riding, boating and fishing.

SPECIAL MOMENTS• Observe the park’s fascinating

ecosystems from the water on a guided Snake River float trip, which often include interpreta-tions of the area’s flora and fauna and give riders the chance to see moose, bison, bald eagles, beavers and other creatures.

• Grand Teton’s more than 370 kilometres of hiking trails range from easy to strenuous and lead to spectacular sights. Hike to cascading Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point for aerial views of sapphire-blue Jenny Lake from several routes starting at Jenny Lake Trailhead.

• One of the best ways to soak in sweeping vistas of the Tetons is on horseback. Book a horse-back-riding excursion with a local outfitter, who will pair you with the perfect horse for your riding abilities (no experience required) and a knowledgeable wrangler.

• The deep and clear waters of Jack-son Lake are perfect for kayaking, canoeing, boating and sailing. Try your luck at angling salmon or cutthroat trout — fishing is best at sunset and twilight between June and September.

Devils Tower National Monument

Nestled in Wyoming’s sacred Black Hills near the town of Sundance, Devils Tower attracts avid climbers, adventure seekers and curious spectators. The otherworldly rock tower — established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906 as the nation’s first National Monument — looms more than 350 metres above the surrounding plains and pine forests.

SPECIAL MOMENTS• Geologists predict that Devils

Tower’s characteristic delineated columns were formed more than 50 million years ago as a result of cooling magma. Ramble along the 2-kilometre Tower Trail, where interpretive signs highlight the attraction’s geology and ecology.

• More than 20 Native American tribes have a cultural affiliation with the monument, includ-ing the Arapaho, Cheyenne and Shoshone, and many still consider the monument a sacred site. Learn more at Devils Tower Visitor Center, where exhibits illuminate the geologic, natural and cultural history of the area.

• A paradise for rock climbers, hundreds of parallel cracks divide Devils Tower into hex-agonal columns. If you’d like to climb, register for free with park authorities. Many climbers opt not to summit the tower in June to respect Native American cultural events.

• Camp or stay in a cabin near Devils Tower, many of which offer great amenities and incredible panoramas of the monument.

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Salt to StoneWilderness explorers, amateur palaeontologists and history buffs flock to this region. Those who explore its staggeringly beautiful landscapes uncover treasures like Fossil Butte National Monument, Killpecker Sand Dunes and Jackson Lake.

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HighlightsWESTERN WYOMING COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

See life-size replicas of the dinosaurs that once roamed

Wyoming and artifacts like pottery, fossils and other

prehistoric items — each offering a

rare glimpse into a bygone era in

Rock Springs.

JACKSON HOLE AERIAL TRAM

Ride the tram in Teton Village up 1,262 metres to unparalleled wraparound views of Bridger-Teton National Forest and Grand Teton National Park.

INTERMITTENT SPRING

Known as the “spring that breathes,” this geological feature is one of only three other periodic springs in the world that flows on predictable intervals. The town of Afton also boasts the world’s largest elk-antler arch, built with more than 3,000 elk antlers.

FLAMING GORGE NATIONAL RECREATION AREA

Tucked near Green River and Rock Springs, Flaming Gorge earned its name-sake from the intriguing red-sandstone cliffs that dominate the area, and Flaming Gorge Reservoir is popular with fishermen, boaters and rafters.

FOSSIL BUTTE NATIONAL MONUMENT

Situated about 16 kilometres west of Kem-merer, Fossil Butte towers more than 305 metres above Twin Creek Valley and pos-sesses some of the world’s best-preserved fossils, including those of fish, insects, plants, reptiles, birds and mammals.

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Salt to Stone Road TripTravel northward along Wyoming’s western side and end your journey at Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.

ROUTE AEVANSTON TO KEMMERER

Start your journey in Evanston, a 1868 railroad town flanked by mountains on all sides and a hub for fishing, hunting, hik-ing, mountain biking and wildlife viewing. Explore the Roundhouse and Railyards Complex or Bear River State Park.

Find your way back to the interstate and exit onto Hwy 30 to Kemmerer, the headquarters for two famous festivals: Fossil Fest in June and Oyster Ridge Music Festival in July. Investigate the history of the former mining town at Fossil Country Frontier Museum, where you can see a replica coal mine and other artefacts.

