Find 5 Bucket-List-Level Views in Wyoming Without Needing To Be an Expert Hiker

Wyoming’s gorgeous landscapes easily top the list of the things I love most about the Cowboy State. Yes, there are areas where it seems like the same scene never ends. But then there are destinations that make your jaw drop. While some of these bucket-list-level views do require extra effort and your sturdiest hiking boots to reach, others are perfect for beginner hikers and families. In fact, the following are just five of my favorite easy, family-friendly hikes in Wyoming, and each one offers breathtaking views.

1. Devil’s Tower Trail

• Location: Devil’s Tower National Monument in northeastern Wyoming
• Distance: 1.6 miles

Devil’s Tower is one of the most well-known natural landmarks in Wyoming, as it rises 867 feet from its base. It is a sacred place for the Northern Plains Indians and home to postcard-worthy scenery. The Devil’s Tower Trail is a 1.6-mile loop trail that features a small climb at the beginning and in a few spots along the way. However, overall, it is easy to follow and perfect for even young hikers. You’ll not only get to enjoy this incredible natural feature up close on this hike, but you’ll also be high enough that you can look out and see for miles on a clear day.

2. Schwabacher’s Landing Trail

• Location: Grand Teton National Park
• Distance: 0.5 miles

There are several trails within Grand Teton National Park that each provide bucket-list-level views. However, Schwabacher’s Landing Trail is a family-friendly hike that checks off all the boxes. This out-and-back trail is short, flat, wide, and beautiful. On your short journey, you will follow a creek and find views of the Teton Mountains that are so beautiful, they don’t even look real. I particularly love this trail in the autumn months when the crowds are smaller, it’s easier to spot wildlife, and fall foliage frames the mountains. Grand Teton National Park is my favorite national park in the U.S., and this hike is just one of the many reasons why.

3. Buffalo Bill Dam via Hayden Arch Bridge

• Location: Near Cody
• Distance: 4.2 miles

This out-and-back trail is one of the longer and more difficult trails on our list, but I could not leave it off. For the most part, this trail is paved and smooth, but there are some areas with a bit of a climb—the easiest areas are within the first mile. But, despite the longer distance and the inclines, you will enjoy some of the most astounding views of the Shoshone River, Buffalo Bill Dam, Hayden Arch Bridge, and the canyon. This is a great trail for wheelchairs, strollers, bikes, rollerblades, etc. However, you may feel a little winded on some of the steeper grades.

 4. Vedauwoo Trail

• Location: Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, between Laramie and Cheyenne
• Distance: 0.6 miles

No list of the best family-friendly hiking trails in Wyoming would be complete without the Vedauwoo Trail. This hike may not have breathtaking vistas where you can see for miles as similar trails on our list, but you’ll still capture some extraordinary scenery. At just over 0.5 miles, this paved trail takes you through trees and over a bridge to rocks of all sizes for a day of climbing, scrambling, and admiring.

5. West Tensleep Falls

• Location: Bighorn National Forest, near Ten Sleep
• Distance: 1.5 miles

One waterfall hike in Wyoming that deserves a spot on every bucket list is West Tensleep Falls. This short and easy hike follows the river, is shaded, and ends with a waterfall finish. There is a bit of a climb, but it’s not so hard that you’ll feel out of breath. I recommend you don’t rush through this journey—you are exploring some of Mother Nature’s gorgeous creations here. Keep in mind, however, that the road to reach this trail can be closed in the winter due to heavy snow.

I will admit this is just the beginning of the best family-friendly, easy hikes in Wyoming–there are countless others we could add. If you have a favorite trail you think deserves to be on this list, let me know by filling out this nomination form. And, for your next Only In Wyoming adventure, make sure to check out Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.