26 Exciting Things To Do in Wyoming in 2026 (You’ll Want to Save This List)

My New Year's Resolution for 2026? To experience my state like never before.

Like so many others who have caught the wanderlust bug, my list of things to see and do across the U.S. alone is staggering—and it just keeps growing. Over the last few years, though, I've gained a newfound appreciation for loving where I live—for discovering its hidden corners, and its underrated but lovable oddities and overlooked wonders. However, as we get closer to the end of the year, I realize there are still many items left on my bucket list. Fortunately, there's plenty of time in 2026 to experience Wyoming to the fullest. Below is just a quick snippet of my larger Wyoming bucket list—accommodations, experiences, stops, and everything in between—and a small tribute to the heart of The Cowboy State. Join me, won't you?

1. Stargaze at Devils Tower

Wyoming is fortunate to have numerous dark sky areas and wide-open, undeveloped stretches of rugged terrain from which to enjoy the heavens put on their nightly show. Yet, somehow, I've never wound up near Devils Tower after dark. This year, I'm determined to make it happen.

2. Dig into Next-Level Steak at Buffalo Jump Steakhouse

Tucked all the way in Eastern Wyoming, practically on the South Dakota line, Vore Buffalo Jump is a unique historical site that doesn't get a lot of attention. Just a few miles away, Buffalo Jump Steakhouse in the tiny town of Beulah is a top-tier, award-winning steakhouse that I've had my eye on for quite some time now.

3. Go Ice Skating at Boysen State Park

Boysen State Park is an underrated gem in the heart of Wyoming's Wind River country and there are a million and one ways to enjoy it, from scenic drives along the reservoir to high-speed water recreation in the summer. But when Boysen Reservoir freezes over and the surrounding Owl Creek Mountains are blanketed with snow, there's also no better place to take a spin on Mother Nature's very own ice rink! It's secluded and it's under the radar, and if you're as much of a fan of cold-weather activities as I am, you'll absolutely love taking a few laps around the quiet, sectioned-off rink while ice fishermen try their luck in the distance.

4. Embrace Winter at Pinedale's Winter Carnival

Speaking of ice, the little town of Pinedale has a LOT of it, and their annual Winter Carnival has earned quite a reputation as being one of the best places to experience a Wyoming winter to the fullest. There's skijoring (of course) and a host of other winter sports to spectate or compete in, but my favorite activity is definitely the cardboard races. While this event typically takes place in the early months of the year, I'm starting now to plan my getaway so I don't miss any of the excitement.

5. Hike to Both Upper and Lower Yellowstone Falls

The 308-foot Lower Yellowstone Falls is as iconic as it is powerful, especially in spring when runoff is at its peak. But like so many others who have visited Wyoming's expansive first national park and photographed the park's most famous waterfall, I've never taken the time to admire both sections of this waterfall from all its various overlooks and perspectives. This year, in addition to exploring more of the park's outskirts and trails, I want to make it a point to see and appreciate every angle of Wyoming's crown jewel—both Upper and Lower.

6. Stay at the Nationally-Awarded Lodge and Spa at Brush Creek Ranch

This stunning luxury ranch will forever and always have a spot on my Wyoming bucket list until Santa gifts me with a weekend stay (or a month). Horseback riding, baking classes, spa treatments, a private ski hill in winter, five-star cuisine, and luxury cabin vibes are all I want for Christmas in 2026!

7. Hike Medicine Bow Peak

Hiking Medicine Bow Peak offers stunning 360-degree panoramic views from its 12,014-foot summit in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. With scenic trails that pass by serene alpine lakes and meadows filled with wildflowers, this beautiful but challenging climb up the tallest mountain in the Snowy Range rewards you with breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife encounters. It is one of the best hikes in Wyoming.

8. Zipline at Sleeping Giant

Call me an adrenaline junkie, but ziplining is the perfect blend of speed and scenic beauty. And when the zipline is basically voluntary whiplash through a gorgeous slice of the Absarokas, you can count me in. The 6,000 feet of sky-high zipline awaits!