KEMMERER TO PINEDALE

Nestled on the western side of the Wind River Mountains, Pinedale is your next destination. The 19-kilometre-long boater- and fisher-friendly Fremont Lake is just 5 kilometres from town. On your way, stop at Museum of the Mountain Man to learn about the 1800s fur-trade era.

PINEDALE TO JACKSON

Before leaving Pinedale, check out the col-lection of old-school rides at Buckys Vin-tage Snowmobile Museum, then jump back on Hwy 191 to make your way to Jackson,

cutting through the southern end of Bridger-Teton National Forest.

JACKSON HOLE TO YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

Take Hwy 191 from Jackson to Yellowstone National Park, stopping to take photos of the Teton Range, which domi-nates the Grand Teton National Park skyline.

ROUTE BEVANSTON TO ROCK SPRINGS

From Evanston, head to Bear River State Park, where you can pick up travel resources at the visitor centre and spy on a small herd of bison and elk. Continue east on Interstate 80 to visit Fort Bridger State Historic Site’s preserved trading post and stone barracks — once a supply stop along the Oregon Trail, which led settlers to the country’s western portions in the 1800s.

ROCK SPRINGS TO PINEDALE

Follow Hwy 191 north toward the Kill-pecker Sand Dunes, a sprawling natural sandbox that’s a favourite with both off-road vehicle enthusiasts and hikers who take to the trails around Boar’s Tusk — the core of an ancient volcano. Also nearby

are the White Mountain Petroglyphs’ hun-dreds of etchings on sandstone cliffs.

PINEDALE TO GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK

From Pinedale, continue north on Hwy 191, which becomes the Wyoming Centen-nial Scenic Byway — a 262-kilometre route that stretches all the way to Dubois. Take the byway to Jackson to admire the town’s signature antler arches and picturesque Town Square. Then, drive Hwy 191 to the entrance of Grand Teton National Park.

GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK TO YELLOWSTONE

Stop at Jackson Lake to soak in magnificent views of the craggy Teton Mountains, and cruise the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway (Hwy 191) to Yellowstone.

8 Wyoming Adventure Guide

rockies to tetonsHome to Wyoming’s future-forward yet Western-rooted capital city and the Snowy, Medicine Bow, Seminoe and Wind River mountain ranges, this area attracts both culture and adventure lovers.

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HighlightsINDEPENDENCE ROCK STATE HISTORIC SITE

This site was an important landmark to pioneers who made their way along the Oregon Trail in the 1800s pioneer migra-tion westward — if reached by the Fourth of July, they could make it over the Rocky Mountains before winter set in. They carved their names into the rock near the town of Alcova, earning it the nickname “Register of the Desert.”

HOBO HOT POOL

Rest your weary bones in this natural hot spring located on the banks of the North Platte River in Saratoga. The waters are said to possess healing properties and have attracted wellness-seekers — from Native Americans to pioneers — for centuries.

VEDAUWOO CAMPGROUND & RECREATION AREA

Known to the Arapaho Indians as “Land of the Earthborn Spirit,” towering rock structures between Laramie and Cheyenne

domi-nate this beloved recreation area featuring hiking and biking trails and rock-climbing routes.

WIND RIVER INDIAN RESERVATION

Bordered by the Wind River Moun-tains near Riverton, the reservation is home to the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes. Learn more about the tribes at the Northern Arapaho Experience Room at Wind River Hotel & Casino in Riverton.

WYOMING TERRITORIAL PRISON STATE HISTORIC SITE

Learn about the 1,063 violent and desper-ate outlaws — including notorious bank robber Butch Cassidy — who resided at the prison, located in Laramie, in the 1870s.

WYOMING STATE MUSEUM & HISTORIC GOVERNORS’ MANSION

Tour the free Wyoming State Museum in Cheyenne, the state’s capital, where exhibits detail the Cowboy State’s prehistoric and modern history, as well as the intricately restored 1905 Historic Governors’ Mansion.

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Rockies to Tetons Road Trip

This route traces a path between two of the most iconic and majestic mountain ranges in the U.S.: the Rockies and Tetons.

