A Nature Lovers Definitive Guide To Wyoming’s Natural Beauty – Parks, Beaches, Hikes And More!

Sinks Canyon State Park is a natural paradise that's perfect for hiking, wading, and camping. The hallmark of the park, which follows the Popo Agie River, is the "Sinks" - where the Middle Fork of the river disappears into an underground cavern, only to appear again downstream at "The Rise". The park's trails will often lead you to small pools of water that are perfect for splashing and wading to cool off under the hot sun. Read more about Sinks Canyon State Park right here.

Glendo State Park is a top-tier beach in Wyoming where you'll feel like you've discovered an amazing secret. This reservoir is great for fishing, boating, paddling, swimming, and even camping! If you're looking to cool off without fighting off summer crowds, this peaceful and secluded beach might become your favorite place around. Learn more about it right here.

The hike to Delta Lake isn't an easy one, but any hiker in moderate shape (or with enough time on their hands!) can access this gorgeous teal lake. It's hard to believe that it's real! Hike up from the Lupine Meadows trailhead towards Amphitheater and Surprise Lakes and look for a short boulder-field trail down to Delta. For a grueling day hike, visit all three lakes to decide which one you love the most. We think it's going to be Delta, but the other two are absolutely worth seeing. This remarkable alpine lake will take your breath away.

Did you know that Wyoming is home to more than two dozen islands? Almost all of them are tiny bodies of water in Jackson or Yellowstone Lake, but there's one that's world-famous. Oxbow Bend is an island in the middle of the Snake River. It lies in the shadow of Mount Moran and was one of Ansel Adams' favorite spots to take pictures. You can even paddle out to see Oxbow Bend up close if you love to kayak! Oxbow Bend is one of the best spots to catch a sunset in Grand Teton National Park.

While it's hard to choose one particular hike to feature for the "best" in Wyoming, if you browse through lists and guidebooks, you'll find that locals and adventurers always point to Cascade Canyon. The hike begins by taking the Jenny Lake boat to the trailhead, and along the way, you can make pit stops to see Inspiration Point and Hidden Falls before the trail opens up into a remarkable canyon. You can even turn it into an overnight adventure by hiking to Lake Solitude, or up across the Paintbrush Divide! See why this hike is consistently called the most incredible hike in Wyoming.

The Snake River is a stunning natural wonder that runs through Western Wyoming. It's iconic enough to have been featured in world-famous photos of Wyoming and draws whitewater kayakers and paddlers to tackle well-known rapids like the Lunch Counter and Big Kahuna. Read more about the wild and scenic Snake River right here, and plan your trip to explore.

While the Tetons get all of the international attention when it comes to Wyoming mountains, locals know that the most beautiful summit in the state is the Big Horn Medicine Wheel. This sacred Native American site is incredibly important to the history and culture of the region. Learn about this sacred site and how you can (respectfully) visit it, too.

If you'd like to see flowers in bloom and all sorts of interesting plants, head to the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens! The Garden is home to an enormous Greenhouse Conservatory, so you can enjoy the blossoms all winter long. Kids, in particular, will love the time spent in the magical, fairytale-like Children's Garden. Plan a day surrounded by a truly magical green space.