FROM YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK TO WILD WEST EXPERIENCES

Transcription

1 WYOMING adventure guide FROM YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK TO WILD WEST EXPERIENCES TravelWyoming.com/uk VisitTheUsa.co.uk/state/wyoming

2 WIND RIVER COUNTRY South 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 CARBON COUNTY Go 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 COUNTRY Visit 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 in the Shoshone River. YellowstoneCountry.org THE WORT HOTEL A 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

3 welcome to Wyoming TOP: HIKING IN WYOMING, WYOMING OFFICE OF TOURISM. INSET: BISON IN WYOMING, WYOMING OFFICE OF TOURISM. Travel Tips GETTING 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 temperatures can dip into the single digits, but the dry air facilitates perfect snow for skiing and other cold-weather pursuits. Snow is possible 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 Transportation at wyoroad.info or TRAVELWYOMING.COM Find Wyoming stories and trip ideas, places to stay, events and more. YELLOWSTONE REGION SALT TO STONE REGION Evanston Jackson 145 km from SLC to Evanston 100km Green River Powell Cody Lander Rock Springs Airports Lovell 80 Greybull Riverton Worland Thermopolis PARK TO PARK REGION ROCKIES TO TETONS REGION Welcome Centers 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, Cheyenne, Jackson, Laramie, Casper, Riverton, Rawlins Buffalo Saratoga Sheridan 25 Hanna 90 BLACK TO YELLOW REGION Casper Glenrock Gillette Douglas 25 Wheatland Laramie Warren AFB 90 Newcastle 170km from DIA to Cheyenne Cheyenne 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. AVERAGE MONTHLY HIGH/LOW TEMPERATURES ( C) JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC Cheyenne 4/-8 5/-7 9/-4 13/-1 18/5 24/9 29/13 27/12 22/7 15/1 8/-4 3/-8 Jackson -2/-15 0/-14 6/-7 12/-4 18/0 23/3 28/5 27/4 22/0 14/-4 4/-9-2/-14 Casper 2/-10 3/-9 9/-5 14/-2 20/3 26/8 31/12 30/11 23/5 15/-1 7/-6 1/-10 Sheridan 2/-13 4/-11 9/-6 15/-1 20/4 25/9 31/12 31/10 24/4 16/-2 8/-8 2/-13 TravelWyoming.com/uk 1 80

4 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. 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. 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. SPECIAL MOMENTS 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. THE GREAT FOUNTAIN GEYSER AT YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, ISTOCK. 2 Wyoming Adventure Guide

5 NATIONAL PARKS Grand Teton National Park FROM LEFT: DEVILS TOWER NATIONAL MONUMENT, ERIC LINDBERG; GRAND TETON FROM SNAKE RIVER, ISTOCK. 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. Observe the park s fascinating ecosystems from the water on a guided Snake River float trip, which often include interpretations 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. SPECIAL MOMENTS One of the best ways to soak in sweeping vistas of the Tetons is on horseback. Book a horseback-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 Jackson 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. 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, including 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. SPECIAL MOMENTS A paradise for rock climbers, hundreds of parallel cracks divide Devils Tower into hexagonal 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. TravelWyoming.com/uk 3

6 191 Idaho Mammoth Hot Springs 212 Silver Bighorn L. Clark Frannie 120 BIGHORN CANYON NRA Gate Tower Lovell Jct 14A Powell Norris Jct Canyon A 310 Madison Jct. Lake Shell Cody Wapiti Greybull Buffalo Bill Res. Old Faithful W. Thumb Otto Basin Alta Jackson L. Moose 89 Yellowstone L. Moran Jct Meeteetse Big Horn River Manderson Kirby Montana Hyattville 16 Worland Ten S Teton Village 22 Wilson Kelly Jackson Dubois Big Wind River Thermopolis 20 Alpine Star Valley Freedom Ranch Thayne Bedford 89 Grover Afton Smoot Cokeville Hoback FOSSIL BUTTE NM 30 Bondurant 189 Salt To stone Marbleton Big Piney LaBarge 189 Kemmerer Diamondville Daniel Green River 24 Cora Fontenelle Res Fremont L Crowheart Bull L. Fort Washakie Pinedale WIND RIVER INDIAN RESERVATION Boulder Farson Eden Reliance Lander Superior Pavillion Kinnear Ethete Hudson 287 Atlantic City South Pass City Sweetwater River Boysen Res. Riverton St. Stephens 135 Shoshoni Jeffrey City rockie es To tetonst R 145 km from SLC to Evanston 189 Granger Green River Rock Springs 80 Wamsutter Utah 80 Evanston Lyman Mountain View Flaming Gorge Res. FLAMING GORGE NRA 100km 789 Baggs Di City Utah 4 Wyoming Adventure Guide

