We'll say it time and time again - there's truly no place on earth like the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem. If you think that Yellowstone is all tourists and crowded trails, you just have to get a little more creative in your exploring! Take Dunanda Falls Hot Springs, for example. This remote Yellowstone National Park backcountry hot spring is one place where you can truly get away from it all in a magical setting.
To discover more incredible off-the-beaten-path destinations across America, Destination Detour has you covered.
Dunanda Falls is one of many Yellowstone backcountry cascades. Shown here is Boundary Creek, which tumbles 150 feet and is a stunning waterfall that belongs on every hiker's bucket list. However, you must keep in mind it's a long trek to get here — nearly 17 miles round trip. But it's worth it, and you'll see why!
Heading into Yellowstone's backcountry can be a daunting experience, but if you truly want to get to know the greater ecosystem, there's no better way to do it. For a truly rewarding adventure, hike from the Lone Star Geyser Basin or Bechler Ranger Station to Dunanda Falls Hot Springs.
The most common route to Dunanda Falls in Yellowstone departs from the Bechler Ranger Station and takes you 17 miles out and back through some of the most remote wilderness in Wyoming. There is minimal elevation gain along the trail, and you'll mostly be hiking through forests and meadows.
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This area does often close for bear management, so be aware, and be sure to secure permits before heading out.
If you're not one for backcountry hiking, there are outfitters offering pack trips to Dunanda Falls Hot Springs. This is the safest way to get back to this beautiful hot spring with seasoned hikers.
Wildland Trekking offers llama hikes through this beautiful backcountry! The llamas will carry most of your gear and you'll end up enjoying a relaxing trip through the wilderness along with experienced guides.
To learn more about the multi-day hot spring waterfall trip, visit the Wildland Trekking website.
You'll get to experience the beauty of the backcountry without having to strike out on your own! This is the perfect trip for anyone who is hesitant to head into the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem alone, or for inexperienced backcountry campers.
If you plan on camping anywhere near Dunanda Falls in Yellowstone, you'll have to settle for backcountry camping. Throughout this national park are a total of 293 backcountry campsites with a maximum stay of 1-3 nights. Each campsite has a food storage box or pole as a deterrent to bears. Peak camping season is between May 15 and Oct. 31 while the off-season is Nov. 1 through May 14. Take a look at the backcountry campsite map and visit Recreation.gov to obtain a backcountry permit.
While camping is popular within Yellowstone, there are several lodges within its borders you can book. Take, for example, Old Faithful Inn, perhaps the closest lodge to Dunanda Falls. This lodge is a National Historic Landmark that's considered one of the largest log cabins in the wold and boasts having over 327 rooms. On site are a restaurant, a lounge, and several accessible public areas.
Another lodging option within the park is Lake Yellowstone Hotel & Cabins. This hotel with cabins is open seasonally between mid-May and early October. Cabins have showers, heat, and two double beds. They are also pet-friendly. On site you'll find dining options, Lake Yellowstone views, and access to lake activities through the hotel.
While camping and lodging are always options, you may want to stay on the outskirts of Yellowstone National Park instead. One incredible vacation rental is the Luxury Mountain Modern near Yellowstone. This stunning cabin in Cody boasts 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a stone fireplace, 18-foot ceilings, and 5 acres giving you all the peace and quiet your heart could desire.
Head a bit further south and you can stay in Dubois at the Fisherman's Cabin on the Anderson Ranch. Surrounded by 40 acres set on the Wind River, this remote retreat is studio-style with two beds and one bathroom and river views from its porch. Sounds heavenly to me!
When you finally arrive at the falls via backcountry hiking, you'll be in awe of what awaits! At the base of Dunanda Falls, naturally heated hot spring pools invite you in for a relaxing soak. The pools' temperatures average around 110 degrees Fahrenheit, which is perfect for a steamy soak.
While the trek to get here takes you through some of the most pristine wilderness in Wyoming, the highlight of the journey will undoubtedly be the time spent soaking at Dunanda Falls.
Can't you just picture yourself here? The mist of the falls splashing down into the naturally heated water makes for a refreshing soak, and when the light is right, you'll find yourself looking at a beautiful rainbow.
