Wyoming America the Beautiful

Wyoming America the Beautiful

Wyoming is a land of wide-open skies, tall mountains, and unforgettable adventures. On our journey, we set out to celebrate the National Park Service Centennial by visiting some of the most famous parks in the United States. Our trip took us across Wyoming, where we discovered the untamed spirit of the West and the natural beauty that makes this state so special.

Devils Tower – A Sacred Landmark in Wyoming

Our first stop was Devils Tower National Monument in northeast Wyoming. Rising high above the plains, this geologic wonder is made of hundreds of hexagonal columns. It is a sacred place for the Lakota and many Native American tribes. Today, it is also one of the best rock climbing sites in North America. Standing at the base, we felt its powerful presence and history.

Mount Rushmore – A Side Trip from Wyoming

From Devils Tower, we drove through the Black Hills of South Dakota. The forested hills stretch for over a million acres. At Mount Rushmore, we walked the Avenue of Flags, which displays the 56 state and territory flags. Then, we looked up at the giant stone carvings of four U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.

Yellowstone National Park – A Wyoming Treasure

Next, we traveled to Yellowstone National Park, America’s first national park. Wyoming is proud to be home to this world wonder. We saw colorful hot springs, bubbling mud pots, and tall geysers like Old Faithful. The wildlife amazed us too—buffalo walking across fields, birds soaring above, and even bears in the distance. Hiking the trails, we enjoyed waterfalls, cliffs, and fresh mountain air.

Grand Teton National Park – Mountains That Inspire

No Wyoming adventure is complete without a visit to Grand Teton National Park. The Teton Range rises like giant stone walls above the valley floor. We hiked along quiet trails, sat by sparkling lakes, and admired views that felt endless. The Tetons are perfect for anyone who loves hiking, photography, or simply being in nature.

Travel Tips for Exploring Wyoming

Best Time to Visit

Summer (June–August): Best for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Parks are fully open, but also more crowded.
Fall (September–October): Cooler weather, fewer crowds, and beautiful fall colors in the mountains.
Winter (December–March): Great for skiing in Jackson Hole and snow activities, though many park roads close.
Spring (April–May): Wildlife is active, but some higher trails may still have snow.

How to Get There

Airports: The closest airports are Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) near Grand Teton, Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD) in Cody, and Casper/Natrona County Airport (CPR) for central Wyoming.
Highways: Major highways include I-80 (southern Wyoming), I-25 (central), and US-191/US-89 for access to Yellowstone and Grand Teton.

Things to Pack

Weather in Wyoming can change quickly. Pack layers for warm days and cool nights.
Bring comfortable hiking shoes, a rain jacket, and sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen).
Don’t forget a camera or binoculars for wildlife and scenery.

Where to Stay

Lodges: Stay in iconic park lodges like the Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone or Jackson Lake Lodge in Grand Teton.
Camping: Wyoming has many campgrounds inside national parks and state parks. Reservations are recommended in summer.
Hotels & Cabins: Nearby towns such as Jackson, Cody, and Sheridan offer hotels, cabins, and guest ranches for every budget.

Why Wyoming is Truly “America the Beautiful”

From sacred landmarks like Devils Tower to the steaming geysers of Yellowstone and the towering peaks of the Grand Tetons, Wyoming offers endless natural beauty. Our trip reminded us how lucky we are to have these national treasures.

Whether you love hiking, camping, or road trips, Wyoming has something for everyone. For us, it was more than a trip—it was an ESCAPADITA filled with memories that will last a lifetime.

www.nps.gov