Wyoming may be the least populated state human-wise, but our wildlife residents are flourishing. No matter where you go in the Cowboy State, you're likely to catch a few glimpses of the native animal life, but why gamble? Follow this epic wildlife trail across Wyoming to maximize your wildlife viewing opportunities.
This wildlife trail will take you almost full-circle on an unforgettable tour of Wyoming.
Start out in northern Wyoming at the Bighorn National Forest. Naturally, you can see bighorn sheep here, along with wild turkeys, golden and bald eagles, and white-tailed deer.
Traveling west, you'll reach McCullough Peaks just before Cody. Wild mustangs, rumored to be descendants of horses from Buffalo Bill Cody's Wild West Show, roam the area. Thanks to the BLM and non-profit groups, the horses are kept healthy and population is controlled with fertility control measures.
Further west, the geysers and other geothermal attractions at Yellowstone National Park are worth seeing, but the wildlife are the real stars of the show. So many different species call the area home including elk, grizzly bears, gray wolves, and bald eagles, among others.
Though you can't tackle this trail all in one day, Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks are close enough to each other that you could do some wildlife viewing in both on the same day. Here you'll see beautiful creatures such as moose, bison, otters, mule deer, trumpeter swans, and golden and bald eagles.
The Wind River Range sits on about 2,800 square miles roughly 66 miles southeast of Grand Teton National park. It includes high peaks and deep, gorgeous valleys, and the area makes a beautiful home for many wild critters such as pronghorns, elk, moose, mountain lions, and grizzly bears.
As you head south on the Wyoming wildlife trail, you'll turn right onto US-191 and take a slight detour to hit the next destination: Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge. As a refuge, naturally, this area is one of the most rich in wildlife featuring around 220 species of all kinds including birds. On this leg of the trip you might see coyotes, white-tailed jackrabbits, foxes, mule deer, trumpeter swans, and bald eagles.
You might wonder if a desert would be a thriving habitat for more than a few species of wildlife, but Wyoming's Red Desert is a one-of-a-kind place where around 350 mammals and birds live. At this stop along the trail you're likely to see grouse, pygmy rabbits, coyotes, black footed ferrets, and desert elk.
At the bottom of the trail, just as you're about to swing north, you'll want to stop at Medicine Bow National Forest. Other than brown and black bears in higher elevations, the wildlife that will greet you here will be more along the lines of small to mid-sized. Some you're sure to spot include marmots, badgers, snowshoe hares, wolverines, and coyotes. Keep an eye out for birds, too, such as nuthatches, chickadees, warblers, sapsuckers, and the state bird: the meadowlark.
Driving north from Medicine Bow, you'll reach Casper Mountain about 12 miles before Casper. It's a beautiful place for a hike or even to camp, and there are loads of wildlife to be seen. Black bears, mule deer, pronghorns, bald eagles, foxes, and elk are among the many different types of animals that live in the area.
Bear Lodge Mountain in the northeastern corner of Wyoming is the last stop on the trail. Wildlife to keep an eye out for here include mountain goats and mountain lions, big horn sheep, mule deer, and elk.
What other spots in Wyoming belong on this list of places the wildlife hangs out?
Wyoming, with its Wild West relics and legends, its majestic mountains and valleys, its pristine national and state parks, and so much more, is a land just begging to be explored. If you are looking for the best road trips in Wyoming, you have come to the right place. Whether you have one day or two weeks, prefer small towns or stunning vistas, we have a trip for you. It’s time to pack the car and hit the road on a journey you will never forget.
If you have just one day to get out and explore and you want to see some of what makes Wyoming uniquely beautiful, we highly recommend the Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Tour. The gorgeous drive is just 24 miles long and takes less than two hours to complete if you drive straight through, but the striking landscape and the opportunity to watch Wyoming’s majestic wild horses will make you want to take it slow, make some stops, and soak in what has been called one of the best scenic drives in the state. Start your trip in Rock Springs and leisurely make your way down to beautiful Green River, a little city worth exploring on its own.
Route: Jackson > Yellowstone > Cody > Bighorn National Forest > Sheridan
Distance: 420 miles
Trip Time: 9 hours 50 minutes driving time
If you were to set off for a long weekend on a scenic trip, what could be better than spending a few days exploring Wyoming’s iconic mountain ranges? This three-day mountain road trip is a truly unforgettable adventure that takes you through the Grand Tetons, the Absarokas, and The Big Horns in northern Wyoming. Along the way, you will have plenty of opportunities to enjoy hiking, small towns, roadside vista points, wildlife, and natural wonders. It is hard to say which day of this trip is the most amazing, but we can say this road trip through Wyoming will feed any mountain lover’s soul.
