For those who are fascinated with wildlife, an African safari is probably on your bucket list. While Africa might be the ultimate safari, why not start with one right here in America? It just so happens that the American Serengeti is right here in Wyoming and you'll definitely want to experience this unique adventure.
Lamar Valley is considered the "American Serengeti" due to the large and easy-to-see populations of wildlife found in the area. The valley stretches along the Lamar River in the northeastern section of Yellowstone. There's no other experience that is comparable to watching wildlife going about their daily activities in their natural habitat.
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To reach Lamar Valley, take the 29-mile road that runs through the Northeast Entrance to Yellowstone National Park and head west. Here, the land is surrounded by rugged peaks which are home and shelter for the many species of wildlife.
Lamar Valley is one of the best places for catching glimpses of wildlife, especially of large herds of bison and packs of wolves. Wolves were reintroduced back into this area in the mid '90s. Two of the most popular wolf packs are the Junction Butte and Lamar Canyon wolf packs.
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Besides bison and wolves, other animals that roam the valley are pronghorn, badgers, grizzly bears, coyotes, bald eagles, osprey and deer. For your convenience, there are a lot of pullouts along the road for access to wildlife viewing.
The best time for viewing wildlife in the valley is either early morning, preferably before sunrise, or late evening because that's when the animals are more active. There are two small campgrounds in Lamar Valley which will help those who want to get an early start.
Check out this video of a large herd of bison in Lamar Valley by YouTube user, 31wammy.
View the area on your own, take a guided excursion or take advantage of a photo safari so you can keep the memories alive.
Ready to swap your skis for a harness and helmet? When the snow melts at Sleeping Giant Ski Area in Cody, Wyoming, the mountain morphs into a playground for warm weather thrill-seekers, featuring the state’s largest zipline course. Imagine zipping through the air with the stunning backdrop of Yellowstone National Park and the Big Horn Basin below you. If you’re craving an adrenaline rush and a unique way to soak in the breathtaking scenery, this fantastic zipline adventure is calling your name!
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For many, Sleeping Giant Ski Area is a winter wonderland known for its family-friendly slopes and proximity to Yellowstone National Park. But in the off-season, this ski area transforms into a thrilling zipline park, offering a totally different way to experience Wyoming’s wilderness.
Wyoming is known for staying true to its wild and rugged roots, which means developed ziplines around these parts are few and far between. Fortunately, Sleeping Giant knows how to seamlessly blend nature and adrenaline! Located just 50 miles from Yellowstone’s East Entrance, Sleeping Giant is one of the oldest ski areas in Wyoming, dating all the way back to 1936. Its longevity speaks to its charm, but the zipline? It’s a fresh way to take in the stunning views of the Absaroka Range and the surrounding wilderness, especially in the summer and fall months when the landscape is painted in greens, oranges, and golds.
The Sleeping Giant Zipline is not for the faint of heart – or maybe it is, because even though it’s fast and high, it’s also an incredibly smooth and scenic ride. The course consists of five different ziplines, each one offering a new perspective of the surrounding landscape. Some are shorter and designed to ease you into the experience, while others are built for pure speed, with the longest stretching 3,520 feet (more than half a mile) and launching you over the Shoshone River. Although, for those looking to ease into it, you can also choose to tackle just one of the lines.
Throughout the ride, you’ll get to take in sweeping views of the Absaroka Mountains, the river below, and forests that seem to stretch forever. If you're lucky, you might even spot distant wildlife in the trees below – this is Wyoming, after all, where elk, deer, and even bears occasionally wander by.
The zipline is built for thrill-seekers, but it all starts with a scenic chairlift ride to the top of the ski hill where you can take in the panoramic views before stepping off the platform and whizzing through the air. You’ll be securely harnessed in, but once you’re out there, it’s just you, the line, and the wind!
By the time you hit the fourth zipline – aptly named “The Grand Finale” – you’ll be cruising at speeds up to 45 miles per hour over the river and through the trees. The combination of speed, height, and the beauty of the landscape makes this one of the most exhilarating zipline experiences in the region.
One of the best things about the zipline at Sleeping Giant is that it’s built for all ages and experience levels. You don’t have to be a ziplining pro to take part, and it’s perfect for families looking for a unique outdoor activity. Kids as young as 8 years old can participate, making it an ideal way to introduce younger adventurers to the thrill of ziplining. But do note that there are height and weight restrictions for safety. And don't worry – guides will be by your side from start to finish.
While most people think of ziplining as a summer activity, Sleeping Giant’s zipline runs even into early fall, and there’s something magical about flying through the autumn air just as the leaves are starting to change color.
Then, if you’re looking to make a full day or weekend of it, the Sleeping Giant Zipline is just one part of the adventure. Cody, a short 30-minute drive away, is packed with things to do, from exploring legendary stops, like the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, to the Dug Up Gun Museum, Old Trail Town, Buffalo Bill Dam, and so much more. Plus, you’re right on the doorstep of Yellowstone National Park, so you can easily combine a day of ziplining with some time exploring one of America’s most iconic natural wonders.
Before you head out to Sleeping Giant, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. First, this epic zipline is only open during the summer and fall months, typically from mid-June through early October. You’ll want to check ahead for specific dates and make a reservation to secure your spot. Cost varies by season and how many of the ziplines you plan to cruise on.
Sleeping Giant Zipline offers an experience that’s part adrenaline rush, part scenic tour, and entirely unforgettable. It’s the kind of activity that’ll make you see Wyoming’s wild beauty from a whole new perspective – and have you grinning from ear to ear the whole way down. Whether you’re soaring over the Shoshone River or catching glimpses of the Absaroka Mountains in the distance, one thing’s for sure: This is an adventure you won’t forget!
If you need a place to stay, there are some awesome options in the heart of Cody and equally cool campgrounds. Be sure to grab some grub after your sky-high adventure! You can't go wrong with any of these iconic Wyoming restaurants.
Gone, but not forgotten. Here are some pictures of abandoned places in Wyoming that once were full of life but now have been left to lie in abandonment and disarray. Even though these creepy places in Wyoming are no longer cared for, remnants still remain as a reminder of distant memories. Oh, if these abandoned Wyoming structures could talk. What tales they would tell.
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1. Abandoned cabin in the Gros Ventre section of Grand Teton National Park.
2. Abandoned house on Highway 14 near Devils Tower.
3. An abandoned home in Wyoming that is clearly not safe to inhabit.
4. The inside of an abandoned farm house.
5. Abandoned cars in Bosier.
6. This is an abandoned service station between Cheyenne and Pine Bluffs.
7. An abandoned store in Shoshoni.
8. An abandoned cabin in Wyoming.
9. Abandoned Tumble Inn & Lounge Cafe in Powder River.
10. An abandoned power plant in Cheyenne.
11. Abandoned farm and horse-drawn plow in Star Valley.
12. Abandoned Carissa Mine in South Pass City.
13. An abandoned home in Auburn.
14. An abandoned bar in Cokeville.
15. An abandoned cabin in Miner's Delight.
You can check out some more of abandoned Wyoming in this ghost town tour on YouTube from Travel with a Wisguy:
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Abandoned Wyoming is really interesting to check out. It's hard to imagine when some of these places are new and functional, but it's nostalgic to try to imagine their lively pasts. How many of these have you seen? Are you ready to pack up your car and hit the road to explore abandoned Wyoming? Do you know of other abandoned places in Wyoming that we didn't mention, or of ghost towns in Wyoming we should check out?