If you're looking for a truly memorable adventure in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem where you'll avoid the crowds and soak in a natural hot spring, it's hard to top a visit to this beautiful waterfall.
You can check the status of backcountry conditions online. As always, carry bear mace, make noise, and hang or store food and other fragrant items properly.
First time visiting Yellowstone National Park? How exciting! Check out this video for common questions and answers related to visiting our U.S. National Parks:
In the age of social media, it's no secret that the masses tend to flock to the most unsecretive of locations - often searching for that perfect post-worthy photo. We know all too well how popular our state's national parks have become in recent years! But Wyoming's state parks, preserves, and national monuments are all worth a visit as well, and it's in these humble, little-visited places that we find some of the most scenic and rejuvenating rewards. In total, Wyoming may only have 12 state parks to its name, but they each showcase an incredible amount of beauty and diversity that can't be found anywhere else.
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At Edness K. Wilkins State Park near Evansville, you’ll find refreshing scenery, awesome adventures, plenty of wildlife, and way fewer crowds than you'd expect for being right in the heart of Wyoming. For a picture-perfect escape into nature, this quiet state park is one of the best places to be!
Edness K. Wilkins State Park is a natural haven nestled beside the North Platte River just a short drive from Casper. It's relatively petite at only 362 acres but offers a fantastic respite for nature lovers despite its small footprint.
Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the rugged beauty of the landscape while enjoying a variety of outdoor activities. Kayaking and paddleboarding are particularly popular!
Bird watchers will delight in spotting various avian species along the riverbanks. Keep an eye out for eagles, herons, ibis, warblers, sparrows, and a variety of birds as they gracefully navigate the skies and water.
We aren't exaggerating when we say that this park is a bird watcher's mecca. The Audubon Society of Wyoming lists Edness K. Wilkins State Park, which is situated along the Migratory Flyaway, as a prime region for rare birdlife. Up to 100 different species can be seen in any season and there's no bad time to visit!
Visitors will love that Edness K. Wilkins boasts a number of hiking trails that wind through the varied terrain. These trails provide opportunities to explore the park’s diverse ecosystems, from riverbanks to wooded areas - all of which are prime areas for different types of birds. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual stroller, there’s a trail suited to your pace and preferences.
While Edness Wilkins is primarily a day-use area, the park is all about bringing nature and nature lovers together. Throughout the year, you'll find group hikes, waterfront outdoor movies, all-ages nature crafts, stargazing events, and more.
Keep an eye on the Edness K. Wilkins State Park Facebook page for upcoming special events, or check out the Wyoming State Parks website for details on park amenities, group areas, and fees.
What are your favorite places to eat and play in the Evansville area?
Next, drive to nearby Alcova for a trip back in time all the way back to Oregon Trail days! The Devil's Gate is a one-of-a-kind formation that isn't just surrounded by history - it's literally a part of it.
The Cowboy State is an incredible place, and come June, many of us are on the hunt for fun things to do in Wyoming in summer. There are so many great Wyoming summer activities that it can be a bit overwhelming, but we're here to help. Whether you're heading out with the whole family in tow, want a fun outing for you and a few friends, or you're traveling solo, there's plenty to entertain you here. Check out a few of our favorite things to do in Wyoming in summer:
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Best Summer Vacation Destinations In Wyoming
The kids are out of school and it's the perfect season for a summer vacation. From quick day trips to extended vacations, there's so much to enjoy here! We're lucky enough to have plenty of wonderful trips in Wyoming, and there's no better time to get out and explore.
Need To Know: Looking for a great place to stay near Grand Teton National Park? Elk Country Inn is considered one of the best hotels in Jackson, WY. The lodging here is comfortable and the inn is within easy driving distance of many area attractions.
There's not much we can say about Grand Teton National Park that hasn't been said before. This is an absolutely magical place that belongs on every traveler's bucket list, and it's not just one of the best Wyoming summer activities - it's one of the best summer activities for anyone in the country. There are more than 300,000 acres here, and the pristine land is full of trails, wildlife, lakes, and waterfalls. It's an indescribably beautiful area no matter the season, but summer brings an even wider variety of experiences, since you can go paddling, rock climbing, and more.