Arguably one of the best Wyoming road trips is the stunning Beartooth Scenic Highway. This scenic road, beginning at the Montana border and the entrance to Shoshone National Forest, could be easily driven in under two hours without stopping, but there is so much to take in and explore along the way, you might want to stretch it out to a full day, or even two! You will wind through pine-forested slopes, glacier-carved lakes and rock formations, and a snowy range, and a quick dip over the Montana border. The spectacular, changing landscape comes with fantastic vista points and hiking opportunities. Keep in mind that the highway is only open during summer and fall months.
Route: Jackson > Cody > Meeteetse > Thermopolis > Shoshoni > Riverton > Hudson > Lander > Dubois > Jackson
Distance: 500 miles
Trip Time: 9.5 hours driving time
The Rocky Mountain Continental Divide, also referred to as the “spine of the continent,” is a geologic wonder. Rivers that flow on the west side of the crest drain to the Pacific Ocean whereas those on the east side drain into the Atlantic Ocean. This exciting road trip around the Continental Divide has it all - national parks, charming small towns, hot springs, hiking, a Native American reservation, historic sites, and more. You will cross over the Divide at least a few times and see plenty of Wyoming beauty and character. Your trip starts in Jackson so you may want to stop by the Jackson Home Ranch Visitor Center to start off your big adventure.
Route: Thermopolis > Saratoga > Jackson Hole > Kelly > Mammoth
Distance: 724 miles
Trip Time: Approximately 14 hours driving time
In late spring, as the rains let up and flowers start blooming, it feels like high time to get outside. With this unique Wyoming road trip itinerary, you will travel through hundreds of miles of the state’s breathtaking scenery and stop at some extraordinary thermal springs where you can relax and soak in the warm mineral waters and take in the views. Each stop has something special to offer, such as the boardwalk trails at Thermopolis and Mammoth Hot Springs, and the canyon views from Jackson Hole’s Granite Hot Springs.
Route: Osprey Falls > Undine Falls > Tower Fall and Upper Falls, Yellowstone > Fairy Falls > Kepler Cascades > Lewis Falls > Moose Falls
Distance: 166 miles
Trip Time: 4 hours 20 minutes driving time
The next time you start making summer plans, consider taking a couple of days and setting off on a spectacular waterfall road trip. This itinerary gives you plenty of time to enjoy hiking and spending time at eight of Wyoming’s impressive waterfalls. Each day, plan to sit and enjoy a picnic lunch with an outstanding view, and enjoy a relaxing evening at a charming Yellowstone hotel. We can’t think of a more refreshing summer road trip.
Route: Oxbow Bend > Paintbrush Canyon > Snake River Overlook > Paradise Ranch, Buffalo > Devils Tower > Casper Mountain
Distance: 695 miles
Trip Time: 14 hours driving time
One of the most stunning natural displays in Wyoming is the changing of colors in autumn. During September and October each year, vibrant shades wash over the state, painting it in golds and reds that we just can’t get enough of. If you feel the same way, get your sweaters and camera ready, and head out on this gorgeous fall foliage road trip that takes you to some of the most stunning locations in the state.
During winter months, twinkling lights lend a captivating ambiance to everyday places and things throughout the state. It is lovely to happen upon a pretty light display, but even more wonderful to be able to make a trip of it and see as many lights as possible. This enchanting light display road trip takes you to some of the best holiday lights of the season - perfect for a little family getaway.
Sometimes a road trip is about the scenery, and sometimes it’s about the stops. This chocolate shop road trip is definitely the latter! Go on a sweet tour of Wyoming’s best old-school candy-makers, sampling tasty treats along the way. This getaway is great for families - you won’t have any complaints about time on the road when everyone knows the next stop means another bite of homemade chocolate, fudge, old-fashioned candies, ice cream, fancy desserts, and more. A bonus highlight is visiting the cool town that was named after Buffalo Bill Cody. This may just be one of the best road trips in Wyoming!
Route: Yellowstone National Park > Bighorn Canyon > Devils Tower > Hells Half Acre > Red Desert > Periodic Spring > Grand Teton National Park > Sinks Canyon State Park > Thermopolis
Distance: 1,426 miles
Trip Time: 25 hours driving time
This state has no shortage of incredible natural beauty. You could live here for years and hardly see any of the awe-inspiring places in Wyoming, but that would be a shame. So we have put together the ultimate road trip to Wyoming’s natural wonders. Your multi-park road trip starts in the first national park in the USA, home to Yellowstone Lake, a prismatic hot spring, Old Faithful geyser and Geyser Basin, and its very own Grand Canyon. If you are especially adventurous, you can go rock climbing at Devils Tower or hike the sand dunes of the Red Desert. This multi-day trip will change your view of Wyoming forever.