PINE BLUFFS TO LARAMIE

Stop into the Pine Bluffs Information Center on your way to Cheyenne. Sight-seeing options in the capital city include Wyoming State Museum, Governors’ Man-sion and Cheyenne Big Boots — more than 2-metre tall, colourfully painted cowboy boots displayed around town.

Continuing west on Hwy 210, take a detour to Curt Gowdy State Park, where the Laramie Mountains offer a stunning backdrop for outdoorsy folks, especially mountain bikers looking to ride epic trails.

LARAMIE TO RAWLINS

Get on Interstate 80 to drive towards Laramie, where attractions include University of Wyoming Geological Museum and the American Heritage Center. On your way to Rawlins, detour to Seminoe State Park north of Interstate 80, home to white sand dunes, thousands of pronghorn, the Seminoe Mountains and Seminoe Reservoir.

RAWLINS TO LANDER

Rawlins dates back to when tracks were first laid for the cross- country Union Pacific Railroad in Wyoming. Explore the Wyoming Frontier Prison, known as the “Old Pen” and rumoured to be haunted with history. Hwy 287 will take you to the South Pass City State Historic Site, a city built in 1867 during the gold-mining boom.

Stretch your legs at Sinks Canyon State Park, a geologic phenomenon where the Popo Agie River vanishes into a cavern and reappears in a pool down the canyon.

In Lander, go rock climbing, fishing or hiking in the Wind River Range; or stroll the Museum of the American West, a recreated pioneer village with 10 different buildings, including a 1909 chapel and 1881 schoolhouse.

LANDER TO RIVERTON

Northeast of Lander is the town of Riverton, where the 1838 Mountain Man

Rendezvous — a recreated gathering of Native Americans, fur trappers and moun-tain men — takes place annually. Try your luck at the Wind River Hotel & Casino, which hosts weekly Northern Arapaho Experiences during the summer, featuring traditional dances.

RIVERTON TO DUBOIS

Next up is Dubois, where you can explore National Bighorn Sheep Interpretive Center, which pays tribute to one of Wy-oming’s beloved mammals — the Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep.

DUBOIS TO YELLOWSTONE

From Dubois, head to the Moran Junction on Hwy 26, where you’ll choose your final destination: Grand Teton National Park or Yellowstone National Park.

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park to parkScenery straight out of an adventure magazine and welcoming towns make this area ideal for a variety of getaways. Thermopolis’ soothing hot springs and dinosaur fossils, Casper’s Oregon Trail history and Douglas’ curious natural rock bridge are just a few of the region’s many gems.

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PARK TO PARKO

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HighlightsHOT SPRINGS STATE PARK

Families love the herd of buffalo wandering the park grounds in Thermopolis and the Star Plunge pool’s water-slides, whilst couples migrate to the State Bathhouse, featuring indoor and outdoor soaking pools.

NATIONAL HISTORIC TRAILS INTERPRETIVE CENTER

Step back in time through interactive exhibits in Casper to experience the hard-ships and victories of those who ventured west in the 1800s on the Oregon, Mormon, California and Pony Express trails.

AYRES NATURAL BRIDGE

Discover a 30-metre-long natural rock arch spanning La Prele Creek west of Douglas. Hike a mini-trail that leads to a view of the bridge from above, as well as

picnic tables that offer a break from the road.

OREGON TRAIL RUTS

See actual tracks near Guernsey and Torrington left by the countless wagons that passed along the Oregon Trail carry-ing settlers from the East to new homes in the West, and tour restored buildings at the largest military post on the Northern Plains at nearby Fort Laramie National Historic Site, established as a private fur-trading post in 1834.

STAGECOACH MUSEUM

Uncover the town of Lusk’s begin-nings as a busy homesteading area and pi-oneer history through relics from the 19th and 20th centuries, and view an authentic

stagecoach that was used on the Cheyenne to Black Hills Stage and Express Line carrying passengers and gold.

THE WYOMING DINOSAUR CENTER

More than 30 mounted skeletons in Thermopolis illustrate Wyo-ming’s prehistoric past, including the Archaeopteryx dinosaur specimen — one of only 10 in the world.

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Park to Park Road TripFollow the path of America’s pioneers on your way to the country’s first national park.

