National Parks, Hot Springs, and the Wild West: The Ultimate Wyoming Road Trip

This year celebrates the 150th anniversary of America’s first national park, the renowned Yellowstone. Covering nearly 3,500 square miles, this vast wilderness is primarily located in Wyoming, with portions extending into Montana and Idaho. It boasts stunning mountains, meadows, and forests, alongside its unique natural hot springs, geysers, and lava formations, teeming with wildlife. However, this year has posed significant challenges for Yellowstone, particularly due to the worst flooding in the park's history, which washed out roads earlier this summer.

As the park undertakes restoration efforts and experts assess the long-term environmental and geological consequences of the substantial June rainfall, there’s still plenty to celebrate in Yellowstone and beyond. The park has reopened and is inviting visitors back to most areas, though the north and northeast entrances remain closed, along with some road sections in those regions.

Beyond Yellowstone, the state presents an infinite natural playground for kayaking, fishing, hiking, wild mustang sightings, exploring ancient fossils, and enjoying hot springs. The best way to experience it all—including many hidden gems in Wyoming—is to embark on a road trip across the state. From the railroad hub of Cheyenne to Shoshone National Forest, then to the rock climbing haven of Vedauwoo, and onward to the Tetons, this adventure-filled route showcases the least populated state in the contiguous United States.

Day 1: Explore ropes and railroads in Cheyenne

Upon arriving at Cheyenne Regional Airport, make your way to The Wrangler to grab some genuine cowboy boots, a Stetson hat, belt buckles, spurs, chaps—whatever fits your style. If you’re visiting in July, be sure to head over to Cheyenne Frontier Days for thrilling bareback, bull riding, and saddle bronc events at the largest outdoor rodeo and western festival in the world. In August, enjoy the Laramie County Fair, featuring animal exhibitions, a demolition derby, and a kids' rodeo. Later in September, catch semi-pro kite flyers and bring your own kite to the End of the Trail Kite Festival, or take a trolley ride on the Street Railway Ghost Tours in October. During summer, don’t miss the free concert series downtown. This is also a perfect time to explore the Cheyenne Depot Museum, housed in the original Union Pacific Depot from 1886, now a National Historic Landmark. Savor hand-crafted beverages at the dog-friendly beer garden Blue Raven Brewery, located in a historic home, and indulge in a hand-cut steak from the family-owned Albany Restaurant, operating since 1942. Alternatively, enjoy a modern twist on classic dishes and creative cocktails at The Metropolitan Downtown.

In the evening, settle into the Historic Plains Hotel, established in 1911 in the heart of Cheyenne. This iconic hotel, once a favorite of cattle barons and movie stars, immerses you in the spirit of the western frontier with its cowhide and antler decor, complemented by original artwork from local Wyoming artists.

Day 2: Explore Medicine Bow National Forest

Cheyenne serves as the gateway to the sprawling 2.9 million-acre Medicine Bow National Forest, so rise early and secure those hiking boots. Begin your day with breakfast at the beloved Luxury Diner, which functioned as a trolley car in Cheyenne until 1912. Next, head west to Medicine Bow’s Snowy Range, where you can enjoy rock climbing or a leisurely hike among the ancient 70 million-year-old igneous rock formations of Vedauwoo. For lunch, refuel in nearby Laramie—consider the artichoke burger at the vegetarian Sweet Melissa Café or a hearty beef burger with wings or nachos at Born in a Barn. Then, explore alpine lakes for fishing, paddleboarding, or kayaking. Other hiking options include a moderate three-mile trek along the Medicine Bow Peak Trail, or for a challenge, take on the Lakes Trail Loop. Afterward, visit the 4,700-acre Deerwood Ranch Wild Horse EcoSanctuary, the nation’s first private land area dedicated to wild mustangs, which is free to the public. Wrap up your day at the luxurious Brush Creek Ranch, just an hour away.

Day 3: Discover hot springs in Saratoga

If you’re in the mood to unwind, Brush Creek offers various wellness options, or you can venture into the charming town of Saratoga, known for its mineral hot springs. These waters, sacred to Native Americans, flow over magma and hot rock, believed to possess healing properties. Just 20 minutes from Brush Creek Ranch lies Hobo Hot Springs, where the Lobster Pot and Hobo Pool maintain a soothing 120 degrees, thanks to the Earth’s inner heat. These springs are free, open 24/7, and situated near other natural hot pools along the North Platte River. For dinner, enjoy an exquisite meal at the Brush Creek Trailhead Lodge or opt for a relaxed creekside dining experience offered by the ranch. Conclude your evening at the lively saloon on the property, or head into Saratoga for a cozy Italian dinner at Bella’s Bistro.