Route: Shell > Dayton > Ranchester > Sheridan > Big Horn > Buffalo > Ten Sleep
Distance: 239 miles
Trip Time: Approximately 5 hours driving time
Clearly, there is much to see, do, and explore in this remarkable state - mountains, rivers, natural wonders, small towns, wildlife, etc. We really have it all. And while it is impossible to see everything the Cowboy State has to offer in a single trip, this road trip to the best Bighorn Mountain towns does a pretty amazing job of packing in it. You will visit seven small towns, each with something unique and inviting to offer, and in between, you will explore impressive sites like Shell Falls, Ten Sleep Canyon, and all of the backroad scenery you could ask for in such a short trip. This trip is also wonderfully flexible. It is short enough to complete in as little as a day or you can stretch it out as long as you’d like, adding overnight stays in one or more of these lovely towns, side roads, hiking, etc. Make it exactly what you want it to be; you won’t forget it.
It’s high time to set off on an epic Wyoming road trip, map in hand. Which of these trips would you plan to do first? Have you followed any of these or similar itineraries? Do you prefer weekend road trips in Wyoming or quick road trips in Wyoming? We would love to hear about your road trip experiences and your favorite stops along the way! We think every season is road trip season, but if you do plan to travel during wet, cold, or snowy months, make sure you check out these road trip tips for a safe and enjoyable journey!
Hiking is undoubtedly an incredible way to experience everything the rugged West has to offer, and nowhere is that more true than right here in Wyoming. Our state's countless backcountry trails, climbs, and off-road routes offer breathtaking views of our stunning landscapes that couldn't be seen otherwise. But add the additional factors of weather, gear, and extra planning, and sometimes it's just easier to stick with the main roads, especially if you have littles in tow or are looking for the most reward for your mileage!
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Wyoming has 21 magnificent scenic byways crisscrossing the state, each winding through sky-high mountain ranges, alongside rushing rivers, and barreling through quiet stretches of Cowboy Country grandeur. But not all of Wyoming's prettiest drives make the list of official scenic drives - even if they should. On your next visit through Yellowstone territory, check out the short and sweet Firehole Canyon Drive.
With so many natural wonders packed into Yellowstone's 3,400 square miles, is it any surprise that a quick, two-mile drive through a canyon in the lower basin could be filled with multiple waterfalls, stunning geology, and one of the most powerful rivers in the state?
Nestled in the heart of Yellowstone National Park, Firehole Canyon Drive offers a breathtaking journey through a landscape sculpted by volcanic activity and the relentless flow of the Firehole River. This two-mile, one-way road is more than just a scenic route; it’s a passage through time, showcasing the park’s rich history and geothermal wonders.
You'll find the quick detour to Firehole Canyon Drive off the main Grand Loop Road, just south of the Madison Junction and near the lower geyser basin area.
The drive is enveloped by the lush greenery of Yellowstone, with the Firehole River’s clear waters coursing alongside.
The geology of Firehole Canyon is as intriguing as it is ancient. The canyon walls are composed of 800-foot thick lava flows - towering remnants of the volcanic forces that shaped Yellowstone and this landscape eons ago.
The history of Firehole Canyon Drive is intertwined with the broader narrative of Yellowstone National Park. Established in 1872, Yellowstone is America’s first national park, and Firehole Canyon has been a part of the park’s allure since its inception. The drive was developed to allow visitors to explore the canyon safely and admire Firehole Falls.
In fact, Firehole Falls is without a doubt a highlight of the canyon drive - a powerful waterfall that thunders as it plunges over 40 feet into the water.
During high run-off, in particular, you might see a few smaller waterfalls as well.
Fortunately, this gorgeous drive also features several overlook points, allowing travelers to pull over and soak in the panoramic views. Keep your camera handy!
Note that the pull-out areas have limited space. Take caution in these congested areas and remember: DO NOT stop in the middle of the road or get too close to passing wildlife.
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And, of course, it's not just geology that's on display here. Enjoy ALL of the sights!
This short drive is an absolute wonder, and it's incredible that there's so much beauty on display here!
Keep in mind that this road is off-limits to RVs, buses, and vehicles with trailers. If possible, leave your big rig parked at your campsite or cabin base camp and take a separate vehicle - you won't want to miss this!
If you haven't been here yet, Firehole Canyon Drive and its swimming area is definitely a detour worth adding to your Yellowstone bucket list.
For a Firehole Canyon adventure that's in a completely different region of the Cowboy State, check out Firehole Canyon Campground and all of its surrounding beauty.