WHEATLAND TO GLENDO STATE PARK

Head north on Interstate 25 through Wheatland, where options for outdoor fun include golfing, fishing and boating. Visit Oregon Trail Ruts National Landmark — where ruts carved into stone tell the stories of thousands of pioneers following the Oregon Trail in the mid-1800s — on your way to Fort Laramie National Historic Site, a 1835 fur-trading stop turned military post.

GLENDO STATE PARK TO CASPER

Get wet and wild at Glendo State Park, a haven for boaters, anglers and swimmers. En route to Casper, stop in Douglas to see souvenirs from 100 years of Wyoming State Fairs, historic apparel and other fascinating artefacts at Wyoming Pioneer Memorial Museum.

The Laramie Mountains and Medicine Bow National Forest surround your next desti-nation — Glenrock — making it a perfect hub for fishing, camping and mountain biking. Make your way to Ayres Natural Bridge, a natural bridge over La Prele Creek just 8 kilometres off Interstate 25.

CASPER TO THERMOPOLIS

Located at the state’s heart, Casper is Wyoming’s adventure capital and second largest city. Visit the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center, Fort Caspar Museum and Historic Site, Tate Geologic Museum or Nico-laysen Art Museum.

From Casper, deviate from the inter-state and go northwest on Hwy 20. Known as one of Wyoming’s best walleye and trout fisheries, Boysen State Park is surrounded by the Wind River Indian Reservation. Beginning in the nearby town of Shoshoni, the Wind River Canyon Sce-nic Byway puts you face-to-face with the windswept West.

THERMOPOLIS TO CODY

In Thermopolis, discover ancient creatures at the Wyoming Dinosaur Center or take a dip in the world’s largest single-mineral hot springs at Hot Springs State Park. Nearby Legend Rock State Petroglyph Site invites visitors to view more than 300 petroglyphs spanning thousands of years.

On your way to Cody, drive to Meeteetse, an 1890s-era town with three intimate museums: The First National Bank Muse-um, Meeteetse Museum and Carles Belden

Western Photography Museum. Don’t miss Meeteetse Chocolatier, featuring the decadent creations of Tim Kellogg, a saddle bronc rider and cowboy turned chocolatier.

CODY TO YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

Northwest of Thermopolis is the town of Cody, named after the famous Wild West showman Colonel William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody and host to nightly summer rodeos, gunfight reenactments and historic factoids at Buffalo Bill Center of the West and Mu-seum of the Old West at Old Trail Town.

Then, veer onto the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway, which starts about 40 kilo-metres west of Cody and follows the north fork of the Shoshone River through the scenic Wapiti Valley to the East Entrance of Yellowstone National Park.

12 Wyoming Adventure Guide

black to yellowWith vast public lands, sagebrush plains and wide-open skies, the Black to Yellow region will redefine your concept of fresh air. Dotting the spectacular landscape, you’ll find charming towns where 19th-century hotels, shops and restaurants still welcome travellers and outdoor fun abounds.

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BLACK TO YELLOW

HighlightsBUFFALO BILL CENTER OF THE WEST

Drink in the history, art and natural science of the region at this impressive five-star museum complex in Cody, which includes the Plains Indian, Drap-er Natural History and Cody Firearms museums. Then take a trolley tour of Cody — “Buffalo Bill’s Town.”

WASHAKIE MUSEUM AND CULTURAL CENTER

Learn the unique geology, archaeology, palaeontology and local history surround-ing the Bighorn Basin. Highlights include replicas of dinosaur fossils and exhibits detailing the harsh conditions early pio-neers endured travelling across country.

THE OCCIDENTAL HOTEL & SALOON

The town of Buffalo was a popular stomp-ing ground for the Wild West’s most famous characters, and their spirits live

on in the lovingly restored establishment, which combines authenticity with modern comforts. Past guests include Teddy Roosevelt, frontierswoman Calamity Jane and Ernest Hemingway.

BIGHORN MOUNTAINS

Located near the town of Sheridan, the Bighorn Mountains are an expansive outdoor playground for backpacking, hiking, climbing, fishing and camping. Rest your head at the Historic Sheridan Inn or grab a drink at famed cowboy hangout The Mint Bar.

