Wyoming (Forever West) is a hidden gem in the United States. From the beautiful scenery to the kind people that call this magnificent state home, there are endless possibilities of things to keep you occupied this summer.
Visit the National Parks & Monuments
National Park – A bill was created on March 1, 1872 by Ulysses S. Grant that named Yellowstone as the first national park in the United States. This bill declared that the area would be preserved for the benefit and enjoyment of the American people. In 2019, the park recorded more than 4 million visitors.
Visit Yellowstone: Plan Your Visit – Yellowstone National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
You cannot make a trip into Yellowstone without stopping to view the eruption of Old Faithful. Old Faithful sure has lived up to her name over the years and erupts about every 30 minutes. She is the show–the reason millions of people show up to Yellowstone every year.
Once you have finally made it to Yellowstone and have seen Old Faithful erupt there are so many things to do at the park–hike and explore, geysers and hot springs to see–you will get to witness the most beautiful scenery along with majestic wildlife. When you come across the wildlife at Yellowstone you can look and take pictures but please be careful. Do not get too close and please don’t touch for the safety of yourself, others around you, and the safety of the animal.
If you have hiked until your feet can’t hike anymore, there are a few other options you can choose to enjoy in ways you wouldn’t believe, including guided and private horseback riding trips.
Grand Teton National Park: Plan Your Visit – Grand Teton National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
The mountains are calling! At Grand Teton National Park there are a lot of different things to spark your interests–mountains, lakes, rivers, forest, and wildlife. There is something for everyone!
If you are an avid hiker or enjoy rock climbing, the Grand Tetons are the perfect place for you to enjoy these amenities. Hiking can be challenging at the Grand Tetons due to the landscape, how steep the trails are, and how the weather can change in a moment..
National Monument – On September 24, 1906 President Theodore Roosevelt declared Devils Tower the first national monument in the United States. As the legend is told, six Sioux girls were picking up flowers in the forest and were chased by bears. To save their lives, the great spirit lifted the ground underneath the girls. The bears attempted to climb the rock but could not reach the girls at the top.
Devil’s Tower National Monument: A Sacred Site to American Indians – Devils Tower National Monument (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
When visiting Devil’s tower enjoy a hike around the base of the tower. Please be mindful of where you are as the local tribes use the park for traditional ceremonies. This means please do not touch, disturb, or photograph any prayer cloths or prayer bundles you might see attached to the trees around the park. For more experienced climbers, check out what you need to do to be able to climb the 867 feet to the top
Camping
Need to get away from the weekly 9 to 5? In most parts of Wyoming there is a beautiful campground calling your name. The best part? Many of these are 30 minutes out of town. Whether you like to boat, fish, or hike, there is always somewhere to pitch a tent or park a RV for the night.
Rodeos
In the Cowboy State, rodeos are the heart of communities. It is a chance for the town and people passing through to experience magic. When a cowboy jumps on to a wild animal, you never know what is going to happen. You root for the cowboy and pray he will be okay. You cheer for the hard-working animal to do their job and hope that they buck as hard as they can.
Hot Springs
Natural hot springs provide many great health benefits. You can find a few natural hot springs in the beautiful state of Wyoming. Thermopolis has indoor and outdoor facilities.
In Saratoga, you can also find hot springs. One of the most popular places to stay is at the Saratoga Inn, where you can hang out in a teepee enjoying the natural benefits of the hot springs.