7 90 Tongue River Res. Parkman Ranchester Dayton leep Big Horn 87 Banner Story Sheridan Buffalo 14 Kaycee Clearmont Powder River Powder River black To T 90 yel llow Recluse 50 Wright 59 Little Powder River 59 Gillette Thunder Basin National Grassland 450 Moorcroft Little Missouri R. Hulett Keyhole Res. Pine Haven Upton Alva 145 km 24 from Aladdin Rapid City Beulah Airport to Sundance Sundance Four Corners Newcastle Colony 85 South Dakota South Fork Powder River 25 Bar Nunn Midwest Edgerton park To rk park Alcova Mills North Platte River Evansville Casper Glenrock Douglas Shawnee 18 Lusk Pathfinder Res. Alcova Res. 77 Seminoe Res. Medicine Bow R Laramie R. Glendo Wheatland 26 Glendo Res. OREGON TRAIL RUTS NATIONAL LANDMARK Hartville Guernsey Fort Laramie 85 North Platte River FORT LARAMIE NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE Lingle Torrington Nebraska awlins Sinclair Saratoga Elk Mountain 130 North Platte River Hanna 130 Riverside Encampment xon Savery Colorado Medicine Bow Rock River 13 Centennial Laramie River 34 Laramie Tie Siding Buford 25 Warren AFB 25 Chugwater Horse Creek 170km from DIA to Cheyenne 85 Lodgepole Creek Hawk Springs 313 Burns Cheyenne LaGrange Albin Pine Bluffs 80 Grover TravelWyoming.com/uk 5

8 5 3 2 Salt to Stone Wilderness 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. 6 Wyoming Adventure Guide

9 SALT TO STONE Highlights WESTERN WYOMING COMMUNITY COLLEGE S NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM See life-size replicas of the dinosaurs that once roamed 189 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. 3 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. 4 FLAMING GORGE NATIONAL RECREATION AREA Tucked near Green River and Rock Springs, Flaming Gorge earned its namesake from the intriguing red-sandstone cliffs that dominate the area, and Flaming Gorge Reservoir is popular with fishermen, boaters and rafters. 5 FOSSIL BUTTE NATIONAL MONUMENT Situated about 16 kilometres west of Kemmerer, Fossil Butte towers more than 305 metres above Twin Creek Valley and possesses some of the world s best-preserved fossils, including those of fish, insects, plants, reptiles, birds and mammals OPPOSITE PAGE CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: FOSSIL BUTTE NATIONAL MONUMENT, FLICKR/CHRISCONNELL; INTERMITTENT SPRING, ERIC LINDBERG; MUSEUM OF THE MOUNTAIN MAN, ERIC LINDBERG; JACKSON HOLE AERIAL TRAM, WYOMING OFFICE OF TOURISM. RIGHT: TOLLGATE ROCK, WYOMING OFFICE OF TOURISM. Salt to Stone Road Trip Travel northward along Wyoming s western side and end your journey at Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. ROUTE A EVANSTON TO KEMMERER Start your journey in Evanston, a 1868 railroad town flanked by mountains on all sides and a hub for fishing, hunting, hiking, 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 boaterand 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 collection of old-school rides at Buckys Vintage 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 dominates the Grand Teton National Park skyline. ROUTE B EVANSTON 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 Killpecker Sand Dunes, a sprawling natural sandbox that s a favourite with both offroad 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 hundreds of etchings on sandstone cliffs. PINEDALE TO GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK From Pinedale, continue north on Hwy 191, which becomes the Wyoming Centennial 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. TravelWyoming.com/uk 7