Days 4–5: Explore Jackson and Grand Teton National Park

Now it’s time to venture north to the breathtaking “Mountains of the Imagination”—Grand Teton National Park, renowned for its stunning, rugged landscapes that resemble living art. If you’re an experienced backpacker with the proper gear—don’t forget your bear spray—immerse yourself in the park’s extensive 200 miles of trails (make sure to visit the spectacular Cascade Canyon Trail), or choose an easier 1.8-mile hike on the Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point Trail, which rewards you with a striking view of a roaring waterfall, along with scenic lakes and mountains. If you decide to base yourself in Jackson while exploring the Tetons, you’ll find numerous enticing accommodation options, such as The Cloudveil, Autograph Collection, a stylish new property that debuted in 2021, along with two retro motor lodges turned trendy hotels—Anvil Hotel and Mountain Modern Motel. For a luxurious and rejuvenating experience, consider a stay at the picturesque Caldera House in Teton Village.

Days 6–8: Discover Yellowstone National Park

Just 25 minutes north of Grand Teton National Park lies the original U.S. national park—Yellowstone, a place that resonates with the sounds of gurgling geysers, hot springs, and bubbling mud pots. It is home to the largest public herd of bison in the world, which holds sacred significance for the 27 tribes that have lived on this land since the 1400s. This park represents one of the largest and most pristine natural ecosystems remaining on Earth, boasting the highest concentration of geothermal features, including half of the world’s active geysers. For an online guided experience, check out the Yellowstone Guide.

Visitors looking to pay tribute to Old Faithful, the most renowned of Yellowstone's 500 geysers, should take the park’s southern loop. This iconic geyser erupts scalding water up to 180 feet high nearly 20 times a day. Afterward, marvel at the mesmerizing blue, green, and orange hues of the steamy Grand Prismatic Hot Spring. This striking thermal feature is a supervolcano and ranks as the third largest hot spring in the world. Consider staying at the historic and popular Old Faithful Inn, which features lodgepole pine and stone fireplaces. Established in 1903, it is one of the few remaining log hotels in the country, serving as an architectural inspiration for national park lodges nationwide.

While in the park, don’t miss the newly opened Yellowstone Tribal Heritage Center, dedicated to celebrating the region’s tribal communities. Initially displaced by the government when Yellowstone was established, these communities are now being acknowledged and honored. Located near Old Faithful, the center offers daily tribal presentations and serves as an excellent resource for learning about the culture and heritage of the tribal nations.

Day 9: Wildlife in Yellowstone

Despite the north loop experiencing the brunt of the flooding, with some roads and the north and northwest gates still closed, park officials have announced the reopening of most of the park as of early July following a boost in funding. Be sure to check road closure updates, and if all is clear, take a 50-minute drive from Old Faithful Inn to visit Yellowstone’s oldest and hottest thermal feature, Norris Geyser Basin, followed by the remnants of a 600,000-year-old volcanic eruption at Mammoth Hot Springs. After that, head east and keep an eye out for bison, particularly in the Tower-Roosevelt area, known for its 132-foot waterfall cascading down eroded volcanic rock and stunning views of Mount Washburn, along with petrified trees entombed in mud and rock, showcasing the area’s unique geology.

Explore Lamar Valley to see elk, moose, grizzly bears, badgers, bald eagles, pronghorn, osprey, deer, coyotes, wolves—and of course, thousands of bison. This area and the surrounding high plateaus were pivotal in the recovery of the buffalo population in the 20th century, when park managers purchased 21 bison to raise here (a second herd can be found in Hayden Valley). Conservation efforts continue this year, moving some Yellowstone bison to 18 tribal communities across the nation. Conclude your day by exploring the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, Canyon Village, and choose to visit either Artist Paint Pots (featuring thermal hot pools, mud pots, and small geysers), the Mud Volcano (the remnants of a late-1800s thermal explosion), or the stunning waterfalls in Canyon Village. Enjoy your stay at the modern, eco-friendly Canyon Lodge and Cabins for the night.

Day 10: Journey to Shoshone National Forest

Exiting Yellowstone through the East Entrance leads you directly to the nation’s first national forest, which shares a border with Yellowstone along the Wyoming–Montana line. The sweeping plains of Shoshone National Forest feature sagebrush, glaciers, and crystal-clear lakes and rivers. With three rugged, snow-capped mountain ranges, there are nearly 2.5 million acres perfect for hiking. You can also visit the mining ghost town of Kirwin, which attracted famous gold prospectors like Ernest Hemingway and Amelia Earhart. For your last dinner in Wyoming, enjoy live music and delicious slow-cooked meat at the Cody Cattle Company, and wrap up your trip the cowboy way at the Irma Hotel, built by Buffalo Bill himself (yes, Cody was named after him too). As your remarkable Wyoming road trip concludes, tip your hat to this beautiful state at the Yellowstone Regional Airport.