HEART MOUNTAIN INTERPRETIVE CENTER

A preserved relocation camp near Cody and Powell, this centre is a reminder of a dark era in U.S. history, when thousands of

Japanese Americans were unjustly imprisoned because of their ancestry during World War II. Exhibits and artefacts allow visitors to experience life at Heart Mountain through the eyes of some of its 14,000 former residents.

DEVILS TOWER NATIONAL MONUMENT

Spend at least a full day exploring this ethereal rock structure near Pine Haven and Sundance towering more than 350 metres over the surrounding area. Hike 13 kilometres of nature trails, take a ranger- led tour or climb the igneous rock walls. Learn more about Devils Tower on p. 3.

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Black to Yellow Road Trip

From the Black Hills to Yellowstone, this route takes you from iconic Devils Tower west towards the national park and offers many chances to get up close to some of Wyoming’s most distinctive geological features.

SUNDANCE TO GILLETTE

Your first stop is Vore Buffalo Jump, a natural sinkhole that was used as a bison trap from about 1500 to 1800 and is one of the most important archaeological sites of the late-prehistoric Plains Indians.

Travel to the Welcome Center in Beulah (exit 199) for trip ideas, then head towards Devils Tower National Monument to take advantage of the scenic hiking trails and photo opportunities.

GILLETTE TO BUFFALO

After Devils Tower, drive to the Campbell County Rockpile Museum in Gillette to learn about the area’s bounty of natural resources. Take a coal-mine tour; or visit Durham Ranch, one of the world’s largest and oldest working buffalo ranches.

BUFFALO TO SHERIDAN

Tucked between the plains of the Old West and the peaks of the Bighorn Mountains,

Buffalo is a perfect spot to explore wide-open spaces via bike, boat or foot. Once you’ve taken in the breathtaking landscape, hop on Interstate 90 towards Sheridan.

With more than 70 buildings in its National Historic District, Sheridan’s Main Street is where the charm of the Old West mingles with a vibrant modern community. Stop into King’s Saddlery, where the King family has sup-plied locals with saddles, ropes, reins and other farm and ranch supplies since 1946.

Get off the interstate on Hwy 14 towards Lovell to see Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area’s 300-metre cliffs.

LOVELL TO CODY

Lovell offers easy access to the Bighorn Mountain National Forest and the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range, where wild mustangs still roam the vicinity’s canyons and ridges.

Stop in Powell, surrounded by the Bighorn, Pryor and Absaroka mountain ranges, on your path towards Yellowstone. Visit the Heart Mountain Interpretive Center, the site of a WWII-era Japanese American relocation camp.

CODY TO YELLOWSTONE

Continue west to the town of Cody, where must-see Buffalo Bill Center of the West celebrates the spirit of the American West with five different museums. Hop on Hwy 14 and pass Buffalo Bill Reservoir on your way to the East Entrance of Yellowstone National Park.

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14 Wyoming Adventure Guide

VISIT A NATIONAL PARK

The unspoiled natural beauty of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks is something everyone should expe-rience at least once in their lifetime. Yellowstone offers the world’s largest concentration of geother-mal features, colossal waterfalls and hundreds of species of wildlife. Grand Teton is dominat-ed by the majestic Teton Range, sparkling alpine lakes and more than 370 kilometres of hiking trails. Learn more on p. 2.

WATCH WILDLIFE

Bison, elk, wild horses and more than 400 species of birds are just a few free-roaming creatures you might encounter whilst hiking, camping or cruising scenic byways. See bison sunning themselves next to geysers at Yellow-stone National Park; look for the U.S.’ largest migra-tory herd of pronghorn in southwestern Wyoming’s Red Desert; or catch glimpses of bald eagles, foxes and deer at Seed-skadee National Wildlife Refuge near Green River.

TAKE A SCENIC DRIVE

Scenic byways connect stop-worthy historic sites and quaint little towns and lead to sights of skyscraping peaks, dense woodlands, deep canyons and sprawling grasslands. Choose from many routes, including Beartooth Scenic Byway, an All-American Road that winds past vast high-alpine landscapes and wildflower-peppered meadows, and Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway, which takes motorists through the beautiful Wapiti Valley to Yellow-stone National Park.

