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About Wyoming
Covering 97,914 square miles in the Rocky Mountain West, Wyoming anchors two of America's crown-jewel national parks within its borders. Yellowstone — the world's first national park — protects the planet's largest supervolcanic hydrothermal system, while the jagged Teton Range rises dramatically above the Snake River Valley just to the south. The state's ranching heritage shapes its towns: Cheyenne hosts Frontier Days, the 'Daddy of 'em All' rodeo; Cody was founded by Buffalo Bill Cody; and Jackson serves as the outdoor-adventure gateway for the region. Wyoming has no state income tax and ranks among the least congested destinations in the Lower 48.
- Capital
- Cheyenne
- Largest city
- Cheyenne
- Population
- 584,057
- Languages
- English
- Currency
- US Dollar (USD)
- Time zone
- Mountain Time (MT) — UTC−7 MDT / UTC−6 MST
Explore Wyoming by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Wyoming
The 8 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Grand Teton National Park
Old Faithful Geyser
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Devil's Tower National Monument
Grand Prismatic Spring
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Wyoming Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Wyoming, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Wyoming
- Days 1-2Wyoming city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Wyoming
- Days 1-3Wyoming comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Wyoming, departure
Where to stay in Wyoming
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget $75–170/day
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range $245–445/day
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury $750–2,050+/day
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Amangani
Check rates on Booking.comFour Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole
Check rates on Booking.comSnake River Lodge & Spa
Check rates on Booking.comSpring Creek Ranch
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Wyoming
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Snake River Grill
The Blue Lion
The Kitchen
Gather
The Bunnery Bakery & Restaurant
Q Roadhouse & Brewing Co.
Getting around Wyoming
Wyoming has no passenger rail service and limited intercity bus routes. A rental car or personal vehicle is essential for exploring national parks and backcountry areas. Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) offers the most scenic airport approach in the U.S., landing inside Grand Teton National Park.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in USD, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $40–80/night (hostels, budget motels, camping) | $120–220/night (mid-range hotels, lodges) | $400–1,200+/night (Amangani, Four Seasons) |
| Food (per day) | $20–35/day | $50–80/day | $120–200/day |
| Transportation | $15–25/day (gas/rental share) | $45–65/day (rental car) | $80–150/day (luxury SUV rental) |
| Activities | $0–30/day (national park entry $35/vehicle covers 7 days) | $30–80/day | $150–500/day (heli-skiing, fly-fishing guiding, private tours) |
| Daily total | $75–170/day | $245–445/day | $750–2,050+/day |
Best time to visit Wyoming
June–August for parks access; December–March for skiing; September–October for fall foliage and fewer crowds
Yellowstone's peak season brings 4–5 million visitors; consider late May or September for significantly shorter lines at Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic
Essential travel tips
- Book Yellowstone lodges 12–18 months in advance for summer; cancellations open up closer to the date
- The America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80 / ~$80) covers all national parks and is worth buying if visiting 3+ parks
- Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) sits inside Grand Teton NP; the approach is spectacular but landing fees make flights pricier
- Wyoming has no state income tax so shopping prices are lower than neighboring Colorado or Montana
- Cell service is nonexistent in most of Yellowstone — download offline maps (Gaia GPS app) before entering
Safety information
Carry bear spray when hiking in Yellowstone or Grand Teton — available at outfitters in Jackson (Skinny Skis, 65 W Deloney Ave) or any park visitor center
Stay at least 100 yards (91 m) from bears and wolves, 25 yards (23 m) from all other wildlife
Never approach bison — they can sprint 35 mph and cause serious injury
Check road and weather conditions before driving mountain passes — WYDOT hotline: 511
Fill up gas tanks whenever possible; stations can be 50+ miles apart in remote areas
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Wyoming?
The best time to visit Wyoming is June–August.
What currency is used in Wyoming?
The currency in Wyoming is the US Dollar (USD). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
What language is spoken in Wyoming?
The main language(s) spoken in Wyoming: English. In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.
What are the top attractions in Wyoming?
The top attractions in Wyoming include Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Old Faithful Geyser, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, and Devil's Tower National Monument. Each offers a unique experience, from historic landmarks to natural wonders.