9. Tour the Pryor Mountain Wild Mustang Center

If you've ever driven the Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Route near Green River, Wyoming, you've likely seen a few members of Wyoming's resident wild horse bands that roam the state. As a hobby wildlife photographer, spots like these are always a dream to visit! But taking an official wild horse tour with the Pryor Mountain Wild Mustang Center in Lovell has been on my radar for a while; it's an incredible opportunity to experience this sweeping landscape up close but with the experience and guidance of those who know these beautiful creatures best. Plus, it's a lot easier to take in the sights when you don't have to keep your eyes on the road ahead!

10. Ride a Hot Air Balloon Over the Teton Valley

If taking to the skies in a hot air balloon isn't already on your bucket list, it definitely should be. And for me, the opportunity to soar above the lush valley floor with the spectacular Teton Mountains as a backdrop is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I can't wait to check off my list.

11. Paddle Flaming Gorge

Red rocks, blue water, clear skies, enjoying Wyoming's canyon scenery at a leisurely pace—why haven't I floated this slice of the Green River yet? This is the year to change that! Add on to that a trip to the Flaming Gorge Dam, a drive along the Flaming Gorge Scenic Byway, and an overnight stay at the epic Firehole Campground, and this is one getaway that's guaranteed to be memorable.

12. Go Spelunking at Sinks Canyon

I've scrambled through my fair share of caves before, but the Boulder Choke Cave System at Sinks Canyon State Park is a recent discovery that I honestly had no idea existed. Spelunking in Wyoming feels like stepping into a forgotten underground world that's just as rugged and unexpected as the surface, except here, beneath the towering canyon walls, the labyrinth of limestone tunnels invites explorers to crawl, climb, and marvel at centuries-old formations shaped by flowing water. Paired with the intrigue of the “Sinks,” where the river vanishes underground, spelunking here is a true "Only in Wyoming" adventure that is calling my name.

13. Visit the Brinton Museum

As much as I love outdoor adventures, I'm also a fan of visiting just about any art, history, or science museum I can find. Wyoming's history is storied and diverse, ranging from Native American traditions and prehistoric remains to pioneer settlements and the rise of cattle ranching. Our state's many museums delve often into Wyoming's rich past through larger-than-life displays, but the Brinton Museum peers into Cowboy State history through the lens of art. Bonus: it's surrounded by the gorgeous Bighorn Mountains, has an on-site restaurant, and is its own work of art inside and out.

14. Top City to Visit in Wyoming in 2026: Cody

Known as the “Rodeo Capital of the World,” Cody is no hidden gem—but it is a modern peek into the old American West. This city is worth visiting time and time again, from its rustic storefronts to its Western-themed museums. But as if that wasn't all, Cody also serves as a gateway to Yellowstone National Park and is home to breathtaking drives like the Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway and even the fantastically recreated Old Trail Town. The hardest part of visiting Cody? Deciding where to stay so you're closer to the action!

15. Hike the Cirque of Towers

Does any hike more perfectly capture the wild, untamed beauty of Wyoming like the iconic Cirque of Towers? Boasting sweeping panoramas of jagged granite peaks and emerald lakes nestled in glacial basins, The Cirque is a bucket list hike if there ever was one, and while there are quite a few different trailhead and route options, even the main 23-mile loop should be reserved for skilled hikers. I think I'm finally ready to tackle this one (with multiple GPS options in hand, of course).

16. Dine Above the Clouds at Piste Mountain Bistro

Treating yourself should always come with views as epic as Jackson Hole's one-of-a-kind mountain-top restaurant. Here, soups, salads, gourmet appetizers, and stunning entrees await your choosing. Any menu recommendations for me?

17. Explore Cheyenne

There's so much to see and do in Wyoming's capital, particularly in the summer—Frontier Days, anyone? However, in the fall and winter months, there's still so much to do and see, from the city's many museums to the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens. Stay for a night or multiple days and explore. I can't wait to see what new adventure is waiting for me.