10 3 rockies to tetons Home 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 Wyoming Adventure Guide

11 26 ROCKIES TO TETONS OPPOSITE PAGE CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: VEDAUWOO RECREATION AREA, GETTY IMAGES, ADAM CLARK; INDEPENDENCE ROCK STATE HISTORIC SITE, WYOMING OFFICE OF TOURISM; WYOMING TERRITORIAL PRISON, WYOMING OFFICE OF TOURISM; CANOEING THE SNAKE RIVER BELOW THE GRAND TETON, KENNAN HARVEY. RIGHT: SINKS CANYON STATE PARK, KENNAN HARVEY. 1 Highlights INDEPENDENCE ROCK STATE HISTORIC SITE This site was an important landmark to pioneers who made their way along the Oregon Trail in the 1800s pioneer migration 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. 2 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. 3 VEDAUWOO CAMPGROUND & RECREATION AREA Known to the Arapaho Indians as Land of the Earthborn Spirit, towering rock structures between Laramie and Cheyenne dominate this beloved recreation area featuring hiking and biking trails and rock-climbing routes. WIND RIVER INDIAN RESERVATION Bordered by the Wind River Mountains 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 desperate outlaws including notorious bank robber Butch Cassidy who resided at the prison, located in Laramie, in the 1870s. 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. Sightseeing options in the capital city include Wyoming State Museum, Governors Mansion 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. 4 5 RAWLINS TO LANDER Rawlins dates back to when tracks were first laid for the crosscountry 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 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. Rendezvous a recreated gathering of Native Americans, fur trappers and mountain 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 Wyoming 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. 230 TravelWyoming.com/uk 9

12 1 3 park to park Scenery 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. 10 Wyoming Adventure Guide

13 120 PARK TO PARK OPPOSITE PAGE CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: HOT SPRINGS STATE PARK, JEFF VANUGA; WIND RIVER CANYON, JEFF VANUGA; FORT LARAMIE NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE, KENT KANOUSE; AYRES NATURAL BRIDGE, ERIC LINDBERG. RIGHT: BUFFALO BILL CENTER OF THE WEST, ERIC LINDBERG. Highlights 1 HOT 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. 2 NATIONAL HISTORIC TRAILS INTERPRETIVE CENTER Step back in time through interactive exhibits in Casper to experience the hardships and victories of those who ventured west in the 1800s on the Oregon, Mormon, California and Pony Express trails. 3 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. 120 OREGON TRAIL RUTS See actual tracks near Guernsey and Torrington left by the countless wagons that passed along the Oregon Trail carrying 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 STAGECOACH MUSEUM Uncover the town of Lusk s beginnings as a busy homesteading area and pioneer history through relics from the 19th and 20th centuries, and view an authentic Park to Park Road Trip Follow 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 destination 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 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 Nicolaysen Art Museum. From Casper, deviate from the interstate 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 Scenic 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 Museum, Meeteetse Museum and Carles Belden stagecoach that was used on the Cheyenne to Black Hills Stage and Express Line carrying passengers and gold. 6 3 THE WYOMING DINOSAUR CENTER More than 30 mounted skeletons in Thermopolis illustrate Wyoming s prehistoric past, including the Archaeopteryx dinosaur specimen one of only 10 in the world. 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 Museum of the Old West at Old Trail Town. Then, veer onto the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway, which starts about 40 kilometres 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 TravelWyoming.com/uk

14 6 1 black to yellow With 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 Wyoming Adventure Guide