VISIT A WYO-MING DUDE OR GUEST RANCH

Wyoming dude ranches offer incredible getaways for all kinds of travellers, from families travelling with children to adven-turers seeking activities like fishing, hunting or horseback riding. The establishments, many of which have been family owned for generations, also offer cosy accom-modations, hearty meals and chances to pitch in on the ranch. Find the right experience for you at TravelWyoming.com/places-to-stay.

Wyoming Experiences

Top 10

The untamed spirit of the West and some of America’s most breathtaking scenery thrive side by side in Wyoming — offering access to incredible outdoor pursuits and opportuni-ties to experience sights and landscapes that have remained unchanged for centuries.

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SEE A RODEO

Nearly every town hosts a rodeo during the summertime, and there’s no better place to soak up a Wyoming — nicknamed the Cowboy State — way of life. Animated announcers, cowboys and cowgirls showing off their riding and roping talents, and other riotous entertainment make evenings at the arena unforgettable. Attend Cheyenne Frontier Days, the world’s largest outdoor rodeo and Western cel-ebration, in the capital city each July; or choose from a wide ar-ray of rodeo events statewide.

HIT THE SLOPES

Wyoming’s powdery slopes cater to skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. Head to legendary Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, where 1,219 metres of vertical terrain and one of the coun-try’s highest average snowfall totals keep snow lovers satisfied all winter long. Or try more intimate locales like White Pine Resort near Pinedale, with 350 acres of family-friendly terrain, or Grand Targhee Resort, featur-ing 2,602 skiable acres.

GO HIKING & FISHING

Wyoming’s diverse habitats host endless outdoor pursuits — and hiking and fishing are ideal ways to take in the splendid backdrops. There are hundreds of hiking trails within the state’s seven nation-al forests, two national parks, 12 state parks and 18 million acres of public lands. Wyoming is also a fisherman’s dream, with 4,200 glistening lakes and 43,500 kilometres of streams with excellent chances to catch trout, salmon, bass and more.

SPEND A NIGHT UNDER THE STARS

Camping is a cherished summer ritual in Wyoming, where the nighttime sky is filled with more twinkling stars than you ever imagined and access to the pris-tine wilderness is unparalleled. Quiet lakeside retreats, camp-sites with kid-pleasing amenities like pools and playgrounds, and out-of-the-way backcountry gems — the state has an exten-sive roster of campgrounds and RV parks.

UNCOVER STORIES OF THE AMERICAN FRONTIER

The state’s rich past is saturated with stories of Native Ameri-cans, pioneers and gold-seekers — and their legends live on at museums, cultural centres and historic sites. Investigate the history of 1800s-era frontier trails traversed by settlers, miners and others pursuing a better life at the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center in Casper; or visit the Wind River Indian Reservation in late June to experience one of the West’s largest powwows and Native American rodeos.

TRY WHITEWATER RAFTING

Whether you prefer scenic floats or challenging rapids, Wyoming’s waterways have whitewater adventures for every traveller. The rafting season runs from mid-May to late September, and the state’s wealth of outfitters offer half- and full-day and overnight excursions, which include expert instruction and all the gear you need. Perfect for fam-ilies, float trips are also a great way to experience beautiful landscapes and spot wildlife.

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YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

The national park is a wildlife enthusiast’s paradise. You’re likely to spot plenty of bison and elk from the road, but venturing into the backcountry might earn you sightings of grizzly and black bears, moose, grey wolves, bighorn sheep, coyotes, pronghorn, bald eagles and many other wild creatures.

GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK

The national park’s diverse landscape provides habitats for black and grizzly bears, moose, elk, coyotes, bison, mule deer, river otters, bald eagles, sage grouse, trumpeter swans and more. For wintertime elk sightings, visit the National Elk Refuge, just south of the park, where 7,000 migrating elk spend each winter.

SEEDSKADEE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

North of the town of Green River, Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge borders 58 kilometres along the Green River. Drive, hike or kayak through the refuge for the chance to spot bald eagles, trumpeter swans, moose, mule deer, white-tailed jackrabbits, coyotes, foxes and more.

BIGHORN MOUNTAINS

The 76-kilometre Cloud Peak Skyway Scenic Byway connects Worland and Buffalo, whilst the 93-kilometre Bighorn Scenic Byway winds from Shell east toward Sheridan. Keep an eye out for elk, mule deer, white-tail deer, coyotes, black bears, moose, wild turkeys, sage grouse and bald and gold-en eagles.