18. Stay at the Haunted Occidental Hotel in Buffalo

Nothing says adventure like a haunted hotel. Given that, 2026 seems like a prime year to visit the spooky Occidental Hotel in Buffalo, where a ghostly girl in white is said to haunt guests. This 140-year-old hotel is also rich in Wild West history, fully equipped with a saloon once frequented by outlaws and gunslingers who left their rowdy mark in bullet holes in the ceiling. 

19. Picnic at Ayres Natural Bridge Park

A short and easy trail leads to Ayres Natural Bridge, a stunning rock arch over LaPrele Creek near Douglas, Wyoming. It’s not only one of the few natural bridges with water flowing beneath it all year, but it was once a popular campsite for pioneers on the Oregon Trail as well. Sometimes the simple things get overlooked when planning a quick day trip, but this is the perfect spot to spend a lazy Saturday, in my opinion!

20. Go Trail Riding at the Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch

Wyoming's dramatic landscapes are seemingly made for exploring on horseback, and the heart of Shell Canyon country is an epic place to start. The Hideout Lodge and Guest Ranch offers trail riding through some of the most scenic nooks and crannies of North-Central Wyoming that I've been starry-eyed over for ages.

21. Sleep in a Glamping Safari Tent in Jackson

Wyoming's western half boasts an incredible amount of luxury when it comes to dining and accommodations. But this fantastic ranch glampground near Jackson does cowboy-style luxury in the most unique way! Massive safari-style tents here boast plush linens, modern amenities, community activities, easy access to Grand Teton National Park, and even prepared meals upon request.

22. Off-Road to Kirwin

Wyoming has dozens of ghost towns to its name, each with its own unique story, setting, and remaining structures to admire. Kirwin is a challenge to reach, with river crossings and sharp drop-offs galore, but it is well worth the extra effort for those with off-roading experience.

23. Drive the Beartooth Highway in the Fall

If you have to choose just one scenic drive to set out on in Wyoming in 2026, make it this one. But I'll take it a step further: if you're planning for fall and looking for mountain grandeur and a winding, spectacular journey through fiery fall foliage and towering rock formations, and alongside jaw-dropping high-altitude lakes, the 68-mile Beartooth Highway through Montana and Wyoming is tough to beat (if you catch it before it closes for the season, that is).

24. Snuggle Up and Disconnect at a Log Cabin in Shell

Adorable, warm, and packed with uber-snuggly fabrics, this charming cabin in Shell feels like a home away from home, while feeling like a cozy and private oasis all in one. Nestled in a small western town at the foot of the breathtaking Big Horn Mountains, this cabin makes a great home base for outdoor adventures, whether they be hiking, fishing, or simply appreciating nature itself.

25. Dune Buggy at Killpecker Sand Dunes

Sandboarding isn't the only way to enjoy these shifting, Mojave Desert-like dunes. Fun fact: the Killpecker Sand Dunes area, located in southwestern Wyoming, covers approximately 11,000 acres and is the second-largest active sand dune field in the world!

26. Grab a Great Book at This Cozy Laramie Bookstore

While Wyoming is filled with adventure, it's also home to folksy spots with a cozier vibe. Night Heron Books in Laramie stands as a wonderful example of one such welcoming place! A perfect setting to pick out your next read from their vast selection of second-hand books, this two-story bookstore even has a coffeehouse stocked with espresso and delightful eats to dine on as you spend hours getting lost among its many shelves. 

To be honest, this is a pretty ambitious list. Even if some things remain forever unchecked, compiling it was a reminder of how much there is to see and do in Wyoming and just how special this state is, from its rugged, uncharted wilderness areas to its grandiose natural wonders.

If there's a restaurant or place you have on your own list for 2026, feel free to nominate it! We'd love to hear what you consider to be the best things to do in Wyoming. All ready to plan your first adventure of 2026? Make this trip the best one yet and use the Only In Your State Travel Planner to tailor your travels just to your liking.