15 BLACK TO YELLOW OPPOSITE PAGE CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: BUFFALO BILL CENTER OF THE WEST, ERIC LINDBERG; DEVILS TOWER NATIONAL MONUMENT, KENNAN HARVEY; FIVE SISTERS IN THE BIGHORN MOUNTAINS, JEFF VANUGA; THE MINT BAR, FLICKR/BWALSH. RIGHT: PRYOR MOUNTAIN WILD HORSE RANGE, JEFF VANUGA. Highlights 1 BUFFALO 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, Draper Natural History and Cody Firearms museums. Then take a trolley tour of Cody Buffalo Bill s Town. 2 WASHAKIE MUSEUM AND CULTURAL CENTER Learn the unique geology, archaeology, palaeontology and local history surrounding the Bighorn Basin. Highlights include replicas of dinosaur fossils and exhibits detailing the harsh conditions early pioneers endured travelling across country. 3 THE OCCIDENTAL HOTEL & SALOON The town of Buffalo was a popular stomping ground for the Wild West s most famous characters, and their spirits live A on in the lovingly 16 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. Black to Yellow Road Trip 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 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, A 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 supplied locals with saddles, ropes, reins and other farm and ranch supplies since 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 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. 6 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 rangerled tour or climb the igneous rock walls. Learn more about Devils Tower on p. 3. 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 TravelWyoming.com/uk

16 Top 10 Wyoming Experiences 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 opportunities to experience sights and landscapes that have remained unchanged for centuries VISIT A NATIONAL PARK The unspoiled natural beauty of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks is something everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. Yellowstone offers the world s largest concentration of geothermal features, colossal waterfalls and hundreds of species of wildlife. Grand Teton is dominated 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 Yellowstone National Park; look for the U.S. largest migratory herd of pronghorn in southwestern Wyoming s Red Desert; or catch glimpses of bald eagles, foxes and deer at Seedskadee 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 Yellowstone 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 adventurers seeking activities like fishing, hunting or horseback riding. The establishments, many of which have been family owned for generations, also offer cosy accommodations, hearty meals and chances to pitch in on the ranch. Find the right experience for you at TravelWyoming.com/ places-to-stay. HORSEBACK RIDING IN WYOMING, WYOMING OFFICE OF TOURISM. 14 Wyoming Adventure Guide

17 FROM TOP: SKIING AT JACKSON HOLE MOUNTAIN RESORT, JEFF VANUGA; RAFTING THE SHOSHONE RIVER, WYOMING OFFICE OF TOURISM; CAMPING IN WYOMING, WYOMING OFFICE OF TOURISM. 5 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 celebration, in the capital city each July; or choose from a wide array of rodeo events statewide. UNCOVER STORIES 7 OF THE AMERICAN FRONTIER The state s rich past is saturated with stories of Native Americans, 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. 9 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 national 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. 6 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 country 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, featuring 2,602 skiable acres. 8 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 halfand full-day and overnight excursions, which include expert instruction and all the gear you need. Perfect for families, float trips are also a great way to experience beautiful landscapes and spot wildlife. 10 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 pristine wilderness is unparalleled. Quiet lakeside retreats, campsites with kid-pleasing amenities like pools and playgrounds, and out-of-the-way backcountry gems the state has an extensive roster of campgrounds and RV parks. TravelWyoming.com/uk 15

18 PLACES TO SPOT Wyoming wildlife 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. 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. 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. 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 experience the thrill of watching a galloping herd of wild horses. The unpaved road takes you through an area where hundreds of horses are known to roam. 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. 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 migratory herd of pronghorn in the contiguous U.S. and the world s largest herd of rare desert elk. 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 golden eagles. WIND RIVER MOUNTAINS The Wind River Range encompasses 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. 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. CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: COYOTE, WYOMING OFFICE OF TOURISM; BULL MOOSE, JEFF VANUGA; SEEDSKADEE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, FLICKR/FRED MAST; MULE DEER, JEFF VANUGA; GRIZZLY BEAR, JEFF VANUGA; PRONGHORN RUNNING IN THE RED DESERT, JEFF VANUGA; WILD HORSES, WYOMING OFFICE OF TOURISM; BEAVER, ISTOCKPHOTO. 16 Wyoming Adventure Guide

19 BUFFALO Experience 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 SHERIDAN Rich 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 LARAMIE Rich 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 CHEYENNE Visit 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

20 ACCOMMODATIONS BLAIR HOTELS With 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.