Location: Northwest Wyoming (and Idaho and Montana)
Popularity: Very Popular
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Need To Know: You'll find an array of hotels and vacation rentals near Yellowstone. We love this cozy trapper cabin Vrbo. The tiny log cabin has so much charm and it is perfect for a couple.
Perhaps the only place in the state more beautiful than the first park on our list is the incomparable Yellowstone National Park. It's famous all over the world for its incredible beauty, and from hiking to kayaking, you can find virtually limitless activities to enjoy here. Summer is a particularly amazing time to visit this amazing national park thanks to all the fun water activities and the multitude of tours that are available. If you don't feel up for planning an epic adventure through the park, check out the guided tours available through Viator - they'll allow all the fun with none of the work!
Need To Know: This is one of the most popular ski resorts in the country, but it's a beautiful place to visit in the summertime, too.
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There's a lot to love about Jackson Hole at any time of year, and there's plenty of sightseeing and events to be enjoyed even in the warm months. The aerial tram provides amazing panoramic views of the Tetons, and you'll find no shortage of great hiking trails. The bike park here features a wide variety of trails for every skill level. Paragliding, rock climbing, aerial ropes, and kayaking are all also available, and there's plenty of great dining opportunities, too. Learn more about all the fun you can have here from the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Facebook page.
Best Beaches In Wyoming To Visit This Summer
We may be a landlocked state, but there's no shortage of great lakes in Wyoming that provide fun on the water. Beautiful beaches abound here, and it's the season to get out and explore! Whether you love recreational opportunities on the water or just like to chill out on the shoreline, there's plenty to enjoy at these great Wyoming beaches.
Need To Know: Dogs are not allowed here, so Fido will have to stay at home.
This freshwater lake in the Bridger-Teton National Forest features incredibly clear water that's absolutely stunning. Views of the mountains make this place look straight off of a postcard. The water is pretty shallow along the shoreline and suitable for kayaks and canoes. It's a great place to settle down for a picnic. Note that the water here is extremely cold, so be prepared before leaping in for a swim!
Need To Know: You'll find this beach at the north end of Brannon Campground within the park. It's open from May to October.
Boysen State Park is right along the Boysen Reservoir, in the dead center of Wyoming. It's a sprawling 35,000-acre park that's quite underrated, and you'll find a ton to do here. One of our favorite things to do in the summertime is visit the Boysen State Park beach. Whether you're looking to enjoy a bit of swimming or head out boating on the reservoir, this is a beautiful area. It's also a great place for fishing, with walleye, crappie, largemouth bass, and plenty of other species all residing within the reservoir.
Need To Know: There are several highly-rated campgrounds here, and you can camp here all year round.
Guernsey State Park is a pretty cool destination - it's even home to a medieval-looking castle. The campgrounds here are wonderful, making it an excellent place to spend the night in nature. However, if you're visiting in the summertime, the sandy beach should definitely be at the top of your to-do list. The manmade reservoir is a popular spot for boating and fishing, and it's perfect for swimming. The miles of trails here all provide great views of the surrounding rocky landscape.
Parks To Visit In Wyoming This Summer
Wyoming is home to 10 National Park Service-managed sites, plus we have another 12 state parks. Each is certainly worthy of a visit. These designations aren't freely handed out, after all: to receive a label as a state park or national park, a site has to have natural beauty, historical importance, and recreational opportunities. All of these places are quite amazing and perfect for summertime fun!
Need To Know: This is one of the most-visited state parks in Wyoming, and because of all its water activities, it's especially popular in the summer.
Glendo State Park is a beautiful place, and it's easy to see why it's so popular. There are nearly 50 miles of trails here, plus it's home to the reservoir that shares its name. Glendo Reservoir is a great place for fishing, boating, and swimming. Most impressively, there are 550 campsites here! It's one of the best places for camping in Wyoming in summer, and the multitude of activities means you'll have a great time whether you stay just one night or a whole week.
National parks have a tendency to get all the attention, but you do not want to miss out on our beautiful national forests, too. Bighorn National Forest spreads over hundreds of thousands of acres, and it's got 1,200 miles of trails, incredibly diverse scenery, and plenty of opportunities for recreation. There are some really beautiful lakes within the Bighorn National Forest, and it's a remote area where you'll feel completely at peace and away from your worries. This is some of the most undeveloped land in the entire country, and it's definitely worthy of a visit at any time of year. However, it's especially lovely when the summer wildflowers are in bloom and you can enjoy time at the lakes.
