Wyoming has a lot to offer both its residents and visitors, whether you want to spend the day traveling back in time or just simply want to soak in the sights and sounds reverberating from nature. These unique day trips in Wyoming provide something for everyone.
1. Fort Laramie
Fort Laramie was a fur trading post and it served as an outpost for pioneers emigrating west on the Morman, Oregon, and California Trails. It also served as a military post during the Plains Indian Wars. Start your day off at the Visitor Center and then take a walking tour of the restored buildings. Fort Laramie National Historic Site is located at 965 Grey Rocks Road in Fort Laramie.
Take a tour of the Fort Laramie National Historic Site in this video from Colorado Martini as she teaches us about this fascinating site you can enjoy when you venture out on daycations near you in Eastern Wyoming:
2. Sinks Canyon State Park
Sinks Canyon is a rugged canyon at the base of the southern Wind River Mountains along the eastern slope. Here you can spend the day mesmerized by the geologic phenomenon, the Sinks, viewing wildlife and recreational exhibits at the Visitor Center, hiking, picnicking, rock climbing, and fishing.
3. Bighorn National Forest
Bighorn National Forest, located in north-central Wyoming, is a great way to spend a day in a diverse landscape. Spend time at one of the reservoirs, drive along one of the scenic byways, hike or relax in one of the picnic areas.
4. Old Trail Town
Step back in time and experience life as it was in the Frontier West. Old Trail Town is located along 1831 Demaris Drive in Cody. Here you can spend the day exploring historic artifacts from the Old West, gravesites, and cabins used by outlaws.
5. Heart Mountain Relocation Center
At the Heart Mountain Interpretive Center, you can experience life through the eyes of the Japanese Americans and Japanese who were relocated and confined here during World War II. Spend the day viewing photographs, artifacts, listening to oral histories, and experiencing the interpretive exhibits. Heart Mountain Relocation Center is located at 1539 Road 19 between Powell and Cody.
The Heart Mountain Interpretive Center in Powell, Wyoming is an eyeopening experience about our nation's history. Learn more about it in this video from Chaos Caravan:
6. Lamar Valley
Spending a day in Lamar Valley is one you will never forget. You can simply drive through the valley but there's nothing like getting off the beaten path and observing wildlife in their natural habitat. There are trails worth exploring and acres of land to search.
7. Yellowstone Lower Loop
Driving along the Lower Loop of Yellowstone is a great option if you want to see the highlights of Yellowstone in a day. Some of these highlights include West Thumb Geyser Basin, Old Faithful, Fountain Paint Pots, and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. This is the bottom half of the Grand Loop's figure eight.
8. Beartooth Highway
Beartooth Highway is also known as "the most beautiful drive in America." The 68-mile byway winds its way through southwest Montana and northwest Wyoming. It follows a series of steep zigzags and switchbacks along the Wyoming/Montana border up to Beartooth Pass.
9. Bighorn Canyon
Bighorn Canyon straddles the border of Wyoming and Montana. The reservoir extends 71 miles and features steep canyon walls. The canyon is adjacent to the Pryor Mountain National Wild Horse Range where herds of wild horses ride along the canyon's edge.
10. Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area
The Flaming Gorge Recreation Area straddles the border between Utah and Wyoming. The reservoir is named for the flame-colored cliffs that extend up from the Green River. Here you can spend the day fishing, boating, enjoying water sports, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
Let's take a trip to the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area in Wyoming and Utah in this video from Backroad Buddies as they explore one of the coolest day trips near you in this beautiful part of the country:
There’s no shortage of day trips in Wyoming. What are the best day trips in Wyoming that you have enjoyed? Share a few in the comments! For more worthwhile trips, check out these 10 incredible trips in Wyoming that will change your life.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!