MEDICINE BOW NATIONAL FOREST

Moose, elk, beaver, black bear and bobcat and are just a few of the species in Medicine Bow National Forest. Travel through high mountain passes and past stunning lakes whilst looking for wildlife along the Snowy Range Scenic Byway, which includes a section of Hwy 130 between Laramie and Saratoga.

PILOT BUTTE WILD HORSE SCENIC LOOP

Connecting Green River and Rock Springs, the 39-kilometre Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop is a prime place to expe-rience the thrill of watching a galloping herd of wild horses. The unpaved road takes you through an area where hun-dreds of horses are known to roam.

THE RED DESERT

Arid deserts aren’t often known as a prime habitat for wild animals, but southwestern Wyoming’s Red Desert is an exception. Its 6 million acres of sand dunes and buttes are home to 350 species of wildlife, including the largest migra-tory herd of pronghorn in the contiguous U.S. and the world’s largest herd of rare desert elk.

WIND RIVER MOUNTAINS

The Wind River Range encom-passes towering peaks (40 of which are higher than 3,962 metres), more than 1,300 lakes and the Wind River, making it a great setting for wildlife watching. Look for moose, elk, bears, wolves, mountain lions and bighorn sheep.

Wyoming wildlifePLACES TO SPOT

Enjoy the beauty and wonder of Wyoming’s wildlife and help us preserve their homes for future generations. Please remember to always stay on designated trails and boardwalks and pick up all trash and waste before leaving.

Wildlife can be dangerous and unpredictable; please view them from a safe distance and never feed the animals. Whilst they may be cute, remember our wildlife is just that — WILD!

LEARN MORE WAYS YOU CAN BE A GOOD STEWARD OF OUR LAND AND ANIMALS BY VISITING TravelWyoming.com/uk.

CHEYENNEVisit legendary Cheyenne, home to Cheyenne Frontier Days, the world’s largest outdoor rodeo. Watch professional bull riders and enjoy parades during this 10-day festival. Discover the Cheyenne Depot and Depot Museum, built in the late 1880s. Learn about the Old West in several museums, tour a working bison ranch by train or go horseback riding.

Cheyenne.org

LARAMIERich in true Western history,

Laramie also offers excitement for outdoor enthusiasts. Climb stunning rock

formations in Medicine Bow National Forest and explore the vast Snowy

Range by snowmobile or mountain bike, depending on the season. Fish for trout in the Big and Little Laramie Rivers and take

a memorable float trip down the North Platte River.

VisitLaramie.org

BUFFALOExperience the Old West in this

picturesque community at the base of the Bighorn Mountains. Go hiking,

biking, horseback riding, fish in pristine alpine lakes and take an ATV

or snowmobile tour. Made famous as the hideout of Butch Cassidy and

the Sundance Kid. Located along the Cloud Peak Scenic Byway, it is the

fastest route to Yellowstone National Park.

BuffaloWyo.com

SHERIDANRich in legends of the Old West, Sheridan is Wyoming the way it was meant to be. Nestled at the base of the rugged Bighorn Mountains, Sheridan is ideally located between Mount Rushmore and Yellowstone National Park. The city’s downtown is home to historic attractions where visitors can learn about cowboy culture and pioneer history.

SheridanWyoming.org

BLAIR HOTELSWith five hotels in three prime locations throughout WY, Blair Hotels is the perfect place for you to relax, reconnect and spend time with loved ones while visiting iconic natural attractions like Yellowstone National Park, the Grand Tetons and Mount Rushmore. Choose from the full service Buffalo Bill Village Resort, featuring three unique hotels on one complex. Perfectly situated in downtown Cody, with easy access to shopping and dining, the resort is just 84 kilometres from Yellowstone National Park. Located conveniently between Buffalo and Sheridan, WY, The Ranch at Ucross makes a perfect stopover for those continuing their journey along this iconic route through the Black Hills and on towards Mount Rushmore.

BlairHotels.com

some call it a view. Others, perspective.

Wyoming’s visual splendor will indeed overwhelm you. What will stay with you, however, is the effect it has on how you look at everything else. Find your Zen

amongst epic National Parks and 98,000 square miles of possibility.

ACCOMMODATIONS