Need To Know: All 10 campgrounds here are available by reservation only, so make sure to reserve a site before heading out if you're planning on spending the night.
Keyhole State Park is one of our favorite state parks in Wyoming, and the easy access to the magnificent Keyhole Reservoir makes it one of our favorite things to do with kids in Wyoming in summer. The beach here is wonderful, with bright blue water surrounded by gorgeous landscapes that will have you forgetting you're in a land-locked state. The park is open year round, but amenities like camping, fishing, and boating (not to mention that beach!) will have you especially grateful for a summer visit.
Best Free Summer Activities In Wyoming
Times are tough, especially if you have a large family. It can be tough to afford a lavish trip or expensive outing. Luckily, you don't have to have a big budget to have fun in the Cowboy State. There are plenty of free things to do in Wyoming in summer that will allow you to have a great time for nothing more than the cost of gas.
Need To Know: The main grounds are open from dawn till dusk each day, but the Shane Smith Grand Conservatory and Paul Smith Children's Village have different operating hours.
Many only think to visit botanical gardens in the springtime, but these are wonderful attractions that often have something going on all year round. The Cheyenne Botanic Garden is one of the most stunning sites in all of Wyoming, and there are seasonal plants blooming throughout the warm months. You'll find both native and imported fauna here. The outdoor gardens are perfect for a stroll on a warm day, and you can always head inside the Conservatory if you need some time indoors. The Children's Village is a kid-friendly area with tons of interactive exhibits. This is one of our favorite things to do with kids in Wyoming in the summer thanks to the variety of activities available.
Jackson's town square is the heart and soul of this beautiful town. It's a lovely park that's world famous for its elk antler arches, but there's plenty more to see here besides those. The square is surrounded by local businesses, restaurants, and galleries, and you can easily make an entire day trip of a visit here. Throughout the summer, various events and farmers markets take place in the square, and there are all kinds of family-friendly activities. Of course, there's nothing like an al fresco picnic in the park, too - it's one of our favorite romantic things to do in Wyoming in summer!
Need To Know: The Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center is open from spring through fall, so this is one Wyoming summer activity that you can't do in the wintertime.
There's so much to do in Grand Teton National Park that it's easy to get overwhelmed, but one spot you don't want to miss out on is the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center. This unique visitor center features outdoor sculptures, and once you head inside, you'll find even more to discover. Important information about weather conditions within the park is helpfully posted right by the entrance, and the center is filled with artwork and sculptures. Park rangers provide educational demonstrations and are available to answer all your questions. During the warm summer months, it's a great place to briefly get out of the heat and into the AC on a visit to Grand Teton National Park!
Best Summer Events And Festivals In Wyoming
There are events and festivals in Wyoming throughout the year, celebrating the seasons as they change, our western heritage and history, and just the general fun about life in our state. Summertime brings a whole slew of seasonal festivals - check out a few of our favorites:
Need To Know: This year's market will be held from June 28 to September 27, 2024 (except for July 12) on Fridays from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.
The Laramie Farmers Market is a great opportunity for residents of Laramie and its suburbs to support local producers. You can find the freshest Wyoming-grown produce here, plus an array of crafts, cocktails, art, and even to-go meals! This is one of the best farmers markets in Wyoming and it's a perfect place to shop small.
Need To Know: This year's event is scheduled for July 11-14, 2024.
The Green River Rendezvous is one of the most unique festivals in Wyoming. It's held annually each July and is a reenactment of the original event, which took place in the 1830s. The festival honors the mountain men, trappers, and Native Americans that gathered here to barter items with one another.
Need To Know: This year's Cheyenne Frontier Days runs from July 19-28, 2024.
It doesn't get much bigger or more Western than the Cheyenne Frontier Days. This summer rodeo has been celebrated since 1897. It's one of the largest rodeos in North America, and the event has evolved to include major music acts, an old frontier town, a chuck wagon cookoff, a carnival, bull riding shows, and multiple parades. This is one family-friendly event you don't want to miss!
Wow! I don't know about you, but I'm ready for a road trip this summer! Share your summer plans in the comments!
